April 17

Sir Ranulph de Brattleby, then acting as High Constable of the Marshes, stood upon the damp masonry of the Witham embankments as the moon pulled the sea-swell deep into the Lincolnshire fens. The spring thaw had gorged the rivers, and the salt-tide threatened to breach the ancient earthen ramparts which protected the Brattleby wool-stores. With a company of forty tenant-archers pressing their shoulders against the timber caulking, the Sir Ranulph personally oversaw the driving of the final oak piles. It was a moment of profound tension; had the sluice failed, the year's entire clip of fine Lincoln Longwool would have been ruined by the North Sea brine.

By the first light of dawn, the pressure equalized and the silt-laden waters subsided, leaving the Brattleby estates damp but intact. Lady Elsbeth, watching from the curtain wall, is said to have ordered the cellars opened to provide the workers with sweetened ale and smoked herring. The event solidified the House's reputation as the primary guardians of the Lowlands, a role they would defend with legal and physical might for centuries to follow. To this day, the date is marked by a symbolic inspection of the estate's drainage channels by the reigning Baron.

When a messenger bearing the seals of the Crown or a neighboring Barony arrives at the Great Gate, it is the duty of the Seneschal to ensure the guest is met with the dignity befitting their master. One must never allow a Pursuivant to wait in the outer courtyard like a common beggar. Instead, they should be ushered into the vaulted solar, offered a silver cup of watered wine, and allowed to adjust their travel-stained vestments before the Baron grants an audience. The sanctity of the message is paramount, and any disrespect shown to the bearer is interpreted as a direct slight against the sender's lineage.

Furthermore, when the message is delivered, the Baron must receive the scroll with the right hand and never break the wax seal in the presence of the messenger unless the contents demand an immediate oral reply. If the news is of a celebratory nature, a purse of five silver pennies and a fresh mount are the customary gifts for the rider. Conversely, if the message brings ill tidings or a challenge, the messenger is still entitled to the protection of Brattleby hospitality for one full night, according to the ancient laws of parley and guest-right.

Begin by scaling and cleaning the fish with great care, ensuring the head remains attached for a noble presentation. Take the strips of salted lardon and lace them through the flesh of the fish using a needle, which provides moisture and richness to the lean river-meat. In a heavy iron pot, combine the verjuice with a pinch of saffron and mace, allowing the liquid to steep until it takes on the hue of a setting sun. Place the fish within the liquid and simmer gently over a slow charcoal fire, taking care not to break the delicate skin.

Once the fish is firm, remove it to a tinned platter. The remaining liquid must be thickened by rubbing the day-old bread through a fine hair sieve and stirring it back into the pot until it reaches the consistency of a heavy cream. Pour this golden sauce over the carp and garnish with whole cloves and a scattering of chopped parsley. This dish was historically served on meatless days during the spring season when the larder's winter preserves began to dwindle and the fresh growth of the kitchen garden was still but a promise.