keeping with the Company's tradition of holding two pas d'armes per year, Viscountess Ceridwen, former King of Arms for the company, organized a grand celebration scheduled as close to St. George's day as possible. By her labor a great festival took place in which there was to be found great happiness and sorrow; for although many great deeds were done throughout the day, news came upon the Company during the feast that Sir Sebastian von Baden, knight of the West, had perished after a long and hard struggle.

Earl Brion wrote the pas d'armes declaration, a feat of armes to celebrate the memory of the hero Horatius as he defended the famous bridge. Numerous combats were suggested, and a variety of new forms introduced into those already familiar with the pas d'armes. Brion fought on the side of St. George bearing not his usual pennant but his banner of war, sable with three dragons.

Viscount Colin de Bray served as Knight of Honor, guiding the gallery in their determinations and adjudicating questions of rules and protocol. It was said by all that his work was indeed splendid, pithy and yet sincere, an example for others who would serve in the same capacity. Colin wore the painted tabard of the Company, a flowing houpelande emblazoned with the garter. Surmounting all he wore a fine Burgundian hat, adorned with pilgrimage badges from various shrines around England.

The company's King of Armes, Branwen ferch Emrys, served the field during the day, assisted most ably by Viscountess Wander Riorden and Lord Dirk, a young combatant who did his office with consummate grace and courtesy.

Entertainment was well provided for during the day, for music was performed by Viscountess Wander, and during the feast by the Bard of the Mists, Constance, Geoffrey Matthias, Elizabeth, and Alessandro chi Marestrale.

Duquessa Juana Isabella, assisted by Viscountess Isolde, Lady Rowan, Lady Theresa, Baroness Mary of Dumfries (baa! baa!) and others whose names have not come down to me prepared a fine feast of Chicken, Lamb and many other delicacies, served in two removes. The quality of the food was favorably commented upon for both taste and quantity; the toast offered to the cooks from Viscountess Ceridwen was well earned

The Field
The pas took place in the customary place in El Cerrito, along a fine glade. The new company berfois was provided for the gallery, a long pavilion that provided seating and shelter for the noble ladies who wished to observe the day's combats. The fine banner painted by Viscountess Isolde adorned the center of the gallery, other pennants coloring both the field and the gallery fluttered with a moderate breeze.

Trees formed the backdrop for the pas, though a myriad of silk and light banners danced around the fenced perimeter. Along the center of the field, directly in front of the gallery (placed for their convenient viewing), a "chasm" was delimited by a clever staking system conceived by the company's Marshal, Viscount Sir Havoc. This chasm represented the river Tibor, the famous river of Rome. The ladies in their gallery were assumed to be watching from Rome, uneasily observing the skirmishing that would determine their fates. In reality the ladies of the gallery held the fates of the combatants in their hands, rather than the other way around, as you will doubtlessly see. Across this treacherous river was placed a narrow and difficult bridge, constructed by members of the Company and painted by Isolde, Mistress Anne, Viscount Richard de Camville. One of these painted 'rocks', the one painted by Viscountess Isolde, turned out to provide a good deal of entertainment as Sir John strove in vain to defend it from being trod upon, taking a good-hearted offense when someone stepped upon it.

Opening the Pas
To open the pas d'armes, Viscountess Wander read a modified version of the St. George invocation, exhorting the combatants to chivalrous demonstrations upon the stage provided by the lists. Next the story of Horatius at the Bridge was told, that his famed exploits in defense of his city might inspire the combatants and the gallery. The rules to be followed and a description of the combats to be conducted in Horatius' honor were read next. Finally the combatants presented themselves, the Companions first, as hosts, followed by the noble challengers. The companions were overwhelmed at the sincere expressions of chivalry expressed by combatants of all stations, meager and veteran alike. With great difficulty, they determined to select three whose expressions stood out, offering them the right of first, second and third challenge.
The First Pass of Challenges
For the first pass, the venans came forward to select which Companion they would meet over the chasm with either poleaxe or spear. As chosen, Arthur Lacy chose Viscount Havoc, fighting in a battle of poleaxes in honor of their former company. Sir John Theophilus, awarded the second challenge, also chose poleaxes, this time against Duke Stephen of Beckenham. Sir John brought a gasp to the gallery as he leaped across the river, surprising Duke Stephen enough to strike him stoutly with the poleaxe. And in the last of the three honor challenges, Sir Gilbert Bertrand d'Harfleur then challenged Lord Brion of Bellatrix, meeting in a great exchange of poleaxes over the river. In the tradition of their household, Sir Gilbert presented his opponent with a garter of their household, bidding him to hold it until the knight proved his worthiness in the eyes of the young Bellatrix. It was a noble gesture that elicited much approval.

Sir Gawain Valdemar challenged companion Viscount Robert of Woodsende with spears, a stout duel that prompted ripples of praise throughout the gallery. Viscount Richard challenged the squire Parlan MacGillivray, with spear; his lady Viscountess Elizabeth du Champagne challenged and fought Sir Geoffrey Matthias in combat with poleaxes; Lord Frederick Thurston met Brion of Bellatrix with spear; Padraig of Kilkenny stood against Sir Geoffrey, also with spears; William of the Two Hawks and Arnauld de Mont Rouge both challenged Sir Brion Thornbird to battles with the spear; all remaining combatants chose the poleaxe--Lord Geoffrey Scott stood against Sir Geoffrey Matthias, Charles the Traveller, squire to Sir John Theophilus, challenged sir Robert, and the venerable but puissant Duke Heinrich of Havn engaged Earl Brion.

The Second Pass, Grand Mêlée over the River
Lady Branwen, St. George Roi d'Armes, summoned the combatants together for the next pass, which was to be done as a group encounter over the river. Only poleaxes and spears were allowed, but there proved to be a shortage of weapons, so some single-handed axes were allowed. Just prior to the beginning of this combat, Duke Sir Fabian Arnett von Schwetzingen arrived, late, and beseeched the gallery to allowed him entry into the lists. After a brief deliberation, the gallery decided that although his Grace was a Companion of Saint George, that he should first prove his worthiness to stand as a defender by first fighting on the side of the Etruscan challengers. The Companions were good-humoredly dismayed by the judgement, for Duke Fabian's prowess would be sorely missed and would add heavily to the great mass of opponents they would soon face.

As the herald bade the combats begin, Sir Fabian selected a short poleaxe, one of two matched ones brought by Sir Hauoc. He leaped the river with great vigor, but perished quickly under a hail of spearpoints and axe blows. On each side there were but three spears, but each of the three lancers on each contributed large numbers of good strikes. From time to time the axes would score a wound. Each combatant was allowed three good blows before they had to retire, but even so the fighting was sharp and progressed at a good pace. Soon the combat ended, the combatants now well known to one another.

The Third Pass, Single Broadswords Over the Bridge
Immediately following, each combatant rearmed themselves with a single broadsword. This engagement took place over the narrow bridge-each combatant was allowed three blows against them, but after receiving each blow, had to petition the gallery to return them to the fighting. Before the combat began the company petitioned the gallery to return Sir Fabian to their lines, since the prowess of the venans had been proven beyond doubt in the previous encounter, and Sir Fabian had accounted well for himself. There were frequently lines before the gallery as they strove to elicit some description of their opponent's prowess and courtesy before releasing the combatants back into the fray. Many combatants spoke gloriously and with sincerity of their opponent's chivalry, and all had received appropriate honors as the combat was finally completed.
The Fourth Pass, Single Challenges Across the Bridge
After a short break for refreshments, the Roi d'Armes once more summoned the combatants together for single challenges, this time single sword or sword and shield upon the bridge. The Companions, having taken careful heed of their opponent's prowess, selected three to once again come first against. them.

The Lord Alvar, honored with the first challenge for his fine initiative and sincere spirit, chose to meet Sir Robert with single sword. Sir Gilbert, an obvious choice for high honors in the previous combats, chose to meet Earl Brion, also with the single sword, dispatching him quickly with great skill. Lord Frederick Thurston, selected both for his courage and his courtesy, met Sir Geoffrey with sword alone.

Next the Duke Heinrich fought against Duke Stephen, single sword. Charles the Traveller, appealing to his lady for an opponent, faced Earl Brion sword and shield. Earl Brion remained armed, however, for the Geoffrey Scott, who made a fine shield for the day adorned with brightly polished brass, also challenged him sword and shield. Padraig fought Parlan, sword and shield. Viscountess Elizabeth met Viscount Hauoc with single sword, accounting well for herself against an opponent of great skill. Her lord Viscount Richard met Sir Geoffrey with single sword, with like weapons did Sir Gawain choose to come against Brion of Bellatrix. Arnaud proposed a longer challenge of five blows with sword and shield, done in the manner of St. Michael, between himself and Sir Hauoc. The gallery and Knight of Honor consented, for the sake of variety, and the stout battle ensued. Sir John Theophilus challenged Sir Geoffrey sword and shield; but Sir Geoffrey, who does not own a shield, was compelled to borrow the small buckler bearing the device of his consort, Mistress Teleri Tawel. Gallantly, Sir John exclaimed that he would not strike a token made by his consort, but in the fight that ensued the Knight of Honor ruled that he had indeed struck the shield, once, and the gallery met to determine his penance. The gallery determined that the two knights should fight again, with two axes each, such that the shield could not be struck. A mighty battle ensued, with each landing numerous 'haft' blows and 'flats' upon the other, impressing the gallery if not each other's armour with the stout exchange. Lastly, Arthur Lacy met Duke Fabian with sword and shield.

The Fifth Pass, Single Swords Into the Press
The Knight of Honor ruled that a break should be taken (so that he could eat), but after the break the combatants were summoned to the field, armed and bearing only a single sword. This pass was to take place over the bridge, as a grand mêlée. Each combatant was to fight until they reached the opponent's beachhead without being wounded. At that point they were to retire to watch the remainder of the combat. This fighting promised to be protracted and bloody, and the combatants lined up on either side, eager to engage the other and be the first across the bridge unscathed. Sir Gawain and Sir Gilbert of the venans were the first to charge across, Sir Gawain's mass met by companion Parlan's own stout frame. Both fell in the encounter, as did many other noble venans, allowing the Companions to make a counter-press that saw both Brions, Duke Stephen, Sir Robert across safely. In the surprisingly crisp and quick fighting that continued, all eventually made their way across the bridge except for a few gentles who refused to complete their passage. Sir Gilbert, Alvar and Geoffrey refused to yield on the venans side; Lord Parlan and Duke Fabian on the tenans. Many times the same combatants met and returned to the bridge. Many in the gallery and amongst those who had completed their passage wondered aloud why these gentles refused to finish, but eventually only two were left, the others defeated by fatigue. Sir Gilbert fought Duke Fabian again and again, matching him blow for blow until at long last Sir Fabian gestured for Gilbert to pass beside him in peace, his prowess proven without question.
The Sixth Pass, Greatsword Champions on the Bridge
The combatants were to meet next with greatswords, singly, upon the bridge. No challenges were to be issued, each company sending forward any gentle they chose. Each fought to first blood, when they would retire. Each was further allowed three attempts to hold the bridge for as long as they might. Sir Geoffrey Matthias of the Company first met with success, holding for three successive engagements. But soon thereafter Duke Fabian exceeded him by two, defeating in turns five combatants. The fights continued at a quick pace, but the Company's ranks slendered quickly as the Etruscans winnowed them down. Finally, when no Companions remained, the gallery chose six to resurrect and to meet the remaining defenders, who once again proved their prowess.
The Gallery Chooses Horatius and the Nine Worthies
From these challenges the gallery was to choose who amongst all the combatants had impressed them the most, selecting the combatant who reminded them most of the noble Horatius. The Company of Saint George was greatly honored as they chose one of their own, Duke Fabian, for his successive feats of prowess and courage. He was brought before the gallery, crowned with a wreath of laurel adorned with a single ribbon bearing the Company's motto, "Honestas Supra Omnia." A bouquet of yellow roses was given to him to offer to his lady for her inspiration.

Next the gallery was to choose nine others who inspired them that day, assigning them the names of the nine worthies. For demonstrating strength of love, Sir Hauoc was named as Gottfeid de Bouillon. Robert Woodsende was named Joshua, defender of truth. Sir Gilbert was named David, for purity of heart. The name Juddas Maccobeus was offered to Charles the Traveller, for loyalty rightly displayed to his knight. Lord Padraig became Alexander the Great in token of his generosity or largesse. Earl Brion became Ceasar, in token of his defense of ladies. Geoffrey Matthias was bestowed the name of Charlemagne. Arthur Lacy was afforded the increase in rank to King Arthur, while Lord Frederick Thurston became the noble Hector.

Horatius and the Worthies Battle on the Bridge
Gottfried took to the bridge with a short axe, quickly dispatching Hector, leaving Horatius, David, and Juddas remaining. In quick succession he slew David, Juddas, and finally Horatius, but none of this last fighting changed the gallery's opinion in Horatius' victory. The day was done within the lists, so the gallery and most combatants began striking the field as a few combatants met in friendly ad-hoc encounters over the bridge.
The Feast & Discussions of Chivalry
Since there had been so many feats of arms done in the field that day, there was much anticipation for the fine feast that followed. Their Serene Highnesses of the Mists, Leon and Kiriana, held their places at the high table. Duchess Juana organized the removes into two, the first made up of chicken, a whole lamb, and other delicacies universally praised throughout the hall. As the first remove was completed, Sir Colin de Bray spoke of some of the fine things he had seen done that day, offering the ring he wore to Charles the Traveller. Next Earl Brion presented Duke Henrik with both his ring and a buckle from the 14th century, in recognition of the connection between the medieval knights, the older SCA generations, and the current membership within the company. Sir Geoffrey gave his to the Lord Arthur Lacy, in recognition of his devotion to his Lady both at this pas d'armes and at the one held at Windymedes the weekend before, while Lady Branwen presented her ring to Sir John in recognition of his rust-free equipment, no small feat given his numerous duties, and for the joi de combat demonstrated by him. Sir John in turn gave unto Sir Geoffrey Matthias his very own knight's chain, in recognition of Sir Geoffrey's largesse as he continued the fight after good blows were thrown while I was informing him that others had landed with the haft.

While there was a pause, Sir Brion began the chivalric discussion by offering a question in keeping with the spirit of Horatius' conduct in war:

Many fine stories were told, increasing the renown of the combatants so cited. Some lively debate ensued regarding the role of French knights and their view of archers, but it was too spirited and good-humored to be preserved in such a chronicle without reporting it word for word. Many gentles participated in this question, an easy one to break the ice.

Next Sir Brion turned the discussion to more difficult matters:

Sir Colin was anxious to answer, citing the increased test of virtue that appears in war because of the lack of oversight by gallery, marshals, or even by opponents. Because there was much agreement, Sir Brion articulated the opposing argument, to the effect that a warrior does not serve his kingdom if he risks victory for the vanity of 'honor'. At this point there was much debate, but agreement was reached that honor should never be sacrificed for victory. However, Sir Brion pointed out that while he agreed with this position wholeheartedly, there were those who persisted in defining honor as victory. Mistress Anne pointed out that the rules of the list command that all combatants shall fight "in a knightly and chivalrous manner at all times." The young lord Brion of Bellatrix replied that this meant 'in the lists', but Earl Brion countered that the field of war was a large list, insofar as the rules were concerned. Viscount Colin brought up a counterpoint that Sir Sten had made to him, to the effect that there were those within the society for whom victory and performance in battle was as valid as was 'chivalric' combat; Earl Brion quickly countered that there were no 'interests' at stake, and thus no 'war.' And all that remains, in the end, is your renown, bringing back the point that Colin had made at the first. The discussion then dropped off a bit, breaking down into a few smaller discussions.

Word of Sir Sebastian's Death is Brought
At this point Earl Brion was told grave news. Going before the high table, he said with a heavy heart that it was his sad duty to report the death of a Western knight, Sir Sebastian von Baden. The Prince and Princess graciously thanked him for this sad news, requesting a moment of silence in the knight's honor. Following this silence, they spoke with great eloquence in his memory, reminding the gathered assembly that Sir Sebastian would have wanted for those so gathered to continue on, remembering him but continuing in their quest for chivalry. After a bit of time, Earl Brion offered a book to the man who had served with grace beyond measure as auxiliary herald and arming squire, the lord Dirk. The mood lightened a bit, and the discussions once more rose taking up the questions of chivalry.
The End of the Evening
Met with the second remove, the feasters returned their attentions to the fine foods placed before them, breaking up into small groups to pursue various discussions. The day was held to be a great success by all who attended; much eagerness was expressed as to the next pas d'armes, scheduled for October in celebration of Saint Crispen's Day.

-Finis-


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