The Queen’s Oak
From the south, the simplest approach to the Queen’s Oak is through the area that locals term the Boggart Woods. It is true that the southern part of the great Watnall Woods is the haunt of Boggarts, indeed in times past it held numerous Gorrobleen. However, any traveller that carries a sword or even a stout stick has little to fear from the current denizens of the wood. Less hardy travellers can choose to travel with the frequent merchants or pilgrims who pass through.
The long hill that rises above the woods is called Wat’s Knoll. Its long history is the source of many local tales and legends. Before the time of the Roman Treaties, the Knoll was known to be the haunt of the hero Wat. Colourful stories of Wat’s exploits can be learnt from many locals.
The pass through the Knoll is a charming feature of the landscape. A profusion of trees and shrubs cling to the imposing rocks, even where the sides of the pass are vertical. The cliffs that tower over the traveller would, under any circumstances, be unsettlingly suggestive of giants. However, the pass through Wat’s Knoll is infused with a pleasant feeling of old, protective magic and the cliffs take on the aspect of benevolent guardians.
The region’s most famous tree is the ancient Royal Oak that stands over the Queen’s Oak Inn. The mighty tree is barely visible from the pass as the other trees tend to obscure the view. It is when one leaves the pass and turns east that the Oak becomes visible. I have seen all of Albion’s most famous trees and I would argue that the Queen’s Oak is the most impressive. It is, without argument, Albion’s largest tree.
The name of the tree is the source of some disagreement. Some claim that the Oak was named after the ancient Queen Boudica but the Oak is certainly too old to have been planted by her people. Others, particularly the Elves, suggest that the Oak was named for Queen Ishmay of He’Anor. Another tale suggests that the Oak had no name until the time of King Arthur I and Queen Guenivere, when it was named in honour of that revered lady. It is not for the writer of this guide to suggest a definitive interpretation. The reader is encouraged to explore the mystery through conversation and further reading.
The path to the Inn climbs comfortably up the eastern part of the Knoll. After the might of the Oak itself, the Wat’s Tower can appear to be almost comically small. However, this illusion is soon dispelled as one approaches more closely. The architecture is both sturdy and beautiful, like all of the watch towers that were built in the days of Dwarrow and Mortal co-operation. The Tower rises four storeys above the ground and, close to, is a striking edifice.
Many of the Inn’s main buildings are built right against the Tower. There are those who have said that this is an architectural insult, to combine simple half-timbered structures with the work of the Dwarrow. The reader must judge whether the effect is pleasing or chaotic.
The Queen’s Oak is one of Albion’s larger Inns. It is, in truth, more than an Inn. Over the many years that the site has been occupied, there have been a number of additions to the original function of watch tower and sanctuary. In addition to the expected Inn, the Queen’s Oak also boasts stables, a small dairy, a bath house, grazing land, pig sties, chicken coops and bee hives. Natural springs trickle from the rocks of the Knoll and, further north, become a stream that is excellent for fishing.
The Inn is extremely popular with the merchants who travel to Hob’s Glade, He’Anor and Arcaster. Trading is allowed with the permission of the proprietors, Captain Erik Ivarr and his wife, Ingrid.
Those seeking food, shelter and convivial company will find all three in great abundance. The Queen’s Oak serves excellent fresh fish, meat of the highest quality and a range of locally produced dishes that are both simple and delicious. The ales and wines equal any of the other Inns I have visited. It is said that even the water at the Queen’s Oak is invigorating and healthful.
Accommodation is varied and plentiful. Those with smaller purses will find comfortable dormitories. Wealthier visitors can rent suites of rooms. There is a well equipped bathhouse or, for those in need of true luxury, tubs can be brought to a visitors room, for a price.
The Inn’s visitors will usually include those who enjoy tales, music and dancing. I have been fortunate enough to encounter the famed bard Thomas Moon during one of his visits to the Oak. While it cannot be promised that the Inn will always contain such well known patrons, it is always a place capable of providing lively company. For those seeking privacy, however, there are smaller chambers that can be exclusively rented.
I would offer travellers some words of caution. Many intend to stay at the Queen’s Oak for just one night and find the atmosphere so much to their liking that they spend many days there. When one considers the hardships of the road, the Queen’s Oak becomes a very difficult place to leave.
