Creation of a Knight
(At the King's command, the herald shall call forward the Chivalric Order:
HERALD: Let the Orders of Chivalry, knights and masters-at-arms, come before Their Majesties.
(After they have gathered, the herald shall call forward the candidate, who will kneel before the Crown.)
KING: _______________, well-pleased with your prowess upon the field, and right mindful of the desires of your peers, We are minded to create you a Knight. Will you accept from Us this honor, and swear fealty to the Crown of the Kingdom of Avacal?
(If the candidate is unwilling or unable to swear fealty, then he shall say:)
CANDIDATE: No, your Majesty, I am unable.
(And the herald will change to the Master-at-arms ceremony. But if the candidate WILL swear, then he shall say:)
CANDIDATE: Yes, Your Majesty.
HERALD: Are you bound in fealty to another?
(If so, call the other person forward and have them release the candidate.)
KING: Upon what symbol will you swear fealty?
(The symbols include: the Sword of State, either or both Royal Crowns, the Orb, the Rod, the Scepter, the Great Seal of State, their Majesties’ person, the sword of another, another appropriate symbol. The new peer shall state his/her choice, and the Crown shall take up the Symbol:)
The HERALD will lead the oath (in phrases):
Here do I swear fealty to _______________ and _______________,
my undoubted King and Queen, that I will obey Their lawful commands
in all matters that concern this realm, and uphold the Crown and Kingdom of Avacal.
KING: All this do We hear. And We, for Our part, do swear fealty to _______________, to protect and defend him and his household with all Our power, so long as We remain Sovereigns of Avacal. So say We, _______________, King of Avacal.
QUEEN: And so say We, _______________, Queen of Avacal.
KING: By what name do you wish to be Knighted?
(And when he has answered:)
KING: _______________, by what sword would you make your vows and receive this accolade?
(And the chosen sword is brought forward, and the King says:)
KING: Let the spurs of Knighthood be brought forth.
(If there is history attached to the spurs, it may be shared at this time. When the spurs are buckled, on the King will draw the sword, laying it across His palms, and say:)
KING: Place your hands upon Ours, and this sword.
And the HERALD will lead the vow (phrase by phrase):
Here do I vow, on this sword, to be from this day forward
a good and true knight, ever chivalrous and courteous,
and ever willing to bind myself in fealty to the Crown of my Kingdom,
to speak and to be silent, to do and to let be, to come and to go,
to strike and to spare in such matters as concern this society,
in need and in plenty, in peace and in war, in living or in dying,
till death take me or the world end. So say I, _______________.
(Taking the sword by the hilt, the King shall bestow the accolade on the candidate with the flat of the blade upon the right shoulder, the left shoulder, and then upon the crown of the head.)
KING: Arise, Sir _______________.
KING: Bring forth the Chain
(If there is history attached to the chain, it may be shared at this time.)
KING: Wear this chain in token of your rank.
QUEEN: Bring forth the Belt.
(If there is history attached to the belt, it may be shared at this time. The inspiration of the new Knight, may be called forward at this time and assist the Queen in fastening the Knight's Belt about his waist.)
QUEEN: Wear this belt in token of your ability.
(And here the king shall deliver the buffet, saying:)
KING: Let this be the last blow you accept unanswered.
KING: Go now to your peers.
(As the Chivalry greets their brother, the herald will exhort the cheers of the populace.)
