I don’t often deal with the new aristocracy. It’s strange really but with the old aristocracy who where here before the city was founded, I have no problems. But the new aristocracy, largely those who have been ennobled in the last few centuries, are very different. The old aristocracy will occasionally hire me if they decide they need my talents. They treat me no worse or no better than they treat a rat catcher or a man at arms. Generally they treat me with civility and I return the favour.

The newer aristocracy are a mixed bunch. Some I can deal with but some are, frankly, so insecure that they are best avoided. Still if called upon to perform by friends then I do try to help. Thus when Calina Salin asked if I was available to assist at an event she was organising for the Dowager Lady Nelford I assured her I would help out.

To an extent the event was a success. I gave them a couple of works that I felt were appropriate to the occasion but you know what it’s like.

I tried
My trade I plied
But should I chide
The throng?
I lied

The facts I elide
Shamefaced I hide
The wrong.

Tongue tied
On stage I died
I missed the tide
Swan song

Note snide
Failure implied
A bitter joyride
Headlong
It’s alright for Calina, an attractive woman wearing comparatively little is always going to gather appreciative spectators. A poet on the other hand depends upon the courtesy of the audience. If I had been delivering a martial piece then yes, I could have declaimed it loudly enough to be heard over the chatter, but frankly trying deliver a gentle romantic number was difficult. There were times when I couldn’t hear me.

So by the time I was summoned to the presence of the Dowager Lady, I was not at my best. She glared at me as if I were a small dog belonging to a casual acquaintance, a small dog that she had caught doing something unmentionable to a chair leg.

“Steelyard.”

I bowed. “At your service madam.”

“I assume you’ll want paying.”

“Inevitably, madam.”

She frowned as if trying to work out whether I was mocking her or not. “I have another task for you.”

Continue reading here: Porphyrogenitus