The Ceremony of Knighthood
The pavilions were mostly silent, only a few citizens shouted or cheered whilst the rest waited and watched. The King's Herald sat in the Royal Annex, with the Adjudicator sitting next to him. Both spoke in hushed tones, but ceased their conversation when Rupert took the first step onto the raised wooden stage.
A small pedestal rested next to the King, who stood at the centre of the stage. On this pedestal lay a large, ornate longsword of finest quality.
Rupert made his way across the raised stage until he stood a mere arm's length away from the King, before he came to a stop and, in unison with Leoncour, turned to face the pavilions. Raising from his seat, the King's Herald addressed the victorious Squire before him. "As victor of the Trial of Steel Tournament, you have earned the position of Knight, and shall therefore take your rightful place among Bretonnia's nobility. Rupert, you have made Bretonnia proud with your skill-at-arms and courage and all present, including our great King himself, believe that you shall continue to do so, until the end of your days." To this, the pavilions erupted into cheering and applause, which washed over Rupert in a wave of joyous voices. Returning to his seat, the Herald spoke once more, "By your leave, your majesty, you may begin the ceremony..."
At Louen Leoncour's command, Rupert fell to one knee and waited as the monarch grasped the sword that lay on the pedestal. Speaking in a strong, ceremonial voice, the King spoke directly to Rupert, "Rupert, Squire to Baron Borsam, you have proved by Trial of Combat that you are worthy of the mantle of Knighthood. Do you hereby swear to uphold the law of Bretonnia, to protect those in need, to hunt down those of dark heart, to treat women with respect and to put your faith in the blessed Lady of the Lake?". With a nod, Rupert answered "I do so swear."
Tapping the flat of the ornate sword's blade on Rupert's shoulders three times, the King spoke with a loud voice to all present. "I hereby dub thee Sir Rupert, Knight of Bretonnia!" After these words, Sir Rupert stood and waited for what was to follow. With a sharp jab of his fist, the King punched the new Knight in the chest, and spoke to him once more. "This is the last insult thee shall be permitted to take without being bound by honour to take retribution. Remember thy vows and act accordingly."
"Turn now, Sir Rupert and claim the accolades that are your right." Sir Rupert turned to the crowd and was met with riotous applause from the onlookers. As the newly Knighted Rupert looked out upon the assemblage, he knew that all of his efforts had been worthwhile.
For the other Squires of Bretonnia, there was always next year...
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