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28 May, 1071
Dear diary,
I feel as if I've been neglecting you, regretfully. It's terribly difficult to get ink here! It has to be carted across all of Ireland from Dublin, where it comes in from somewhere in Britain. I think those sneaky Ui Mordha family dockmasters are stealing some of it...
Anyways, I was told today that Ruaidri and his wife are yet again expecting! Three pregnancies in as many years! What fine genes I have passed down to my son, if I may say so myself...
30 November, 1071
Today I had to make the hardest decision of my reign. I learned that my diocese bishop had a closer relationship than previously known with my vassal down in the County of Galway. Evidently he had been on the Count's payroll for some time. I sent word to the Archbishop of Dublin, the highest Church official in Ireland. He understood that my power was being undermined by this official and agreed to turn a blind eye if something should happen to him. Sure enough the bishop was soon six feet under following a "fall down the hill-fort stairs."
Aedh, Count of Galway, should watch himself very carefully.
13 January 1072,
Much to my surprise I received a letter from Leinster. The Duchy is offering an alliance, which I will undoubtedly accept. I'm trying to decide what tone I should take in my reply letter. I don't want to make it seem as if they're the dominant member of the alliance, although this is true. Maybe I'll have me Chancellor do it for me. My mind is still clouded by the recent trouble with my vassal. Perhaps the times of peace in Connacht are limited, although I certainly hope this to be an incorrect assessment.
3 February 1072,
Grave news. Ruaidri, my beloved son and a devoted and loyal father and husband, has passed away. An assassination, I've been told. The bastards will pay. It was those bastards from Sligo, it must be! I sent Ruaidri to negotiate a potential vassalization agreement with them several years ago, and they must have sworn vengeance for my arrogance! I will crush them! The streets of Sligo will run red with blood. The entire Ua Ruairc family will be exterminated like the pathetic swine they are! When the time of mourning expires will come the time for retribution - and what a glorious retribution it will be.
My sole successor is now my infant grandson Muircheartach. He has been hidden away at a sheep farm deep in the hills of Mayo where he will be safe from potential assassination attempts. I wanted to send his mother, my daughter-in-law, along with him but the court physician warned me that due to her late-term pregnancy it would be too stressful and would risk the health of the foetus.
May God, the Blessed Mother, and the Communion of Saints grant unto Connacht the strength and determination it will take to finish the task before us.
Dear diary,
I feel as if I've been neglecting you, regretfully. It's terribly difficult to get ink here! It has to be carted across all of Ireland from Dublin, where it comes in from somewhere in Britain. I think those sneaky Ui Mordha family dockmasters are stealing some of it...
Anyways, I was told today that Ruaidri and his wife are yet again expecting! Three pregnancies in as many years! What fine genes I have passed down to my son, if I may say so myself...
30 November, 1071
Today I had to make the hardest decision of my reign. I learned that my diocese bishop had a closer relationship than previously known with my vassal down in the County of Galway. Evidently he had been on the Count's payroll for some time. I sent word to the Archbishop of Dublin, the highest Church official in Ireland. He understood that my power was being undermined by this official and agreed to turn a blind eye if something should happen to him. Sure enough the bishop was soon six feet under following a "fall down the hill-fort stairs."
Aedh, Count of Galway, should watch himself very carefully.
13 January 1072,
Much to my surprise I received a letter from Leinster. The Duchy is offering an alliance, which I will undoubtedly accept. I'm trying to decide what tone I should take in my reply letter. I don't want to make it seem as if they're the dominant member of the alliance, although this is true. Maybe I'll have me Chancellor do it for me. My mind is still clouded by the recent trouble with my vassal. Perhaps the times of peace in Connacht are limited, although I certainly hope this to be an incorrect assessment.
3 February 1072,
Grave news. Ruaidri, my beloved son and a devoted and loyal father and husband, has passed away. An assassination, I've been told. The bastards will pay. It was those bastards from Sligo, it must be! I sent Ruaidri to negotiate a potential vassalization agreement with them several years ago, and they must have sworn vengeance for my arrogance! I will crush them! The streets of Sligo will run red with blood. The entire Ua Ruairc family will be exterminated like the pathetic swine they are! When the time of mourning expires will come the time for retribution - and what a glorious retribution it will be.
My sole successor is now my infant grandson Muircheartach. He has been hidden away at a sheep farm deep in the hills of Mayo where he will be safe from potential assassination attempts. I wanted to send his mother, my daughter-in-law, along with him but the court physician warned me that due to her late-term pregnancy it would be too stressful and would risk the health of the foetus.
May God, the Blessed Mother, and the Communion of Saints grant unto Connacht the strength and determination it will take to finish the task before us.
@Murmurandus: Difficult times for poor old Aedh indeed. If only his wife wasn't too old to bear children.
@ Enewald: Wolves also come hunting when the shepherd sleeps, as I've learned the hard way.
@Patukov: Thank you. And yes, it sure looks like war. Let's hope it doesn't drag Connacht down into poverty and obscurity - wars can do that to a small little Duchy.
@Nodscouterr: Thanks, and well played with the words!
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4 February 1072
I spent all day in a meeting with my marshal, Aonghus McBranain. He didn't impress me much at all, and hardly inspires confidence among his troops. He's something of a religious fanatic, too, which makes the troops under his command uncomfortable. I just don't know what to do - I don't have any better options to be marshal. I wish Ruaidri was alive to head this effort.
My wife is not handling this well at all. She didn't sleep last night and had nothing but a glass of wine all day. I strongly believe she has fallen into a state of depression, but I won't know for sure for a few days. I might have to send her into hiding with my grandson - I'm not sure if she can handle the danger and stress of being in the hill-fort during a war, especially a war with the potential to cripple this wonderful Duchy.
Meanwhile the widow of my beloved son is proving herself to be a woman with nerves of steel. She refused to be whisked away to safety and remains as my spy mistress. Somehow she's kept it all together remarkably well - even more impressive if you remember that she's swollen with the child conceived before that damned assassin robbed her of her husband and the unborn child's father. I've done everything I can to make her life comfortable during this tough time, but she is dead-set on doing everything she can to avenge the death of my son. She may soon have a roll to play in this affair.
5 February 1072,
My agents returned from Sligo today. The Count of Sligo has no sons, only two daughters, both children. My chancellor has been pushing for me to call off the war and respond with an assassination of my own. I will hear none of it - I do not kill women or children. Besides, it might lead to another assassination from the court of Sligo, perhaps one against me. I am 57 and in too poor of shape to avoid an attempt.
7 February 1072,
After two days of deliberation my mind has been made. Sligo will be made to pay for the death of my son. A mass was said today for my soldiers at sunrise. The incense swirling and the soft chanting of the cantor made the scene almost surreal - a sense of ethereal wonder hung over the church as I went to my knees to receive the sacrament of the Eucharist.
I have determined that I will lead the army. This has become personal. I will personally run my sword into the gut of that damned Count of Sligo. My marshal and chancellor say I've grown crazed with the want for revenge. No, I said to them. I have grown crazed with grief.
Tomorrow we march to what could be our deaths. But we must go.
@ Enewald: Wolves also come hunting when the shepherd sleeps, as I've learned the hard way.
@Patukov: Thank you. And yes, it sure looks like war. Let's hope it doesn't drag Connacht down into poverty and obscurity - wars can do that to a small little Duchy.
@Nodscouterr: Thanks, and well played with the words!
---------------------------------------------------------------------
4 February 1072
I spent all day in a meeting with my marshal, Aonghus McBranain. He didn't impress me much at all, and hardly inspires confidence among his troops. He's something of a religious fanatic, too, which makes the troops under his command uncomfortable. I just don't know what to do - I don't have any better options to be marshal. I wish Ruaidri was alive to head this effort.
My wife is not handling this well at all. She didn't sleep last night and had nothing but a glass of wine all day. I strongly believe she has fallen into a state of depression, but I won't know for sure for a few days. I might have to send her into hiding with my grandson - I'm not sure if she can handle the danger and stress of being in the hill-fort during a war, especially a war with the potential to cripple this wonderful Duchy.
Meanwhile the widow of my beloved son is proving herself to be a woman with nerves of steel. She refused to be whisked away to safety and remains as my spy mistress. Somehow she's kept it all together remarkably well - even more impressive if you remember that she's swollen with the child conceived before that damned assassin robbed her of her husband and the unborn child's father. I've done everything I can to make her life comfortable during this tough time, but she is dead-set on doing everything she can to avenge the death of my son. She may soon have a roll to play in this affair.
5 February 1072,
My agents returned from Sligo today. The Count of Sligo has no sons, only two daughters, both children. My chancellor has been pushing for me to call off the war and respond with an assassination of my own. I will hear none of it - I do not kill women or children. Besides, it might lead to another assassination from the court of Sligo, perhaps one against me. I am 57 and in too poor of shape to avoid an attempt.
7 February 1072,
After two days of deliberation my mind has been made. Sligo will be made to pay for the death of my son. A mass was said today for my soldiers at sunrise. The incense swirling and the soft chanting of the cantor made the scene almost surreal - a sense of ethereal wonder hung over the church as I went to my knees to receive the sacrament of the Eucharist.
I have determined that I will lead the army. This has become personal. I will personally run my sword into the gut of that damned Count of Sligo. My marshal and chancellor say I've grown crazed with the want for revenge. No, I said to them. I have grown crazed with grief.
Tomorrow we march to what could be our deaths. But we must go.
@ Enewald: Yeah, that's my sorry little army... it's a wee bit humiliating, honestly. My vassal should provide troops, too, though.
@ Rivus: Long indeed. That also means, sadly, more damage to a treasury that has been hovering between 70-90.
@ Nodscouterr: Good lord, that would take years.
There'll be an update within 36 hours or so
@ Rivus: Long indeed. That also means, sadly, more damage to a treasury that has been hovering between 70-90.
@ Nodscouterr: Good lord, that would take years.
There'll be an update within 36 hours or so
8 February 1072,
We left for Sligo this morning. My vassal's troops are behind us by a few weeks, but will hopefully be able to bolster our efforts. It remains to be seen whether or not Leinster will aid the cause of Connacht in this conflict.
12 February 1072,
Leinster made it clear that they will indeed honour the alliance between our two duchies. I suspect a selfish motive - Sligo is allied to Mide, and should Leinster add Mide to their Duchy it would enable the Duke to claim the "Duke of Meath" title. That matters little right now.
Late February, 1072
The first battle of this conflict has ended with disaster. After some minor skirmishes my troops lost confidence and turned from the field of battle. Cowards, the lot of them! I'll do my best to rally them to get them back into fighting shape soon.
10 April, 1072
The army of Mide arrived this morning. The armies of Leinster were too slow! This might not end well for Connacht. For the first time I am having serious doubts about the necessity of this war. Perhaps I should have listened to my chancellor and simply sent an assassin to avenge the death of my son.
18 April, 1072
The troops again scattered. This is becoming a nightmare. We're off to Mide to help Leinster in their siege. Knocking Mide out of the fight would significantly weaken Sligo.
30 July, 1072
The siege of Mide is almost over. Alarming news has reached the encampment, however. The County of Dublin has declared itself independent of the Duchy of Leinster, robbing our allies of a prominent province. Agents within the court of Leinster bore word that Enna Duke of Leinster passed away after a long and excruciatingly painful illness, leaving his four month old son as the duke. Muchaid, the brother of the late Enna and the current Count of Dublin, refused to recognize the legitimacy of his nephew and war ensued.
In the past I wished for the weakening of Leinster's ruling line. I know regret those words.
1 January, 1073
I have not updated my journal in some days, but I will do so now. The siege of Mide ended mid-August. The troops from Leinster, instead of going back to fight Dublin, marched north into Sligo. After a costly siege, Sligo fell into my possesion. I quickly brought it into my Duchy. Meanwhile, Leinster signed a separate peace with Mide for reasons unknown to me.
Back in Leinster the troops of Dublin were besieging the hillfort of the young Duke of Connacht. The Dubliners, however, number barely 200 and will undoubtedly be humbled by the mighty army of Leinster.
3 January, 1073
We are at battle with the army of Mide yet again. The last thing I want to see is heavy casualties - whether we win or lose is irrelevant, as I plan on suing for peace as soon as possible. The former Count of Sligo was captured today trying to flee to Tir Connail. He will be brought to Mayo for a trial and for the dispensation of justice.
I must go back to the battle now, as much as I hate fighting. More later, diary, when this bloody war is over.
We left for Sligo this morning. My vassal's troops are behind us by a few weeks, but will hopefully be able to bolster our efforts. It remains to be seen whether or not Leinster will aid the cause of Connacht in this conflict.
12 February 1072,
Leinster made it clear that they will indeed honour the alliance between our two duchies. I suspect a selfish motive - Sligo is allied to Mide, and should Leinster add Mide to their Duchy it would enable the Duke to claim the "Duke of Meath" title. That matters little right now.
Late February, 1072
The first battle of this conflict has ended with disaster. After some minor skirmishes my troops lost confidence and turned from the field of battle. Cowards, the lot of them! I'll do my best to rally them to get them back into fighting shape soon.
10 April, 1072
The army of Mide arrived this morning. The armies of Leinster were too slow! This might not end well for Connacht. For the first time I am having serious doubts about the necessity of this war. Perhaps I should have listened to my chancellor and simply sent an assassin to avenge the death of my son.
18 April, 1072
The troops again scattered. This is becoming a nightmare. We're off to Mide to help Leinster in their siege. Knocking Mide out of the fight would significantly weaken Sligo.
30 July, 1072
The siege of Mide is almost over. Alarming news has reached the encampment, however. The County of Dublin has declared itself independent of the Duchy of Leinster, robbing our allies of a prominent province. Agents within the court of Leinster bore word that Enna Duke of Leinster passed away after a long and excruciatingly painful illness, leaving his four month old son as the duke. Muchaid, the brother of the late Enna and the current Count of Dublin, refused to recognize the legitimacy of his nephew and war ensued.
In the past I wished for the weakening of Leinster's ruling line. I know regret those words.
1 January, 1073
I have not updated my journal in some days, but I will do so now. The siege of Mide ended mid-August. The troops from Leinster, instead of going back to fight Dublin, marched north into Sligo. After a costly siege, Sligo fell into my possesion. I quickly brought it into my Duchy. Meanwhile, Leinster signed a separate peace with Mide for reasons unknown to me.
Back in Leinster the troops of Dublin were besieging the hillfort of the young Duke of Connacht. The Dubliners, however, number barely 200 and will undoubtedly be humbled by the mighty army of Leinster.
3 January, 1073
We are at battle with the army of Mide yet again. The last thing I want to see is heavy casualties - whether we win or lose is irrelevant, as I plan on suing for peace as soon as possible. The former Count of Sligo was captured today trying to flee to Tir Connail. He will be brought to Mayo for a trial and for the dispensation of justice.
I must go back to the battle now, as much as I hate fighting. More later, diary, when this bloody war is over.
@ Rivus: Yes. I'd have been destroyed without Leinster, but now they're facing troubles of their own.
@ Enewald: Close indeed, but there's plenty of time yet, it's not even 1100 yet.
@ Murmurandus: The sad thing about that is that if only 200 people died it would be 2/3 of my army.
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4 January 1073,
Dear Diary,
I returned to the encampment this morning to receive happy news, the first time in a long while such news has been received. The my late son's widow gave birth to a son several weeks ago! The little boy, named Maolcholuim (another tricky name to spit out), has been in good shape and is a little spitfire, even at just 3 weeks old. Such vitality is heartwarming in a time of sadness and pain.
12 January 1073,
More good news! The forces of Mide were beaten soundly this morning, and have started a withdrawal back across the border, leaving Connacht free of enemy forces since the first engagement of the war. I have no qualms with Mide - they played no role in the death of my son. Peace arrangements will be made soon, I hope.
8 February 1073,
Mide has shot down our peace offer. I really don't know why - they stand nothing to gain in this conflict. I'll send my chancellor to personally bring about peace next time. Mide's troops are, however, moving north towards Sligo in a clearly offensive gesture. Perhaps a sound beating will make them more inclined to accept peace.
26 February 1073,
The "battle," if you can even call it that, has ended well for Connacht. I'm concerned that it wasn't a strong enough blow, though, and the time has come to march on Mide to bring them down a notch or two.
12 May, 1073,
It's been several months of negotiations, but peace has been agreed upon. Mide will recognize the addition of Sligo to Connacht and I have accepted their request for a guarantee of non-violent relations for the next half decade.
Meanwhile the County of Osraige has broken away from Leinster and formed an alliance with the rebellious County of Dublin. Leinster's troubles continue.
10 September 1073,
My spy mistress, the mother of my two wonderful grandchildren, asked for a raise today. I hastily agreed - she has been nothing short of wonderful. Since my wife fell into depression she has been the surrogate lady of the hill-fort: it's her, not my wife, who has been receiving guests and overseeing the servants.
I have sent for my heir and eldest grandchild to be brought back to the hillfort. His safety can be assured now that the former Count of Sligo is on his way to justice. By the way, he should be here for trial within the week.
15 September 1073,
The former Count of Sligo was found dead in custody today, just two days march away from my hill-fort here in Mayo. So goes it. I figure it was a former soldier of my son, still loyal to his commander (even after his death), fulfilling an oath of vengeance against the slayer of nobility. Secretly, and I hope nobody reads these words whilst I live, I wish he would have survived to go to trial. I would have seen to it that the court would find him guilty and send him along to the chopping block to lose his head.
3 December, 1073
Good heavens, what a surprise! William the Conqueror, the King of England and the current Papal Controller has annexed Osraige into his realm. It took everyone by surprise - the siege was over before most of Ireland's court knew it started! This foreign presence here, especially a Norman presence, is unacceptable. But what can we small counties and duchies do against the strongest man in Europe?
17 December, 1073
William the Conqueror has appointed his sister Countess of Osraige. Evidently it was too far from London to rule directly or he expected too much trouble to come from it, but putting an immediate family member in charge shows that he means business. Damn.
@ Enewald: Close indeed, but there's plenty of time yet, it's not even 1100 yet.
@ Murmurandus: The sad thing about that is that if only 200 people died it would be 2/3 of my army.
------------------------------------------------------------
4 January 1073,
Dear Diary,
I returned to the encampment this morning to receive happy news, the first time in a long while such news has been received. The my late son's widow gave birth to a son several weeks ago! The little boy, named Maolcholuim (another tricky name to spit out), has been in good shape and is a little spitfire, even at just 3 weeks old. Such vitality is heartwarming in a time of sadness and pain.
12 January 1073,
More good news! The forces of Mide were beaten soundly this morning, and have started a withdrawal back across the border, leaving Connacht free of enemy forces since the first engagement of the war. I have no qualms with Mide - they played no role in the death of my son. Peace arrangements will be made soon, I hope.
8 February 1073,
Mide has shot down our peace offer. I really don't know why - they stand nothing to gain in this conflict. I'll send my chancellor to personally bring about peace next time. Mide's troops are, however, moving north towards Sligo in a clearly offensive gesture. Perhaps a sound beating will make them more inclined to accept peace.
26 February 1073,
The "battle," if you can even call it that, has ended well for Connacht. I'm concerned that it wasn't a strong enough blow, though, and the time has come to march on Mide to bring them down a notch or two.
12 May, 1073,
It's been several months of negotiations, but peace has been agreed upon. Mide will recognize the addition of Sligo to Connacht and I have accepted their request for a guarantee of non-violent relations for the next half decade.
Meanwhile the County of Osraige has broken away from Leinster and formed an alliance with the rebellious County of Dublin. Leinster's troubles continue.
10 September 1073,
My spy mistress, the mother of my two wonderful grandchildren, asked for a raise today. I hastily agreed - she has been nothing short of wonderful. Since my wife fell into depression she has been the surrogate lady of the hill-fort: it's her, not my wife, who has been receiving guests and overseeing the servants.
I have sent for my heir and eldest grandchild to be brought back to the hillfort. His safety can be assured now that the former Count of Sligo is on his way to justice. By the way, he should be here for trial within the week.
15 September 1073,
The former Count of Sligo was found dead in custody today, just two days march away from my hill-fort here in Mayo. So goes it. I figure it was a former soldier of my son, still loyal to his commander (even after his death), fulfilling an oath of vengeance against the slayer of nobility. Secretly, and I hope nobody reads these words whilst I live, I wish he would have survived to go to trial. I would have seen to it that the court would find him guilty and send him along to the chopping block to lose his head.
3 December, 1073
Good heavens, what a surprise! William the Conqueror, the King of England and the current Papal Controller has annexed Osraige into his realm. It took everyone by surprise - the siege was over before most of Ireland's court knew it started! This foreign presence here, especially a Norman presence, is unacceptable. But what can we small counties and duchies do against the strongest man in Europe?
17 December, 1073
William the Conqueror has appointed his sister Countess of Osraige. Evidently it was too far from London to rule directly or he expected too much trouble to come from it, but putting an immediate family member in charge shows that he means business. Damn.