Knight to Chipman 9

Gracious Readers;


I have been most remiss in my duties, of chronicling the comings and goings at the delightful lodgings at Number 5 Chipman Hill.  Please accept my sincerest of apologies in this regard.  I have, of late, been most preoccupied.


In my last missive, I shared with you that I had been posted next to a large musical instrument unlike any I had ever seen before.  It called to mind a clavichord or harpsichord, and yet was quite different.  I was fascinated with it.


I have since learned that this instrument is called a piano.  There was a guest, a most beautiful young maiden, who exclaimed in delight when she spied it.  At first I believed I had inspired such a response, but I was in error.  Even so, a knight in shining armour is a gallant sight indeed, and I have, in the past, received my share of admiration.  It was an honest mistake.


The young lady immediately sat down at the instrument, her long graceful fingers bringing forth the most beautiful music.  It was haunting and passionate, and although I am trapped within this rigid armour, I was profoundly moved.  It was in that moment, I believe, that the young maiden captured my heart.


My time here at Chipman Hill has taught me that our guests do not stay forever, no matter how much they might wish.  I did my best to still my heart, but I was, I must confess, utterly smitten by the radiant young lady.  For two weeks, she would come each evening to the piano.  Each day I watched the shadows steal up the hallway, counting the moments until her return.  As she played, and sometimes sang -- her voice angelic and sweet -- I longed to reach out to touch her.  Mute and motionless, however, I remained.


One tragic morning the inevitable happened; I heard my lady speaking in the front hallway.  Her voice carried back to me, her words tearing me asunder.  She was leaving, and unknowingly taking my heart with her. 


The piano lay silent, and my world -- which had recently known such light -- was now dreary.  I had oft, in my earlier years, teased the young men at court about lovesickness, only to find myself stricken later in life.  I could no longer find joy in the comings and goings of the guests, but could only focus on she who no longer came near.  The piano, which had once brought me such joy now served only as a reminder of what was lost forever.  I began to pray for release, and to my utmost gratitude it came in the personage of Sir Kenneth.


"We're on the move," he said, moving a chair away from me.


As he had done before, Sir Kenneth picked me up, carrying me away from the piano.  It was a painful relief, to be taken down the hall, toward the front door of #5 Chipman Hill.  It was not a leaving I could have endured -- or initiated -- alone.

The journey to my next assignment was not a long one;  I now reside in the front hall of the adjoining building, Number 9 Chipman Hill.  Like my previous postings, at Number 1 and Number 5, this is an elegant heritage building (young in comparison to my years, however).  I am situated just inside the front door, at the foot of the stairs, standing sentinel for the comfort and safety of all within.


I am grateful for the new beginning, and am looking forward to once more concentrating on being an ambassador to our guests.  Again, I humbly beg your forgiveness for my silence of late.  I do not anticipate any further difficulty in attending to my correspondence duties, for not only am I free from distractions here, but I have been placed next to an apparatus which Sir Kenneth assures me will enable the swift posting of letters.

Your humble servant,

Sir Sydman Orion Gerburg of Princliff

A Knight On A Hill

Gracious Readers;

As I suspected, I have been moved yet again!

The trip was not long, in fact, it was only next door. Based on the road sign and the numeral on the door, I am now residing at 5 Chipman Hill. This building is remarkably similar in architecture to 1 Chipman Hill next door where I formerly resided. I have heard some of the staff discussing the history of these fine homes with some of the guests (I have worked out that this is some sort of inn, although they do not have a tavern attached). Apparently the 1 and 5 Chipman Hill buildings were owned by two brothers who were merchants in this town.

The buildings are prominently situated on a hill with a view of a busy harbour, although I must admit that I am totally unfamiliar with the type of boat/ship traffic that I see out the window. I have been at sea on at least three occasions that I recall, back and forth from my home in the UK to the continent, and then the long voyage to wherever I am now. None of the vessels looked like the ones I behold at the wharves here.
As I was being carried down the hill, I noticed that there is a lot of work going on at the top of the hill, and a large sign saying “PEEL PLAZA”. During my stay in London, there was a chap called Peel who set up a professional police force or something of that nature. I wonder if there is any connection. That was long ago and far away, so likely not.
There is a large white musical instrument with keys resembling a harpsichord or clavichord here in the room with me. The finish is very shiny, like nothing I have ever seen before. It is very beautiful once you get used to the brightness of the colour. It has a different shape to the keyboard instruments with which I am familiar, but I have no doubt that it is, indeed, an instrument of music. Hopefully someone will play it soon so that I may hear and compare to the instruments in my past.
I am a little tired just now, moving, lock, stock and barrel, even a short distance, is tiring at my age.

Now I am back in the habit of “blogging” (what a brave new word), I will, indeed, keep it up more regularly.

Sincerely
Syd
Sir Sydman Orion Gerburg of Princliff.

A Knight On The Move

Gracious Readers;

It has been a month since I last posted my blog.
After due consideration, I have decided that it is time to bring you, dear readers, up to date on what has been happening within me that has caused me to pause in my musings (bloggings) until now.
As you have no doubt surmised (clever readers that you are), I spent most of my formative centuries in England, although I was seconded to Europe for a decade or so with one of my masters……..
It has taken me some time, but I have worked out that I am now somewhere across the ocean, in the colonies, perhaps. Things are very different here. Although the people speak the same language, they speak it quite strangely, and I must listen very carefully to get the full meaning of what they are saying. I am, however, determined to “fit in” here, as I do not wish to be returned to my crate, so during the past month, I have spent my every waking moment listening and learning in hopes that if I am called upon to perform any service to my new masters, that I shall be able to do so properly. (When in Rome, do as the Romans do…..but where AM I?)
Speaking of listening, I have heard that I am once again to be moved, but not far. Apparently weeks of rain have postponed my relocation, however, on the next fine day, I will, apparently, be moved once again. I have very much enjoyed my time at the 1 Chipman Hill address, and although I have yet to work out in exactly which country and city I am residing, I am confident that it is either America, Australia or Canada due to the language spoken by most of the people who pass me here in the hall. Occasionally, I thought that perhaps I was in a part of France where the spoken French is quite different to what I had heard before from nobles who crossed the channel to meet with my superiors in the great halls…….but in retrospect, I think not. I shall advise you, dear readers, once I work out exactly where I am, other than the street address, and the fact that the sign on the building reads “Chipman Hill Suites”.
I am happy to be in contact with you again.
Syd
Sir Sydman Orion Gerburg of Princliff.

A Knight In

Oh!  The excitement!  Even though my journey here was on the shoulders of others, I must admit to enjoying it: sea air and the sights and sounds of the city, albeit slightly bewildering in its (to me) newness and unfamiliarity.  I have experienced far more in the last few weeks than I have in an age! I must admit though, I do not crave the same excitement I did in my youth and it is far more pleasurable to be able to enjoy oneself without the spillage of entrails!  I consider myself most fortunate that the entrails spilled were never mine and, thankfully, rarely those of friends.  Mind, there was an incident with a French gentleman at a battle in Castile – the Spring of 1367 I believe, if my memory serves me well.  I came far too close to leaving various organs on French land and would have, if it were not for the intervention of the Prince Edward.  I do wonder why he was referred to as the ‘Black Prince’ though as he was most definitely not, although his character could also not be referred to as white – more of a medium shade of grey.  He was a few years younger than yours truly and even more of a charmer with the ladies! Talk of his various offspring, prior to his marriage, were abundant and his wife, the Princess Joan (who truly was a ‘’Fair Maid of Kent’’), was most discrete in her dealings with those claiming to be her own sons half-siblings.

Nonetheless, moving in to such grand quarters is exciting.  I am currently admiring my surroundings and am quite delighted by what I see before me.  There is a beautiful staircase leading up; gracefully curved and charmingly highlighted by the exquisite moulding that frames the window.   This brightness is such a delectable change to my existence in the crate!  If only I could move (and if I had bones to rest) I would sink into the cushioned sofa or rest my arms on one of the high-backed chairs, pondering my next chess move.

I have heard that this building is one of few that survived a fire that swept the City of Saint John in 1877. A most terrible and destructive force in any uncontained environment and one which, miraculously, only cost the lives of 18 people.  Sadly, many thousands of people lost their homes and livelihoods and had to start anew.  Saint John, however, arose like a phoenix from the ashes and was built again, far stronger and more determined than ever before to become a great city once again.

It is, however, rather quiet here and I do miss my friends Ken, Marilyn and Jane.  I also miss the soothing sound of the water feature that was in the office foyer.  One could close ones eyes (if one had them) and envision oneself sitting on the banks of a small stream, breathing in the scented air that spring brings.

Apart from my surroundings there is, however, another source of light in my existence: there is a computer, so I can continue to write my Blog and, if I do not hear guests in the vicinity (there is so much to do in Saint John, people are often enjoying the amenities and entertainment venues, which are all but a few short minutes walk away), I am not limited to out-of-office hours! Joy!

A Knight Out!

Gracious Readers;

I have been pondering.  Well, it is something I have had ample time for as I am not very active as of late.  Being an avid listener, I have come to know the names of the Chipman Hill Suite locations.  I have come to love word games as they require only a brain and no other tool.  Being unable to move in public, that is a propitious hobby to have.  Anyway, I today discovered that if I rearrange the letters of my name I can write, or at least partially so, the names of several Chipman Hill Suite locations:  Sydney, Chipman Hill, Orange, Union, Germain, Coburg, Princess and Cliff!  Yes, yes, I am aware it is probably just a symptom of my perceived self-importance, brought on by years of imprisonment and self-pity and just pure coincidence, as opposed to fate, but still it installs in me a sense of belonging.  A sense of coming home...

Now, where was I?  Ah, yes! Things are afoot! I have been a travelling!  I was, indeed, correct in my assumptions of an impending move! 

Let me start from the beginning...   today, I was surrounded by the people I have come to know as family and there were quite excited discussions:  "Yes, he would look great there!", "I still think 145 Germain would be better", "Personally, I think suite 1 at 2 Mecklenburg would be best considering how grand it is, it would be perfect", followed by "Ok, you’re the boss and, well, it is closer".  After a "Well, let’s move him then. He can’t do it himself." by the boss (that’s Susan, whose wine cellar I apparently inhabited for what seemed like an age) I was hoisted on to the shoulders of a few strong men and taken from my sanctuary! 

This, apparently, is Uptown Saint John in New Brunswick!  I have not seen "outside" for a considerable length of time, so you must imagine my surprise at the sights that befell me!  I realise that motor vehicles have come a long way since the Austin A40, and I was familiar with the BMW M6 (the Colonel drove one), but the vehicles rolling past were monsters!  Nissan Pathfinder, Chevrolet Silverado and many more whose names I could not catch.  There was also the occasional wasp-coloured "School Bus" rumbling past.  Some people, dressed from top to toe in green, walked by animatedly announcing that the "Sea Dogs had it in the bag since day one".  I have absolutely no idea what they were discussing but, needless to say, my imagination went wild. Sea Dogs? Sailors? Fishermen?  Had they caught something spectacular?  Had they won a prize? I know not, but am very curious.  Yet more people passed by adorned in green.  And yet more.  This was getting stranger with every step my carriers were taking, until all became clear when one green person tipped his green hat and said "And a happy Saint Patrick’s day to you Sir!". 

We reached a crossing in the road and before me was a large building housing only motor cars! How bizarre!  "Nearly there" one good man said and, a few short steps later, we arrived at a beautiful ornate front door, with stately pillars beckoning us to come in... we had arrived at 1 Chipman Hill!

A Knight's Past

Gracious Readers;

It appears I must apologise!  I have been absolutely remiss in my manners and have committed a terrible crime completely unbefitting someone of my title. I can only surmise that my new found freedom from the crate and the joy which has overcome me since my release has affected me more deeply than I imagined. I have, to my utmost horror, completely neglected to introduce myself!   I will herewith correct this error and hope you, my dearest followers, can accept my humble apologies.

My name is Sir Sydman Orion Gerburg of Princliff.   I was born in 1321 in the town of Ludgershall, in the county of Wiltshire, England.   I swore my allegiance to the very noble Lord Charles Lytton and the Lady Eleanor, and lived in a cottage on the grounds.  Ours was but a small town, with barely 100 inhabitants and those fortunate enough to have work were in the employ of the Lord and Lady.  My humble beginnings were in the Crown Inn, an alehouse, where I was born to Maude and Thomas Gerberg.  My father was originally a tanner from nearby Biddesden, but was involved in a rather unfortunate incident which put a premature end to his craft.  Instead of using the fermented mulberry in the tanning process, he developed a taste for it.  As this was mixed with various other substances, not meant for consumption, his behaviour became rather erratic.  When he tried tanning the hide of a potential customer’s steed, whilst it was still (temporarily) in perfectly good health, he found himself suddenly in a different location with no memory of the facts, which I daresay was not a bad thing.  Taking pity on him, and having done some admirable work for the landlord in more sober times, he became a trusted bartender and eventually managed the Inn until the end of his days.  I do believe he told some untruths to my Lord, but the outcome was that I was sent to the Castle as a page, at the tender age of 7, to begin my journey down the long road to becoming a Knight.

Anyway, that is the story of my beginning.  I will divulge more in time, but I would like to share with you the happenings of today.

Today, there appeared to be great excitement at Chipman Hill Suites; which I have now learned is the collective name for a group of beautiful, historical buildings which can be used for a small tariff by people on their travels or remaining in the city of Saint John.  Several people entered the building and disappeared into a room, where I heard them discussing several things including, apparently, yours truly!  A kindly, distinguished gentleman stopped to look at me and nodded his head ‘’Yes, excellent idea.’’, whilst another lady, who I have come to know as Marilyn, informed him that it would be very soon.  I cannot be completely certain, but I get the very distinct feeling that I might not be here for too long.  Where I will be going, I do not know.  I know only that I have felt very much at home here and will miss my conversations (albeit unheard) with Ken, Marilyn and the other people with whom I have spent such pleasant times recently.  Intriguing...

A Knight on the Keys...

Gracious Readers;

I admit it, I have a confession!  I have been looking over Ken’s shoulders for a while now and have learnt a lot.  I was not just chosen to be a Knight for my good looks, you know!  On top of my other excellent qualities, I am in possession of intelligence far superior to, well, my superiors. My superiors of days long left behind, that is.  I have, to date, led a very long and varied life. I have seen progress over the years (indeed, centuries!) that would be difficult to fathom for the most ingenious of minds. Yet I have experienced things. I have, over time, learnt. I have learnt many many things that, had I not seen the progress through my own visor, would not have believed possible. I have seen armies lost and Kings conquered. I have seen swords change to weapons capable of the most evil destruction.  I have seen the humble horse replaced by a mechanical carriage, which in turn has developed further still. I have seen women become the equal to men.  I have seen food heated up in machines and people transported from one end of the world to the other in a matter of mere hours.  Progress has been frightening in its speed.  It also means I know how to blog! So there you have it.  

 I was there at the dawn of the ‘’computer’’.  I was in an office in Germany, although the language spoken was English.  I adorned the office of a Colonel Hughes.  What a wonderful chap!  He spoke in a soft Irish accent and was very popular with his men (and women!  There are women in the military!)  He was writing a book on a battle on a remote Island far away.  He only had to tap on the board for the letters to appear in front of him on a large box.  He rubbed his eyes often after looking at the green lettering on the black background and cursed frequently ‘’Darned WordStar! A typewriter is far easier!’’.  His progress was slow as he tapped in each letter using only his forefingers.  Occasionally, the volume of his voice rose considerably as the computer ‘’crashed’’ (I later learned that this meant it ceased to function and had caused considerable loss of information).  I will always remember the painting on his wall – a picture of a soldier in red battle dress and, curiously, a small mouse close to him.  Anyway, that is where I learnt about computers.  The box was called a ‘’monitor’’ and the board a ‘’keyboard’’. That was a long time ago and it seems much has changed. Both keyboards and monitors have changed dramatically!  It appears there now also exists a thing called the ‘’internet’’, which is a place on the computer that holds all the information one could possibly imagine, and one can add to it and pass on information.  I was correct in saying that Ken was looking at a painting by a Dutch person, but it was just an image of the painting, not an original.  One can apparently create copies for one’s own walls by pressing a button and it appears!  Ken was also looking at a ‘’blog’’ which appears to be a diary one can keep in the ‘’internet’’.  As I did not want my experiences to just disappear and never be noted, I thought it might be interesting to write it down myself.  So, I watched and learnt. I decided to write the first instalment after the fact, but now will attempt to keep up to date and impart more of what I have learnt at every given opportunity.  Luckily, I do not exactly need much in the way of sleep, so can continue whilst the Chipman Hill office is empty.