[MR] A Missive from the Captain of the Queen's Spears [Forwarded by Request]

[Kynnyth Pyke]

Many years ago, in the reign of Cuan and Bera, a young
and foolish rapier fighter conceived the idea of a
unit of Atlantian rapier fighters which would take the
armored field in time of war, to the credit of the
Queen, for the service of their kingdom, and in the
quest of glory.  We will, for the moment, forgive him
in that he was of a scholarly bent and therefore
inclined to research - and prone to be inspired by a
young, beautiful and yet ferocious Queen.  We SCAdians
are like that from time to time.

Because he was inclined to research, he looked for a
late period example of a specific unit to use as a
model.  After some searching, the Calais Spears came
to light.  A "unit" formed by Henry VIII for the
defense of Calais; the concept of a "unit" in the
modern sense really has to wait for Cromwell (pah!),
but in this case the Spears were individuals funded by
the Crown in the expectation that they would raise a
group of fighters to support the defense of a port in
France that Henry had happened to hang on to.  The
term "spear" in this case harkens back to the medieval
concept of a "lance".  Henry, like ourselves, was
prone to bouts of anachronism.  The term included a
knight and the followers (squires, men-at-arms, pages,
archers etc) that were deemed appropriate for the
support of the knight.  The term 'combined arms' comes
to the modern military mind, but we are centuries too
early for that.  This was essentially a group of
fighters who could be self-sufficient on the
battlefield, or, which ismore important off of the
battlefield.  If you are forced to forage (as all
medieval and renaissance armies were from time to
time) it is best to have a variety of skill sets...

Did I mention a tendency to 'scholarly' digression?

All this aside, having done his homework, the young
rapier fighter shared his idea with others.  With the
Queen first, of course, who, if memory serves said "I
get to hit people with a big stick?  Cool!".   With
his fellow Provosts...  Well, here, the conversation
diverted within one minute to what the Spears would
wear, which, while predictable in retrospect, was
somewhat disconcerting at the time.  And eventually
with the Kingdom at large - and I want to thank Duke
Richard for having the faith that I was going to raise
a contingent of 50 (fifty!) rapier fighters to fight
spear.  Despite fashion digressions worthy of "What
Not to Wear", and other small problems (getting Her
Majesty authorized), a unit was fielded, blood
(theoretically) was spilt, and the Queen and Her
Spears had a wonderful time.  The Captain of Spears
got a hard hat along with his Undine at Last Court,
but that's Another Story.

Flash forward ten years, and imagine the same fellow
(whose mental instability is now widely known, having
served as Earl Marshal and Kingdom Seneschal (!) in
the interim (which shows that it does not pay to let
your reputation precede you) is asked by the Crown to
lead the Spears again.  In duty to his Crown, he will
not refuse  (being the one who got the whole rigmarole
started in the first place), and besides - it sounds
like fun!

And so:

Once more unto the breach, dear friends, once more,
Or close the wall up with our Atlantian dead!
In peace there's nothing so becomes a man
As modest stillness and humility,
But when the blast of war blows in our ears,
Then imitate the action of the tiger:
Stiffen the sinews, summon up the blood,
Disguise fair nature with hard-favored rage...
I see you stand like greyhounds in the slips,
Straining upon the start. The game's afoot.
Follow your spirit, and upon this charge
Cry 'Huzzah for Robert, Denise, and Atlantia!' *

A week hence, at Sapphire Joust, shall the Queen's
Spears meet.  The war practice on Sunday calls to us,
as does every war practice in the Kingdom.  His
Majesty has  decreed that we fight with the Midrealm
at Pennsic, and the Dragon's fell former warlord,
Count Valhalric will lead us to battle a bare thee
months hence. After Sapphire, to Highland River Melees
are we justly addressed, and thence to the King's
Assessment in Black Diamond.  By direction of your
Captain, take up what arms you will, and fight with us
whomsoever you may be.  Spears are justly regarded as
the right arms of Rapier fighters, as they work in
much the same way as our traditional thrusting
weapons.  If you have a talent that does not match
such an arm, come you on ne'ertheless.  Fight for your
Queen, for your Kingdom, and for Glory.

Who can do less, the quarrel being honorable, and the
cause just?

On, on, you noblest Atlantians,
Whose blood is fet from fathers of war-proof,
Fathers that, like so many Alexanders,
Have in these parts from morn till even fought
And sheathed their swords for lack of argument. *

Rally to the blue and white of the Queen's Spears, and
to my arms "Per fess, argent and vert, three hawks
rising, counterchanged".   I shall see you, God
willing, on the field.

Regards,

Baron Alan Gravesend
Captain of Spears to Her Majesty, Denise Duvalier
OP, OWSA, CSS, CGD, Undine, Nonpareil, etc

* With deep apologies to Master Shakespeare...

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