Reflections on 2001

By Jon Cooper

This is my second year of campaign and I am glad to say I have survived. The campaign season has been hard and brutal and yet I am filled with expectation for the next summer.

  In this time, I have travelled to the furthest northern borders of this realm to the wind swept shores of the Moray Forth and found myself as viteller for the retinue scrounging in the streets of the great courts of the Dauphine in Tours and Chinon. I have trodden in the footsteps of Maiden Joan and the Earl of Arran, and coifed ale in the street taverns of King Edwards vassals in Poitiers. I have stood shoulder to shoulder with the Germans Lankschnechts and the mercenaries of Bretagne. To my blessing I have survived with just a scratch yet witnessed the murder and gruesome doings in over seven bloodied fields. I have feasted in the kitchens on Craigmillar, danced in the court of the Hunters and scavenged in the soldier’s mess in Inverness.

And now I rest my weary bones and look back at the progress this year. We have lost many friends yet found many more. The stress of the mid summer campaign proved the final straw for a few of our more trusted captains but their boots have been filled by as able a gentlemen as you can wish to serve for in this realm. We have a lot to learn but God willing we will prove to be the finest body of troops to ever muster for this glorious cause.

  I have honed my skills in Crossbow and bow but fear with great dread the arrival of our new Hackbut. It is an awesome weapon yet I fear it will not catch on. This is because God in his wisdom has opened the heavens on many a gathering and has rendered this weapon less useful than a warped branch from rotten Yew. Fortunately I have staved off the fever and kept well, kit reeks of damp and my limbs ache a little more on the journeys home but I am as yet well and clear of plague.

  Of wood I speak earlier recalls the ‘acquiring’ of the finest Yew for our bower to ply his craft. It was a dangerous mission as this wood is now highly prized. Yet for this man it cost no more than a dance with the fair Lady of Hunterston. I believe the exchange was of benefit to me yet I still await the crafting of the weapon as it requires the attention of Master Macdonald

  To France and the scene is set against the stark walls of the fortresses of the Loire. Assigned by my Lady, I was unable to attend the defence of Caelaverock and found myself in the wineries and vineyards of the Kingdom of France, a hardship very difficult to bear. The journey took more than two weeks yet I observed the great courts of Angles Sur Anglin, and Rouen and presented myself at the holy city of Bayeaux

  In Chinon I came upon an armourer of great esteem who despite speaking little English hoisted upon me against my better judgement the use of a fine Germanic helm for use in the coming campaign in England. This fine and peculiar piece will serve me good despite the high price. I have the traders own inventory of items for others to purvey should they feel fit yet maybe such items of English craftsmanship would be comparable and cost less ecus.

  On my return it was all but two more engagements to attend, one a disappointing affair in capital of Edinburgh and, by far the more enjoyable, skirmish at Craigmillar. Of Edinburgh I will speak little suffice to say the sooner they invent a clearer time piece that allows strict abeyance to the muster, the better. Again the rain put pay to any clock candles employed that day.

  Of Craigmiller I will speak in length at the risk of rendering you unconscious with tedium. I fine day all be it brisk in November yet we warmed ourselves against a roaring fire and took great advantage of prearranged billets. Much credit must go here to our viteller and hosts as the accommodation was second to none. Let us hope that this lesson is taken with us to the new campaign.

  Full of cheer and in front of an impressive array we strutted like cocks upon the stage and amazed the onlookers with stories of great daring and showed our skill in the firing of ordinance. I say ‘skill’ with somewhat a tongue in cheek as this proved a day when our target proved less of a pincushion than the castle wall it rested against. I fear that we are lacking in this area and must return these people to the use of the common spear. Ah but that said our Hackbutter stole the applause with a loud if somewhat slow demonstration of his trade.

  Now as the days are short I spend my time scribing for his lordship, attending to recruitment and managing the finances of our coffers. As part of my duty I maintain the armour and intend to muster those who require assistance in mastering the skills of the spear, No rest for the devil’s attendees!

  So what of the next year

The campaign is to be less vigorous, that we can agree. But I am soon to be a father and look upon this as a duty as overriding all else in that it may impede a regular call to arms. However I will attend my masters calling when I can and look forward to extending my journeying to Tewkesbury and perhaps abroad as well as returning to the siege lines of Caerlaverock and Stirling.

  Rest Ye In Peace

                                    Jon The Humble