A ghazal (a qasîdah in tawîl meter)

Duke Edric Aaron Hartwood
Victorious in Fall Crown Tourney, A.S. XLII

A ghazal (a qasîdah in tawîl meter)

As Caid’s morning dawned brightly, the warriors gather,
The flowers of bright chivalry, compelled to the muster.

Great Edric, dread fighter who champions lovely Fa’izeh
Strode forth with the solemn oath that his blade would be faster.

First fell Baron Darius to Edric’s great mighty blows
Cormac then surrendered to the willowy blade-master.

Alexander was laid low next by Edric’s puissant skills,
As the sun reached its zenith Caid’s knights gained in luster.

Sir Rhys, then Sir Edward both lost sight of the precious Crowns
Instead both good knights needed final rites from a pastor!

Sirs Gamyl and Patrick, both rising from the sun-scorched South
And both were then defeated without swagger or bluster.

Jamal, Master and Knight, came seeking scepter and signet
His beauteous Eowyn he sought with love to anoint her

Eowyn and Fa’izeh great queens they would surely be!
Both ladies have never failed to cause Caid’s hearts to stir.

Both of the knights clashed together, first one then the other
Held sway in the battle, until Jamal could not answer.

Duke Edric faced many in pursuit of the Crescent Thrones,
All Hail Caid’s new Crowns, our Azure Mistress and Master!

— Baron Beorn of the Northern Sea

...is a 13th century Hiberno-Norman bard and warrior in service to The Bruce. He honors his Irish Mother and Norse Father by boasting, drinking, fighting, eating, and generally making the lives of King Edward’s knights as miserable as possible.

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