Books -what we are reading in Europa

The publishers to the Duchy - Oldenberg,Oldenberg and Browne (established 1592) have noted the following trend in book buying this week. They have compiled a list of the top five books purchased this week in the Duchy as follows-

5. "Travels across Europa by sedan chair " by V.R Slow esq

4. " One hundred ways with salted herring" by the royal Kitchen Staff

3. " New method of Fencing " by Sir William Hope

2. " Expert sword-man's companion" by Donald McBane

1. " Heinrich Dabble and the deathly hellos" by J K Herring

As you can see the eagerly awaited Gothic novel is in at Number 1. with self defence ( in this time of Ducal crisis) at Numbers 2 and 3.

Readers and publishers across Europa are requested to send in their top five books to the publishers for the edification and entertainment of all.

The Duchy Regiments...

At last here are the uniforms of the Duchy of Tradgardland. Some units have been painted others are awaiting work. Enjoy!

A bleeding wound...( a page from a Tradgardland broadsheet)

In small numbers and under the cover of darkness groups of men have been leaving the Duchy. They are answering the call of the Voivde to help the Banat in her hour of need. As a result the Borders of the Duchy are closed to all goings in and out. The Tradgardland Army is mobilised and waiting. So far only a few lower ranking officers have deserted along with ruffians and vagabonds.

Sources close to the Ducal Palace say the Duke and Duchess are distraught but ready to play their part in whatever the days ahead will bring. Duchess Liv likens it to a bleeding wound , draining away the very life-force of her beloved Duchy. She is resolved if necessary to lead her own beloved Marine Regiment to War if required. She says as one accomplished in the Arts she will embrace the Art of War now too!

Street life..........

On the streets of the Capital tempers are fraying over the looming crisis. Arguements are raging over where one's loyalty should lie-either with neighbour's Hesse -Engelberg or with the Banat. The Duke's heralds have appealed for calm...........

Letters of an inflamatory nature have mysteriously appeared nailed to walls around the City. They refer to a situation developing betwixt the Banat and Hesse -Engelberg. No doubt they will indeed fuel the situation!

The Tradgardian Heavy Cavalry

After the busy events of last night the Tradgardian Heavy Cavalry return to lesser duties. Half the regiment will return to their homes and everday pusuits while the others remain for much needed training and sword drill.

The T.H.C has a long a proud history within the Duchy tracing their lineage back to the Medieval Duke Otto and his retainers. Duke Otto ,a loyal and trusted friend of Charles the Bold, died upon the battlefield of Nancy in the 15th century , at the side of Charles. Two of this band of retainers made it back to Tradgardland through terrible weather and hardships. From them the T.H.C can follow a direct link through such testing times for the Duchy- for example the ravages of the Thirty Years War and beyond to the present.

The riding master is currently looking for current thinking and methodology to use in his instructions to the troopers. All offers of advice ,reading material and examples will be most humbly received.

On Alert.............

In light of the current turmoil sweeping across Europa the Duchy has taken the chance to rehearse for an invasion. The Beacon system proved successful and the infantry were able to muster when and where expected.The Duchy cavalry took to horse and only a few new conscripts were unable to control their mounts.
Duke Karl Frederick addressed the assembled Duchy forces and congratulated them on their endeavours which replaced those due to take place at Midsommer.
"Let he that has betrayed me come with his Eastern forces,we are ready!" ended the speech of Karl Frederick. His words met with resounding cheers prior to his departure for the Palace by Coach.

A Glittering Night..........

After the day spent upon the heath engaged in golf and intrigue , Karl Frederick and his court spend the evening at a Grand Gala Occasion.

The guest of honour is Cardinal Henry, Brother of Charles Edward Stuart, true King of Britannia! He mixes easily with the Herrengard,officers ,guild representatives and invited guests.This is a chance to promote the Stuart cause and cement relationships between the Court in Exile and the Duchy.

As the evening draws to a close,Karl Frederick, pledges his support and offers aid in event of another invasion of Britannia. The Scots community remains at the heart of Tradgarian society loyal to the Duke and the Exiled Stuart.

Tomorrow prior to his departure Cardinal Henry will celebrate Mass in the Cathedral along with the Prince bishop of Roskilde who will preach the Homily. The Mass will see the unveiling of a new Mass written by Duchy composer Johann Kogestadt, with the solo sung by a celebrated Italian castrato who will take up his position here in the capital as Court Musician.