March 11, 1067
I traveled east to Langness, the land we have not been to since we arrived here. It is beautiful and unspoiled, inhabited by only a handful of people. Not exactly a rich holding, but certainly somewhere I would want to visit again after the household is settled. I stay the night at a small church dedicated to Saint Michael.
March 12, 1067
Today I met most of the population of Langness, I assume. They all gathered at Saint Michael, as it is apparently also the name of the gathering of houses around the church. They are shepherds and fishermen, and I take notes to see how many taxes we could levy here. Most people pay the church, and the church paid the king, so all we can expect is some wool and fish.
Today I met most of the population of Langness, I assume. They all gathered at Saint Michael, as it is apparently also the name of the gathering of houses around the church. They are shepherds and fishermen, and I take notes to see how many taxes we could levy here. Most people pay the church, and the church paid the king, so all we can expect is some wool and fish.
March 13, 1067
A shepherd named Colum takes me on a hike along the cliffs. Unfortunately, we had to turn back when the rain started. I meet his wife and children and join him I for a very simple meal of mutton and bread. It once shows that humility is in fact a virtue.
March 15, 1067
Ides of March. On my way back to Saint Mary, I was attacked by three armed robbers. Luckily I was on horseback and they were on foot, but they scared the hell out of me, and probably broke my leg. No more travel for me in a long while, I’m afraid.
Ides of March. On my way back to Saint Mary, I was attacked by three armed robbers. Luckily I was on horseback and they were on foot, but they scared the hell out of me, and probably broke my leg. No more travel for me in a long while, I’m afraid.
March 18, 1067
To break the boredom, Elfwynn brought me some books from the abbey. She is quite a nice lady once you get to know her, although I sometimes feel uneasy when she looks at me. As if she wants something from me. She sleeps in another room, of course, but I think the women might become lonely eventually. It’s a surprise that the men in the garrison haven’t been around yet. Certainly our veteran huskarls are disciplined, but these Manx rookies are not quite.
March 19, 1067
When I asked Hunwald about it, he told me the garrison is frequently visited by local girls. He asked me if I wanted female company as well, but I politely dismissed the offer and the idea.
When I asked Hunwald about it, he told me the garrison is frequently visited by local girls. He asked me if I wanted female company as well, but I politely dismissed the offer and the idea.
March 21, 1067
King Dairmait of Laigin is no more. Our liege and patron died in his sleep at the ripe age of 72. Who will succeed him, and will they allow us to life the lives we are making for ourselves, on the land of the late king? Will king Murdaich allow us to stay?
March 22, 1067
It turns out Dairmait’s second son Enna, not Murdaich, will be the new king of Laigin and thus our new king. Murdaich must be furious! I met with Mayl and Hunwald, and discussed what this will mean for us, and for Harold. Should the two brothers go to war over their father’s throne, Sir Fitheal might be forced to take his liege’s side, and we might face him (and Mayl) in battle. This is the last thing we want. Mayl and I will visit his father tomorrow, despite my injuries, and see what we can do about this Enna I have never heard about before.
It turns out Dairmait’s second son Enna, not Murdaich, will be the new king of Laigin and thus our new king. Murdaich must be furious! I met with Mayl and Hunwald, and discussed what this will mean for us, and for Harold. Should the two brothers go to war over their father’s throne, Sir Fitheal might be forced to take his liege’s side, and we might face him (and Mayl) in battle. This is the last thing we want. Mayl and I will visit his father tomorrow, despite my injuries, and see what we can do about this Enna I have never heard about before.
March 26, 1067
Mayl brought my diary to me, to which I am thankful. Clearly our friendship was more than a ruse. Although he is still my prison guard, and I am still locked away under his father’s orders. He claims not to know what happens in Saint Mary. Had Sir Fitheal invaded it and did Hunwald’s guard put up a fight? I must not think that way.
March 28, 1067
Apart from the mute monk who takes care of my wounds and ills, Mayl is my only company in this prison. I wish he would talk more. He just stares at me. I can see sorrow in his eyes. I know he cannot betray his father, I never asked him to. He told me his father doesn’t want this either. I can only pray and hope Fitheal will come to his senses. And the two brother kings of course.
March 29, 1067
Mayl brought me news from the outside world. He told me that the Tynwald is mustering the Norse to take up their weapons, and that they might use the situation to force the Irish off the island. Sir Fitheal only has about a hundred men under his command, and another five hundred who could be armed.
April 5, 1067
There had indeed been battle! Mayl returned to me after five lonely days, and told me that a combined force of the Tynwald and Hunwald’s militia fought off an invasion force send to Purt Chairn by king Murdaich! Although twice the size, the army from Dubh Linn was no match for the Norse (and Manx) charges, and they were all killed or captured before they could retreat to their boats. What’s more, Mayl tells me that his father has been discussing my release, in return for some prisoners taken, with Hunwald. He believes that he might denounce his loyalty to Murdaich and keep the prisoners in order to wage a bargain with king Enna. Apparently this battle made Sir Fitheal change his mind… but why only now?
There had indeed been battle! Mayl returned to me after five lonely days, and told me that a combined force of the Tynwald and Hunwald’s militia fought off an invasion force send to Purt Chairn by king Murdaich! Although twice the size, the army from Dubh Linn was no match for the Norse (and Manx) charges, and they were all killed or captured before they could retreat to their boats. What’s more, Mayl tells me that his father has been discussing my release, in return for some prisoners taken, with Hunwald. He believes that he might denounce his loyalty to Murdaich and keep the prisoners in order to wage a bargain with king Enna. Apparently this battle made Sir Fitheal change his mind… but why only now?
April 7, 1067
I have returned to Saint Mary in relatively good health, though I might not be able to run ever again. It is strange how so many can change in two weeks time. Maybe it’s just my age catching up with me. Hunwald is a hero on the island now, and now that he fought alongside the Norse, the chieftains have proven to be much friendlier to our cause as well. They have offered their support for our cause, and have more or less forced Sir Fitheal to renounce his loyalty to king Murdaich.
April 10, 1067
An envoy from king Enna arrived in Castletown, and officially claimed Mann as part of the kingdom of Laigin, but kept all past agreements and settlements. This includes our holding on Rosien and Langness! What will this new king bring us? Will the Tynwald accept him? Will his brother invade Mann again? Will they ever settle their claim and end their war? I do not know. But we are safe now, for the moment. It is time to prosper.