Book Of Fellowship 2

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Title: Book of Fellowship 2

Author: Batlin of Britain

I had never before realized how much a town is reliant upon its Tinker, nor how appreciative the local townspeople are to those who sacrifice themselves to continuously solving the problems of others. So welcome did they make me feel that I stayed for several years. Then, filled with the urge to roam and longing for the outdoors once more, I joined a band of Rangers in Spiritwood.

Rangers are a deeply spiritual people. Living with them reminded me very much of my druid childhood in Yew - with one big difference. These Rangers drank the most wonderful wine I have ever tasted! The bottles came from the old winery at Skara Brae, having survived the terrible fires which ravaged that island. Later I made a pilgrimage to the desolate ruins of Skara Brae and there I had a spiritual experience so profound that I have vowed never to relate it to anyone. Leaving their band, I gave away all of my possessions and for months I wandered aimlessly. Eventually, I arrived at New Magincia where I sought employment as a Shepherd. Most of the following two years was spent in perfect solitude, living in complete humility. It was an experience that left me significantly changed. When I noticed that ten years had almost passed, I began the journey back to Britain.

v. The Two Brothers and the Trickster

On the road back to Britain I noticed a small mine being worked by two brothers. They greeted me suspiciously but eventually shared with me their tale, and I shall share it with thee. Their father died and left them a map to some unclaimed land that contained valuable minerals. By law a claim can only be made in one name, and this led the brothers into conflict. One brother was the eldest, the other was more worldly- both wanted the claim. They became so fearful that the other would make the claim that each spent all his time spying on the other.

No work was done. One day, they met a stranger who said he was a mining engineer. They did not trust him at first, but he assured them that their claim was too small to be of interest. He was on the way to stake a much larger claim. The stranger turned their heads with tales of the riches they could have, replacing their distrust with avarice. The brothers asked the stranger to make their claim for them, and went back to working their mine. They worked without stopping for months, and afterward travelled to the mint to sell their ore. At the mint they learned the stranger had staked their claim in his own name and then sold it outright for a fortune.

As the brothers had taken ore from land they did not own, they were sent to prison in Yew for many years. Their sad fate taught them to be more trusting of each other, for a man who does not trust his brother is always vulnerable. After hearing their tale, I went to the mint, for I was curious which of the two brothers held the claim to their new mine. I had tried to guess and was quite surprised when I saw the answer. It was in the name of their father.

vi. The Creation of The Fellowship

I was overjoyed when Elizabeth and Abraham both arrived at the Blue Boar safe and sound. It was a splendid reunion.

The tales they told me were truly astounding, gentle friend and traveller. But as I have mentioned, I do not wish this tome to be and intrusion upon their privacy. Not all of our memories were pleasant ones. Most of the people of Britannia, it seemed, were more interested in helping themselves than in helping their fellow person. As travellers - strangers wherever we went - we had become used to the cold eye of suspicion upon us. Everywhere there were people who expected something for nothing, as if owed a debt by the world. Most of all, each of us had met many people who were fundamentally unhappy.

Everywhere there were people who knew that they needed something in their lives, gentle friend and traveller, but that they had not a hope of finding it. The three of us had learned much of history.

There was once a time when life was infinitely more fragile, but was cherished much more dearly. We yearned to recapture that aspect of Britannia's former glory. After much discussion, we decided to found a society called The Fellowship.

At this time I was also conceiving what would become its philosophy, but that will be discussed further in another chapter. It was Abraham who suggested that I propose The Fellowship to Lord British. I agreed, little realizing the task I was undertaking.

vii. The Ratification of Wise Lord British

It was with much anxiety that I stood before the throne of wise Lord British. I was in a long line of subjects as our Liege made numerous pronouncements. Although I had been waiting for hours when I at last had my audience, I still felt unprepared. His unwavering glance fell on me. I said that I had a modest proposal. My colleagues and I sought to establish a philosophical society known as The Fellowship. Lord British asked me who would see the benefits of this Fellowship. I replied that no one would benefit from it, for it would not be run for profit. With a word I was dismissed.

I found myself leaving the throne room before it had even sunk in that I had been refused. By the look on my face Elizabeth and Abraham knew I was not the bearer of good news. In discussing the matter, Elizabeth suggested that Lord British had desired a tribute from us. If we could present an impressive enough tribute, he would grant his favor. After a time we raised a thousand gold pieces by selling nearly every possession we owned. With renewed confidence I returned to the castle.

This time there were several women with me to carry the chests of gold that were our tribute. As I reached the front of the line I spoke boldly. I said that I wished to discuss The Fellowship, but first wished to present Lord British with suitable tribute. With consternation I realized that I had spoken before Lord British had finished reading an important looking scroll placed before him by one of his advisors.

He signed it as he spoke, not even bothering to look up at me. First he ordered my workmen to remove the boxes. The he ordered the workmen to remove me as well! Angrily I stormed from the throne room. Once more did I face my two friends. We were most disappointed. The dream we shared now seemed to have no hope of becoming reality. I spent days somberly brooding over my failure. One morning found me so completely lost in my thoughts that I did not hear the passing beggar approach. When at last I noticed him he spoke. "A coin for one denied the rewards of worthiness." The illumination was pure and instantaneous. He thought I had gone mad when I gave him my chest full of gold.

I ran back to the palace as fast as I could. At first, Lord British would not see me, but I implored him. He looked me over, and seemed to see something different about me. He listened as I spoke. "Our society, The Fellowship, will be a union of spiritual seekers that shall strive to bring Unity to our fractured society. We will promote Trust and understanding among all the people of Britannia. With your approval our society will teach one to seek Worthiness, rather than mere personal reward. To that end, I seek your recognition of The Fellowship."