Doon ny Greiney

Doon ny Greiney (Salian: Caer yr Haul) (Sun Fort) is among the largest historical forts in Lathadu. The current fort dates from the 13th century and was the residence of the Salian governors of Calleebane until their expulsion in 1644. It was subsequently repurposed as a court, prison, mint, and even as a cotton factory. It was restored over 1883-1893 and is now a museum and major landmark of the city. Some notable festivals taking place there include the Solar Sacred Spirit Festival and the Gundiagh International Folk Festival.

History
Arth map Duny is credited with the origin of the fort, having conquered Lathadu shortly after his victory at the Siege of Castle Vernon in Ordrey in 1235, solidifying Salian control on the mainland. Lathadu’s clans were much more divided and sparse than Ordrey’s leadership of the time, meaning that the region was much easier in terms of conquest when Arth map Duny and his armies swung down only years later. The site for Doon ny Greiney (Caer yr Haul in Salian) was hand-picked by Arth map Duny during his first voyage down the Aarnieu River following his conquest of Lathadu.

Arth selected a spot on a hill overlooking what is now Calleebane, which he correctly identified as a key strategic point overlooking the river. He later moved the regional seat of power to Calleebane, which he considered to be a more secure location than the low-lying Ushteyghoo. According to legend, to build the fort he had to displace the hill’s sole human occupant, a hermit called Dufgal. Dufgal was a local mystic with a moderate sized following in the region, and when asked to move he refused repeatedly. Arth took extreme measures, seeking aid from another, more powerful figure, the mystic called Ealisaid from further east. On request of Arth, she came and asked Dufgal to immediately depart. Sensing a superior power, Dufgal left, but cursed Arth and the site with the words, “Arth map Duny! May your citadel sink into the mud with you inside!” Arth managed to appease the hermit and his following by building a home for him as well as a temple within the fort. Seeing the influence of Ealisaid, Arth invited her to lay down the cornerstone of the fort.

To ensure that the new site would prove prosperous, Arth ordered that seven fat, blemishless bulls be sacrificed and buried in the foundations, as was considered auspicious in those days. To this day, some refer to the fortress as the “Pasture of the Seven Bulls”. Doon ny Greiney (Caer yr Haul in Salian) translates to “Sun-fort” or “Fortress of the Sun”, showing how the fort was dedicated to the Ayekist deity of the sun. As well as a protective citadel, the fort was intended to intimidate the local Lathadun clans, who Arth felt were likely to challenge his newly-established authority if not kept in line. It incorporates a large central keep, a residence, and various smaller buildings, surrounded by fortified, oval-shaped outer walls lined with 24 small overhanging turrets. It also has a sizable moat, fed with water from the Aarnieu. Though the fortress was originally started in the mid 13th century, most of the fort which stands today dates to the 17th century, following the expulsion of the Salians from Lathadu and the fort’s reconstruction by the Ordrish.

After ceasing to be the residence of the courts of Salian governors, the fortress entered a period of decline. It was used as a court and prison by the Ordrish until their exit in the 18th century. From 1653 to 1791, it was the site of Callebane’s mint, and private buildings were later constructed on or around the earlier structures. During Lathadu’s industrialization, the fort was converted into a cotton mill by wealthy planting scion Eamon Bell who purchased the site. Parts of the fort were gradually bought up by the City of Calleebane, which began a major restoration between 1883 to 1893 under the architect Hamish Taggart. Taggart was inspired by the approach of the Salian architect Fforth Emil and attempted to restore the fort as it appeared in the 13th century. Many details were added during this period, such as flat roofs and the windows of the eastern outbuilding, which are not thought to be historically accurate.

Gallery
Within the fort are several beautiful pieces contained in a museum open to the public. The museum houses a collection of palanquins, arms and armor, miniatures, musical instruments, furniture, costumes, and various other historical pieces. The ramparts of the fort house contain preserved antique cannons and provide a breathtaking view from one of the city’s few high points.

Temple
Arth favored worship of an Ayekist sun deity, even bringing an idol from Salia to be put up in the temple he had built. The idol remains the adopted deity of the temple, and is worshipped by many within the city, considered to be a patron deity of sorts. Crowds throng during religious festivals and celebrations to provide prayers and offerings.