Order of the Argent Bear

It is the summer of 1443. In Dijon, Burgundy a Pas d'Armes is about to start. Organized and led by Pierre de Bauffremont, lord of Charny and chamberlain to Phillip the Good, it is called the Pas de l'arbre du Charlemagne or the Pass of Charlemagne's Tree. Two shields will hang there. One Sable, a Semé of Tears Or, will bring eleven passes with the lance to any who strike it. The second, Purpure, a Semé of Tears Sable, shall bring combat with axe or sword.

Three nearby castles have been set aside for challenger and defender alike. No doubt there will be plentiful feasts to enjoy, lovely ladies to enchant and be enchanted, and young knights seeking to make their reputation. There will be deeds of strength, cunning and skill to be done and be witnessed.

But that is in Dijon. We are on the wrong side of the River Rhine; looking at the ruins of what passed for a bridge, swept away by recent rains. The water running though the ford, such as it is, is still too high for our wagons to safely cross over. Apparently, the shortcut we all agreed upon was not the best route. We would have done better to travel further north, through Strasburg.

In any case, riders have been sent both up and down river, to find a barge that can carry us, our horses and the wagons across. Certainly the furthest they would have to go is Strasburg and we should have a boat here by late afternoon.

In the mean time, here we are. In a fine field, well encamped. With time on our hands and noble deeds of arms on our minds. So it has been decided to hold a small tournament of our own. We have unpacked the barriers and many of the weapons. To begin the tournament, each noble of arms shall introduce themselves, much as they plan to do later at Dijon. For it is practice in speech, as for practice in arms, which makes one skillful.

Then each shall, in turn, step forward and challenge three others of our number to such combat as they wish. These feats will then be performed before the gallery and other assembled nobles. After this, shall be a grand melee; to be fought with swords alone as is most customary. Finally, for those who's love of combat is not yet satiated, more challenges may be given until either combatants or gallery tires or the boats arrive.

Two fine prizes have been offered. The first a chalice of fine glass bearing the word Virtů upon it. This is to be given by the combatants to whomever they themselves decide has most distinguished themselves today. The second is likewise of fine chalice, bearing the word Honor. It is to be offered by the Gallery to whomever they, in their grace and wisdom, find most fitting.

Take me back HOME

Comments or questions should be mailed to truffa@alaska.net , please include the words 'Argent Bear' in the subject line.