In the current year of our beloved Society, those gathered in the month of February by the field of the Clough of Linnet to see the great tournament were witness to a strange sight. Not the rain which had fallen for forty days and nights, or the wind that constantly howled and moaned or so it seemed to the Company there gathered, to the ladies who huddled in their warmest garb, to the Chivalry who despatched their squires for their heaviest cloak, or to the Marshal who declared that the tournament to provide heirs to the Principality should be held between the kitchen and the hall, where the ground would bear the weight of an armed warrior. The number of the combatants in this great tournament was at that time less than even, so that for great love of Courtesy and that the fighters might have benefit of his skill and desire to promote learning, His Majesty Aerikr also took the field as a Bye fighter.
And so it was that after a break, for the fighting had been hard with many great blows inflicted upon helm and hauberk, and many great warriors chivalrously defeated by their opponents, though they gave great resistance, that his Majesty took the field. Before he could strike a blow, the Chivalry cried “hold!” of one voice, for a new combatant walked upon the field, even though he had sought no approval and sent no letter and the Seneschal knew not his name.
This brave and proud warrior was long and lean of limb, pointed of face and large of ear. His hair was of a curious sandy hue, with streaks of brown and black, his breast and feet as white as the swan and behind he bore a great ringed plume which he carried proudly. For this was Oscar, c(h)atelaine of that place, born to his fief 18 summers ago, he bore a man’s whiskers on his chin, and, so the gatekeeper attested, he was wont to patrol his lands each day, lest any invade and lay siege to them. And as Oscar crossed to the field he went not first to the Lady Alessandra who bore on her shield the cat paly, nor to the lady Eowen who bore on hers his own image. This proud lord, scion of the Great Cat of Ra, went first unto Sir Avery of Westfall who cried to the company “Here is our friend come to see us, let us welcome him”. At that the Lady Alessandra gave much assent crying, “yes, let us welcome him, for he is old for one of his race and at 18 summers this may be his last time on the field.” Then did Sir Elfin, Duke Drachenwald, agree saying most wisely “if he is of 18 summers then he asserts correctly his right to be on the field, for he is come of age even though he be not auth’d.”
Then did the company welcome on to the field Oscar, and grant unto him by this assent auth for the day and Oscar made fit to assail the King. He took his stance, keeping his distance and raised his arm which bore no less than five sharp blades - and then he yielded, blinking with his eyes, as his race is wont to do. Thus Oscar showed wisdom in his valor and a lesson to those who would always seek glory without first considering their odds. This Oscar paid unto Aerikr great homage and acknowledged him as his liege lord, and Aerikr accepted his homage. He allowed him to leave with honor and to cross the field to the company of the ladies who welcomed him with great joy and much rubbing of ears and scratching of belly and this Oscar showed by his courtesy and gentleness that he was well accustomed to such.
And on that day was victory granted by the strength of his arm and the extent of his chivalry and courtesy to Sir Avery of Westfall and his wise and beautiful lady Zoë, that they might rule our great principality. As for Oscar, he walks his domains still, for he is of age to be on the field, and still he looks at Kings, and is loved by ladies, for I have heard no different.
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