Prologue
I, Brother Svien of Orkney, dedicate this work to the patron of my order, Saint Magnus. All that I am about to tell I have either witnessed myself or heard from the lips of gentles whom I judge to have told me the truth as they remember it, without embellishment or detraction.
Act I.
In the year of the Society XIII being 1978 Gregorian, during the reign of Orlando I, the Shire of Axemoor having prospered and contributed to the Kingdom greatly, his Majesty was minded to create Axemoor a barony. The people of Axemoor conferred among themselves and chose Lord Beorn Collenfehrth, a brave and noble Briton to be their baron. The investiture of Lord Beorn as Baron Axemoor was set for the 2nd day of December at the time of Axemoor's Yule Feast and Revel.
The day of the investiture dawned cold and drizzly as is frequent in Axemoor at that time of year, but this daunted the spirit of the populace not. In addition to the good folk of Axemoor, many gentles had come from the lands around for Lord Beorn was admired and known throughout the Kingdom of Meridies and Axemoor was noted for its hospitality.
At that time, Eachen Tor-Graeme, a worthy Scott, was Seneschal of the lands of Axemoor. From among the throngs of celebrants, Eachen noticed a lord and lady who were not known to him. The lady was very fair of face, quick of wit and courteous to all. The lord was dark haired but carried himself with the pride and confidence of a Norseman. Eachen made himself known to these two strangers and inquired as to who they may be.
"I hite Finn Normansson," said the man, "and this is Isolde die Graue aus dem Lieben Hertz. We are newly come to the Kingdom of Meridies from the Shire of Morgana in the Realm of the East."
Eachen made Isolde and Finn welcome and inquired where in the Kingdom they had made their home. "We have settled in the lands East of the River of Pearl, upon the coast," replied the fair Isolde.
At this, Eachen wondered much, for these lands were the abode of fierce animals and uncivilized folk. He knew that the son of a Viking would make light of such hazard and that a lady capable of holding such one's heart could be no less brave herself. Eachen said unto them, "Between the Pearl and the lands of Shire Osprey the land is untamed and the folk therein have not heard of the King. Sore is our need for good folk to settle there and bring this land and it's people under the rule of His Majesty. Would you consider establishing there a Canton under the protection of our Barony?"
Isolde and Finn did not reply at once for they knew such a task was not to be undertaken lightly. They promised to give Eachen reply to his request before Lent.