Meridies Spring Coronation at Iris Faire
Montgomery Bell State Park
Burns, TN
17-19 April 2026
What follows is a correspondence sent to my good friend, Figimund of Faraway.
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| My elevation scroll on a shield by Ld Ronon of Axbridge |
Unto the most esteemed Figimund of Faraway glad tidings and fond greetings from his Easaraigh hearth and home, Eoin Mac Cana, Meistr of the Pelican, Warden of the Northern Plateau and Knight of the Society for Creative Anachronism.
My good man, it has been some time since last I put quill to parchment for your eye to view. Please forgive my lack of attentiveness to our kinship. I hope the excellent news and retelling of recent events that follow will fill your soul with warmth and joy to make the missed time nothing of consequence.
I hope that you had heard the news from this past Fall, where the Good Earl, Benen MacTire, had announced during the Fall Crown List court that I, his squire, was to be elevated to the rank of Knight of the Society for Creative Anachronism. With the acknowledgement of the Order of Chivalry and the acceptance of the recommendation by Their Majesties, Chinua Khan and Jacqueline Khatun, I was called before court. There, in front of the Knights of Meridies and the populace present, I was commanded to sit vigil to contemplate the accolade (at a future date of my choosing).
Well, we had intended that the vigil and elevation for my ascension unto the Order of Chivalry would occur at the Kingdom War College and Fighter's Collegium in the month of January. Unfortunately, the north winds set in and old man winter did blow a gale of ice and snow upon our heads causing the event to be cancelled. But, I held onto my virtues of patience and humility tightly. I did not lament or find sorrow.
We were able to reschedule to a future date and the Iris Faire and Coronation event would be the new venue of choice. I've been a squire of the chivalric path for a long time, as you well know. What is a couple more months in the bucket after all.
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| Squiring ceremony at Border Raids in 1993. |
You were there that day in the summer of Anno Societatis XXVIII (1993). Do you remember? On the field at Border Raids in front of the Middle and Meridian Royalty. I got my award of arms that day. Count Hadi and Countess Ameraulde and the Aspiring household in attendance came to the front of court. Hadi read a script, the words escape me. But I remember the day and the bright sun and the happiness. He put the red belt of a squire on me along with the silver chain. That was a good day that brings me a smile still.
Many years past. I wasn't as true to the path as I would have liked to have been. My brothers, Griffin and Kyppyn, went on to become knights and Carlwyn would join the Pelican. Neglect overtook my squire's path. Griffin and Kyppyn would go on to make squires and knights of their own. Hadi would move away and, as you recall, we lost him in A.S. XLIX (2015). That loss was felt deeply.
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| One of my favorite pictures of Hadi and I. |
He was my friend, my brother, my knight. I do not regret the time I spent with him as wasted. My relationship with him was more of friendship that anything else. I think that I valued his company more than the potential knighthood he could have helped me attain with his guidance. He and Ameraulde taught me much during those years. I learned the joy of service that would provide the foundation upon which I now stand. I learned to work with my hands and the pleasure of making things. I learned the comportment of a knight, whether I realized it or not. Those lessons and more were laid before me then. It was these teachings that I leaned into the most after he left us. That is where I found comfort as I slowly cleared the weeds from my squire's path and began to move forward again.
It was in this state, and the beginning of my return to the path, that the Good Earl Benen MacTire, as fate would have it, found me and accepted me into his house as a squire. It was the spring of A.S. LI (2017) at Gulf Wars. You know the man. He found fame and fortune in the land of Trimaris before moving to his holdings near our small Shire of Easaraigh. He was the first triple peer of his former kingdom. His renown is vast. And yet, I did not know of him nor had I ever heard of him. Goes to show how small my world was in the grand society as a whole. But, I came to know him after he arrived in our region. I would learn of his nobility and see the great franchise of his works. I would learn of the high esteem that those around him held. That night in his tent, with the good Countess Rosabel, his wife, present I would accept his offer and bond of kinship. A houndsman, the Good Earl sniffed out my shortfalls over the following months. With a gentle nudge here and a stiff reminder there, he sorted me out. My martial prowess rose. I learned of the wider world of the society. I took the skills I had and added to them under his tutelage. I developed into a good kings man and I did my best to be a good squire. These efforts and others led to the Order of the Pelican asking for me to join and I accepted.
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| Benen and I in 2017, finding our way and a good laugh in the process. |
Being made a Pelican is something I cherish. It is an amazing recognition. But, it is the Chivalric path that I still sought and I stayed the course as a squire. A year later, my efforts found justification. When I least expected it, the words I wasn't sure if I would ever hear were said, 'Will you join us?' The Good Earl, true to his word and oath, advocated for me to the Order and they asked me to join them as a Knight.
Figimund, my journey was not a simple one to this accolade, as you well know. I did not come to it easily, nor timely. I was inattentive in the early days, appreciating the comradery over the potential reward. It took the loss of my dear friend to find my focus. With that focus, the fates put the Good Earl before me. His attention and direction helped me find the goal. I have been lucky to know two great mentors and share this journey with them. Great men that I am better for the knowing.
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| Benen and I in 2025 prior to my announcement for Chivalry. |
So, we come to the Iris Faire and Coronation event this past weekend. I was placed on vigil during the vespers of Frīgedæg. There were three others also placed on vigil - Iain MacArthur (OP), Ricard of Glaedenfeld (OM) and Katerina of Soroya(OM). Many people came to see the four vigilants and share counsel.
TRMs Chinua Khan and Jacqueline Khatun along with TRHs Randver and Arianne sent us off to contemplate as the torches were lit around camp. Prior to me taking a seat, the Good Earl released me from my oath as a squire and I returned his belt and chain. Also at that time, We bade Countess Ameraulde forward, she was not expecting this. I then returned the belt, chain and spurs Hadi had given me all those years ago to her and asked for release from the oath to their house which she did. Thus, released from my oaths, I sat my vigil.
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| Countess Ameraulde, Earl Benen and I as the oaths where released. |
I was grateful Mistress Fionnabhair and Ldy Isabetta di Rossi. They provided victuals and libations for the gathering late into the eve. While I did not partake, fasting as I was, I heard that it was a sumptuous offering.
My guards controlled the flow of visitors. I could not have asked for better protection from the throngs of gentles that were there jockeying for a chance to visit me. Many people came to offer counsel as I sat. It gave me much to consider. Good stories and laughter were also shared.
The was night was long. The crowd dwindled down to just me and the Good Earl. It was the early morning hours at this point. Much like the start of our relationship, it was he and I under canvas and a night sky. He left me there to contemplate and I did so the rest of the night. I watched the sun rise and the clouds flow across the sky. In the gentle dawns light, I heard the clanking of armor in the darkness approaching. As I held up my touch and saw an Armadillo approaching me in full kit. The animal moved with purpose. Our eyes met. He did not have much to say but continued past my vigil his message clear, the sound of his plate armor echoing in the glade.
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| An armadillo. |
With the morning light setting in, I broke fast in the main hall then tore down my vigil tent and put everything away to prepare for the coming ceremony. I had quite a wait before I was called into court. The last court of Chinua Khan and Jacqueline Khatun was busy with many of the populace asked to attend and receive recognition. I, dressed in my elevation tunic that Ellen made for me, waited nervously outside the hall.
For my ceremony, there was only the basics of a script which the Good Earl maintained. He was called to court first.
He asked for the Order of Chivalry to attend. And they did. They then bade me to attend and I took my place kneeling at the feet of the great Khan and Khatun.
The worthies were then called to speak. Earl Robert Glendon of Auk spoke with humor and sincerity in equal parts. My knight, Earl Benen MacTire, spoke of pride and happiness. The Oloye Kehinde, Laurel, eloquently surprised and humbled me to my core with realizations I never knew about my effect on those around me. Baron Valdrikr Albriktsson, spoke to of this elevation being a recognition for what I already was. Masters Izzy and Corbin, for the Order of Defense, spoke of my perseverance and joy in what I do. Sir Griffin, for the Mark, humbled me further stating that I was 'the best of us'. And Padraig Brun, the man who was there at the start and taught me how to fight, told those in attendance I was a knight both in and out of the society.
I can tell you, Figimund, that I have never known such humility as what was laid upon me by these fine, honorable people. I was raw with emotion. I laughed and shed tears. I trembled from the effort. My family there to witness with tears of their own in their eyes. It was then that the ceremony continued and I was reborn as knight.
The accoutrements were brought forth. First came my helmet by Lord Marek followed by my sword, made and delivered by Lord Sindri. Then my ax, justice, carried by Ld Sigmund. Sir Mandin put on my spurs that Ld Sindri made for me. My banner was displayed for all to see by Duke Timothy and Duchess Ysmay. My wife Ellen, placed the white belt of a knight upon me. My brother, Ld Ronan of Axbridge then brought up my shield, which was also my knighting scroll (to my astonishment). Then the chain was placed upon me by the Khan. One from Benen, passed from his knight to me and one from Valdrikr. My fealty was given, Chinua Khan and Jacqueline Khatun responded in kind. Chinua Khan dubbed me a knight with the sword of state. Thus, I was girded and rose a Knight of the Society for Creative Anachronism. The ceremony was completed with the buffet, administered by the Good Earl as is his tradition. A kiss to either cheek and a strike to my chest that rocked me back a step. The deed was done. I probably have the order of events out of sequence, but I do not think I missed anything.
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| His Majesty, Chinua Khan, performs the accolade. |
I was asked during my vigil time a question concerning worth. 'What does this accolade mean to you?'. The first thing that came to mind was a quote attributed to Saladin during the siege of Jerusalem (from the movie Kingdom of Heaven) and I responded in kind, 'Nothing… Everything.' In this grand society we have created, we seek to make a world as it should be not how it is. This is the Dream we speak of. Being recognized a knight in the Society means nothing, but everything. It is a statement of who I am, what I try to be and who people see me to be. All these things within the realms of the Society only exist because we believe they do. I am a knight because people believe that I am. Outside of the confines of our Dream, I am not any lesser of a man than I am within. I am many things and I am not perfect. But, the people believe me to be a knight and I will honor and safeguard their belief in me both within and without.
The remainer my day was spent with family and friends. We relived tales of 'back in the day' and rekindled friendships. It was a great day that I will not soon forget. I wish you could have been there my friend. It was a spectacle to behold. I will close with a list of gratitude for those who supported me in this effort and others. Should you see these people in the future, you will know their worth. I have much love and adoration for all of these gentles.
Thank you…
Mistress Ellen Delacey is my heart, clothier, and love. With her, all things are possible. I would not be a knight without her there supporting and encouraging me.
Count Hadi al Hadad and Countess Ameraulde the Honourable met me in the early days of my journey. They provided the sound footing that anchors my SCA presence. They are with me always, cherished.
Thank you to Elliot, son of Hadi, for giving me the chains and spurs from Hadi. These legacy accoutrements will hold a place of honor in my possession. Much love to you, nephew.
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| Hadi's chain and spurs. |
Earl Benen MacTire and Countess Rosabel de Burgandy took me in from the wilderness and welcomed me into their house. They became my second SCA family. It is through them that I found my path again and attained this accolade. Thankful is not a strong enough sentiment.
To those who supported my night on vigil and my elevation ceremony, thank you. You will always be welcome at my hearth.
- Mistress Fionnabhair
- Ldy Isabetta
- Ld Ronan of Axbridge
- Ld Sindri Brynjarsson
- Ld Sigmund Nacht
- Ld Mongo Blackheart
- Kilat sa Mindanao
- Ldy Valka
- THL Martin de Bernay
- Ld Marek Arthurson
- Elliot of House Aspring
- THL Cassandra of Boseham
- THL Alessandra Sartor
- THL Medb with the Wolfdog
- Duke Timothy of Longbeddington
- Duchess Ysmay of Branston
- Sir Mandin Leon
For my worthies, your words of witness before the crown and populace took my breath away. Through your commentary, I know humility more intimately than I thought possible. I am grateful.
- Royal - Earl Robert Glendon of Auk
- Chivalry - Earl Benen Mactire
- Laurel - The Oloye Omokehindegbegbon Ayoka Opo (Kehinde)
- Pelican - Sir Valdrikr Albriktsson.
- Defense - M. Jean-Azriel de Corbiner and M. Ysabel de Sancte Croix
- Mark - Sir Griffin O'Suaird
- Populace - ld Padraig Brun
To Ld Ronan of Axbridge, who in a legendary act of regifting of a shield blank I gave to him, gave me back a work of art that is amazing and beautiful. The full item is displayed in the first image of this entry. Below are some of the details and easter eggs contained within.
Mistress Caterina Angelique Coeur Noir presented a reliquary scroll to me in honor of my elevation. It was unexpected and an outstanding creation that is breathtaking to see.
A reliquary scroll made by Mistress Caterina.
Ld Sindri Brynjarsson, blacksmith and artist, created a sword and spurs for me. With collaboration from Earl Benen, a scabbard was made for the sword and historical accuracy was achieved in the production. The creation of these gifts for me left me dumbfounded. I really don't know what to say as words seem to be inadequate. You both are amazing.
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| A replica of the Cawood sword made by Ld Sindri with a scabbard made by Earl Benen. |
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| 12th c prick spurs made by Ld Sindri. |
To all the gift-givers and advisors who took time for me, thank you. I am wealthier for your attentiveness.
Well met friends. Safe journey to thee!
Syr Eoin Mac Cana called 'Clyde', OP
Warden of the Northern Plateau
Shire of Easaraigh
Kingdom of Meridies
