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```*+*```Pirates At Large```*+*```

The high seas are no longer safe with three notorious pirates on the loose. Black Doom, Black Beard and the previously believed dead, Jon Stirling ran down the Callihan ship Fianna. Word had gotten out that a treasure map had fallen into the hands of Faelan Callihan and his siblings. Whether or not they were able to find the gold is unknown but it drew the interest of the Unholy Trinity as they have been moniker. James Callihan on his ship the Frontier along with Neale Frasier on the Flames Fury and Adrian Frasier on the Wasp had headed out to intercept the younger and less experienced Callihan sea captains. They came upon the Fianna just in time as the Pirates had run down the Fianna. Two battles ensured, first with the Fianna against three who held their ground bravely but were outnumbered then the three ships engaged in battle upon those who came to the rescue. The Fianna was damaged beyond repair and once the three siblings and remaining crew were rescued, along with any goods, it was sunk. The Fury, Wasp and Frontier suffered minor damages while two of the Pirate ships were sunk. The three had managed to escape on the remaining ship and were chased. Unfortunately they had the advantage of being too far away and the rescue of those on the Fianna becoming a priority along with seeing to those wounded and burying the dead at sea. It leaves all three Pirate Captains with a hefty bounty on their heads.

If you plan to travel by sea, check with the port masters on any information to avoid coming across these three. They are considered armed and dangerous. If anyone hears even rumors on the whereabouts of any of the three, contact the port masters: Adrian Frasier and Adam Callihan. If any rumors prove to be legitimate, a reward will be offered, if they are captured due to any rumor submitted, there will be a higher reward and if anyone brings in any of the three or all, the maximum reward listed at the end of this newspaper will be paid. --submitted by Brogan Frasier

On August 12th in the early evening, Allan Scott Cleary and Devon Noel Winters took their vows as man and wife. Attending were the Cleary and Winters families along with friends. It was an exceptionally nice day, sunny with a gently breeze. The ceremony took place in the backyard of the Dairy Manor near the large pond. It is rumor they will be taking their honeymoon on the tropical island of Innis Daingenach as a gift from King Peter O'Neill.  -- submitted by Victor Cleary

```*+*``` Allied Castle Events```*+*```

A Telarus picnic and Watermelon eating and seed spitting contests were held on the first day of August in the Kingdom of Telarus..  Heathfield was represented by Captain Joseph Walsh and Gunner's Mate Brendan O'Sionna.   There were nine contestants. Though some were felled by eating too much, or finding a piece or two that was spiked, everyone had a grand time.  In the end, Brendan came in first with most eaten.  Joseph tied for second place.   During the seed spitting contest, in spite of much talk about Gnomes, Queen Victoria of Devonshire became the Grand  Champion Spit Master.   A grand time was had by all who attended.  -- submitted by Brendan O'Sionna

The Skye Stables Polo Match was held on the 22nd of August at the Skye Polo fields in Telarus and was hosted by Lady Alexandra Skye.  Our own Niklas Traugott participated with a team of two others.    The game is fast moving and fun to watch.  Using a large mallet, much like a croquet mallet only with a longer handle, players ride horses and smack a ball around. The team with the most goals wins. While Niklas' team was defeated by one point, the teams both played wonderfully.  Though he had never played before, he said it was easy to learn once on the field.  Well done to all the players!  -- submitted by Michael Cunningham

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Healer's Touch
by Samantha Golden

Bay - How ironic that the herb ancients used to crown their poets and top athletes should turn out to be useful as a cockroach repellent. Mot of the traditional uses for this once glorious herb have not held up to scientific scrutiny, but don't toss it out just yet. Some intriguing new research suggests that bay has yet to reveal its most potent secrets.

A Divine Heritage: Graduating medical students still recite the Hippocratic oath, which begins - "I swear by

Apollo, the physician..." Legend has it that we owe the bay laurel to Apollo, Greek god of medicine. It seems Apollo loved the beautiful nymph, Daphne, but Daphne loathed Apollo. When Daphne begged the gods to protect her from her amorous pursuer, they transformed her into the bay laurel. Lovelorn Apollo declared the tree sacred. He bestowed laurel wreaths on distinguished poets and warriors. Mortals adopted the practice and at the first Olympics in 776bc, winners were crowned with laurel wreaths. The Romans crowned their emperors with laurel. Today, distinguished poets are called "laureates," while the formerly noteworthy are said to be 'resting on their laurels."

Soother for Sore Joints: The Roman physician Galen considered bay leaves and berries therapeutic for a great variety of ailments, particularly arthritis. He also used it as a menstruation promoter. American Indians and early colonists used bay to promote labor and menstruation and to treat arthritis, headache, stomachache, urinary problems, insect bites and stings, and skin wounds.

If all you do with bay is add a leaf or two to soups and stews, you're missing an opportunity to use a natural soother. Bay will never replace sleeping pills but it has a number of benefits, mainly in the area of mental health.

Stress Management: Low doses of bay oil have been found to sedate laboratory animals, and higher doses produce temporary stupor. The herb also reduces blood pressure in laboratory animals, but the effect is mild. Bay has never been shown to put people to sleep or lower their blood pressure, but these animal results are suggestive. Many people find that bay infusions are relaxing. Added to the bath, the herb seems to help some people relax and fall asleep.

Cockroach Repellent: On the subject of stress management, few household situations are more stressful than the sight of cockroaches scurrying around the kitchen. A chemical (cineole) in bay repels them, according to an article in Science News. If you're plagued by these pesky insects, spread some crushed bay leaves around your kitchen cupboards.

Infection: Like most aromatic spices, bay leaf oil kills disease-causing bacteria and fungi. Bay is not a powerful enough antiseptic to be used in place of appropriate medical treatment, but for minor household accidents, the fresh herb can be used externally.

Intriguing Possibility: In one recent study, laboratory animals were given a fatal dose of strychnine, them promptly treated with a bay oil preparation. They all lived, but scientists aren't sure why. Clearly bay has medical benefits that are yet to be explained.

Dead-End File: Several modern herbals continue to recommend rubbing bay oil into arthritic joints but modern research has never demonstrated any anti-inflammatory action. Of course, even if bay has no effect on arthritis, the herb is applied by massaging it in, and message itself is soothing.

Rx for Bay: For first aid, apply some freshly crushed leaves to minor cuts and scrapes. For a relaxing aromatic infusion with a pleasantly sweet taste, use 1 to 2 teaspoons of crushed leaves per cup of boiling water. Strain the liquid before dirking - the leaves are quite sharp; swallowing a piece of leave could prove harmful. Drink up to three cups a day or add 1 to 2 drops of bay oil to tea, brandy or honey. If you prefer a tincture take 1/2 to 1 teaspoon up to three times a day. Do not give medicinal preparations of bay to children under 2. For older children and people over 65, start with low-strength preparations and increase if necessary.

The Safety Factor: No uterine stimulants have been found in bay, but the herb was used for thousand of years to stimulate menstruation and abortion. For that reason, pregnant women should stay away from medicinal doses. For otherwise healthy non-pregnant, non-nursing adults, bay is considered safe in amounts typically recommended. It should be used in medicinal amounts only in consultation with your doctor. Let them know if you experience any unpleasant effects or if the condition it is being used for doesn't improve significantly in two weeks. You may want to avoid external use of bay if you have particularly sensitive skin as it may cause a rash. --Taken from The Healing Herbs by Michael Castleman

Life Around Here

The air holds the promise of fall as some leaves have already turned their colors along streets and pathways. The wildlife have been storing food for the winter months ahead while their fur thickens in preparation. The scent of nature's bounty fills the air as many set to canning and the harvest gathered. During this time in preparation of death which winter is considered, the long awaited arrival of the deBeauvais child came towards the end of August. Twin daughters.

What was even more unique was that they were born by what is called  caesarean or C-section, performed by the skilled hands of Doctor Gates Barrington. Had not this procedure been done this account would have been of tragedy instead of joy. Instead, both mother and twin daughters are healthy and hale. The procedure had been in existence since the time of Caesar but usually only after the mother had died, saving the child. Centuries past it was performed before the mother past in the effort to save her life during labor. It is not worldly perfected and goes with risks but not any more than leaving the mother to succumb in a stressful labor or inability to have the child by natural means.  --submitted by Marcy McGuire

Births: Twin daughters to Vincent and Julia deBeauvais on August 26th; Marie Traugott and Juliann Sara. Marriages: Allan Scott Cleary and Devon Noel Winters on August 12th.  Engagements: None this month.  Deaths: None this Month. Citizenship: None this month.

Avoid people with red hair when going to the ship to begin a sea voyage. (Red heads bring bad luck to a ship. This can be averted if you speak to them before they speak to you.) A stolen piece of word mortised into the keel will make the ship faster. A silver coin placed under the masthead will ensure a successful voyage. Black cats are considered good luck and will bring a sailor home. Swallows seen at sea are good luck. Dolphins swimming with the ship are a sign of good luck. Killing one will bring disaster. Women on board a ship make the sea angry.  A naked woman will calm the sea however. (This is why figureheads are often naked.)

      Shadows often do not tell many stories.  They are there one moment and gone the next. Hard to catch and even harder to see.  One elusive shadow lives in this very kingdom.  It was with extensive months of badgering and constant pleading (much to the man's aggravation.)  I managed to get the man, the Shadow, to speak. Demitri Krylova, born in a house of loving parents and family.  His father was a wealthy merchant for the Tzar's horses.  His mother was the breeder.  He had everything.  "We wanted for naught.  If our clothes looked too frayed at the edges, the Tzar would see to it that we were properly clothed immediately."  Demitri didn't seem wistful on the reflection of his memories.  In fact, he seemed more cold and stone.

       As he continued, that marble statue composure broke enough for hurt and anger to bleed through.  The pain was plain when he explained more. The Tzar's power began to wane when outside forces deemed him unworthy of his position.  It led to attacks and assassinations to all that kept in his service.  Mainly those helped fund the Empire. In the dead of winter, in the middle of the night, Persian assassins slipped into the Krylova homestead.  They slit his father's throat and stole away his mother and sister.  The oldest, his brother, was made an example in the courtyard.  Demitri on the other hand was not even there.  He was tucked away in the safety of the Tzar's stables, having fallen asleep during the last minute chores.

       The guilt made him into the cold man he is now.  The Tzar was never overthrown and saw to Demitri by letting a member of the Secret Court raise him.  Manners were honed and the deadlier arts were taught.  "They took my anger and harnessed it behind a poison tipped dagger.  And I served my Tzar well. "Well indeed, until something went awry.  It was a mission to retrieve information.  An order not given by the Tzar himself but the Tzar's son.  It was a trap.  The details of this situation are sketchy.  Demitri mumbled a few things to pacify me and left the rest to be relayed with a cold stare.  "I am here now and that is all that need be known.  I did not keep my job so well by telling the history of my world or wag my tongue."  A statement that simply personifies the man completely. I am not one to promote a man or woman for companionship to others, but this one desperately needs someone soft to chip away to the solid stone that has become his world.  Some may recall him and others may have merely heard the whispers.  But, the shadow that walks our lands is in fact flesh and bone.  Demitri Krylova.

OTHER LIFE FORMS

Hobgoblins -- Similar to goblins in appearance, hobgoblins, or hobs as they are sometimes called, are less malicious and more mischievous type of faerie.

Friendly and sometimes even helpful, hobgoblins still have a penchant for pranks that can range from annoying to infuriating. They are most fond of stealing trinkets and food, but they also enjoy tripping people and otherwise causing amusing havoc.

Like goblins, hobgoblins are scavengers, but unlike goblins they are solitary in nature and are never spotted in large numbers. It is unclear if they are a wholly different species from goblins or merely the same species with a remarkably different disposition.

The mischievous Puck from William Shakespeare's Midsummer Night's Dream, identified himself as a hobgoblin. Many times children and pets are blamed for this creature's pranks and practical jokes.

Also like goblins, hobgoblins are born without teeth. Frequently they will steal teeth left by children for the tooth fairy. Like goblins, they have secondary eyes used for heat and motion detection. Many have bat-like features such as large fleshy noses and ears adapted for listening to high frequencies.

Because they are primarily nocturnal by nature, they have incredible hearing and an acute sense of smell.  -- submitted by Kathleen Frasier - from Arthur Spiderwick's Field Guide. Everyone should have one!

September

September is the ninth month of the year, according to the Gregorian calendar, which is used in almost all the world today. It was the seventh month in the old Roman calendar, and its name comes from the Latin septem, meaning seven. September later became the ninth month when the ancient Romans moved the beginning of their year from March 1 to January 1. September has had 29 days, 31 days, and, since the time of the Roman emperor Augustus, 30 days. Many peoples have celebrated harvest festivals in September. In many European countries, the people held feasts and games. In America, the Harvest Home supper celebrated the end of harvest. The ancient Greeks honored Demeter, the goddess of agriculture, during this month, and the ancient Romans honored their goddess of agriculture, whom they called Ceres.

Harvest Moon is the full moon that occurs closest     to the date of the autumn equinox in the Northern Hemisphere. Some people claim that the harvest moon shines brighter and more golden than during normal full moons. However, since the time between moonrises on successive nights is shorter in autumn than at any other time of year, there is very little darkness between sunset and moonrise.The continuance of the moonlight after sunset is useful to farmers in northern latitudes, who are then harvesting their crops. The full moon following the harvest moon, which exhibits the same phenomena in a lesser degree, is called the hunter's moon. A similar phenomenon to the harvest moon is observed in southern latitudes at the spring equinox on about March 21. (http://www.egreenway.com/months/)  -- submitted by Mary Colleen McAndrews

Mabon -- Autumn Equinox, 2nd Harvest, September 21st

Mabon, (pronounced MAY-bun, MAY-bone, MAH-boon, or MAH-bawn) is the Autumn Equinox. The Autumn Equinox divides the day and night equally, and we all take a moment to pay our respects to the impending dark. We also give thanks to the waning sunlight, as we store our harvest of this year's crops. The Druids call this celebration, Mea'n Fo'mhair, and honor the The Green Man, the God of the Forest, by offering libations to trees. Offerings of ciders, wines, herbs and fertilizer are appropriate at this time. Wiccans celebrate the aging Goddess as she passes from Mother to Crone, and her consort the God as he prepares for death and re-birth.

At this festival it is appropriate to wear all of your finery and dine and celebrate in a lavish setting. It is the drawing to and of family as we prepare for the winding down of the year at Samhain. It is a time to finish old business as we ready for a period of rest, relaxation, and reflection.

Mabon is considered a time of the Mysteries. It is a time to honor Aging Deities and the Spirit World. Considered a time of balance, it is when we stop and relax and enjoy the fruits of our personal harvests, whether they be from toiling in our gardens, working at our jobs, raising our families, or just coping with the hussle-bussle of everyday life. May your Mabon be memorable, and your hearts and spirits be filled to overflowing! (http://www.wicca.com/celtic/akasha/mabon.htm) -- submitted by Athalia Edan

September
by John Updike

The breezes taste
Of apple peel.
The air is full
Of smells to feel-
Ripe fruit, old footballs,
Burning brush,
New books, erasers,
Chalk, and such.
The bee, his hive,
Well-honeyed hum,
And Mother cuts
Chrysanthemums.
Like plates washed clean
With suds, the days
Are polished with
A morning haze.

--submitted by Bannon Zimmer

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September
by Darla Holt

The months passed by quick this year
And now you see September's here
There's a whispered secret in the wind
As you feel the breeze against your ear

Listen close and you will find
The hidden wishes in your mind
The dreams abandoned months ago
No longer wish to be denied

Gently they return again
In the soft September wind
To sooth your fears and warm your soul
So open up and let them in

Take some time and share with me
The man that you have grown to be
And by the time September's passed
You'll see true love is here with me (At last)

--submitted by Aelia Lascaris

Did You Know?

Temples of Light - At some ancient sacred sites, dramatic lighting effects are coupled with specific landscape alignments, suggesting that these prehistoric monuments might have been oriented on an astronomical basis. A clear example occurs at Maes Howe, a large chambered mound in the Scottish Orkney islands. The mound appears to align with the midwinter sunset. At such times the disappearing sun sends golden rays down the long entrance passage to illuminate the dark inner chamber. The axis of this entrance passage, extended out into the surrounding countryside, strikes a massive standing stone called Barnhouse, whihc is in turn aligned with the another single standing stone called the Watchstone and a stone circle.

Various researchers have noticed that sunlight is not the only source for the amazing light shows at ancient sites. At Gavrinis in Brittany, a unique quartz block stands at a position in the passage where the beams from the midwinter sunrise intersect those from the moon at a key point in the 18.6-year lunar cycle. This large block is the only undecorated stone at the ancient site, and British archeologist Aubrey Burl has suggested that the quartz was deliberately placed to glow white when the sunbeams and moonbeams fell on it simultaneously. The sun not only gives light, it casts shadows, and this effect was used by some prehistoric peoples in their religious and ceremonial astronomy.

The Inca peoples of South America are thought to have held ceremonies in which they employed shadows cast by the sun. At the mountain peak citadel of Machupicchu, Peru, there is an unusual feature known as the Inti Huatana, the hitching post of the sun. A rough granite megalith composed of an upright pillar on top of a natural pyramid-shaped spur projects from a platform containing a complex array of different planes, facets, recesses and projections. The name of the feature relates it to the Inca festival of Inti Raymi, performed each midwinter, during which the Incas 'tied the sun' to prevent it swinging ever farther north in its daily progress. It is unclear just how the Inti Huatana was used by the Inca peoples, or if any measuring devices were employed with it, but it is assumed that the upright pillar acted as what is known as a gnomon, a shadow-throwing device rather like the center of a sundial. The gnomon made it easier to record the solstices, equinoxes and displacements of the moon during its long cycle.  -- submitted by Samantha Golden (taken from the book Earth's Mysterious Places, Reader's Digest)

RECIPES of the MONTH