To Sarnac, Lupine Highness of Ealdormere, Upon the Occasion of His Knighting

Colyne Stewart, March AS XXXVI (2001)

Hear my words new Ba’adur¹.

Though new to these lands, you do I know.

When tales were told of chivalry,

Of bravery on the battlefield,

Always your name did I hear.

At War I saw you inducted into our Kingdom’s martial order.

I have watched you fight, as others have watched you fight,

And those who wear the white belts and baldrics have deemed you worthy

To join their Great Order.

At Winter War you were invested

And I saw the love that the people have for you.

I saw the other Heroes who traveled from kingdoms far

To be with you that day.

I watched as blessed spurs were placed upon your feet,

As a chain that had long been awaiting that day was placed about your neck,

As a sash made by your Princess was placed about your waist,

As a sword from the east was placed in your hands,

Blows exchanged, horns drunk

And you now Ba’adur, proud Sarnac.

But with this privilege comes great responsibility.

You must now act as the leopard, tiger and bear² to us,

The people.

We who look to you for guidance, both as Ba’adur and Prince.

You are our protector, our leader.

Teach us to live in tegsh³.

Sit beside the hoimor⁴ and contemplate

The universe reflected in your ger⁵.

I see the fire in your eyes,

Reflections of the gal golomt⁶

And I am at ease.

You are worthy Ba’adur.

You have high hiimori⁷

From past deeds you have done,

And I see it, glowing white,

Growing greater as the years progress.

Your ancestors you will make proud,

And we will follow you.

Ba’adur,

May your bow shoot straight,

May your blade find its target,

May your heart remain true,

May Father Heaven and Mother Earth succor you,

May you lead your people well.

Ba’adur,

We are yours.

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1.                     Ba’adur is Mongolian for Hero, and is Sarnac’s new surname as a Knight.

2.                     Three of the highest-ranking animals in Mongolian shamanism.

3.                     To live in balance.

4.                     The north side of the ger, the holy seat behind the fire. A place for holy objects.

5.                     A tent, often called a yurt in the West.

6.         The daughter of Father Heaven who lives in the fires that are placed in the center of gers.

7.         Also known as windhorse; personal psychic power gained through living well and honourably.

Note on this Piece:

This is told as from the point of view of a Siberian Mongolian shaman, in a style similar to their ritual chants.