Mordygan, Knighthood

Herald:

In days gone by, there existed many orders of knighthood, which recognized the skill and honor of their members.

(Herald, pause here briefly)

In the service of the King, and in the defense of the noble ideals of chivalry embodied in their Queen, did knighthood achieve its exalted rank. The Society created the Order of Chivalry, which consists equally of the Knights and Masters of Arms, to recognize outstanding martial achievement and the attainment of those qualities and abilities which are the true mark of a Peer. Members of the Order of Chivalry are mighty warriors, but they are also skilled in the arts, and have given of their time to the benefit of the common weal. As such, they have been recognized as Peers of the Realm.

Their Majesties now call before them the Knights and Masters of the Order of Chivalry of the Outlands here assembled and all Chivalry from other lands who wish to attend.

Let Duke Hrothgar speak.

Your Majesty, our numbers are not complete. There is one in your populace who we, Your Knights and Masters, feel is worthy to join us. We beg of You to admit him to our order.

Very well! Let him come forth!

The Crown now calls The Honorable Lord Muiredach MacGregor.

Muiredach's Herald:

Your Majesties! Good gentles all, harken the words for times past and now present!

      Lo! There do I see Koris, General of Your earliest armies!
      Lo! There do I see Michael, Now to rule distant lands!
      Lo! There do I see Kragon, Thrice graced peer of The Realm!
      Lo! There do I see Cristof, dealer of belts of red and rings of gold!
      Lo! There do I see Hrothgar, Great Father of the Thegns! Great King! Mighty lords! Behold he who you have summoned!

Muiredach is min nama. Gregoring eom ic, wiga wide cuþ.

Herald:

Yea, his fame is great. Premiere Desert Fawn of al-Barran, the Promise of the Outlands, Hammer of al-Barran; he is the Defender of the Stags Blood, a Thegn of the Iron Hart and the Scorpion Sting of al-Barran. His enemies regard him, and despair.

Yet We despair not, but are filled with hope, to take such a mighty man in Our service. Let him approach.

Ic hiere, min cyning.

King:

Duke Hrothgar, you have asked if you might speak.

Hrothgar: (Hrothgar asks a boon of King Bela and then releases Muirdach from his service in his own words)

King Bela:

My lords: In the beginning, no man was higher in birth than any other, for all men were descended from a single father and mother. When Adam plowed and Eve span, who was then the gentle man? But with the Fall did envy and covetousness come into the world, and bloody war became a means to suppress the righteous, and brother might come to blows with brother, even as befell both Cain and Abel. And from Cain sprang the race of giants, who make unceasing war upon us to this day. And so were certain men appointed to the Third Estate, that consisting of those who bear arms, and fight, in that they guard and defend the weak and the humble from those that would prey upon them.

Muiredach, having stood vigil and sought sage counsel from Our peers and populace, will you now accept the Accolade of Knighthood from Our hands?

Gif ic eom þe weorþful, min cyning.

Crown:

We do.

King Bela: (King Bela may use own words or:)

This chain, made by the hands of each knight in the Kingdom, has been passed from knight to knight in times passed. Let it now pass from knight to knight again.

Queen Claudia:

Good Sir Zachariah, as a Knight of the Society, affirm that Muiredach has grown in skill of arms and chivalrous grace.

Queen Claudia:

Mistress Beau, as a Mistress of the Laurel speak to Us of Muiredach’s support , knowledge, and abilities, in the Arts and Sciences.

Queen Claudia:

Master Stefan, as a Master of the Pelican tell Us of Muiredach’s dedication and service to the Outlands and her people.

Gentle Peers, we thank you for your counsel. Bring Us Lightning!

King Bela :

Muiredach, you have been deemed fit for this high estate by your peers, and have indicated your willingness to accept knighthood from Our hands.

Do you now swear by all you hold sacred, true and holy that you will honor and defend the Crown and Kingdom of the Outlands?

Mid þys wordum, swerie ic.

With these words, I do swear

Queen Claudia:

Will you honor, defend and protect all ladies and those weaker than yourself? Will you be courteous, and honor your peers of the Chivalry, of the Laurel and of the Pelican?

Mid thys daedum, swerie ic.

With these deeds, I do swear. (Muiredach moves left hand to support lightning)

Will you conduct yourself in all matters as befits a knight, drawing your sword only for just cause? Will you enshrine in your heart the noble ideals of Chivalry to the benefit of your own good name and for the greater glory of the Outlands?

Mid mine mode, swerie ic.

With all that my spirit is, I do swear. King Bela:

Having sworn these solemn oaths of knighthood, know that We, Bela and (Queen says her name) Claudia by right of arms, King and Queen of the Outlands, do dub thee, once for honor.....twice for duty......thrice for chivalry.

King Bela:

Arise -- Sir Muiredach MacGregor.

(Muiredach stands)
(King Bela gives lighting back to champion)
(Queen is given the belt)

Queen Claudia: [Color it up Here!]

Accept this belt of white, which shall symbolize the purity of your honor as a knight of the Order of Chivalry. Know that to be a knight is to exemplify to all people the courteous graces and to aid all who turn to you in need. Wear it always with great pride and humility.

(Queen: Girds the belt on Muiredach)

King Bela (while belt is being girded by queen):

Wear this belt as an outward symbol of what you protect and hold dear. May it serve to remind you of the vows that you swear this day.

(Bela is given the chain)

King Bela:

Accept from Our hands this Chain, passed from knight to knight, for each knight is a link in the honor of Our realm. It symbolizes your fealty to Crown and Kingdom. Know that it is as strong as its weakest link. Never forget the burden of this chain.

(Bela places the chain on Muiredach)

King Bela:

Sir Artan, you have spurs for Sir Muiredach.

Sir Artan:

Sir Muiredach, in former times Knights rode forth to mete out justice in the name of the Crown. Knights used their spurs to goad their warhorses to great deeds of valor upon the field. It is the spurs that symbolized that a man is a knight not his sword, horse, nor armor. Even when destitute, a poor knight would part with all else before his spurs. Take these spurs, which symbolize your devotion to the high ideals of

Chivalry. Wear these spurs to inspire yourself and others to great deeds and virtuous acts. Never let them be hacked off in shame or degradation.

(Baron Gregor and Sir Dennis place spurs on Muiredach during the speech.)

King Bela:

Sir Bohemond you have a sword for Sir Muiredach.

(Bohemond stands to the side of Muiredachís left shoulder so that the sword may be held in front of Muiredach)

Sir Bohemond:

The sword is the weapon of a knight.

(Bohemond pulls sword from scabbard)

The first edge cuts to the truth of the matter, for a knight must always seek the truth.

(Bohemond rotates edge of the sword)

The second edge administers the Crown's justice, and wielded only after the truth has been ascertained, for justice cannot be served without truth.

(Bohemond sheaths the sword)

The scabbard counsels mercy, as Crown and Kingdom are ill served without compassion. Thus shall mercy protect truth and justice. Carry it and always remain worthy of it.

(Bohemond gives sheathed sword to King Bela)

King Bela:

We place this sword in your hand, yet it is not only a symbol of your prowess. You must draw it to strike down evil, smiting those of the rich who oppress the poor, and punishing those of the strong who persecute the weak. Love it not for its sharpness, but use it to bring peace to the world.

(King Bela girds it in the white belt)

Queen Claudia (while King girds the sword):

Know that your sword must ever be offered in the vindication of innocence and the defense of virtue, for a knight must always champion that which is good and true.

King Bela:

Sir Muiredach, We are pleased to accept your oath of fealty.)

Sir Muiredach:

I ask to swear upon Lightning, the sword of the Kings of the Outlands.)

King Bela:

Bring forth Lightning!)

(Champion hands King Bela Lightning)
(Muiredach takes a knee and supports Lightning)

Sir Muiredach:

Her swerie ic me hlaforde, Bela cyninge, he þæt þæt riht to fon rice gewann, ond me hlæfdige, Claudia cwene, þæt ic hie heonone hæle eom. Treowlich folgie ic, ond ic beorge tham wædlingum ond tham waclingum Ic campie to rihte ond togeanes unrihte. Ond thes swerie ic mid tham sweorde mines hlafordes, ond mid mine gyrdele, ond mid mine lanne, ond mid þæm leafum, þæt þa rideras folces Outlondes healdaþ.
Swa secge ic, Muiredach Ridere.)

Muirdach's Herald:

Here in this place do I swear to my lord, King Bela, that won the right to ascend the throne, and my lady, Queen Claudia, (that) I am henceforth their man. Faithfully shall I serve, and I shall guard the poor and the weak. I shall fight for right and against the wrong. And this I swear on the sword of my lord, and my beld, and my chain, and by those beliefs that the knights of the people of the Outlands hold. So say I, Muiredach the Knight. Crown: We accept your fealty and pledge to you that from this day forward you shall be Our liegeman. We will honor your order and defend your rights as a Knight. We will protect the trust you have placed in Us, mighty with justice, tempered with mercy.)

(King Bela hands lighting back to champion

King Bela:

Sir Muiredach, stand and let this be the last blow you receive unanswered...

(Muiredach Stands) (POW!!!)

King Bela:

Let the scroll be read.

Herald:

(Reads Scroll—text below)

King Bela:

Good Chivalry please escort your new brother out…

---

Scroll Text:

Praise the prowess of the Outlanders, in days long sped and those more recent, such tales we have heard, and what honor they won. It is no wonder that chief among them was mighty Bela, great King given such glory of way, such on of combat, and with him Claudia, beloved Queen, royal hearted, her manner thoughtful and her grace sure.

With mind to combat both fierce and calorous, They sat in Royal counsel with noble men, the honored Chivalry, and made it their will to recompense one brave and wise in the way of war, gift him with the treasured accolade and elevate him as a Knight. That esteemed assemblage met this as a right lordly thing, for all revered that from south to north in between the to seas or under the tall sky on the broad earth there were few more fit than Muiredach MacGregor to raise a shield or wield a sword.

It was demanded that Muiredach should attend the Royal will and give his answer before Their court in the southern mountains. In that vale, They gave unto him the belt and chain and spurs. Mighty Bela told all Sire Muiredach bore himself always with valor, behaved with honor, kept his temper and warrior that he was, watched and controlled his strength and natural power. Claudia, graced of wisdom, bade him be acclaimed for virtue and kindly guidance, now as before, already known in might to foeman of the Realm and in honorable courtesy to all sons and daughters of the Stage.

May history bear truth to these words and recall these Letters Patent given and set with mark and authority of the Royal Name on the Fifteenth day of July, in the twentieth year of the sovereignty of the Outlands, being AS XXXXI, bing 2006 in the common era.

Bela King Claudia Queen

Being required to make search in the records of my office, I do find that Muiredach MacGregor may lawfully bear the arms to wit: Argent, a squirrel sejant erect azure within a bordure azure semy of carrots Or. In witness whereof I, Sorcha MacLeod, White Stage Principle Herald, set my hand.

---

more about Mordygan

Ælflæd of Duckford