A letter recieved at Court and its receptition

Von Trenck at Hinterwasser -a open letter to the Hesses-Engelberg Authorities
"Sirs

Firstly may I express my apologies for the localised disorder and pillaging by my hussars - I fear they know no other ways of conduct!Recompense will be paid to the local community in Banat coin.Secondly the Voivde has asked how we might bring this state of enmity ,between our great countries ,to an end without resorting to the field of Mars. I enclose the documentation which relates to the Voivde's claim to the Ducal Throne. It merely states he is the current Duke's brother and therefore should be made his heir in light of what happened to poor Georg. I fear all has got out of hand. I have sent a copy of this letter to the Tradgardian Court also . I must close as I fear my hussars are up to no good once more

yours fraternally

Von Trenck"

Duchess Liv finishes reading this letter to her almost incandesant husband the Duke. She calms him and suggests that in order that peace and concord may prevail he should consider the request of Max. She tells Karl Frederick that this is not as bad as it may seem and that she has some news for him which may change everything.................

High Sommer - a Reverie

It is the season of Sommer in Tradgardland. In the cottage gardens and allotments around the towns and cities the sight of people carrying willow can be observed.The answer lies with the Borlotti bean plants , a favourite of the Duchy. As the plants rise ever Heavenwards upon their willow structures, growing towards the Sommer sun, the structures need extending. Soon with additional willow woven in , they reach eight to ten feet in height. They look like a forest, as the children run between the raised borders drinking in the sun.

Today in Tradgardland

In spite of the War Clouds overhanging the Duchy ,Karl Frederick was entranced ( along with the Ducal court) by two enthusiastic bowman (pictured right) from the Royal Company of Archers. The two young men,residents of Smegby and exiled from Edinburgh due to their political sympathies, thrilled the onlookers with a display of both accuracy and speed. A trial of target shooting , in competition against some Ducal soldiers, left a few embarrassed Tradgardian faces.

The Duke was presented with a number of longbows and arrows, as well as offers of support from the archers themselves.A number of army officers pressed the aforementioned archers to join them for dinner and further discussions.

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!