Recitation Of the History Of the Axe Of Heroes
by Master Hector of the Black Height

Lord Rannulf Smith of West Yorvik, Ealdormere forged the axe. Also he was a noted bastard-swordsman in his day.

Baron Corwyn Galbraith of Ealdormere, Uncle to Viscountess Bushra, Current Baron of Septentria in Ealdormere, married to Domhnail (#17) crafted the axe haft in his workshop. He also first used the axe, to split wood for a carved spoon.

Lord Grimwulf the Hairy of Ealdormere, was the third owner of the axe. He is the second-finest field commander Septentria has ever produced (the finest is Baron Aeden o Kincora, who taught Grimwulf).

Fourth to own the axe was Duke Barak Hasdrubal the Carthaginian, Knight of Ealdormere. A Duke of the Eastrealm, one of the finest battle commanders ever at the Pennsic Wars, particularly in the woods.

Viscount Mordain Blackcloak, Knight of Ealdormere, the fifth to carry the axe. Warlord of Ealdormere’s forces at Pennsic XIII and at Pennsic XXXIII. Was squired to Sir Finnvarr (#71).

Thegn Cynred Broccan of Ealdormere, sixth owner of the axe. Former Baron of Septentria, he sat the Ursine thrones beside Bushra’s sister Gaerwen. Squired to Sir David (#24).

The seventh owner, Sir Evander McLachlan of Ealdormere, was a brilliant swordsman and joyous soul, he crusaded in the Middle East two years ago.

Viscount Menken Brechen, Knight, Master of the Pelican, Baron of Ealdormere, and Current Baron of Skraeling Althing in Ealdormere, the eighth owner, sat on the Board of Directors of the Society.

The axe then passed to its ninth holder, Lord Streonwald Wulfesbana of Ealdormere, Squired to Sir Berus (#65). Also a fine smith, he provided a sharpening steel for the axe.

Lord Etien au Neval, of Ealdormere tenth holder of the axe of heroes, Step-brother to Viscountess Bushra, and King’s Champion of Ealdormere. Squire-brother to Sir Berus (#65) and Master Worgen (#14). Last Bard to the Courts of the Principality of Ealdormere, he does a frighteningly accurate imitation of a large ape.

Count Sarnac Bahadur, Knight of Ealdormere, and eleventh holder of the axe of heroes, Was squired to Sir Roak (#12), an inspiring and passionate commander.

The twelveth holder of the axe was Duke Roak of Ealdormere, Knight of Ealdormere. A Rozakii (see #91), famed for his prowess with mace and greatsword. Also a highly capable operational commander.

Master Trumbrand the Wanderer, Master of Arms in Ealdormere, was the thirteenth holder of the axe. A Rozakii (see #91), second MSCA ever elevated in Ealdormere, also a fine armourer. Married to Kayla (#22)

Master Worgen MacGreggor, Master of Arms in Ealdormere, the fourteenth holder of the axe, and Step-brother to Viscountess Bushra, was the First MSCA ever elevated in Ealdormere. Squire-brother to Sir Berus (#65) and Etien (#10). Universally beloved for his sweet nature, he also fights an amazing mace.

Duke Edouard Beausoleil, Knight of Ealdormere, and the fifteenth to hold the axe of heroes; was squired to Sir Finnvarr (#71). In his first mass battle at Pennsic he saved Kaellyn (#50) from serious injury or death, when her chinstrap failed and her helmet went flying, by throwing himself between her and an advancing army.

Lord Wulfgang Donnerfaust of Ealdormere, the sixteenth person to carry the axe, First squire to Sir Sarnac (#10), he has the makings.

The seventeenth holder of the axe of heroes was Baroness Domhnail Galbraith of Ealdormere, Aunt to Viscountess Bushra, and Current Baroness of Septentria in Ealdormere, married to Corwin (#2). Squired to Master Worgen (#14).

Lord Graeme de Liste of Ealdormere, was the eighteenth holder of the axe. He is married to Viscountess Bushra's niece Aurelia (who made Bushra's Coptic fillet). A fine teacher of new fighters.

Lord Ralf of Oaklawn the nineteenth and oldest person to carry the axe of Heros, from Outlands, and brother to Viscountess Bushra, He holds a valid heavy fighter authorization card at age 81.

Viscount Edward Zifram of Gendy, Knight, Master of the Laurel and the Pelican East, 45th Knight ever elevated in the Society, autocrat of Pennsic XXXIII, was the twentieth person to carry the axe.

Twenty-first holder of the axe was, his Royal Highness Sir Rurik, Crown Prince of Aethelmearc. A valiant warrior and most gracious Prince.

The Twenty-second was Lady Kayla the Cheerful of Ealdormere. Former King’s Champion of Ealdormere, a joyous fighter and generous soul. A Rozakii, married to Master Trumbrand (#13).

Taog of Concusare, Uncle to Viscountess Bushra, Warlord of Concusare, a non-SCA group of pre-600 AD Iberian Celts was the twenty third holder of the axe. He understands deeply things Celtic.

Earl David Martin Failsworth, Knight, and Duke of Ealdormere. First prince of the Principality of Ealdormere; also first King of the Kingdom of Ealdormere. One of the Nine Worthies of the Known World. He was the twenty fourth to hold the axe.

The twenty fifth holder of the axe was Sir Gregory of Loch Swan, Master of the Pelican in Lochac. A faithful Pennsic participant who flies up from Australia every summer.

Duchess Elina of Beckenham, Mistress of the Laurel and the Pelican, Lady of the Rose of the Middle Kingdom was the twenty-sixth to hold the axe. She is author of the “Iron Rose” essays and book, a singularly graceful lady. I believe she is married to Duke Steven (#106)

Twenty-seventh was Lord Axayacatl the Tlacuilo of Ealdormere. Distinguished bard to the Baron of Septentria (#2), formerly known as Gunnar Truthsinger, he has embraced his Mexica (“Aztec”) persona despite objections from Eurocentric SCAdians.

The axe then went to it's twenty eighth owner, Lady Seonid nic Thomas of Ealdormere, Baronial Champion of Septentria. Married to Streonwald (#9).

Lady Isotta Gianfigliazzi of Ealdormere, the twenty ninth holder, is a fine spear-fighter with a charming singing voice.

The thirtith holder of the axe was Lord Evan Quicktongue of Ealdormere Squired to Sir Katsu Okaiwa, he is known for a quick wit and generous nature.

Her Royal Majesty Marion II, Lady of the Rose, Queen of Ealdormere, was the thirty first to hold the axe of heros. Married to Sir Berus (#65), she is a noted combat archer.

It's Thirty-second holder was Master Brusten de Bearsul, Master of the Laurel and the Pelican of Middle Kingdom. A former Knight of the Middle Kingdom, he threw the first blow at the first demo in what became Ealdormere. Also a former War Chirurgeon at Pennsic.

Sir Ustad Hassan the Dredd of the Middle kindgom, and thiry-third to hold the axe, was the first Islamic persona to perform the Pennsic pilgrimage, the Penjj, he was squired to Sir Lothar (#47). He is an inspiring fighter to watch and a soul of vast generosity and kindness.

Lord Drust mhic Arleth of the Middle Kingdom, the thirty fourth person to hold the axe is first squire to Sir Ustad (#32). He has the makings.

35 Baron Tancred of Tanglewood of Ealdormere. Foremer Baron of Rising Waters in Ealdormere and a noted craftsman, he is a wise fighter who fights single combat only, heeding his body’s limitations.

36 Baron Andrixos Seljukroctonis, Master of the Pelican and the Laurel, Huskarl Calontir. A noted Byzantine warrior, he teaches Latin to the army of Calontir on the field (example: “Ave, marinus”, “Hello, sailor”).

37 His Royal Highness Brannos, Knight and Master of the Pelican, Crown Prince of the Middle Kingdom. One of the Nine Worthies of the Known World, considered the finest swordsman on the east side of the continent, he is the finest coach of fighting in the Society. Married to Mistress Rebekka (#108).

38 Master Feral von Halstern, Master of Arms in Eastrealm. A senior commander within the Great Northern Army of the Eastrealm, one of the finest field commanders at the Pennsic Wars.

39 Viscount Haakon Oaktall, Knight, Master of the Pelican in Aethelmearc Uncle to Viscountess Bushra, Warlord of Clan Yama Kaminari, he walks the talk and carves legends with his spear. See #85.

40 Lord Ardal of Antioch in Aethelmearc, Cousin to Viscountess Bushra, Squire to Sir Haakon (#39), a convivial companion.

41 Sir Trelogin Tavistock, Master of the Pelican and the Laurel of the Middle Kingdom. A truly joyous man, he begged the boon for Viscountess Bushra’s Laurel when he was placed on vigil for the Pelican. Interestingly, his first of three Peerages was his Pelican.

42 Sir Osric Eisenwulf of the Middle Kingdom. Head of a famous Midrealm fighting house, House Ironwolf, his generosity is well-known.

43 Baron Dur al-Jabal ak Mufti of Aethelmearc. Uncle to Viscountess Bushra. Father and guiding light of the Society’s Mozarab renaissance, he named Bushra al-Jazeeri bint al-Nahr.

44 Badger of Anglesey; Another non-SCA Celt and fine warrior, he casts bronze.

45 Countess Elina de Braose, Lady of the Rose, First Queen of Ealdormere, she led her army on the field, sword in hand.

46 Sir Aengus MacBain of Aethelmearc, Uncle to Viscountess Bushra. Knighted at Pennsic XXXIII – he held the axe before he knew he was to be knighted -- he was squired to Sir Haakon (#38). Married to Mistress Yvianne (#47). A truly generous, joyous man.

47 Maitresse Yvianne de Castel d’Avignon, Mistress of the Laurel of Aethelmearc. Married to her uncle Sir Aengus (#46) Scutifer to her husband, the previous summer she was injured on the field protecting him. After surgery she returned to the field to fight beside him.

48 Baron Lothar von Drachenstein, Knight, Master of the Laurel and the Pelican of the Middle Kingdom. Noted Knight and artisan. His “Drachenstein Treasures” is one of the leading SCA jewellers of the Known World.

49 Master Efenwealt Wystle, Master of the Laurel in Atlantia. Once killed the King of Ealdormere at Gulf Wars with his spear and wrote a song about it. He is mad, utterly mad.

50 Viscountess Kaellyn MacDermott, Mistress of the Pelican in Ealdormere. Second Princess of Ealdormere, War Chirurgeon, Pennsic XXV. Also a faithful friend and advisor to Bushra during her reign. She cannot stop working and serving.

51 Count Ruslan Novgorodcev, Master of Arms, Master of the Pelican of the East. Warlord of the East at Pennsic XXXIII. A fine field commander, his quick thinking saved Pennsic War XXIII from crisis and collapse on the field.

52 Baron Malachi von Uri, Knight of Calontir. In service to Queen Sile II (#101).

53 Viscount Bear the Wallsbane, Knight of Aethelmearc. Famed Aethelmearc warrior known for tenacity on the field.

54 Lord Justinian Clarus of Ealdormere. Uncle to Viscountess Bushra. Past Bard to the Court of Ealdormere, as a shieldman in the line he has used his voice to command whole armies when the generals were silent.

55 Count Valharic Caligula Aurelius, Knight of the Middle. King of the Middle at Pennsic XXXI, he learned much during his reign.

56 Lord Fian mhic Kennedy of House Darkyard of the Middle. Man-at-arms to Sir Valharic (#55). He has the makings.

57 The High Lord Barak Petreus Marinus Comitatus of Ealdormere. Squire to Barak Sir Hasdrubal (#4), a distinguished small-unit tactician and tenacious patriot.

58 The High Lord Richard Larmer of Ealdormere. Squire to Sir Finnvarr (#71), a distinguished participant in and organizer of high medieval tournament companies.

59 Duke Alaric von Drachenklaue, Knight of Caid. A gracious Peer and noted film student, and therein lies a tale.

60 Ritter Brion Landgraff von Bellatrix, Knight of the West Kingdom. Viscount and Knight. A Bellatrix of the blood, son of Duke Paul Bellatrix.

61 Viscount Atai Yoshina, Knight of Aethelmearc. A wandering Knight due to his previous employment in the service of his demanding uncle Samuel, the Society at large is his home.

62 Lord Dietrich von Berne of the East. Proprietor of “Dark Victory Armoury” maker of black plastic harness. He has put 1,000 fighters on the field.

63 Master Wulfgar o’the Wood, Master of Arms in the East. Noble head of a glorious house; the squire reflects the Master and the Master is most impressive indeed. He understands kin, profoundly.

64 Lord Eric Polynares East Squire to Master Wulfgar (#62), a noble and generous heart. His Master held the axe on his behalf.

65 His Royal Majesty Berus II, Knight, King of Ealdormere. Squire-brother to Master Worgen (#14) and Etien (#10), married to Marion (# 31), he made Bushra’s gold Viscounty coronet.

66 Sir Hrymgnar Aeulfsson of the East. Long-time merchant at Pennsic, his goods are reliable and priced fairly.

67 Count Aaron Preslee Worgensson, Knight of Ealdormere. Uncle to Viscountess Bushra. Was squired to Master Worgen (#13). Also known as “Iron Aaron of the Thousand Battles”, he fought 1,000 bouts at Pennsic XXXII. His kindness, patience and common sense all are treasures.

68 Sir Ivar the Black Knight of An Tir, who fought for Ealdormere at Pennsic XXXIII at the Princess of Avacal’s request.

69 Baron Ephraim ben Shlomo, Knight of the Middle. Baron of the Cleftlands, one of the Nine Worthies of the Known World. Perhaps the single most humble and gracious Knight in the Society.

70 Lord Hamish Gunn of Ealdormere. Grand-nephew to Viscountess Bushra. A member of House Galbraith, calls Bushra’s Laurel “Grandpa” through her brother Master Garraed Galbraith.

71 Duke Finnvarr de Taahe, Knight, Master of the Pelican and the Laurel in Ealdormere. Only fighter to have fought in every war-point battle in every Pennsic War. One of the Nine Worthies of the Known World. Sat on the Board of Directors of the Society.

72 The High Lord Hereward Feorbend of Ealdormere, Squire to Sir Finnvarr (#71), beloved of the Kingdom of Calontir.

73 Lord Travis Greywolf of Ealdormere. Squire to Sir Finnvarr (#71), he enjoys fighting with short pole weapons.

74 Lord Wat of Sarum in Ealdormere. A steady fighter and gentle man with a wicked sense of humour.

75 Sir Nigel Macfarlane of Ealdormere. Very effective Ealdormere field commander, Pennsic XXXIII. The axe rested on the Runestone immediately before Sir Nigel’s wife, Baroness Adrielle Kerrec OP OL (herself a fine warrior), sat vigil for the Laurel at Pennsic XXXIII.

76 Lord Angus Albhanni of Ealdormere. Uncle to Viscountess Bushra. Captain of the Black Tower and Head of the Eoforwic City Guard, he served as group marshal of a group without a permanent fight practice site for a decade, which is an act of vast dedication in the face of insurmountable frustration.

77 Master John the Pell, Master of Arms of the East. One of the legendary large-force commanders of the Pennsic War.

78 Duke Siegfried von Halstern, Knight of the East. Founder of the renowned Eastern Haus von Halstern.

79 Countess Kenna Harve, Mistress of the Pelican, Lady of the Rose of the Middle. Ruled the Middle alone after the death of her consort, Prince Jafar. She authorized as a heavy fighter after his death so the Crown could be on the field with her troops.

80 Lord Chengir abu Bene Said of Aethelmearc. The greatest Mozarab storyteller in the Known World.

81 Viscount Gunther von Wieselburg, Knight of Trimaris, Uncle to Viscountess Bushra. The finest War Prince Ealdormere ever had lead it into the field.

82 Duke Dagan du Darregonne, Knight, Master of the Pelican in the Middle Kingdom. A distinguished Master of the Pelican, he has a strong conscience and great sense of personal honour.

83 Lord Simon Ivanovich Tzarakov of Aethelmearc. Cousin to Viscountess Bushra. Squired to Sir Haakon (#39), a dedicated servant.

84 Lord Damian Haakonsson of Aethelmearc. Cousin to Viscountess Bushra. Squired to Sir Haakon (#39). He has the makings.

85 Sir Dirk MacMartin, Huskarl Calontir. Cousin to Viscountess Bushra. Was squired to Sir Haakon (#39), a generous and joyous warrior.

86 Sir Ogami Akira of Aethelmearc. Head of Clan Yama Kaminari (“Clan Mountain Lightning)”, he does very detailed samurai. Also head of Security, Pennsic XXXIII.

87 Sir Magarichi no Kordono of Aethelmearc. Was squired to Sir Ogami (#85), he does his knight honour.

88 Lord Kataura Hachirou of Aethelmearc. Squired to Sir Ogami (#85), a very proficient senior squire to a very demanding knight.

89 Duke Ronald Wilmot, Knight of the East. Took a tragic relic, a helmet half-made for the late Sir Thorbjorn Osis, and turned it into a joyous gift for Sir Aaron Preslee’s knighting.

90 His Grace Tribune Darius Aurelius Serpentius, Knight of the East. While King of the East at Pennsic XXXI was voted the title “Imperator” by his army on the field. Fought 1,000 bouts at Pennsic (circa Pennsic XXIX). Married to Roxane (#90).

91 Her Grace Roxane Arabi Shahzadch, Mistress of the Laurel, Lady of the Rose in the East. While Queen at Pennsic XXXI was awarded the East’s Blue Tiger (martial award) for her abilities as a field commander. Married to Darius (#89).

92 Baron Thorgrim of the Rozakii of Aethelmearc. Khagan (head) of the Rozakii, a famed Khazari fighting house that has produced many great warriors.

93 Lord Garth Halfdan of the Marines of An Tir. In service to Duke Sir Hasdrubal (#4) he travels from An Tir every summer to fight alongside his kin; he calls himself “the Westernmost Ealdormerian”.

94 His Royal Majesty Siridean, Knight, King of Calontir. A most gracious and patient Knight.

95 Duke Talymar gan y Llewyn, Knight, Master of the Pelican of the Middle. Famed as “Hammer of the Tiger”, the Middle’s greatest field general ever. Also a fine friend to Ealdormere in its darkest hours.

96 Baron Brand Thorwaldsson, Master of the Pelican of Ealdormere. One of the best heralds in the Known World, a well-feared greatswordsman and, in his spare time, both patron saint of armourers and mailmakers and father of his Barony.

97 His Royal Highness Malik, Knight, Crown Prince of Ealdormere. He held the axe while doing his Penjj as part of his vigil, prior to being knighted at Pennsic XXXIII.

98 Duke Eliahu ben Itzhak, Knight, Master of the Pelican of the Middle. A firm friend of the Northlands.

99 Baron Thomas Damian Blackmoor of Aethelmearc. He once fought in an AIDS benefit tourney at Pennsic while recovering from heat exhaustion because the tourney was under-subscribed.

100 Serjeant the Lady Sigrid de Mere of the Middle. Squire to Sir Eliahu (#97).

101 Lord Kasimir of Staargard of Ealdormere. Second squire to Sir Sarnac (#10). His Knight held the axe on his behalf.

102 Her Royal Majesty Sile II, Mistress of the Laurel, Lady of the Rose, Queen of Calontir. Queen of Calontir at Pennsic XX. An old and dear friend of the Northlands.

103 Duke Christofer Kensor, Knight, Master of the Pelican of Calontir. A Knight of colourful origins who has learned much and become a stalwart of his Kingdom.

104 Duke Palymar of the Two Baronies, Knight, Master of the Pelican in the Middle. A firm friend of the Northlands, he both delivered the Midrealm proscription of the word “Ealdormere” and presided over Ealdormere’s first Crown Tournament.

105 Sir Jehane de la Batarde of the East. Former head of Security, circa Pennsic XXVII.

106 Lord Agnar the Goth of Ealdormere. Faithful Northman, fought in every Pennsic, starting about Pennsic XVI.

107 Duke Stephen of Beckenham, Knight, Master of the Laurel and the Pelican of the Middle. I believe he is married to Duchess Elina (#26). Reputed one of the finest swords of the Society.

108 Morgana of Concusare. Lady of Bushra's uncle Taog (#22). A deadly spear-woman amidst a clan of gallant and passionate warriors.

109 Her Royal Highness Rebekka, Mistress of the Laurel and the Pelican, Lady of the Rose, Crown Princess of the Middle. Married to Sir Brannos (#37), she is the only non-fighter within this roll. She went to Pennsic XXXIII while completing a course of chemotherapy. Of all this roll of heroes, she shines most brightly.

110 Sir Alan Culross, Master of the Pelican of the Middle. Former Earl Marshal of the Middle. Once spent fifteen hours in his car driving to a Coronation site, driving to the outgoing Crown’s home to recover a forgotten piece of regalia and returned to the event site (across the US/Canada border). A very patient man.

111 Lord Ulvar van der Nederlander of Ealdormere. One of the finest scouts in the woods battle, Pennsic XXXIII.

112 Lord Lucius Aurelius Varus of the East. A former Rozakii moved afar, renowned for his swordsmanship.

113 The High Lord Tynne Duair ap Beul of Ealdormere. A Rozakii, apprenticed in illumination to Princess Genevieve of Ealdormere.

114 Tigearn Corrig Mhor of Ealdormere. A deadly spear fighter with a decidedly early Irish bent.

115 Lord Rhodri ap Ieuan ap Hywel, Fyrdman Calontir. A Calontiri who lived in Ealdormere for a year, he both learned and taught much.

116 Lord Thorolfr inn Smithr of Ealdormere. A member of the Eoforwic City Guard, well-reputed amongst the Calontiri.

117 Lord Pelayo of Eoforwic of Ealdormere. A member of the Eoforwic City Guard.

118 Lady Sara of Eoforwic of Ealdormere. A member of the Eoforwic City Guard.

119 Bjarn Styrmirsson of Ealdormere. A member of the Eoforwic City Guard.

120 His Worship the Lord Hans Thorwaldsson of Ealdormere. Lord Mayor of the Royal City of Eoforwic and a member of the Eoforwic City Guard.

121 Lady Bridget of Eoforwic of Ealdormere. A member of the Eoforwic City Guard.

122 James MacDonald of Eoforwic of Ealdormere. A member of the Eoforwic City Guard.

123 The High Lord Dafydd ap Sion of Ealdormere. Archery Champion to Their Majesties Ealdormere and a faithful friend to those in grief and need.

124 Lord Augustine Ely of Ealdormere. A new fighter with eyesight challenges, he fought fearlessly in the woods while holding a great and pure faith in those around him.

125 Baron Colin James MacLachlan, Knight, Master of the Pelican, Huskarl Calontir. He held the axe while sitting vigil on his elevation to the Chivalry at Pennsic XXXIII, at the Runestone. Sat on the Board of Directors of the Society.

126 Master Charles Oakley, Master of the Pelican of the Middle. Current Seneschal of the Middle Kingdom.

127 Baron Konrad Matthais Jaeger, Master of the Pelican of Ealdormere. Commanded troops brilliantly on the Pennsic XXXIII bridges.

128 Lord Eoin o Berne of Ealdormere. Married to her sister Zahra Man-at-arms to Sir Malik (#96), former Baronial Champion of the Barony of Rising Waters in Ealdormere.

129 Viscount Kitakaze Tatsu Raito, Knight of the Middle. Viscount of Northshield, he is cutting the jewels for that land’s first Crowns.

130 Beothuk of the Beothuk of An Tir. Faithful friend to Viscountess Bushra. Last of the roll of heroes and by no means least.

The Axe of heroes was held by: 
Four sitting Kings and Queens
Four Crown Princes and Princesses
Seventeen Dukes and Duchesses
Six Counts and Countesses
Seven Ladies of the Rose
Ten Viscounts and Viscountesses
Fifty Knights
Six Masters of Arms
Twenty-nine Peers of one or both of the Peaceful Orders
Fourteen Barons and Baronesses
Eighteen direct relations to Viscountess Bushra

The axe rested on the Pennsic Runestone