I should affirm to you I have not been inspired by arrogance or foolish presumption, but rather by true affection and genuine desire to set to words all those things which I have witnessed. I am encouraged to undertake this labor of love one last time and describe for you the fifth and final Rose Royal Tournament of this season and the invitational tournament that preceded it.
It was to mixed emotions that I awoke long before dawn the morning of the tournament. While I had eagerly anticipated another tourney, my heart was heavy knowing this was to be the last in this series. I hastened to complete my packing and that of my family, for I knew there was no time to waste. The sky began to lighten as we left our home for the four-hour journey to the Canton of Beau Fleuve. As we passed Lake Arthur near the start of our trip the simple beauty of the scenery caught my eye…the trees heavy with leaves silhouetted against the azure sky as the sun, casting golden sparks on the water, began its ascent… it was truly a sight to behold. The thought occurred to me that like these tournaments, summer would soon come to a hasty end. In my heart I hoped that this final tourney would mimic the seasons. During the spring and summer they flourished and many days they filled with beauty and joy. I prayed that like the fall this final tournament would be an awesome display that leaves one breathless in awe and wonder and then quietly slips away into pleasant memory.
The trip passed quickly and soon we arrived at the site, one I am well familiar with for I have visited with my cousins in the Rhydderich Hael here for many years. The annual event is one well known for it’s armored combat tournaments and I was neither surprised or dismayed to see a number of pavilions and galleries had already been erected, almost encompassing the list even at this early hour and all of them were filled with combatants, their ladies and their retinues. As news of these tournaments has spread and their magical quality has inspired many, the scene that surrounds the list has become more and more magnificent. The galleries that border the list field were all well appointed, and those of the Ladies of the Rose most notably so. Her Majesty, Duchess Rowan, and Duchess Dorinda were placing the final touches on their galleries as we set our small pavilion, banners and belongings near the pavilion of the Mistress of the List, Her Ladyship Lenora, a dear lady who has traveled far and wide to attend and administer to every one of the tournaments in this series. I couldn’t help but notice that she quickly filled a large sheet with the names of those who wished to enter the list for the invitational tournament. From the ranks of these fighters those who comported themselves with chivalry and honor, and displayed deeds of skill and might, the Gallery would choose their favorites to join the list with those who had previously been invited to compete in the Rose Royal Tournament. If the roll was any indication, all in attendance would be treated to a most grand and memorable event.
As if two tournaments in one day were not enough, to entertain themselves and the populace, a speed tourney was held prior to the beginning of the invitational. Soon afterwards the ever present and diligent heralds began to cry the names of those registered and invited the combatants and their gentle consorts into the presence of Their Majesties, Christopher and Maurya and Their Heir, Prince Henri. The assemblage quickly filled the entire perimeter of the list and though shoulder to shoulder already, those inside the ropes crowded together even closer to make room for more couples to be presented to the Royalty. It was noted by many that the names of those introduced were all familiar as was their renown. This tourney would be larger than many Crown Tournaments, and promised to be equally filled with feats of prowess and displays of honor. Her most gracious and glorious Majesty, Maurya, asked that the first round be fought without the galleries asking questions of the fighters. I was most pleased to hear this for though I especially enjoy the discourse with the combatants, I moreso enjoy viewing the sport of noble combat and even to the inexperienced, it was easy to tell that those in armor were anxious to begin the tournament.
The first fight set the tone for the day in grand style. His Majesty Christopher, and Lord Dominic MacMoreland desired to honor their ladies by choosing the victor of their bout through counted blows - the number of blows was eighteen, determined by the combined years they have been with their Ladies. At the cry of “Lay on”, a fast paced rain of blows ensued. At some point I daresay I lost count, as did most others, but when the final blows were landed, His Majesty and Lord Dominic both declared that they had been struck eighteen times and at the request of both combatants, the marshal declared the bout a draw. In yet another impressive bout during this round His Excellency, Baron Tristen, met Lord Geoffrey Fitzdavid. The two combatants fought with great speed and ferocity until at last Baron Tristen emerged from the list victorious. Several ladies of the Gallery recalled that Lord Geoffrey had been taken as a Squire to Sir Christopher Rawlins at the Rose Royal Tournament in Stormsport and commented on the improvements he has made since that time.
These things occurred during the first round of the tournament, as well as many others which are known and which I leave to others to relate. Though my heart is full of passion and I long to write of each and every minute aspect, my mind and memory fail when I try to recall details. Trust that my forgetfulness is due to no malady or lack of attention to the fighters, rather that the day was so filled with pageantry and prowess that in my excitement I forgot to make abundant notes and now in hindsight, to recall all of the magnificence and splendor would be such a hopeless feat that Froissart himself would no doubt fail at such an undertaking. I do however with great clarity recall the two Grand Melees fought between the first and second round. The first was comprised of the victors of the previous bouts and the second was fought amongst those who were not as fortunate during the first round. Thought to be certain, neither melee lagged behind the other as many feats of expertise and valor were displayed in both lists. His Royal Highness, Henri won a dramatic victory in the first, managing to cleanly kill Sir Isenwulf while fighting from his knees. And in the second, Viscount Sir Edmund emerged the victor through speed and skill.
The second round was begun upon the conclusion of the Grand Melees. The Ladies of the Gallery were encouraged to ask questions of the combatants at the conclusion of their bouts. One of the most trying questions to the weary fighters was to blazon their Arms and share the significance of the charges and colors. Viscount Sir Haakon was able to do both without much ado, but Lord Jarius was unsure and asked assistance from the heralds. It is good that our dear heralds are so affable and so plentiful. One hurriedly entered the list and with a clear voice completed the task without much difficulty. After another well fought bout Viscount Sir Edmund and His Lordship Graedwyn were asked to speak about the sacrifices they make for their sport. His Excellency, Edmund, extolled the virtues of his lady and impressed upon those assembled that no matter what sacrifices he makes, his consort is well deserving. His Lordship, Graedwyn, chose to speak not of his own sacrifices, but of those of his lady, who does not participate in the activities that consume so much of his time. This lady is so generous and supportive of her husband’s chosen pastime that she remains at home while he travels throughout the land. This is indeed a huge sacrifice on her part and I’m certain His Lordship’s company and strong arms as well as his courtesy, wit and enthusiasm are missed during his absences.
Following this round, as has become the custom, after consulting with their Galleries, the Ladies of the Rose and Her Majesty choose the combatants for the Rose Royal Tournament. It was determined that this final tournament would consist of sixteen champions, twice as many as the previous four tourneys, but even so the names of prospective entrants who had shown themselves worthy was far greater than the number that the Ladies had decided upon. The Royal Peers who had received invitation to compete were called into the list to aid the good Ladies with their dilemma. His Majesty Christopher, His Royal Highness Henri and Viscount Sir Edmund all withdrew from the tournament and proclaimed that they had no need of reward or acclaim, the honor of fighting in this tournament series had been prize enough. The Ladies went back to their roll of noble combatants and still could not reach a conclusion. It was then; with booming voice that Viscount Syr Bear addressed the ladies and relinquished his place in the tournament so that another could advance. The Ladies responded with obvious relief and heartfelt thanks. Her most gracious Majesty, Maurya, proclaimed that the Fifth Rose Royal Tournament would begin shortly.
I would never take for granted the knowledge and skill of the Mistress of the Lists and though I have little skill at preparing a list tree, I couldn’t resist the temptation to know the pairings throughout the tournament before the heralds announced them. My senses were so fixed on the contests that I oftimes found myself hastily writing names after another bout had been fought. One pairing was almost omitted from my notes completely, so absorbed was I by the awe-inspiring combat. The Honorable Lord Graedwyn and Lord Wolfgang were evenly matched in skill, points of honor and number of wins in this first round of the Rose Royal in which the victors were determined by the best of three bouts. When it seemed as if the valiant adversaries were so perfectly matched that the fight would continue until well after dark, as if an act of grace, his Lordship’s blade leapt out, struck cleanly and Lord Wolfgang fell at his feet. As if this bout was not enough excitement, immediately following it was a contest between Sir Isenwulf and Baron Tristen in which the skilled combatants moved so quickly and with such elegance that it stunned those who witnessed their remarkable feats of arms and unceasing energy.
The bouts went on throughout the late afternoon. As witnessed by those in attendance and as well may be imagined by those who by some twist of fate were not at this tournament, the noble and gallant combatants were all well matched and there was no easy triumph, nor were there any self righteous victors, for all were compelled to competed to the best of their abilities. But alas there can be but one who emerges from such a tournament as he who has shown beyond a doubt that he is both inspired and unsurpassed in prowess. Duke Sir Morguhn, as at two previous tourneys was proclaimed the victor. As his prize, he chose from the largesse box a small chest filled with spices. As we know the good Duke to be not only skilled, but also most generous, it was only a momentary surprise when he turned and presented the box to His Lordship Aengus. I do know for certain that this gift is indeed most treasured and will be put to good use. Many others were asked by Her Majesty to present themselves and choose a gift from the chest for various deeds. Baron Tristen chose a small plain box as a modest gift to give to his lady upon his return home. To his surprise and that of the populace, the box was not empty but contained a lovely pendant. The box had been placed in the chest by Duchess Meirwen as a lesson that from time to time appearance is of little significance to actual value and worth. His Lordship Aengus and Lord Vladisa were rewarded for being the only two combatants to attend all five Rose Royal Tournaments. For their service Her Ladyship Lenora, Mistress of the Lists, Her Ladyship Giulietta, Silver Buccle Herald, and another good herald, Master Fridrikr were each given leave to choose a token. Amid the presentations Her Majesty saw to it that several gentles attending their first event were given a gift to remember the day. When the largesse was depleted, all that remained was the beautiful wooden chest, large enough to hold a man, made by the hand of Master Connor Bowsplitter.
Duchess Dorinda, a true paragon of virtue, walked amidst the fighters and offered each of them a rose to present to their fair consort. When all had received a blossom, Duke Sir Morguhn approached Her Majesty and presented her with his rose. And almost in unison all those kneeling before the Royal pavilion were moved to do likewise. Her Majesty’s arms were full of fragrant roses within a heartbeat and many a proud and strong fighter returned to his place with a tear in his eye. I hope with all my heart that Her Majesty and her sister Ladies of the Rose know how much joy and magic they brought to the Kingdom through these tournaments. No single flower or field of blooms could thank them for their gift.
Shortly following the conclusion of the Tournament, as soon as the list ropes could be taken down and the field set with chairs and benches, court began. Her Majesty had her Herald call forward Baron Tristen and His Lordship Aengus. She spoke to them both about how much she enjoyed watching them throughout the summer. To Baron Tristen she gifted a beautiful rose banner and asked him to display it as a sign to all that he had fought well and received favor from the Ladies of the Rose. She then turned to His Lordship Aengus. She thanked him for his steadfast devotion to the tournaments, his perseverance and prowess within the list as well the faithfulness of his Lady and House and for the dependable appearance of his pavilion, banners and all manner of accoutrements that accompanied him on his travels. For all that he had contributed to the series he was proclaimed the champion of the Rose Royal Tournaments and awarded the incredible chest that had earlier contained the largesse. His Lordship could scarce say a word and his heart was touched at all Her Majesty had said. To thunderous applause and vivats The Honorable Lord returned to his seat, took his lady’s hand in his and thanked her for her inspiration and support, then turned to his children and thanked them as well.
Sadly here end my chronicles of the Rose Royal tournaments hosted by the Ladies of the Rose and Maurya, Queen of AEthelmearc during this thirty-eighth Anno Societatis, being two thousand three by Roman account. Though the tournaments have concluded, I know for certain they will not be forgotten. These honorable enterprises, great adventures and deeds of arms, which took place during these Rose Royal Tournaments, will be preserved and related and those who take up arms in noble contest will be inspired by what they hear. For whilst the beautifully carved chest was the apparent tribute for the winner of the series, the true prize was shared by all who attended the tournaments. The populace was given a gift greater than any created by the hand of any mortal man. All were given a glimpse of the past we so desire to recreate… a time of chivalry, honor, and pageantry, amidst comfort and friendship. Let the sonnets and ballads of the bards and the accounts of those in attendance cause ember like memories of these events to burn fiercely years from now and may all who hear of these tournaments experience at least in some small part the magic of the dream that lived on the list fields of AEthelmearc.