A Reader’s Theater by Mistress Caitlin Wintour. Great Western War 2019

Presented by Mistress Caitlin Wintour, Prince Antoine of the Summits, Lady Hannah the Storyteller

Caitlin: Caid

I am Caitlin of Caid.

What is heroism?

Antoine: An Tir

I am Antoine of An Tir.

Heroism is that quality which spurs a person to fulfill a high purpose.

What are heroes?

Hannah: The West

I am Hannah of The West.

The hero is the one who fulfills a high purpose, whether the matter seems small or great.  

Who are our heroes?

Caitlin: Caid

Our heroes are the best of us.

At a Great Western War long ago, a murderous storm pitched a grim battle. Lightning clove and thunder shrieked, and the rain pounded down, so much that even when the sun returned to rule the skies, the ground had turned to muddy surf. At that war since called Great “Wettern,” a poet remembered those who freed stranded conveyances from the deep mud:

We band of brothers, 
For he today that slogs through mud with me 
shall be my brother 
Be he never so dry 
This day shall muddy his condition,
and gentlemen in kingdoms now abed 
shall hold their manhoods cheap whilst any speaks 
who slogged with us upon St. Valentine’s Day!

Antoine: An Tir

In An Tir, another storm raged at Autumn War. This one too rendered the ground impassable, leaving thousands of people stranded in their encampments amid the waters.

Clan after clan opened their longhalls and invited the cold and hungry to shelter safely and eat their fill. Merchants and encampments opened their halls and warm fires to those who had lost shelter to the raging storm.

There were many more; those who rebuilt the roads, those who watched over the people’s health, and the stewards who never rested until all of the people under their care were safe.

Heroes all.

Hannah: The West

Siobhan attended Purgatorio coronation when fell news reached her ears. A fire was roaring through her valley and threatening her home.

She fetched her conveyance and returned to her campsite to pack, only to find that her entire encampment had been neatly packed and settled by no servants, but friends and strangers.

Caitlin: Caid

At Caid’s Highland War, Thomas took refuge from the heat in the shade of a tree, joining an older warrior. Thomas noted that the older man’s shield bore the Abbey Hammer.

Thomas said, “How go the battles? I don’t see any of your Abbey folk here.”

The older man nodded. “No, just me I guess.”

Over the field they heard the cry, “Warbands, assemble!” They stood and put on their helmets.

Thomas smiled. “You are a Warband of One.” 

The warrior nodded, and lifted his shield. “I’m Abbey. One is all we need.”

Antoine: An Tir

When newcomers step into the Society, their steps may be uncertain.

But for one family, their welcome was warm. At their first camping event, a wild wind ripped up their tent. One generous lady, a stranger to them, took in the entire family, wrapping them in warmth and loving care.

A witness to the lady’s quiet heroism later wrote of her selfless act.

The winds of Fate blow as they may

To batter peer and serf alike,

But deeds of kindness hold at bay

The strength with which they strike.

Hannah: The West

And let none of the younger kingdoms…

[meaningful pause and glance at Antoine and Caitlin]

… forget that first Grand Tournament and brave procession, from which all our Society has sprung. They did not know that they were heroes then. But time has proved them such, as a small company grew into the Known World that spreads its starry roof over people of many lands.

From Anno Societatis 1, the year of our founding…

Antoine: An Tir

There have been many changes, for as the world changes so must we.

Hannah: The West

But not all things change. Friendship and love.

Antoine: An Tir

Courage and purpose.

Caitlin: Caid

Creativity and grace, and the remembrance of our heroes and their deeds, those brave deeds that we tell in our three great kingdoms and throughout the Knowne World.

Antoine: An Tir

So let the tale be told, let the story be read, let the deed be remembered. Whether small or great, witnessed by many or witnessed by few.

Hannah: The West

From the greatest of monarchs to the veriest newcomer, from the peer to the one who holds tightly to their first award scroll.

Caitlin: Caid

Caid salutes the heroes.

Antoine: An Tir

An Tir sings their stories.

Hannah: The West

The West honors their sacrifices.

All Together

bows to the populace

You are the best of us. Thank you.