TransChannel

This has been fascinating, has it not? All of these people, many of them noble warriors, vying for the attention and choice of the common man. I find it astounding, and frankly a rather refreshing change from my home. Let them come to us to be chosen, for once!

But my dear mother, I can hear her now, she would have an opinion on this. What, she would ask, what good are warriors without the laymen? The knights stand upon the backs of their people, whether their weight be felt light or heavy, and without the common man the powerful are weak.

Treasonous words, Mother, oh so dangerous words uttered at home, be careful, Mother.

But! Is she so wrong in her opinions? We are not all warriors, nobles, royalty here, and yet have we not a voice? Our own wisdom? In my thirty years I have found many hats sat upon my head; page to the Countess of Ulster, valettus in the retinue of Prince Lionel, foot soldier, spy, writer, herald, landlord, messenger of Kings, esquire of the royal household, student of law. Do I perhaps not own some skill and knowledge worth offering to this noble company we are building?

For unlike my dear mother, who can at times be harsh and swift in her judgement, I do not believe that we should cast out the warriors. What folly would that be, when we are indeed at war! Yes, there should be warriors there, and many!

But every war has its talks, its subtle diplomacies, and I see no voice of that so difficult art standing forth for Council. Too it has its foot soldiers as well, and workers, craftsmen too often ignored, and those children and others who find themselves so quickly cast aside.

Can I fill so many hats, all at once? Perhaps not, oh I do fear not. Yet as a common man, one oft thrust into wholly alien situations, I do find myself wondering. What has this journey been but a puzzle of new possibilities, for one such as myself? Constant adjustments and education? This, the advisement and guidance of people, be it few or many, I do indeed have great knowledge in. Perhaps, after such a long time wandering this ship lost for purpose, I have found it in the Council.

If it is so, and indeed even if it is not, I am your most humble servant, Geoffrey Chaucer.