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.