The Honor of the King*
|
Marie la Fauconniere |
|
Honor shone in the kingdom today Chivalry flowered as the blades were in play The crown that was fallen is raised up anew And graces the brow of a warrior true |
|
King Lutr came to Council looking grave and pale. "I was given a charge and that charge I did fail. I am in default-I have broken my oath. And worse, my error will attaint us both. For myself I could bear nearly any disgrace But my heart bleeds at tears on my lady's face." His Queen steadfast stood forth at his side. "'Twas my error too, and your fate I'll abide." "I would give up my life for the good of this land. But the law must prevail or no law will hence stand. Justice is a blade whose bite is deep and cold. But justice denied causes evil untold." With heavy heart Lutr gave up his Crown And from the Throne of the Dragon stepped down Asked Duke Palymar as steward to stand To care for the people of the leaderless land. Palymar called the lords to meet in debate War threatened soon, they must decide Lutr's fate. "He erred un-intending and his fault he did own, We shall grant him one chance to regain his throne." They called for the finest fighters throughout the land Lutr's penance to be, armed against them to stand To pay for his fault with his life and his throne Or victorious once again call them his own. Brave was the panoply that bedecked that hall But the fighters grieved as they answered the call None wished to raise their blade against their king Or to walk out in victory from that list ring. Each gave Lutr honor, each strove with all might But none could withstand him, neither Lord, Duke nor Knight The love he bore for Tessa gave wings to his blade Lutr's arm would not falter nor his strength ever fade. At last all had fallen to him save one proud knight Duke Dag, blade proven in many a fight He came forth and silence fell throughout that hall: Three passes would answer the kingdom's call. First pass, weapons flashed, parry and blow A swift shrewd stroke laid the bold Duke low. Second pass, marshal spoke, bid them have care But then Dag stepped back--and his head was bare. He said, "As knights we swear, our king to obey To be foremost in battle, to carry the day But our greatest vow is to defend the right That is the goal of our prowess and might. The law says this man must fight for his crown. I say that he has, and has earned his renown, By law and by strength raised his lady on high, He is my true king, I'll defend him or die. "I give you the chain of my knightly estate, 'Tis heavy, but the crown is of far greater weight. Do as you will, my life's in your hand: Take my title, take my head for the good of this land." Fair Queen Tessa, great and gentle of heart Said "Your vow is unbroken for you took the land's part, Stand now with Us once again at Our side, Brave Knight, loyal Duke, be Our counsel and guide." Honor demanded Lutr renounce his crown And honor returned him to high renown Virtue is rewarded, good triumphs at last When the realm is in the hands of such leaders steadfast. Honor shines in this kingdom today Chivalry flowers when the blades are in play The crown that was fallen is raised up anew Ever cherished in the hearts of warriors true. |
|
The words of Duke Dag: ** As knights we take oaths to be obedient to our liege. Where is my liege? We take other oaths to be foremost in battle. The greatest oath is to be champion of the right and good. Kings take oaths as well to our oathbearers. And one of those oaths is to uphold the law. The law says that this man must fight for his crown. I say he has done so. Upholding the law may cost the man his throne, and his lady a crown. I say this man has done that. I say that standing before me now is a true king, and I will not raise my weapons further against him. |
| This page maintained by Cerian Cantwr, cerian@minstrel.com. |