Event Review - 1981 The War with the Midrealm
(AKA The Great Chigger War), June 11-14, A.S. XVI (1981 c.e.)
By Briony Blåaslagen, Bjornsborg Historian
Late Thursday evening, June 11, A.S. XVI, a caravan of stalwart fighters and Bjornsborg supporters set out to Ansteorra’s far north border for a War with the Middle Kingdom. Another such group followed Friday morning. By Friday evening, almost all had arrived at the site (one wagon was lost on the way due to perils of the journey). We set up camp, and after only light carousing, retired early so as to be ready to face the opponents the following morning.
Saturday morning arrived with its grey skies, brisk winds and persistent itches. Unbeknownst to us, a third force had encamped among us, and was already in the process of feasting upon our unsuspecting bodies: chiggers. Ignoring these small pests (or trying to), the fighters armored up and the opposing forces lined up facing each other across a large field. Then the signal came and the lines moved forward to clash with each other. Noticeable in these first few instants was Ronald of Evergreen's force, at the fore, which berserked and dove into the Middle force's shield wall. This was of great aid to the Ansteorra army, but not very good for Ronald et. al., since they died shortly thereafter. Now that the lines were broken, small melees broke out all over the field. The Bjornsborg contingent - which consisted of Count Ton, Lord Richard, Lord Louis, Lady Luughien, Conall, Emrys, Ragnar, Gwydion, Gunnora, Emily, and allies Lord Ricardo, Viscountess Megan and Ivar - made a good showing, being especially set off by banner carriers Nara and Ilyana. After the dust settled, most of our force was still alive, and Ansteorra had won the melee.
The second melee was a bridge fight, in which the Middle defended the end of a bridge, across which the Ansteorran forces attacked. Despite our larger numbers, the Middle successfully held their ground. After all our forces were dead, Sir Frea (who had been marshaling) went out and fought the remainder of their forces; though he died, it was quite a heroic gesture. At last, even our banner carriers fell, although Nara knocked the sword clean out of one opponent's hand before she died. This concluded the melees. Some single combats followed in which anyone fought anyone, and the chiggers renewed their attack on all present. Soon, Bjornsborg followers, fighters and marshals (Hrabia Jan, Baron Geoffrey, and Arnulf) were retiring to campsites, and some of those present took the time to enjoy a short gambling session at which many valuables changed hands. As dusk arrived, we shared an evening meal. Then everyone set out for Court. During both the court of Their Majesties Ansteorra, Sigmund and Sieglinde, and of Their Majesties Midrealm, many awards were given. A short and amusing scene - Pyramus and Thisbe - was presented by the members of Nordliche Sturm, following which Court was closed.
The Bjornsborg party was suffering from terminal itch by this time, so many of us decided to take a swim-bath in the nearby lake, in hopes it would help, which it did. Feeling much better, we all came back to camp and sang and storied a bit until time came for Squire Lord Ricardo to begin his vigil. We walked him down, each of us bearing a candle that the wind saw fit to blow out, and, after placing the candles beside him, left him to his contemplations. The rest of the evening was spent in song, merriment, drinking and conversation, until, at a very late hour, the last of us finally retired.
Sunday morning, bright and not-too-early, all arose, dressed, breakfasted and prepared for Court. The event of Sunday Court was the Knighting of Sir Ricardo di Pisa, which took place in a brief, moving, and memorable ceremony. After court, everyone began packing; then came the many leave takings. As we began the long journey home, the chiggers rejoiced that they had won the day.
Briony Blåaslagen
Bjornsborg Historian
