Here recount I the tale of the Deed of the Swan Knight, as I remember and perceived it. May God be my witness and aid in my memory!
This past weekend my Companions and I traveled the long journey to La Cygne, Kansas to accept the challenge of the Noble Knights of the Medieval Swordsman’s Guild of Kansas City. Our company was split into two travelling parties, the main host leaving together from Laurel, Mississippi with our equipment, while the other was the pair of men-at-arms who’s quests had scattered them far from the Selve dell’Arme.
Stan and I made great joy of one another during our trip, jamming out to our favorite road trip tunes and reading each other sections of Sir Malory’s Le Morte Darthur. As we stopped to tie our horse to a tree and refresh ourselves, we were blessed with a great marvel of errantry; lo! our companions stopped at the same gas station at the same time as we without planning it! And so the Company made great joy of one another and we were filled with the resolve to finish the journey.
At the Deed, there was a grand reunion of old friends and many new acquaintances were made. There was armoring work completed, martial classes attended, many fun fighting opportunities and a permeating atmosphere of camaraderie, goodwill, cooperation, competition, and immersion.
The day set forth for the Deed of Arms came, and the Tennans took to the field. The Vennans were hot on their heels, ready to exchange blows and demonstrate their Art. The first half of the Tale of the Swan Knight was enacted to set the stage for the celebration of chivalry to take place. Seeing that the damsel beset by the villain had no champion, Sir Scott, Exemplar of Chivalry, set forth to take the quest. Unfortunately his offer was turned down because The Knight and Swan were walking up behind his vision to enter the field and continue the play.
The Swan Knight having defeated the contentious, would-be deposer of his lady, the Captains of the two companies convened to arrange the first bout. The honor of representing the Vennans fell to me, against the lusty, Dan Ireton. The fight was vigorous, and many strong blows were given by both parties, and in the end Sir Dan had the better of it. Well fought!
The Captains Sir Joshua and Sir Stan, as well as the lovely list mistresses Richelle and Alyson, made sure that the matches were smooth and the flow uninterrupted. In all, it was the best run Deed that this gent has had the privilege to see. I wish here to heap up unending complements to the organizers and squires, well done all!
Many good and hardy bouts were had, and honor and esteem was won by all. It would be too much to recount each fight here, as my memory is failing, and surely my dear readers would not have the time to read them all! Nevertheless, I will state that my favorite fight was with Leo at the subtle dagger. It was a pleasure to wrestle with you in harness and practice doing as our venerable Master Fiore suggests “I wait for you motionless”.
When all the fights were fought and all the deeds done, the Tennans stood tall and carried the day, proving their prowess and dedication to their Art! There are many more things to say about the wonderful Deed of the Swan Knight, but alas this tale begins to draw on overlong.
If I have missed a thank you or congratulation, I prithee forgiveness. This tale I do commit to writing to increase the renown of those involved and to spread the Gospel of Arms to all who might hear and rejoice!
In service to the Art, Garrison Morton, a poor young man.