Robert and Leah de Spencer, Sorcha O’Melachlin and Rhonwen y Llysieuydd made the long drive to Caerthe (Denver, Colorado) for the second Coronet Tourney for the Principality of the Outlands.

From a note by Sorcha (who had just changed her name to Ferelith MacDonald) in the second (November A.S. XII) issue of the Questing Quill, am Mor Salann Fasach’s newsletter. (Spelling, etc. as per original):

The Seneschale, Herald, Knight Marshall and Hospitaler of this Shire did journey to the Barony of Caerthe to witness the Prince Coronet Tourney to determine who will be the next Prince of the Outlands. The victor was Sir Heinrich Der Jaeger. Robert de Spencer, your Knight Marshall did fight in a challenge match and a melee and did acquit himself most honorably. He also did display an articulated gauntlet made by his own hand and this article was judged by Her Majesty Elizabeth Karien, Queen of Atenveldt, to be the best piece of armour submitted for consideration. Rhonwen y Llysieuydd did also demonstrate her Field Heraldry. As representatives of the newest Shire, we were priviledged to be presented to His Majesty, Sir Ton the Traveller, King of all Atenveldt and his gracious queen, Her Majesty Elizabeth Karien. Hospitality was provided by Dona Ketievia Segovia de la Noche and Sir Theodric, Lord Breken Beaken and his wife, Lady Judith de Beaumont. Many thanks are for their kindness.

In a challenge match, Robert de Spencer and his opponent salute their ladies. The marshall with his back to us is Sir Theodric ap Brecon Beacon. Sir Heinrich der Jäger is standing to the left of the field.

The fighters salute the Crown. To the far right, in the background, is Robert FitzNorman, my second heraldic “boss.”

The opponents begin the fight.

Robert and his opponent fighting. The marshall in purple is Sir Theo of Mightrinwood. The man to the far left, back to the spectator, is Prince Gunwaldt, first Prince of the Outlands.

The tourney was held in a school gymnasium, and spectators sat on the bleachers. I remember that despite this very mundane location, the sheer pageantry of seeing a tourney like this for the first time was breathtaking.

I also got to talk to heralds about what heralds do, which made the job all the more real to me.