Scribed by Terentius
Spring 1326AD
I sit here on a day I did not expect to see, gazing over the records of a journal I did not expect to read again. The turning of the year is oft a time of deep reflection and introspection. Spring arrives sun-bright, unbinding the land from winter’s heavy chains. Frost-fetters slowly give way to droplets of morning dew, heralding a period of rebirth and reawakening. For many, it is a time for optimism, as a focus on mere survival can be replaced by more ambitious plans for growth and improvement. Yet, at Severn Temple, doubt, and even some suspicion, cloud our future, for some argue that Theoclea’s return represents a defiance of Fate that will come with a grave price.
Fate! What is Fate but a hammer used by immortal Gods to beat down mortal man? By whose decree is Fate carved in such imperishable stone that it resists all attempts to alter the text? Must we meekly accept the constraints of Fate, perhaps wistfully wishing it were not so, but ultimately doing nothing to chart a different course? If so, how meagre and inconsequential are our lives. I once wrote of Fortune’s Wheel, but that was simple allegory designed to make an unsubtle point. Still, while Fortune and Fate are not the same, I believe it is our Nature to oppose both. We may not succeed, but what a waste of a life would it be not to even try?
Even if they do not intend to mislead, the immortal Gods can be wrong! For all their great power, they have neither perfect understanding, nor perfect foresight. Volutus alone is proof of that. Against all prophecy, he achieved the impossible. Did he truly unweave the threads of Fate, or were those warnings simply wrong? In the end, it hardly matters. The lesson, I think, is that a single determined actor can change the world, if they are willing to defy the constraints of Fate. Myddyn was also wiling to challenge the boundaries set for us by immortals. I know many doubt him, partly driven by the slander of Gods who jealously wish to keep mortals in their place, but it is hard to deny that Severn Temple has benefitted greatly from our interactions with him over a great many years. I do not harbour such reservations; if this scheme unravels in the end, as others of his have in the past, it will be our failing, not his.
At the spring council meeting, Naevius was re-elected unopposed as Princeps, having completed his previous twelve-year term. He has been a sensible and moderate voice throughout the period, often allowing opposing camps the opportunity to air their views without showing undue bias or favour. I wondered for a moment whether another would stand against him, for I know not everyone shares my opinion, but ultimately any potential challengers decided against it.
With that matter resolved, Naevius asked Theoclea whether she had any news from her time at court. She explained that she had not encountered any members of my former House during the season, noting that Primus Argentius was no longer in the king’s favour, which limited his access to the court. It was still possible that members of Eurus Aquilae may have been present but in disguise, though this would make their actions more difficult. Theoclea also clarified that she had not told her brother of the specific threats she faced to avoid turning a delicate situation into a perilous one.
The conversation then meandered into a discussion of the recent Wizards’ War declared by Salustria. Our initial concern was that there might be future challenges, but Theoclea said that she suspected that Senior Quaesitor Romanus would resist repeated requests to authorise Wizards’ Wars on the same topic. Further attempts based on novel grounds are still possible, but Romanus’ actions may at least afford us some temporary respite. I noted that my former House would undoubtedly learn from the first failure, and we should also use the opportunity to lay more considered obstacles in their path.
Returning to the tale of her time in the mundane court, Theoclea described the uneasy truce between England and France. Many English nobles had travelled to the continent to reclaim their ancestral lands, and there remained an unspoken desire on their part to extend their domains into lands not covered by the initial peace agreement. Theoclea’s view was that there was no immediate prospect of war, though it was only a matter time. The same could be said of Scotland and Ireland. In the latter case, the feeling at court was that the authorities in Dublin were fermenting rebellion against the English lords who had claimed lands in Ireland, and there was talk of organising an expeditionary force to put an end to Irish independence once and for all.
Theoclea also revealed that she was attempting to convince her brother, who appears protective of his family to an almost maniacal degree, to take a more considered view of her safety. Theoclea told him that she must feel able to take some risks in her research, and she could hardly do so if a reverse would lead to a dangerous over-reaction on his part. She does not believe that she has fully persuaded him yet, though there are some signs of progress. Finally, Theoclea announced that her royal stipend had been returned, which she will once again use to bolster our coffers.
As we turned our attention to our plans for the year, there was an extended discussion of an expedition to Mynydd Myddyn, most likely in the summer. Theoclea, Jari and Branwen each spoke of their reasons for undergoing such a trip. I was initially concerned that there was no real focus to their plans; if so, I have little interest in accompanying them, for we risk simply going over old ground. However, at length, they each convinced me that they were not motivated simply by idle curiosity, but rather a desire to advance their investigations into how to survive the disaster that looms over all our heads. Theoclea’s interest centred on the crystal caves, as she believes that some of the memories that lie within the crystals may relate to Taliesin’s prophecy; Jari expressed an interest in the dolmens on the hillside near the Awakened Forest, presumably as a way to tap into the latent power of the land; and Branwen desired to speak with the Greak Oak, which has been done before, but not by one with her unique background. I mentioned that Myddyn had shown me a secret entrance to the regio that allows passage without the great loss of time that normally occurs; this may allow more extended research than in the past.
The remaining matters before the council are not worthy of particular note. All magi decided to remain within the covenant, save Theoclea, who travelled to court in Winchester.
The season itself passed quietly. I believe that several members of House Flambeau briefly docked their ship near Lydney, though Pyrrhus has yet to divulge any details of their business. I suspect it relates to his recent journey to Iceland, but it is possible that there may be other reasons for their presence.
Spring 1326AD
I sit here on a day I did not expect to see, gazing over the records of a journal I did not expect to read again. The turning of the year is oft a time of deep reflection and introspection. Spring arrives sun-bright, unbinding the land from winter’s heavy chains. Frost-fetters slowly give way to droplets of morning dew, heralding a period of rebirth and reawakening. For many, it is a time for optimism, as a focus on mere survival can be replaced by more ambitious plans for growth and improvement. Yet, at Severn Temple, doubt, and even some suspicion, cloud our future, for some argue that Theoclea’s return represents a defiance of Fate that will come with a grave price.
Fate! What is Fate but a hammer used by immortal Gods to beat down mortal man? By whose decree is Fate carved in such imperishable stone that it resists all attempts to alter the text? Must we meekly accept the constraints of Fate, perhaps wistfully wishing it were not so, but ultimately doing nothing to chart a different course? If so, how meagre and inconsequential are our lives. I once wrote of Fortune’s Wheel, but that was simple allegory designed to make an unsubtle point. Still, while Fortune and Fate are not the same, I believe it is our Nature to oppose both. We may not succeed, but what a waste of a life would it be not to even try?
Even if they do not intend to mislead, the immortal Gods can be wrong! For all their great power, they have neither perfect understanding, nor perfect foresight. Volutus alone is proof of that. Against all prophecy, he achieved the impossible. Did he truly unweave the threads of Fate, or were those warnings simply wrong? In the end, it hardly matters. The lesson, I think, is that a single determined actor can change the world, if they are willing to defy the constraints of Fate. Myddyn was also wiling to challenge the boundaries set for us by immortals. I know many doubt him, partly driven by the slander of Gods who jealously wish to keep mortals in their place, but it is hard to deny that Severn Temple has benefitted greatly from our interactions with him over a great many years. I do not harbour such reservations; if this scheme unravels in the end, as others of his have in the past, it will be our failing, not his.
At the spring council meeting, Naevius was re-elected unopposed as Princeps, having completed his previous twelve-year term. He has been a sensible and moderate voice throughout the period, often allowing opposing camps the opportunity to air their views without showing undue bias or favour. I wondered for a moment whether another would stand against him, for I know not everyone shares my opinion, but ultimately any potential challengers decided against it.
With that matter resolved, Naevius asked Theoclea whether she had any news from her time at court. She explained that she had not encountered any members of my former House during the season, noting that Primus Argentius was no longer in the king’s favour, which limited his access to the court. It was still possible that members of Eurus Aquilae may have been present but in disguise, though this would make their actions more difficult. Theoclea also clarified that she had not told her brother of the specific threats she faced to avoid turning a delicate situation into a perilous one.
The conversation then meandered into a discussion of the recent Wizards’ War declared by Salustria. Our initial concern was that there might be future challenges, but Theoclea said that she suspected that Senior Quaesitor Romanus would resist repeated requests to authorise Wizards’ Wars on the same topic. Further attempts based on novel grounds are still possible, but Romanus’ actions may at least afford us some temporary respite. I noted that my former House would undoubtedly learn from the first failure, and we should also use the opportunity to lay more considered obstacles in their path.
Returning to the tale of her time in the mundane court, Theoclea described the uneasy truce between England and France. Many English nobles had travelled to the continent to reclaim their ancestral lands, and there remained an unspoken desire on their part to extend their domains into lands not covered by the initial peace agreement. Theoclea’s view was that there was no immediate prospect of war, though it was only a matter time. The same could be said of Scotland and Ireland. In the latter case, the feeling at court was that the authorities in Dublin were fermenting rebellion against the English lords who had claimed lands in Ireland, and there was talk of organising an expeditionary force to put an end to Irish independence once and for all.
Theoclea also revealed that she was attempting to convince her brother, who appears protective of his family to an almost maniacal degree, to take a more considered view of her safety. Theoclea told him that she must feel able to take some risks in her research, and she could hardly do so if a reverse would lead to a dangerous over-reaction on his part. She does not believe that she has fully persuaded him yet, though there are some signs of progress. Finally, Theoclea announced that her royal stipend had been returned, which she will once again use to bolster our coffers.
As we turned our attention to our plans for the year, there was an extended discussion of an expedition to Mynydd Myddyn, most likely in the summer. Theoclea, Jari and Branwen each spoke of their reasons for undergoing such a trip. I was initially concerned that there was no real focus to their plans; if so, I have little interest in accompanying them, for we risk simply going over old ground. However, at length, they each convinced me that they were not motivated simply by idle curiosity, but rather a desire to advance their investigations into how to survive the disaster that looms over all our heads. Theoclea’s interest centred on the crystal caves, as she believes that some of the memories that lie within the crystals may relate to Taliesin’s prophecy; Jari expressed an interest in the dolmens on the hillside near the Awakened Forest, presumably as a way to tap into the latent power of the land; and Branwen desired to speak with the Greak Oak, which has been done before, but not by one with her unique background. I mentioned that Myddyn had shown me a secret entrance to the regio that allows passage without the great loss of time that normally occurs; this may allow more extended research than in the past.
The remaining matters before the council are not worthy of particular note. All magi decided to remain within the covenant, save Theoclea, who travelled to court in Winchester.
The season itself passed quietly. I believe that several members of House Flambeau briefly docked their ship near Lydney, though Pyrrhus has yet to divulge any details of their business. I suspect it relates to his recent journey to Iceland, but it is possible that there may be other reasons for their presence.