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News of La Prova Dura is slowly spreading throughout the Kingdom of the West and beyond its borders. Those present witnessed many a valorous and honorable warrior undertaking this ordeal in honor and by force of arms. Most who came to the field did so with their consorts at their side, but all those who took up the challenge of "The Ordeal" were inspired by something greater than themselves. I saw great and mighty combatants, valorous knights, dread royal peers, giants and warrior gods converge upon the tournament field of La Prova Dura; forty-four stout-hearted souls took the field in splendor and majesty doing honor to this beautiful art of war and their consorts. I, the least of these warriors, sincerely and humbly testify that we fought our fifteen rounds as students of this art and that I was inspired by each and every fighter around me... and some, fought even more with all of the bye-fights and the many pick-up fights.
Sir Gemini had a dream and in sharing the dream with us, every fighter, consort, herald, water-bearer, marshal, list-person, cook, server, dishwasher, singer, actor, magician, entertainer, bard, event "worker bee" and every member of the gallery adopted this dream as our own. La Prova Dura was no mere tournament; this "ordeal" was a labor of love... love of this art, love of fellowship and love of chivalry. There are no words to express the magic, the passion, the fortitude and the splendor of that day and I do no service in mocking this wonderful dream by attempting to describe it with my poor and ill-chosen words.
We can speak of the four dukes who entered finals with some twenty Crown victories between them, but to merely recount who prevailed in the final round-robin would be insufficient. One simply had to be there to drink in the years of dedicated practice, the years of studying and teaching, the years of performing on the war field and tournament field and the years of service to this graceful art of war as these great and mighty dukes did do honor and glory to their consorts.
To Gemini, Mari, Else and everyone who put so much of
themselves into this event... thank you! There is no
way to thank everyone who dedicated so much time and
energy to the preparation and running of this event.
The tireless labor of so many people made this event
such a success for everyone. Surely the Shire of
Canale deserves our gratitude for this was truly a
superlative event. Last, we must thank our consorts
who inspired us. To all those who gave of
themselves...
thank you!
It is Monday morning and the dream is done... but not over... it burns within each us and it will continue to burn as long as we kindle that fire within our hearts. On this Monday morning, we can chose to carry this dream of honor and chivalry into our homes, our places of work, our schools and our very lives and we will be better for it. Let us remember that La Prova Dura is a beautiful metaphor for the struggle that is our life and that if we live this life of flesh and blood in chivalry and in honor, we may know that we are better for enduring each and every "la prova dura.
With all respect and humility,
Antonio Giordano da Sicilia
Description of this event (if any), taken from The Page, or from memory of at least one person who attended the event.
The West Kingdom History Website was created by and is maintained by Hirsch von Henford (mka Ken Mayer).