I am not one to gloat, but I confess I could see it coming. At the Shrine of Aea in her Aspect as the Personification of Tempered Enthusiasm we do music reasonably well. Now that sounds like faint praise, but it is not meant like that. By and large there is a general feeling that … More The spirited moral stance of Chandar Sortackle
There are times when a poet must make a stand and say, “This has happened without my cognisance and I will not accept it!” Today has not been the best of days. Today I got a note from a patron. Common enough, especially from her, as she was always quick to praise, swift to encourage. … More There are some things a poet cannot accept
There is a lot to be said for having a pet. If you are in the happy position of being able to feed your family adequately then adding another mouth has merit. I confess to being fond of dogs, but I know some find their exuberance wearing. Others look to the cat for companionship. I … More The cat will play
Now I don’t want you to think that Maljie is without her gentlemen admirers. Whilst there are some who might remember her and wake up screaming and have to take a glass of something medicinal to help them recover their composure, they aren’t the majority. Many remember her warmly. Also it should be remembered that … More The Cake Fairy
I suppose that because we helped Maljie acquire her new sedan chair, we are all somewhat to blame. She had had a chair of her own but frankly it was getting old, tired and a little bent. Not only that she had trouble getting chair-men and it was often easier just to hire a chair … More Running in, please pass?
It has to be admitted that a garden can be a most beautiful place. I have many patrons who will spend much of their time supervising teams of gardeners. Indeed some even go so far as to forget themselves and take part in the labour in person, trimming, pruning, taking cuttings and propagating. I have … More A garden is a lovesome thing
Like everybody else, I wondered what to make of Gyp. I’d met him one evening when I was hired as part of an entertainment. Lord Cartin’s Condottieri Company was home after a long campaigning season and Lord Cartin would put on a ball to celebrate. He doesn’t do it every year, but some years he … More Gyp
At least I know where I stand with musicians. I divide them quite simply into three groups. The smallest group is the competent and useful. They are the ones who you can trust. Explain what you are trying to achieve and they will work with you. They will draw on their experience to suggest improvements … More Base insinuations
Wagan Tarp was one of those gentlemen you instinctively warm to. He had led, for a soldier, a largely blameless life. He had risen to the rank of sergeant, leading crossbowmen across Partann and even onto the Red Steppe. Yet somehow he also married and was a loyal husband and devoted father to three children. … More One last blow for freedom
Tallis Steelyard 