The Heralding of Violante
From EastKingdomWiki
In A.S. 50, Master Grim the Skald was the Herald for Countess Violante do Porto in the Ladies of the Rose Tournament. When she came in, bourne on a shield, this is what he spoke:
Now listen well | to this word-crafter | |
who brings tidings | of a bright lady – | |
deep-minded and deft, | daring in blade-strife, | |
Rose of the West, | regal and wise, | |
inspiring to all | in harsh spear-clash, | |
and friend of Viður – | Violante has come! | |
She brings a horde | of brave hus-carls, | |
both strong of arm | and able of mind. | |
Tall Duke Edward | East King three times | |
and hard of hand -- | heavy his blows | |
Sir Matthew Moraveaous | Avdenmork, swift-footed | |
Tyr of shield-clash – | Tyger’s thanesman. | |
Godric hviti inn Ulfr | ferocious as the wolf, | |
Kennimathor Geirrson | great his sword-skill, | |
Tofi Jarnhefi | eager in sword-thyng. | |
She also brings | bold steel-wielders | |
with bright wound-fire | wind-fast and sharp – | |
Malcom Bowman | breast-piercing ogre | |
bold is his voice | but brutal his strikes. | |
Gregor the Tall | giver of wounds, | |
Thomas Monroe | tireless fighter, | |
and this glad word-smith | Grim the Skald. | |
Last but not least | of this Lady’s thanes | |
hurlers of flight-swifts | firers of bows – | |
Kobayashi Yutaka | armored master | |
deft with yumi | and dread his aim. | |
Cathain of Carolingia | keen-eyed and brave. | |
These hus-carls have come | with Countess Violante | |
to secure victory | for this valiant Rose. | |
To all who stand | in strife of swords | |
Against them beware – | your end is nigh! |
© 2015 Dan Marsh