The Oracle
Third Passage of the Cricket Moon
Gypsy Gathering in Aranor
They’re coming from everyplace in the Old World, intent on only one thing – having a grand celebration. Every seven years the gypsies have such a gathering – a time for families and friends to reunite after years of traveling through different parts of the province.
But the celebration is open to others besides the gypsies – there will be dancing, foods, open gyspy wagons, and plenty of fortune tellers and performances. The gypsies will be at their roguish best, hoping to entertain the citizens of Aranor and get a little gold in the process.
The gypsies will rest their wagons not only in the city’s gypsy camp, but will spread out into the Peasant’s District roadways as well, and over three hundred gypsy wagons are expected.
They’ll start to gather next passage, and will stay for two passages more after that. Come and celebrate – you’re sure to hear some fabulous tales and see plenty of wondrous sights.
Tania
Great Forest Cat Plagues North of Aranor
A great forest cat, the largest of all known Caradorian felines, has been claiming territory in the northernmost region of some of Aranor’s peasants’ fields.
“I’ve lost six goats in the last passage,” said Tarin, one of the peasants. Others have reported dogs, cows, and even a horse gone missing.
“These cats are huge, and this one is one of the largest I’ve ever tracked,” said Lajaan, a huntsman who has vowed to slay the beast or drive it from the city environs.
Such animals usually frequent the deep woodlands, but Lajaan assured us that they won’t pass by an easy meal.
“These domesticated animals are defenseless, and are often kept in pens. Such fences are painfully easy for the cats to leap over. They just jump in, take their meal, and jump out.”
While peasants fear for their lives, the fact is that no one has even seen the creature yet.
“They’re very elusive and secretive,” said Lajaan. “For now, we have only tracks.”
The peasants, however, are still living in dread, and likely will remain in such a state until Lajaan makes good on his promises.
Tirian
Queen Lillian Sees Protests
Nearly two hundred Jeddans, supporting the Emperor, gathered before the palace to protest Queen Lillian’s sanctions against Irutoka. The Queen offered the Emperor an ultimatum – to relinquish his attacks on Mymé, or suffer trade sanctions. When he refused to back down, she ordered that all ships bound from Irutoka be turned away at Aranor’s docks.
“Over two thirds of the residents of the Jeddan District of Aranor support the Emperor,” I was told by a protester. “We’re here to make that clear to the Queen.”
Much to the surprise of the protesters, Queen Lillian herself emerged from the palace about halfway through the demonstration and walked into the crowd. She was unaccompanied by guards. There she offered to debate with any who cared to step forward. When no one did, she strongly defended her position and informed the protesters that it was time for them to think of themselves as Aranorians.
“The Emperor of Irutoka was waging a war that disrupted trade – it was as simple as that. Everyone in Aranor, Jeddan and non-Jeddan alike, was feeling the sting of his actions. If you stand for the Emperor, you should be fighting by his side instead of protesting here. If you stand for Aranor, then you should be thinking of what is good for your own city and province.”
After her speech, the crowd slowly dispersed. The Queen has said that her sanctions will remain strong, probably for the space of a year, allowing Mymé to regain financial strength. Then, if the Emperor can offer similar prices on goods, she may reinstate limited trade.
Lord Kieran
To the Oracle Collection—Third Year