The Taking of Oaths


Excitement gripped the city of Parravon. Within its wondrous vista of sprawling buildings, towers and cobbled streets a great anticipation was growing. For indeed it was the capital of the nation of Bretonnia and a great event was about to take place. Throughout the city, there was great expectation of the Trials to come. Whether resident of ramshackle hut or glorious manor house, tradesmen's shop or small home, all who dwelled within its high walls could feel the excitement of the day.

In the heart of Parravon, next to the jousting arena in which many Knights had tested their mettle against one another, stood the Trial of Steel pavilion. On this brilliant summer's day, the sun shone down from a cloudless sky of royal blue. Under this azure canopy the Trial of Steel pavilion was alive with festivity and activity.

The reason for this excitement was that today the Taking of Oaths ceremony was to be held. This event was deeply traditional and held a sense of pride for all Bretonnians, both noble and peasant. It was a time for celebration and merry-making because today was the day in which many commoner Squires would start on the road to becoming Knights.




The Trial of Steel arena was a large, 30 foot square with a sand covered floor. This main fighting arena would be where the Squires tested their skills against each other, and it would be here that the eyes of the spectators would be looking when the competition began. Within the arena stood two armed Marshalls, who would overlook the battles between the Squires. It was their job to make sure that the Trial of Steel was a test of skills and did not become a fight to the death.

On the northern edge of this arena stood the spectator's pavilions. This large structure had two levels. The lower level housed crude seats and was intended to hold the peasant folk who wished to watch the Tournament unfold. The upper level was more comfortable and was designed to seat nobles, land owners and the more wealthy citizens of Bretonnia. In the centre of the upper level rested the King's personal annexe, and although rarely the King himself used the alcove to watch the Tournament, he always had a Herald present as a figurehead to report anything of interest that may happen during the contests.

A small thatched building was present on the southern edge of the arena. This house was the Squires' preparation room and inside it the Squires would sit and train as they waited to do battle once the Tournament fighting began. The only other notable feature of the building was two flag-poles that held banners bearing pictures of the Holy Grail.

A 10 foot tall, castellated wood fence rimmed the perimeter of the arena between the pavilions and the structure of the Squire's preparation room. Attached to the fence, on the eastern side of the arena was the Adjudicator's Box, which stood 10 feet tall upon large wooden supports. In this tower the King's Adjudicator would overlook the contest and make sure no foul tactics or dirty tricks were to be used during the battles between the Squires.




It was many minutes before the crowd pouring into the pavilions finally came to rest as everybody had found seats or a place to stand. Soon after, the King's Herald entered the Royal Annexe and sat. With a wave of his hand as a signal at the King's Adjudicator, the ceremony began.

"Approach, Squires of Bretonnia!" Shouted the Adjudicator in a commanding voice.

The doors to the Squires' preparation building swung open and the Squires marched out onto the sand covered arena. Four abreast and five deep, the Squires took position in the centre of the arena as the people seated in the pavilions cheered them on. As one the Squires turned towards the Adjudicator's Box and halted.

The Adjudicator, a battle-scarred veteran of many wars, surveyed the Squires before him. "Draw your swords." He commanded, and the Squires each unsheathed their swords.

"Does each of thou swear to uphold the King's justice, to protect both the honour of the Lady and her land of Bretonnia. To adhere to the codes of Knighthood and put honour before all else. Does thou so swear upon thy swords?"

"We do so swear!" Answered the Squires in unison.

With that the crowd burst into cheers and applause for the young warriors. As one they proceeded to about face and march back into the preparation building, where they would no doubt continue their training for the battles to come.

Very soon, the Trials would begin...


Return to Trial of Steel Introduction
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