Hubba, hubba, hubba! She was your typical tavern wench. She noticed the Squire's camera. She smiled and struck a pose. You see now the results for yourself. What more wouldst thou ask of me? (Yes, I, too, have dreamt on occasion of spending eternity with ye fairer sex. And as I am quite content to enjoy those dreams, we shall leave it at that).

Ah, an old friend at last! Erik Sampson, the village flutemaker, playing (and surrounded by) examples of his bamboo flutes. If you've seen his sign "Due to the Plague, thou shalt not toot!", you know that it's the witty work of the village flutemaker. He also brings his shtick and sticks (the latter with holes) to the Texas Renaissance Festival. But to Squire Washington, Erik Sampson is simply "TVF"--The Village Flutemaker (well, duh!). Erik's "Bamboo Friends" exclusively features the flutemaker's own handrcrafted instruments ("Renaissance Quality Control," as he puts it), as well as his own self-recorded albums featuring his music. To learn more of the Village Flutemaker's story, write to him at: Bamboo Friends, Inc., 14701 Southwest 18th Court, Davie, Florida 33325; or call (305) 424-6502.

I don't know if Bamboo Friends has its own website; if so, I hope someone associated with the flutemaker will inform me accordingly.

While I have a moment here, Mr. Flutemaker, Squire Washington asked me to let you know that he misses you dearly; and looks forward, if not to seeing you at Fort Tryon, then at least encountering you once more in person, be it in the Shire of Sterling or somewhere far beyond. "The Village Flutemaker was one of the first Faire people I ever really felt comfortable with," the Squire says. "And I thought it would be neat to say Thank You for all the wonderful memories you gave me. Best of luck to you, old friend."

In the Mundane world, Richard Washington is Founder and Chairman of Electric Pirates Entertainment. EPE was founded almost 15 years ago as Richard's personal tribute to the spirit of his favorite buccaneer, Blackbeard--the Most Dangerous Pirate on Earth (who, naturally, happens to be EPE's corporate mascot/principal spokespirate)! When the Squire revealed the Electric Pirates story to these beastly Buccaneers, needless to say they were quite eager to pose for this ferocious portrait. Captains Grace O'Malley and Mad Dog Daniels and members of their respective crews gathered together to strike musical terror in the hearts of potential victims prior to "The Buccaneers' Brawl," wherein both pirate crews battle one another over the right to claim a king's ransom in hidden gold. But, as you see here, there's always time for both crews to join their forces in good old Pirate harmony!

We end with several delightful images by Squire Richard, all of which feature my good friend and fellow Mage, Merdwin the Mediocre. This somewhat scatter-brained court magician enjoys his chosen profession, sharing with his audiences remarkable sleight-of-hand humor and amazing feats of magical merriment for Mortals from ten to toothless! Not only that, Merdwin is also one of Squire Washington's mentors (whose number, of course, includes myself)--which means I have to say some very nice things about him, which I always do.

But let me share with you something very nice that Merdwin said to me. Only, he wrote those nice sentiments on paper; and they read as follows: "Thou art a pleasure, an enigma, and an odd source of joy unexpected!" I can't tell you how much those words mean to me. Believe me when I tell you that I will always cherish those wonderful words. And of course, as in every one of his performances, Merdwin always gets in the last word(s):

Creative Faires, Ltd., are the people responsible for the New York Renaissance Faire. For two remarkable decades, Barbara Hope and Don Gaiti have zealously provided their Faire with the unique ability to maintain its' high standards while simultaneously changing and evolving. This is also true of CFL's other productions: The Forest of Fear at Sterling, the Long Island Harvest and Spring Fling Crafts Festivals, and the American Crafts at Greenwich Show.

Creative Faires is part of Renaissance Entertainment Corporation. Founded in April, 1993, the Boulder, Colorado-based REC is the only publically-traded company of its kind. In addition to Sterling Forest, REC's Family of Faires includes the Northern and Southern California Renaissance Pleasure Faires, and the Bristol and Virginia Renaissance Faires. All five Faires share the same website ; if you'd like to get in touch with the Sterling Forest folks right away, here are their snailmail addresses: from May to October, it's P.O. Box 844, Tuxedo, NY 10987. The rest of the year, CFL's stronghold is at 134 Fifth Avenue, New York NY 10011. And REC Central? That snailmail address is 4440 Arapahoe Road, Suite 200, Boulder, Colorado 80303.

Well, I've given you the ingredients. Now you must cast the spell that will permit you to escape from the ordinary. And should you find yourself in the Shire called Sterling, and a member or members of the Royal Entourage demands to know what you're doing there, simply tell them that their little corner of England was recommended to you by none other than--