by Aradell
The knight of history was fodder for many a tale of heroics, romance, and sometimes a bit of treachery. Resplendent in the best armor of the day, bearing refined weapons and riding a well-bred steed, the vision of a knight stood as a powerful image in poetry, stories, and romantic plays. But what lay beneath that shining steel coating was often something much less heroic.
The story of the historical knight begins long ago, when the first lords of Masalla began to run short of land to grant their children. The first of a lord's children, of course, carried on the family name, or were granted huge baronies to rule over. But as the lands were further and further divided, strife grew rampant, and many high children were born who possessed a noble name, but could look forward to no benefits, for their elder siblings were to have the lands and wealth, and naught was left for them.
In a move meant to solve two problems at once -- that of the growing strife and that of the landless children -- the establishment of knighthood was created.
These first knights, then, were all of noble blood, and could apply the wealth they did possess to training and to the purchase of armor and arms. These knights were almost always men, and although they would probably never own lands, they could surely forge a legendary reputation for themselves by their prowess in battle.
A knight pledged himself to the service of a noble, often an older sibling, and served as an elite warrior in command of many of the lord's or lady's lesser fighters. A typical lord or lady had men-at-arms, who were outfitted with lesser armors and acted as guardsmen or watchmen, as well as militia (townsfolk who served as fighters in the case of war or invasion), and sometimes soldiers, who were paid fighters commanded by the men-at-arms. The knight stood over all of these, in name if not in skill.
Many of these knights took their roles quite seriously, adhering to the codes of knighthood and training with great fervor. After all, the title of 'knight' did not hold much power in itself -- it was each knight's reputation that truly made them well-liked or despised. Still, many of these knights of old wielded their power with ill intent, and many tales were written of these abuses.
The following excerpt was taken from Lady Sileshia’s journal, written over four hundred and fifty years past. Discovered several years ago, her private musings and intelligent observations of the time have been translated and scribed into the popular book, A Lady’s Life.
. . . On my way to the Duchess’ today I witnessed a sad and shameful exchange. One of the Duke’s knights, a stout and surly looking fellow, was arguing with the owner of a peasant’s stand. Before my very eyes, the knight twisted the peasant’s arm to the point of pain, whereupon the disheveled man released the fruit that he was holding. This the knight snatched greedily, along with two more of the expensive delicacies. He offered no coin in recompense, but merely mounted his steed and rode off with a terrible and satisfied grin, of which I have ne’er seen the likes, except perchance on the face of a weasel pleased with its kill. The poor old man hadn’t any recourse, need I say, for to accuse a knight is to invite the most sinister of troubles . . .
Today in Masalla, the same system of knighthood is utilized, though it has been refined by royal edict over the centuries. The tales of abuse have faded into shadow, while the tales of glory are told and re-told at every court, becoming more colorful and ornate at each telling. Beware then, the old tales of famous, heroic knights, for elaboration has doubtless taken place.
When settlers came to the Old World and began a new royalty, the knighthood was abolished, for once again there was plenty of land to be granted as baronies. Professional soldiers filled the roles the knights had held, and it seemed that the title would exist only in Masalla.
That was up until two years after the Founding of Aranor. Queen Lillian has now established a new manner of knight, meant to bring honor back to the title.
Her vision is of a force of warriors who earn their title by skill, and not by bloodline. She recently sent out a call for anyone who thought they held the merit to step forward, offering baronies to those who could remain in service (and alive) for a full ten years. Those who have stepped forward are well tested for their physical prowess, made to pass feats of endurance, strength, speed, and quick thinking. Secret representatives are sent out to speak with common folk to learn of the aspiring knight's reputation among the populace. The knight is also interviewed by Queen Lillian herself, who does the official knighting of Aranorian knights.
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The knight then undergoes three moons of intense training in martial arts, riding, commanding troops, strategy and tactics, and the study of creatures that pose a threat to civilization. Armed with this knowledge and skill, the knight is then given postings. Some act as trainers for new knights, while others are given into the service of various rulers of the Old World. Some are sent to baronies to reside there as protectors, while others fulfill the desires of Queen Lillian, riding out to defend the lands of the Old World against Sereg, trolls, goblins, bandits, pirates, or any of the other threats which loom.
Barons and baronesses, as well as anyone of higher title, have also been given the right to grant knighthoods, though such knights will not have the power of Aranor behind them. Thus many knights may walk the lands, but Aranorian knights will remain the elite.
It is hoped that the title of knight will once again see glory, and as the first knights ride out to right wrongs, we will doubtless be hearing of their deeds.