1070
Steward Donnchad de Dunseverick, the year of the Lord 1071.
As Steward of the House of Sithrigi, Earls of Ulster, it is my duty to record the reign of Earl Cu Uladh.
The winter feat was more raucous than usual this year, with much merriment during the dark winter nights.
The serious business of ruling soon returned, as the Earl was forced to decide on a dispute between the mayor of Carrickfergus and a local farmer. The mayor had proven himself trustworthy, and the farmer was warned as to his future conduct.
It was me remiss of me not to mention a foolish error on my part, which put me under suspicion in the eyes of the Earl. I failed to record the castle accounts correctly and it appeared I had been stealing. Fortunately the Earl is a just man and ordered an investigation, rather than condemning. I shall have to watch the cook more closely...
The castle was particularly crowded with peasants during this years summer fair, and a number of nobles made their feelings clear to the Earl. He declared it was his home, and the fair was as much for the peasants as the nobles. Earl Cu Uladh told them to stop complaining, or the next fair would be held in their homes, with every peasant in the Earldom invited.
Joyous news came shortly after the end of the fair, Countess Fine was again with child, the Earldom prayed with Cu Uladh for a son to follow in his footsteps.
The winter feast saw the Bishop of Connor pledge his devotion to the Earl, and the taxes from the diocese, whihc would go to Cu Uladh rather than the Pope from now on. Cu Uladh was assured that the Holy Father would not see this as stealing from God, and was content.
1071
Steward Donnchad de Dunseverick, the year of the Lord 1072.
As Steward of the House of Sithrigi, Earls of Ulster, it is my duty to record the reign of Earl Cu Uladh.
The year followed the traditions of Cu Uladh. A summer fair to entertain his peasants, an autumn hunt for his own pleasures and a winter feast to thank his vassals for the service. The summer fair saw a monk from outside Ulster arrive and start preaching about sin and punishment. After consulting the Bishop, Cu Uladh had him removed, he knew his people were God fearing and respectful of the church, They should be allowed to enjoy their fair in peace.
A group of players from the fair were brought to the castle for a feast and a performance in front on Countess Fine, the Earl made sure the expectant mother wanted for nothing.
He found his disappointment hard to hide however, when his second daughter was born. The lass was named Lerthan, and almost immediately betrothed to the young heir of the Earldom of Oriel.
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