I wish to see The Swordsmen but they will not arrive till noon.  So be it. We decide to seek adventure. The map says that we should find pirates due south.  Master James wished to speak to a merchant that he knew and would meet us at the ship which lies at the edge of Holly Field.  We bravely take a shortcut through the nature trail -- a small boardwalk that runs through a portion of the gully.  A sign warns us to beware of trolls, but the trolls are fortunate that we did not find them. As  I pass a shoppe, a maiden drops a fragrant soap chip into my hand.  Perhaps an invitation for later.

The Catherine lacked mast and sail but it was certainly better than the wreckage that was there the year before.

Cut, Thrust And (short for Andy) Run on the docks.

From left to right: Cut, Run, Andy (And) Thrust

The Lord of Misrule

As we pass the haunts of Don Juan and Miguel near the climbing tower, we find the Lord of Misrule.  He mimes his act to the music of Jim Hancock who sits upon a bench.  There is assorted tom-foolery, sleight of hand, and balancing acts. Tis close to the hour of the Grand Parade, so we purchase more to eat and wait.  For me, I have a pork pocket.  Finding no place to sit, we wait in the shade of the empty Crown Theatre Stage.  Sir Richard sharp eye catches smoke upon the bridge, but tis no ordinary bridge.  Tis the Misting Bridge – the only magical bridge that I know of.  I hear that the mist is quite refreshing on a hot day.