La Chanson du Beau Danseur IV (487)

The arms of Sir Benesek

Wherein he doth be large in feast of lief, and thereafter carpeth with haut princes.

Recovered from his sore brunt did Sir Benesek seek to London town with Sir Gorvannon and Sir Evan, where all sought done for Winter fest, for the haut court 'twas in Sarum that year, with King Uther and all gentle barons present, and 'twould be much time for honour and stuffing. There did all the knights assay to buy such as they might, excepting Sir Gorvannon, who was in bale bezants. Sir Evan bought his dones, and Sir Benesek did purchase a beauteous peregrine for his wife, and a goshawk male for his friend Sir Gorvannon, in full largeness, as well as other gifts, of which note to come.

Such acts accomplished did the knights repair with succeed for Salisbury, and there did they do worship to the Earl and their king, and make merry disport with the rude knights of Silchester, who had come also with their liege Duke Ulfius, to make worship and carp. To his vassals did Sir Benesek gift much finery of harness and arrayment, while to his liege lord and lady did he gift a passing fine gauntlet for the hawk, of leather well beseen and fur well purfiled, with jewels too; while Sir Evan gave a scabbard most finely craft. Earl Roderick was full pleased with such done, and there was goodly weal.

The lord of Salisbury was himself large, as were Duke Ulfius to his liege with a tapestry well industried, and Prince Madoc who paraded thusly the great gree of his campaigns with the Saxons. Yet it was the king himself, Uther, who most befittingly gave great meed to his loyal subjects, with bags of silver for all gentle knights, and twice that for Sir Benesek and Sir Dalan, who had won fair renown. Still the greatest done had yet to pass, for thereupon did that haut warlock Merlin come unto the feast and all was still at his presence.
"I bid thee welcome to these halls, Merlin," said the king, "For thou art always welcome in my court."

After giving worship to Uther, did Merlin carp stiffly to king and all: "Gold and silver, arrayment from far distant launds, these doth surely be gifts worthy of a king. Yet thou, Uther, deservest more, for surely no one in the world hath sat as highly as thee, not even the emperors of Rome. Yet even thou lackest one thing... Such a great man deserveth naught but the best, and he who would bring peace to the whole of our great land deserveth all that would help him to obtain it. And so I, thy humble servant, am pleased to offer thee, from these weak hands, this..."

And thereupon was there much ado, for did Merlin parade forth that terrible and trenchant glaive doned from the fey lake and its maid, a gree whichtofore the knights of Salisbury had so wightly forbade!

"Behold Excalibur, Sword of Victory!" spake Merlin, as Uther hent it so, and all were awonder afore king, his warlock and his glaive alike.

*****

In great joy of their marriage, and the issuance therefrom of two sons rude and fair, did Sir Benesek and his maid set to hold a well stuffed feast after the haut court, to which fully ten dozen knights and lords, and ten dozen ladies and maidens more, were made invite. 'Twas a Festival of Lovers indeed, held upon the Feast of St Valentine at Figheldean manor, and all were well bedecked and beseen, arrayed with the heart, knot and manche of lief. Knight and lady sat each aside, and did stuff themselves with the eggs of geese, pheasant, quail and sparrow. In his largeness did Sir Benesek also stuff the villeins of Figheldean and Alton in his fields, to common weal.

Glorious indeed were the guests to feast: Earl Roderick and the Lady Ellen of Salisbury; Sir Brastias of haut court, and other knights and ladies of Logres therebesides; Lord Sextus of Silchester, son of Duke Ulfius; such knights of Silchester as were companions of Sir Dalan ap Gout, as Sir Gywn ap Llewedd, Sir Gilbert le Ginge, Sir Ydris and Sir Cecil; those wightly companions of Sir Benesek himself, cleanest-mighted Sir Gorvannon, that actual knight Sir Evan, and Sir Pedivere, much-recovered; hale Sir Ambig, fellow Banneret of the Banner, and hearty Sir Elad of Vagon; the vassals of the lord and host, Sir Arranz de Milston, Sir Elowen d'Alton, Sir Jago d'Haxton and Sir Perran of Fittleton Manor; his household knights as guards of honour, Sir Marrek and Sir Denzil; and many fair maids besides, of such passing tatch as the Lady Azenor de la Manchenoire, the Lady Ysbail du Nord, the Lady Oriana of Laverstock, the Lady Indeg thrice-widowed and the Ladies Elaine and Gwiona of Salisbury, and the Lady Colwen of Silchester way.

Now, the morn before the fest had Sir Benesek held a hunt in the confines of Figheldean Forest, for a wolf pack had been sighted over winter past, and all assayed to find its feute and secure its rasure. 'Twas Sir Gwyn ap Llewedd that was the greatest in spear and seat, and to whom Sir Benesek bestowed the done of a golden ring, as the most passing gentle knight of the fest. Likewise, therefore, on that eve of merryment did the lord and lady put prize to the lady most passing fair in heart and like, and bid knights do worship in those that would take her name.

In the end it was the Lady Colwen of Silchester and the Lady Gwiona of Salisbury that were most gently extolled for their fairness, by the knights Sir Gilbert and Sir Gorvannon respectively, and the lord and lady host were most noyous at having to choose between such clean maids. Yet it was to Lady Gwiona that the gree was given, and she was crowned queen of the Feast with a circlet of silver, to haut joy.

[Knights were encouraged to make skill rolls in an attempt to extol the virtues of certain ladies. Sir Benesek was in the end faced with the choice between Lady Colwen (wooed by the Silchester knight Sir Gilbert) and Lady Gwiona (sought by his friend Sir Gorvannon, with whom he had been trying to set her up). Sir Gilbert made the better attempt, and Sir Benesek attempted to be Just and reward such, setting aside his natural inclination towards Sir Gorvannon, but fumbled...]

Such was the mood for love that great worship was done unto ladies by galliard knights, and many followed in goodly spirit Sir Benesek and Lady Adwen, who as hosts danced passing well in lief and weal before their guests to great delight. No fewer than four couples were betrothed that St Valentine's eve, and such ado as was caused by raundom and meddle was for while forgotten. Thusly was Sir Gorvannon matched with the Lady Gwiona, Queen of the Feast; Sir Dalan ap Gout of the Banner matched with the Lady Indeg; Sir Breunis of Berwick-St James matched with the Lady Elaine; and Sir Evan of Woodford matched with the Lady Oriana of Laverstock, all unto great weal.

[A general +5 bonus was given to all skills, traits and passions pertaining to matters of love or lust at the feast.]

*****

Now, it came to be that many lords and knights were summoned unto the king that Spring, for there was much ado for the realm without and within. Some sought gainly for the shores of Gallia to the east, wherein a great and raundomous raid was to doned to the Saxon hosts, while others still, including the Earl Roderick, were betaken of Uther for a great embassy to the northern barons, who had proven bale vassals with little regard to their king's appurtenance.

Thusly did Sir Benesek accompany his lord and king northwards, busking for the launds of Lindsey. Sir Gorvannon and Sir Evan had passed east for the raids, so the well-faired banneret rode alongside three Silchester knights: Sir Gilbert le Ginge of Broughton-in-Silchester, Sir Ydris of good renown, and Sir Cecil of gentle parage. 'Twas Sir Gilbert that had sought the hand of the Lady Colwen at the Festival of Lovers, but he had been meddled in such by the person of Lord Sextus of Silchester, son of Duke Ulfius, whom some hight Prince. Sir Gilbert was a passing vengeful knight, and in no little wood at such an unhappy state.

Upon the embassy reaching Lindsey was there much ado, for of the duke there was no sign but his steward, who wite his lord's passage not, and verily King Uther did to upbraid him so, for what hospitality was this of his lord? There was much heat at such as came to pass, that the king commanded the brachets be loosed in hunt and chase, for goodly disport, or such heat turned to random. There was good hunting in the forests of Lindsey, and Sir Benesek, Sir Gilbert, Sir Ydris and Sir Cecil rode wightly in train, accompanied by Sir Ydris' gentle brachets, alaunts both, rude and gainly. Sir Gilbert was the better tatched hunter, armed with a wightly giserne, and 'twas he that did to seek the feute, while his fellows did to sue.

There so doing did the knights come upon Lord Sextus at traverse, whom Sir Gilbert had always done to kept in awaiting. That very moment was there great ado, for a flight of birds avoided that Silchester prince sadly, and Sir Gilbert and Sir Cecil, most gently knights, did stay and assay to aid that lord unhorsed, while Sir Benesek and Sir Ydris rode onwards to sue the feute. Later did Sir Gilbert rejoin his companions, but of Sir Cecil or Lord Sextus there was no awaiting, or those loyal brachets of Sir Ydris also, and with the feute cold did all to repair to bed and stuffing.

That following morn was there some ado, for none had avised Lord Sextus or Sir Gilbert since the day prior, or Sir Ydris' alaunts, and thusly did the knights assay to seek for their companions. Sir Gilbert could at first could not find his path, but Sir Ydris and Sir Benesek showed great tatch and occasioned upon it anon, and sought for its source. There were they verily astoned at such a raundomous scene as they did find, for Lord Sextus, Sir Gilbert and Sir Ydris' brachets were all alike to-razed unto death, for dole!

More sad indeed was the field of meddle, for in Lord Sextus was Sir Cecil's glaive so noyously foined, as if he had slain such lord in dishonour! A brachet too was at traverse with Sir Cecil, as if he had defended Lord Sextus from his blows, and done that knight's utterance with his own. And thus was Sir Ydris in much dole at his gentle hounds' passing.

"This doth be woe, indeed, Sir knights," lamented Sir Gilbert, "for see ye what Sir Cecil hath done! For that doth be his blade in Lord Sextus, if I am not so very mistaken, and he hath done his utterance most traitorously indeed! Gramercy that Sir Ydris' brachets behaved so gentle as to giveth their lives in right defence."

Sir Benesek was dole at such, indeed, and carped "Alas! Sir Gilbert, perhaps thou art right, for this is a piteous scene indeed. But awaitst thou these sore plaies on Sir Cecil, for such are not the razings of the glaive but the giserne, pardie! Nay, I fear it doth be Saxon shrew that caused such wrack, for whom but they are dressed with such bale weaponry?"

"If there doth be Saxons in these woods," spered Sir Gilbert in reply, "then might not have Sir Cecil been in their league, and led them thus, ere they did do his utterance also so that none might carp?"

"Aye, verily," agreed Sir Benesek, "for such is the meed those shrewd and breme foes giveth over to their friends. But, nay, I shall not hight Sir Cecil such yet."

Upon returning to Lindsey's castle the knights did find said duke at last in attendance upon King Uther, and great stuffing was made in feast. There did Uther command Sir Benesek to tell the tale of how Excalibur was won from the fey lake by Merlin, which that knight did, though he did no great worship to the designs of that haut warlock, and spake gently of Sir Dafydd ap Bryn. Upon seeing that trenchant and terrible glaive did Duke Lindsey make worship at once to his king, his old doubts rasured.

*****

Thereupon did King Uther command a boon of his knights, bidding them seek for Eburacum and the demesnes of Malahaut. This devoir did Sir Gilbert, Sir Ydris and Sir Benesek do, accompanied by that well-faired knights hale grandfather, Sir Carantoc, and Sir Denzil, a bachelor of the banneret's household. Together they yode to Eburacum, but again was the lord voided from his castle, for he sought battle against the Saxons, and few remained.

Thusly did the knights meet venerable Sir Ulfig, who wite the whereabouts of the Centurion King and made affiance to take them hence. Together they sought gainly across Malahaut lands, until they came upon a party of four Saxons, ahorsed all, and no doubts scouts for some greater paynim host. Wightly did the knights assay to overjoust such foes, and after mean meddle was but one left at Sir Benesek's glaive, who did surrender and speak of the place of encampment of the armies.

Sir Benesek and his companions were astonied at such, for it tallied not with Sir Ufig's own carping, and that venerable knight made great protestation of the Saxon's falseness. Yet but for Sir Ulfig did the knights give credence to the paynim's tale, and busked therefrom forthwith. To weal was that Saxon proved right, for thusly did the knights await upon encampments of Malahaut and Saxon both, and assay to give their worship to the Centurion King. Yet that haut prince was a shrewd and orgulous gentleman, and gave but little large or behote unto Uther or he bid them be hence.

Thus endeth the fourth part of the tale of Sir Benesek.

Sir Benesek (Winter Phase 487, aged 26), Glory 3,153
SIZ 14, DEX 13, STR 13, CON 11, APP 16
Mains Skills: Compose 11, Courtesy 10, Dancing 22, Flirting 15, Orate 10; Battle 15, Horsemanship 15, Lance 15, Sword 18.
Famous Traits and Passions: Energetic 16, Valorous 17; Love (Adwen) 16.

487 Lady Indeg (NPC - Salisbury)

What a year! I quite surprised myself with how spontaneous I could be, I always felt young at heart but it seemed I was more like a slip of a girl of 25 rather than 45.
It was at the delightful Feast of St. Valentine held by Sir Benesek and his beauty of a wife Lady Adwen. After the death of Sir Dafydd at the hands of a cruel giant I was in no mood for love, I swore I was cursed after outliving two husbands and now this but my ladies-in-waiting were obviously so keen to attend that I could not deny them.
Thus I was seated between to Sir Evan the cousin of the brave Sir Dafydd and Sir Dalan a knight from Silchester whom I had not had the pleasure of meeting before.
Whilst Sir Evan was a pleasant enough knight (I'm sure given time I could have fallen for him as I was starting to for Sir Dafydd) but it was the brave Sir Dalan (he explained how he too had been recently widowed) combined with the delightful wine served by our hosts and the mood of love all around overcame my melancholy and I was sweeped off my feet [OCC:Sir Dalan Criticaled his flirting roll] and he and I were married on the morrow (along with a number of other guests it seems).

La Dameisele de la Manchenoire (487)

Lady Azenor de la Manchenoire

Rumours suggest that a lady of gentle parage accompanied the court of Praetor Syragius to Britain, and that said maiden, the Lady Azenor de la Manchenoire, might grace the Festival of Lovers in Netheravon with her presence.

The Feast of St Valentine, 487

In celebration of their recent marriage and the birth of their two sons, Sir Benesek and Lady Adwen of the Bannerety of Netheravon are to hold a Festival for Lovers, on the Feast of St Valentine in the year of our Lord 487. A goodly glorious hunt shall precede the feast, wherefor the gentlest knight shall receive a gift for his valour. The most passing fair maiden shall receive a gift also, in honour of beauty. The foods of love shall be served.

[OOC: This was meant to be held in 486 - i.e. last week - but the session got off to a late start. The superb feast shall cost £18 in total: £4 in festive meat for the 240 lords and ladies attending, and a further £1 for 2 POP of peasants invited to a lesser festival held on Sir Benesek's lands; £2 on an extra pavilion for the lords and ladies, £1 for a massive tent for the peasants, £4 for a further two days' worth of general food and fodder for guests; a £1 each on gifts for the knight and lady; £2 on a couple of garments in addition to those bought through a superlative lifestyle; and £2 on two-dozen musicians and various entertainers.]

486 Lady Indeg (NPC - Salisbury)

My ladies in waiting inform me that Sir Dafydd ap Bryn has been cruelly killed by a fearsome giant while upon an errand for the magician Merlin, this does grieve me terribly for I had enjoyed the company of this young knight especially his tales of daring do in skirmish and battle, although his attempts at courtly manner were not always so well received.
I understand he rushed in without thought for the danger to attack the brute but that he was laid low by a single swipe of an uprooted tree! At least he would not have suffered as he was surely killed instantly.
Maybe it was for the best the rumours of horse thievery and moral turpitude within his family could have made him a poor match even if he was mighty vigorous!

La Chanson du Beau Danseur III (486)

The arms of Sir Gorvannon

Wherein he doth find the warlock Merlin at traverse, lose a companion, and be stricken sore by a baleful giserne.

Now it came to pass that a new knight was betaught unto Sir Benesek and his companions, hight Sir Pedivere, and he was a big soul who fought wood in meddle. Great bruit was his for his appurtence shewn in his demesne, for he gave no little meed in his courts to a somewhat galliard priest of actual temperament, and thus although a paynim ever was he a friend of the Church.

Thusly were these four knights of Salisbury whom Earl Roderick sent forth in service upon his roads to defend wanhope's passage. In the van drove the well-faired banneret Sir Benesek, his weeds and harness goodly purfiled and beseen. Then came cleanest-mighted Sir Gorvannon, that haut-carped and rude paynim Sir Dafydd, and that breme personage Sir Pedivere.

Muchly astill were the roads, with naught to await but the occasional peddlar in his chariot, sought for Sarum, or villeins few set for market, who gave their worship. Thereupon did the knights come at traverse upon one such mean and decrepit churl, sadly beseen and in much dole. As he awaited the banner approaching, he cackled "Gentle knights, pardie, but I beg that ye will do me large, for that shrewd goat of mine is succeeded up yon hill! Ye shall know it well, for it is passing big for such, and is arrayed as swart as a paynim of launds orient!"

At this Sir Gorvannon, in the feute to-hent as well as any, cried "Stay thine ado, old villein, for I shall assay myself so and recover thy goat," and abraided his horse up the slope. But a minute had passed ere Sir Gorvannon returned, his vise astonied.

"'Zounds and 'zooks, gentle knights," he uttered in wonder, "I bid ye busk hence, for said goat 'tis a freke of marvel, and ye must await yourselves also!"

So did Sir Benesek, Sir Dafydd and Sir Pedivere succeed upon Sir Gorvannon's feute, and awaited upon said goat, a freke bear-sized but alive, gayly-tripping about branch and brook in all disport. Or ever had the knights witnessed upon its body ere a thrice-eyed and passing gigantic cove came upon the goat and swapped it a sad brunt. Araged, but doubting the giant not, the knights aventred and dighted for meddle, and Sir Benesek spered of the beast thusly, "Wherefore art thou to be about a humble villein's goat so, thou recrayed Bashinite? Wost thou that this be Salisbury land, so get thee hence!"

The giant paid him no heed and spiteously cast a goodly sized boulder in Sir Benesek's direction, which the knight shunted gainly; whence Sir Gorvannon and Sir Dafydd drove wood at the giant with spears in fewter cast for rasure. But alas! the freke was fully wight, and hent a great branch from yonder ground with which he shaped at Sir Dafydd, and swapped him most dole with such a brunt that he was cast bodily from his charger and slain anon.

Awaiting upon the passing of that rude galliard of note, Sir Benesek and Sir Pedivere seethed wood, and succeeded stiffly at the shrewd and breme giant, whereupon it was broached sore by the their spears, and all fell to meddle. All strained themselves wightly and held the giant hot, though it unhorsed such as Sir Benesek and brunted his companions both, and all were to razing most closely in the raundom with glaive.

Now accompanying the knights had been a young bachelor hight Sir Evan of Woodford, a cousin of Sir Dafydd who remained by the road with the Earl's soldiers. Upon hearing the clamour and ado he did venture to its source, and was astonied sore when he avised the form of his lief cuz so sorely handled by the gigantic freke. Uneath had he awaited so when he abraided at the giant wroth and wood, and broached him straitly with his spear so that the monster was slain anon, and his head was taken as gree by Sir Evan.

Thereupon the old villein appeared again, cackling with disport, and the knights were full astonied, for they avised that it was no baleful churl, but that warlock that did service to the king, that haut sorcerer, Merlin. "Ye will do," he carped, "I bid ye come with me hence."

Afore they left he saw to their wracks with no common leechcraft, but alas! the rude galliard Sir Dafydd was full slain, and no tatch of weed or hand could revive him. Merlin led them onward so, unhorsed and unsquired, with glaive and targe alone. They made journey through a forest most passing fey, until the sorcerer gave stint to his journey and cried forth to the knights "There! Protect me now, good knights, for the sake of your king and your lives!"

Now, the knights were wroth and wood at the loss of their companion, and verily made so.

"Protect thee and thy scheme, haut warlock?" spered Sir Benesek. "Forsooth, have we not already assayed so, and to much dere, by a mal engine of thine?"

"Aye, Sir Benesek," upbraided Sir Gorvannon, "so sayeth this sorcerer little well of his own wite in our devoir, and that of Sir Dafydd, and to what end?"

Yet such discourse was stinted, for busking gainly from yonder reaches of the forest came a knight most slimy beseen, trussed with wretched harness and malodorous charger both, and fully four arms grasped his clubs and glaives well aventred. With a doubtful bellow, he gave charge and treated the knights sore, for he meddled wightly until they were attaint, and they could give him no plaie or swap him dole. Sir Pedivere and Sir Evan were both sorely wracked, ere Sir Benesek and Sir Gorvannon did dere, and that cleanest-mighted knight did the fell freke's utterance.

The raundom over, Sir Benesek and Sir Gorvannon, forfoughten both, sought for Merlin without success, ere they awaited upon him at a nearby lake, verily shrouded in a fog of what engine they knew not. There, within a barge on the waters stood that haut warlock, carping strangely until a shining arm broke its placid surface, a glaive most trenchant and well beseen aclasp in its hand. Thereupon did Merlin hent said glaive in all reverence and worship, and return thence to the shore, and all was wonder. Sir Pedivere and Sir Evan were well leeched, and all returned to Salisbury to speak to great bruit of such as they had seen.

[After the adventure, Sir Benesek and Sir Gorvannon both asked for, and gained, a directed trait of +5 Suspicious vs Merlin...]

*****

Later that summer was Sir Pedivere's manor was araided by breme Saxons, who found but little stuffing therefrom, for it had been a poor year for said knight and his weeds and meat were of bale proportion. Yet still the foes were intent upon their raundom, and Sir Pedivere succeeded thence, accompanied by Sir Benesek, Sir Gorvannon and Sir Evan, to fleme such foes from Salisbury lands.

Eight Saxons they found, trussed with spears and gisernes both, and araged as was their wont. Freshly did the knights assay to overcharge them all, though outnumbered, and thus fain did Sir Benesek and Sir Gorvannon in all valour set about gainly the orgulous champion and leader of that host, putting their bodies in full devoir of Sir Pedivere. Sad and strait indeed was the meddle and strife that followed, but to little meed for any party.

The galliard knights overcharged the Saxons wightly at first, but in the meddle was much plaie made on all. Sir Benesek broached that breme-giserned knave and a paynim warrior alike with the same spear, but his mazed foe was passing rude, and of sad dere was the well faired knight more receit, and all for-bled his loyal charger avoided him thence. Likewise was Sir Pedivere, who fought so wood and wightly, wracked sorely, while Sir Gorvannon and Sir Dafydd were borne up by their hands until all were attaint.

Thus did both hosts do parley, and yielded themselves from the stour but that further rasure of Sir Pedivere's launds was forbade. Thereupon did Sir Gorvannon an Sir Dafydd let fetched leeches, for dole indeed were brunts their fellows had received in the meddle. Thereafter Sir Benesek was returned to Netheravon, whereupon the fair Lady Adwen was ado with raging at such dere as she awaited upon her lord, until a dozen and one weeks had passed and Sir Benesek was again hale.

Thus endeth the third part of the tale of Sir Benesek.

Sir Benesek (Winter Phase 486, aged 25), Glory 2,859
SIZ 14, DEX 13, STR 13, CON 11, APP 16
Main Skills: Compose 11, Courtesy 10, Dancing 22, Flirting 15, Orate 10; Horsemanship 15, Lance 15, Sword 17.
Famous Traits and Passions: Energetic 16, Valorous 17; Love (Adwen) 16.

The Chapel to Saint Silvester begun (486)

In due worship of our Lord God and service to the Holy Church of these Isles, this day of Yule has Sir Benesek laid the foundation stone of a new chapel to be built in the township of Netheravon, in the County of Salisbury, and consecrated to the ever glorious veneration of St Silvester.

Writ on the Feast of St Silvester, on the thirty-first day of December, in the year of our Lord 486.

The Bannerety of Netheravon, c. 486

By virtue of his marriage to the Lady Adwen, Sir Benesek received by her dowry the title to six manors situated along the River Avon, the former fief of Sir Bles. This made Sir Benesek a banneret knight, with a fief of a total population of around 5,000 (12 POP). Half its villeins and townsfolk live in demesne lands, and half among enfeoffed manors.

The bannerety is centred on the medium town of Netheravon (4 POP), which provides Sir Benesek his manorial seat and his sole defensive work: a motte-and-bailey castle (DV 5/3). The seat lies close to where the old track of the Salisbury Main crosses the River Avon. The neighbouring small town of Figheldean (1 POP) accounts for the other demesne settlement on the river. The lord's hydes and hyrds stretch either side of Avon, and up into Figheldean Forest (a local stretch of the Chute Forest) beyond.

Cholderton (1 POP), the small town that was the former seat of Sir Benesek as a vassal knight, lies less than ten miles to the east, under the shadow of Beacon Hill. Its wooded lands flank the River Bourne, and the overgrown delves of "Devil's Ditch" provide a border with the manors to the north. All told, in an average year the demesne lands bring in some £32 per annum in food (including the Lord's Portion from his hydes and hyrds) and £26 in goods, rights (many derived from forestry) and court fees.

The banneret's vassals hold enfeoffed manors both up- and downriver of Netheravon. Sir Arranz de Milston (Loyalty 11) is the most powerful, holding sizeable lands around said small town (3 POP in total); understandably the lord requests of him £1 in coin every year. The others, Sir Elowen d'Alton (Loyalty 14), Sir Perran of Fittleton (Loyalty 11) and Sir Jago of Haxton (Loyalty 13), each possess 1 POP manors.

With the recent accession of Sir Benesek to the bannerety, much is in flux; but at present the lord retains two household knights and around two-dozen soldiers. The years 485 and 486 saw excellent harvests, and the State of the Land is 14. Current Loyalties: Liege 14, Entourage 15, Soldiers 11, Peasants 12, Church 8.

La Chanson du Beau Danseur II (485)

Lady Adwen of Netheravon

Wherein he doth seize a banner from the orgulous and lewdest Saxon host, and win a wife.

Sith the paynim Saxon foes held hot the marches of Britain, the noble estates were made dight for skirmish and stour. Knights so dressed and aventred sought the muster, with their levies to sue, and all was ado. In Salisbury well-faired and haut-trod Sir Benesek, cleanest-mighted Sir Gorvannon and the better carping galliard Sir Dafydd made their service ere they busked to war, and betaught their body unto bruit or leech.

Many ladies of the court were noyous at such as had come to pass, and the knights gave their worship in comfort. There in Sarum, did Sir Dafydd grow raging for the thrice-widowed Lady Indeg, and clean Sir Gorvannon court Gwiona of Laverstock, fair daughter of Sir John. It was thus that Sir Gorvannon came upon young Sir Jaradan, who was avised stilly and with merit by a handmaiden of the fair pucelle of Laverstock.

Both were knights actual and wight, given to bobaunce and bourding avaunt, and weened they might win a lady's favour by such display. Thusly did Sir Gorvannon and Sir Jaradan dress to meddle for love, in weal rather than wood. So did they set upon each other with glaive and shield, and soon Sir Gorvannon swapped his foe a passing sad brunt that reached a box even-informed, so that harness and targe alike were to-brast, and he did dere Sir Jaradan dolorously. To his bruit Sir Jaradan remained standing but astonied, for he was soon all for-bled.

Upon seeing his craft and his foe awrack, Sir Gorvannon cast down his arms in dole, and cried for the leeches. Sir Jaradan recovered goodly well, but would take no part in the stour to come, and Sir Gorvannon bemoaned such a piteous meed.

Whilst such noble knights were afought, Sir Benesek did give his worship to the Lady Adwen, and on the feast afore the knights sought King Uther's host, he led her in a dance of such passing life and raging that the maid's leres were aflame as she said unto Sir Benesek, "Goodly knight, thou art truly le beau danseur!"

"Mildest maid," Sir Benesek replied, "verily, thou dost me too great an honour. Would I misdo thy largeness if I assayed to beg of thee a token that I might take unto the field of stour?"

"Nay, Sir Benesek, that thou wouldst not," she replied, and from her neck removed a scarf of azure, which was passed in done to the knight.

*****

From Salisbury did Lord Roderick's battle yede with the king's well-furnished band, and assayed to meet the paynim Saxons at Mearcred Creek, in the South Saxon lands. To this field sought Duke Ulfius of Silchester with the vanguard, followed hence by the king and his son, Prince Madoc, with the main battle. Salisbury's knights rode among the last, to rearward, to be about the left battle, and thus forbid the enemy's greatest wight with their endeavour. Sir Benesek, Sir Dafydd and Sir Gorvannon were betaken to the banner of noble Sir Ambig, and espied their enemies freshly.

King Ælle's host was orgulous set, pitiful in its arrayment but for its gisernes most breme, wielded by the biggest and araged paynim, uncouth and unbeseen. Others were but churs and villeins, though even the meanest and lewdest Saxon was a rude freke, stuffed with drink. Uneath the horns had sounded when the horses abraided forth, and the knights of Salisbury drove stiffly at this enemy, spears in fewter cast, as they succeeded wightly to bruit and meddle. Each strained and eagered him to be the gainest, to sue none but his banneret.

By the first charge were the Saxons put muchly to wrack and appair, their lines to-riven and to-brast, as spears aplenty broached them bodily but if they were overcharged by horse and hoof. Sir Benesek swapped a foe sore with such a sad foin that he was slain anon, and Sir Gorvannon and Sir Dafydd alike brought their foes to grief, so overjousted. Once the battles were joined all was wood, and glaives and truncheons were wielded until all were forfaughten or for-bled.

So noyous was the raundomous meddle that Sir Gorvannon and Sir Dafydd were unhorsed both, and were held so hot to dere by those breme and mazed Saxon lords with their gisernes, that all were plaied sore. Sir Dafydd was ultimately brought low after haut endeavour; but still was Sir Gorvannon borne up by his own hands and wight, so that he relieved others also, and avoided noble Sir Dafydd of the field when all was spent.

Severally Sir Ambig's knights were wounded to grief or slain, 'til of his banner there were but he and Sir Benesek who alone maintained the stour, razing, dashing and foining the foe with great wood until they were attaint. Yet they were borne upon a great surge of victory that did fortify their arms but stooned the Saxon battle, and borne again, so that Sir Ambig and Sir Benesek broached deep into the enemy line, and in the meddle espied a standard of that paynim host. Wightly and freshly indeed did they cast their brunts upon the churs that forbade the banner, until it was theirs by conquest unto bruit. Theirs also was a Saxon lord of some parage, who brought a fitting warison of bezants indeed.

By eve all were forfoughten, and those not flemed, or slain, or sadly wracked, were relieved to their kings' banners, and the stour was stinted. The day belonged to neither host, though no mean glory had been won by the knights of Salisbury, or even the knights of Silchester, who in Sir Dalan ap Gout had alike hent a standard from the Saxon battles. It was thusly girded with bruit and gree that galliard Sir Benesek, who had forjousted his foes heavily, came upon his lord, and said unto Roderick:

"Noble liege, I have done thy service this day as beseemed, my body put so as in full devoir, and have won with the Lord's grace this paynim banner for thine honour! Nillst thou grant me meed, my lord, and by thy leave and largeness behotest unto me the hand of the lady Adwen, shouldst thou think my worship so worthy?"

"Grantmercy, Sir Benesek," Lord Roderick replied," Her hand is thine indeed, and I shall defend it not."

And so, the knights repaired to Salisbury, whereupon their arrival was the lady Adwen betrothed to Sir Benesek, with common weal. In worship did the knight gift his affianced a mantle of finest furs, well-purfiled and fair, and the marriage followed forthly, to much celebration. Thusly did Sir Benesek become a banneret, and lord of the lands of Netheravon.

Thus endeth the second part of the tale of Sir Benesek.

Sir Benesek (Winter Phase 485, aged 24), Glory 2,588
SIZ 14, DEX 14, STR 12, CON 11, APP 16
Main Skills: Compose 11, Courtesy 10, Dancing 22, Flirting 15, Orate 10; Horsemanship 15, Lance15, Sword 17.
Famous Traits & Passions: Energetic 16, Valorous 16; Love (Adwen) 16.

485 Sir Ambig (NPC - Salisbury)

It has not been a good year for the kingdom but this has been tempered somewhat by the good job Sir Elad and the knights they were squired to have done in training the newly knighted Sir Benesek, Sir Dafyd and Sir Gorvannon (I was proud to have had a hand in their training also). I only hope that his other young charges the squires Pedivere and Elias turn out so well!
The year started with plans to support Duke Ulfius by bringing the vicious Saxon King Ælle to battle and dealing with him once and for all!
I with my vassals was to lead to lead a unit in the left battalion, I was also assigned charge of the young knights, so fresh from being knighted that their armour was unblemished with the dents and scratches gained in battle (and that all knights are so proud of even if they profess otherwise)!
I must admit that the battle was pretty much a blur until the last half hour when the light was all but extinguished, by that time all that was left of my unit was the young Sir Benesek, suddenly in the last rays of sunset we espied the enemy standard of their right flank, Sir Benesek and myself feel upon the standard bearers like the wolf falls upon the deer and slaughtered them to a man, the standard was ours!

There was further good news, it appeared that whilst the rest of unit had been separated from me during the battle and been injured only Sir Edgar one of my household knights had succumb to his wounds and we managed to capture one of their Heorthgeneat who should fetch a hansom ransom. Meanwhile all of the young knights had comported themselves most gloriously especially Sir Dafyd (surely he is father's son), although he was very badly injured and was only discovered unconscious under the dead horse of one of the few mounted saxons and saved by the sharp eyes of Sir Gorvannon (who had rallied and lead a small unit of knights after getting separated from me).

Immediately after the battle and with the enemies banner held aloft Sir Benesek approached my Earl Roderick and asked the hand of the fair Adwen who he had been wooing for over a year, how could the Earl refuse!

Unfortunately whilst on the left we had fared well the same was not true of the centre of the army and the battle was inconclusive (we also heard later that Duke Lucius was handed his helm by King Aethelswitt near Colchester). The marriage of Sir Benesek and Lady Adwen was certainly a welcome bright star in the night of that winter year!

La Chanson du Beau Danseur I (484)

Wherein he doth quest after an araged freke, chastise a malodorous villein and win his spurs.

In Salisbury there was reared a squire of gentle parage hight Benesek, of Cholderton slade and actual temper, for he was a galliard wightly set; and few were better fairing than he, for verily did he possess a passing fine turn of the calf, and a voice as honeyed as any wist in those launds. As a boy he yede unto Castle Vagon, whereupon he was betaught unto Sir Elad, to be trussed and dight for war.

Thusly came Benesek to wit his devoir to his liege, Lord Roderick, and in time also came by his companions, squires alike and both. Gorvannon of Durnford was a passing big fellow, who a quintain to-shivered; the cleanest-mighted and of clean Christian heart, held haut by those who avised him so. Whilst Dafydd ap Bryn was a paynim, but of great stint maugre that, a gainly rider of horse both rude and alive.

One autumn morn the squires were brought before Sir Elad, whereupon he avised them with care, and upraided them, "Ye are no recrayed souls of little danger, so now ye must do your devoir. The low folk of West Acre doth ween there to be a gastful freke in yonder woods, a bear that eateth man and child. Busk yourselves thence freshly and presently, and assay yourselves upon this freke's rasure, but if more of your lord's villeins are slain."

Thereupon the squires made affiance to Sir Elad, and Benesek did accompany Dafydd ap Bryn and Gorvanon, trussed for the chase and in good weal and bourde, for all sought to West Acre with gainest succeed. Or ever they reached thence, the villeins were about much ado and raging, for the bear had eft struck. So the squires gave behote of their intent, and with the aid of a venerable cove raked anon to the forest, assaying to set about said breme freke 'til it be shent.

'Twas Gorvannon who came upon the feute, and he drove onward stiffly to sue, accompanied by Benesek, eager for the gree. Whenceupon the bear was found at traverse, wrothe and araged, and Gorvannon, with spear in fewter cast broached him sadly or ever the meddle had begun. So dole was the foin that the beast fell astonied, much appaired, and was devoured by the spears of the knights anon. The adventure won, the squires repaired to West Acre, where the villeins wite much weal, wanhope forfared. All were stuffed with the freke's meat, for the squires were full large with their done.

Upon leaving West Acre, Benesek and his fellow squires awaited upon a goodly villein, held hot and misdone by shrewd brigands. Though not dressed for war, lacking jesseraunt and targe, the squires drove to forbid him, and fain set upon the wretched bandits with much disport, foining and dashing them straitly until they were forjousted and stooned severally. One alone remained, overcharged, and sought mercy, but Dafydd did his utterance, for all wist him cruel.

Lord Roderick was verily pleased when his squires returned, for he spered freshly of their tale and betook them well for their service. As Dafydd and Gorvannon carped of their acts with occasional jest and bobaunce, Benesek awaited upon the lordly court and avised the fairness of a mild pucelle, to whom he yede anon, and gave his worship in all courtesy, astonied at her beauty. For the maid was the fair Lady Adwen of Netheravon, and few were of her like. That later eve they danced at the lord's feast, and the haut tatches of both were passing well seen.

Thereafter Benesek avised Adwen nobly, and said unto her, "Pardie, I wot of no fairer maiden than thee, lief lady, and I wot of no gift with which thou mighst be better beseen in thy arrayment; but I beg thee, accept this humble done of mine, this ring of silver, as a token of my worship, until I return with my spurs." Lady Adwen accepted with full grace and leres warmed.

The following day the squires escorted the venerable knight Sir John of Laverstock to his demesnes, and thereupon sought to Leicester, whereat King Uther held court. Many rude knights from traverse the realm were furnished there, for the king spoke of war against the Saxons. Thereat, in Leicester and in Lord Roderick's name, were the squires betaught unto Uther for their wight and valour, thus to be knighted by the king's glaive severally, though giving fealty and appurtenance to Roderick and Salisbury.

Thus endeth the first part of the tale of Sir Benesek.

Sir Benesek (Winter Phase 484, aged 23), Glory 1,377
SIZ 14, DEX 14, STR 11, CON 11, APP 16
Main Skills: Courtesy 10, Dancing 22, Flirting 15, Orate 10; Horsemanship 15, Lance15, Sword 16.
Famous Traits: Energetic 16, Valorous 16.

484 Sir Elad (NPC - Salisbury)

A momentous year for the squires I have been helping to train!
It all started on a fine October day at Vogan castle, the leaves on the trees only just starting to turn.
I had heard that the peasants in West Acre were complaining of a man-eating bear! Phufft well I couldn't be bothered with dealing their petty complaints (or more likely excuses for not working their Lord's Portion) for one thing I was meeting that saucy little strumpet from the kitchens latter.
Anyway I thought it would be useful experience for my young charges to carry out a hunt on their own (I spun them some yarn about me being so terribly, terribly aged that I couldn't possibly come along, lies of course I've still not lost it, as that maid discovered to her pleasure later on), but first a quick brush up on their skills.
The quintain was no challenge for them with the exception of squire Dafyd who received a nasty whack on the head, he stayed on his horse and tried to maintain his dignity but for those of use that remembered the prowess of his late father Sir Bryn it was still embarrassing.
After a quick horse race were Sir Bryn recovered some of his pride by winning I sent them on their way to West Acre.
Well it seems the squires not only caught and killed the bear (well a bear) but also happened upon a group of bandits, the squires showed great prowess in defeating the scoundrels , especially I heard Sir Gorvannon who struck a mighty blow (unfortunately all the bandits succumbed to their wounds so they could not be further questioned).
On their return I sent them to Earl Roderick to tell their tale, I wasn't there and I didn't travel with them to King Uthers court that winter (the old fogey act doing stirling service again) but I understand they were knighted for their efforts.

This Blog

Inspired by Gregs blog (http://tuesnightpendragon.blogspot.com/) the aim of this blog is to chronicle the Stockport games club run through of the Grand Pendragon Campaign, pretty much vanilla with the added knightmare challenge of there being two groups of players, a group from Salisbury (Under Earl Roderick inital) as usual and another of Silchester knights (Under Duke Ulfius).