Lo, look on yonder field.
See the cross upon that shield?
See that sword slip through their guard like rain.
Watch how she takes that step?
Ha! So oft' they fall for that!
All too well too many know that pain.

Lo, every blow a thrill!
I have yet her cunning skill,
Still my heart finds joy most in the fray.
And I know deep within,
I belong midst battle's din.
So I heed the words I've heard her say:

​

Refrain:
Hold the field for one more moment than the rest!
Never let enough be quite enough to be your best.
And should your soul be burdened by the trials you've yet won,
Hold your head up to the sun.
Remember that your journey's just begun!

​

Fie! How I've wasted years!
Bent my knee to baseless fears.
Haunted by the risk of pride or shame.
Raised in the company,
Of such warrior's legacy,
When compared, how could I reach my aim?

Yet, I have come to know,
That which most may lay me low,
Is the voice of doubt that shades my way.
And I'll not heed it more.
I know what I'm fighting for.
So I heed the words I've heard her say...

​

Refrain

​

If I can only learn,
From each fall, I know I'll earn-
All the peace I seek upon my quest.
For 'til the day I die,
I cannot but heed the cry,
Of this call to valor neath my breast!

(So) Here, upon bended knee,
I give oath of fealty,
And, by all I am, I swear, someday-
When I take belt of white,
Chain of gold, and stand a knight,
Still I'll heed the words I've heard you say...

​

Last Refrain:
Hold the field for one more moment than the rest!
Never let enough be quite enough to be your best.
And should your soul be burdened by the trials you've yet won,
(Then) hold the field for one more moment than the rest!
Never let enough be quite enough to be your best.
and should your soul be burdened by the trials you've yet won,
Hold your head up to the sun!
Remember that your journey's just begun.
Aye, Then I'll know my journey's just begun!

​

Music & Lyrics by Samantha Moore | Ambra Michellli Copyright @2018

   

A glaiveman was boasting, "I took 10 men down!"
A spearman said, "Twice that has earned me renown."
When asked on my merit what count I claimed mine,
I answered, "I saved many lives on the line."

​

Refrain:
I add my shield to the wall.
My glory's not forged by the foeman who fall.
I guard well my kinsmen, I hold 'gainst the tide,
That by god, none shall fall who would stand by my side!

​

An archer proclaimed, "By my bow it began!"
A siege master cried, "Did you see how they ran?"
A lady of coursing asked, " Did you pursue?"
I answered them all with humility true...

​

Refrain

 

A red belted youth asked, "Did you ever tire?"
I laughed, "Don't be foolish, of course, my good squire.
But mind you the shame should you have to declare:
When the wall fell, brother you were not there!"

​

Refrain

 

My king called my name, took my hand in his hand
He spoke, "Brave the heart who beside me would stand.
Not once took you ease, I was proud you were mine."
I answered, "My liege, a shield rests at the line!"

​

Refrain

​

Then Final Refrain:

So add your shield to the wall.

Our glory's not forged by the foeman who fall.

We guard well our kinsmen and hold 'gainst the tide,

That by god, none shall fall who would stand by our side!

​

Music & Lyrics by Samantha Moore | Ambra Michellli Copyright @2010

  

My blade is sharp as yours, my heart as true.
My shield as needed when war is nigh.
I too believe all we fight for is just.
I am as ready as you to die.
I have shed blood, sweat, and tears for our cause.
Many know peace for my sacrifice.
I've felt the cost to my body and soul,
And ne'er shall I doubt it was worth the price.

​

Refrain:
So stand my side.
Ne'er shall this warrior's heart be denied!
Shoulder to shoulder we enter the fray,
And we are all soldiers this day.

​

I'm not the strongest nor swiftest we boast.
Neither are you 'mongst that valiant few.
Yet for to answer, in battle, this host.
I'd faced the rages of war with you!

I am no mighty duke, I am no king,

I am no well-tested noble knight.

Yet if I fall, I shall fall blade in hand.

Naught will deny me this worthy right!

 

Refrain

I know your instinct would spare me the risk,
(But) how can you ask that I run and hide?
If you would honor me, honor my will.
Stand not before me, but by my side!
And unto all of my sisters in arms:
Mind not the few who might bar the way.
Don well your armor and heed valor's call!
Rise up beside me and boldly say-

​

Refrain x2

Then: "So Brother, make good or make way..."

​

Music & Lyrics by Samantha Moore | Ambra Michellli Copyright @2015

 

Refrain:
The Clink of Chain, the smell of leather as we all march together.
Throw your shoulders back and hold your head up high.
Though your mettle has been tested,
Do not march like you were bested, no.
Proudly raise your banners and a "Vivat!" to the sky!

​

Each step I felt the weight of every piece of armor worn.
The heat and dust fought well to fog my mind.
I trudged along my fellows, every step I'd cause to scorn,
I struggled for what strength I'd left to find.
My shield it felt an anvil, and my helm I held in hand,
The sand seemed want to bake me from below.
Twas then my Knight in stride did offer there her just command
That if I was not dead, trod not as so.

​

"One breath and then another," she in whispered council shared
A smile on her lips, her eyes yet bright.
"And see ye well your country men, who look for how we fared.
Would you gift faith or fear to them this night?
Now matters not our victory or loss upon the field;
For know ye that tomorrow is yet made.
But as you pass your people, let them trust you shall not yield;
That yet their heroes serve them, unafraid."

 

Refrian

 

Lo, as I raised my weary chin from off my aching chest,
My knight continued, as she walked in stride.
"I know you thirst, and well my friend you've earned an honored rest,
But rally any will you've left inside. 

For every camp we pass is yet a chance hope may hold sway
Let them with awe recall our countenance.
I would the bards find merit in our measure, in our way,

That foemen may yet fear fierce recompense."

​

And as I stood the straighter, and my legs found surer stride
And in the gaze of those we passed, found praise
I found my thirst abated in the wake of flooding pride
And with a cheer I felt my spirits raise
For I had spent the day in service to my Crown and Knight
To raise the colors high for all my kin
And sooner than I'd fathomed saw my humble camp in sight 
Where rest and heroes' rev'ry would begin. 

​

Refrain

​

When came the next day from the field, my march was sure and proud
I saw my fellows match my stride and stance
Our people sang us onward, and their joyous hails were loud
My Knight, I saw Pride's cunning in her glance
For no one on our path did doubt which flag still flew the field
Though small our count, no soul could say we lack. 
And come the next great battle marched in twice our count of shield
All for the honor to march boldly back. 

​

So mind you as you serve that in your efforts you inspire.
You may yet spark a dream in soul and mind;
But for the cost of one last push to raise one's glory higher,
If you can but the will within you find.
Know but one voice can lead the way, so let it be your own
My Knight's shall ever more reside in me
And from that simple council has this simple squire grown
And so I gift her wisdom unto thee

​

Music & Lyrics by Samantha Moore | Ambra Michellli Copyright @2024

 

If I lie here quietly and don’t move a bit
I can almost just pretend that I don’t feel like shi-er… poorly.  
“Dad don't make me go to school the other kids have spears...”
Oh, but then I hear...

“Waah… Stop your whining, quit your crying, get your shield out here!”

My ankle rolled 3 days ago, the bridge near took my knee
My hand won’t fully grasp my blade, I’ve lashed the sword to me
My blisters all have blisters and I cannot roll my wrist
But never was more glory earned than in the fight you missed

​

Refrain:

Lord knows I have seen better days, like every day before
But I’d not trade a day of rest for one less day of war 

​

The moonlight bids me rest and yet the ale flows hale and good
The next day on the battle field my legs feel made of wood
And though there are so many foe with keener blades, they say
It’s not one of those bastards I’ll let strike my helm this day (Kill me now-)

​

Refrain

​

The salt and brine run down my brow, my helm a misery
My hands steel cased in gauntlets cannot wipe this grief from me
I watch a breeze I cannot feel but mock my melting brain
“By God, I’ll pay the price of rust if he’d but send me rain!” 

​

Refrain

​

The battle rages on and on; I breath more dust than air
I raise my eyes and pray I’ll spy, the ones who water bear
And yet I know that if I drink, I so invite my bane
For going to the john in armor’s such a bloody pain

​

Refrain

​

My sister has a broken foot, yet she’s fighting still
My brother has 2/3rds a lung, yet he crests the hill
A duct-taped warrior takes the field, ardent in his quest
How can I ask they bear my share of battle while I rest? 

​

Refrain

​

(For) the dawn comes far too early, or too wet, or hot, or cold
But tis no balm but glory for the soul who would be bold
So as you gaze into the void and dream of rest, resist
For never was a day as grand… as the day you missed 

​

Last Refrain:

And Lord knows we have seen better days, like every day before
But when I lay my weary head, I only dream of More!

​

Music & Lyrics by Samantha Moore | Ambra Michellli Copyright @2017

 

A Knight's Response (to "Squire's Lament")

​

Unto my peer who saw me kneel and rise again a knight
I'd first like to apologize, and say that you were right
And would that I had listened more, I might have struggled less
In hindsight it’s amazing it took this long to confess
Those words in jest you whispered on my knighting, take 'em back
I here admit my failings, any virtues that I lack
And I'd pay any penance if this curse you would revoke
In horror now I understand those fateful words you spoke

​

"A blessing I would offer and you've earned it, through and through,
May fate, I trust, be fair and just, may you have squires like you..."

​

I find it quite impressive how they demonstrate their skill
How every wisdom offered oft's defied with ardent will
For why "submit"and fix their kit, like some obedient sap
Why do it right when they can fight in such magnificent crap
I mean, why waste their time to keep their gear in good repair
When man invented duct tape they can layer upon layer
A rivet or a zip tie, how I'm told it's all the same
And wonder they when fades the fray, they've lost another lame

​

"A blessing I would offer and you've earned it, through and through,
May fate, I trust, ​be fair and just, may you have squires like you..."

​

A mighty war cry moves the field, and someday, squires mine
For far above the clamor of our labor sounds a whine
Of how I only dream up ways our efforts may be spent
And somehow lost upon them's how I share their sad lament
For every bench and table that we build upon this today
Is to replace the last ones that they mucked up in some way
Oh tell me more of what a chore this prepping for the field
I've seen them use a sword, good lord, they need a sturdy shield

​

"A blessing I would offer and you've earned it, through and through,
May fate, I trust, ​be fair and just, may you have squires like you..."

​

My duty amongst many is to lend a mindful ear
I help them face their demons, help them dominate their fear
But if I'm being honest, I suspect I've come to think
On how convenient heart-to-hearts require first a drink
And who am I to so deny my vassal aid or ale
I'd sooner thirst or suffer first than in this duty fail
But here of late we conversate with much left to be done
Our talks ebb as the ale runs low or with the fading sun

 

"A blessing I would offer and you've earned it, through and through,
May fate, I trust, ​be fair and just, may you have squires like you..."

​

I swore an oath, as did we both, and now swear so much more
And we'll survive them knowing all there is to know, I'm sure
But now I understand what I before could never see
That ev'ry student that I have is somehow just like me
Its sometimes painful, looking back, to know-you-know-I know
But how I'm grateful for your fight to guide and help me grow
I pray for half your patience 'til I likewise each condemn
I cannot wait 'til time and fate see they take squires like them

"A blessing I would offer and you've earned it, through and through,
May fate, I trust, ​be fair and just, may you have squires like you..."
 

"A blessing I would offer and you've earned it, through and through,
If fate is just, then I can trust that you'll have squires like you..."

​

Music & Lyrics by Samantha Moore | Ambra Michellli Copyright @2023

​

Fill the horns with spirits and our souls with song
There are deeds to recount 'fore the night grows long
Though our bones be weary, lo, this ale is strong
So sit and have your say~oh, regale us of the day!

​

Oh this ale is fine, good friends of mine,
And verily thanks I’ll sing;
And I'll pay good measure for its store, 
With a tell-tale offering.
For I’m home from battle just this day,
With many a feat beheld.
But fill my glass, and I'll tell thee lass, 
How-my would-be fate was felled.

Tis-a good right thing, and a hum-bl-ing,
When the smallest stands so tall.
For I was yet, pon the parapet,
When I saw yon guardsmen fall.
One moment more, lo, I am assured, 
I’d have met death unaware!
For the archer’s craft, I'll raise a draft,
And swear that I was there-o
Doubt me if you dare!
 

Refrain 

Well now that you’re done, I’ll raise you one,
Have you ever seen a king?
You can tell him by his bearing and-
A very fine golden ring.
Now he leads the heroes on the field,
And he faces well his foe.
How he morns and he scorns the fates as a-
-ny kindred is laid low.

But 'pon this day, lo, I watched him watch
A page, nigh the age of ten,
Who gave aid and comfort unto a-
-ny foe, as well as kin.
And so for this service of the soul,
Did the king gave him his share.
(Now) a ten year old, wears a ring of gold!
I swear that I was there-oh,
Doubt me if you dare!

​

Refrain 

​

Well I hear your words of valiant swords,
All in service to the field.
But I ask you think, when on the brink,
What doth rally spear and shield?
When the fire fades, and accolades-
Cannot ward off doubt's despair,
Tis the poet’s light fends off the night,
All with hope and fury's flare!

We were truly done, I and each one,
With our spirits sunken low.
Till a mighty melody rang out,
For to share what we should know.
Lo, pride and prowess, poignant tales, 
From all which we could not tear.
Well renewed with song, we battled on, 
To swear that we were there-oh,
Thank fate, that bard was there!

​

Refrain 
 

(Now) its well and true that the rest of you-
Have all told of deeds so fine.
And I bless each soul who would extol-
The merits of kith and kine.
But I too shall toast; am grateful most-
To the folk who freely care.
Be-you-friends or foes, but-use-your nose, 
Few comforts can quite compare.

For the armies march as each are fed,
It is true, all wise men know.
Twas-at battle's end, I swear my friend,
Did the soup and BACON flow!
Though the flower 'pon the cloth that served-
Was a foe I'd faced with care,
Dined on the field, with a purple shield, 
Heaven was such a fair~oh
Bet-you wish that you were there!

​

Refrain 
 

Well-the hour tolls on, and with the dawn,
There are deeds yet to be done.
I would beg your grace, to part this place,
'fore the rising sun.
But all by your leave, you shall receive-
Oh a final drink to thee.
I would raise a toast, to our noble host,
for thy hospitality!

And to all those who, as each of you-
give the gift of simple fare, 

Pray may all your nights fill with delights
(And) with tales of, "I was there-oh!"

And joy beyond compare. 

​

Refrain 

​

Music & Lyrics by Samantha Moore | Ambra Michellli Copyright @2024

​

Teacher:
(For) a year and a day, you have traveled beside me 
And many’s the quest you have bested, within. 
You come here today, for to enter my service.
To stand as my vassal, be welcomed as kin. 
I’d hear well your oath, and the words of your feal’ty.
To choose now the path you would earn and endure. 
Here swear on this sigil, honor its hist’ry.
And speak only truth, that of which you are sure.

Student:
(For) a day and a year, have I asked of your counsel,
And nobly you’ve served as a mentor and guide.
Now here, before all, I commit to this journey, 
The road it be long, be it long at your side.
We’ve spoken of honor, of skill, and of duty. 
And I have thought much on the path of my heart. 
I let fall the trappings of fear and of failure, 
And now, come what may, I shall take up this start. 

Refrain:
And lo, by my honor, lest Death claimeth me,
Or til the world comes to its end,
In loyalty, duty, faith's humility, 
I vow you may on me depend.

​

Student:
I offer this pledge and pray let it prove worthy, 
I’ll answer your edict in all that is just. 
But lead, I shall follow. But ask, I’ll endeavor.  
I know with this belt comes the gift of your trust.
And if I should fall I will press ever onward.
For I have a dream that shall not be denied.
I hunger for greatness; am humbly your student, 
May ever you look on my efforts with pride.

​

Teacher:
Well-spoken your vow, and now I shall give answer.
For I would accept with an oath of my own. 
This path may hold hardships that no one can spare you, 
But I swear that ne’er shall you face them alone.
Lo, there will be times you are blinded by darkness.
Your gifts are a light I will help you to see.
My hall is your haven, my skill at your service. 
Thus we shall build long on our great legacy.

​

Refrain

​

Teacher:
Let all here bear witness, and mark well this warning,     
A harm unto you is a harm unto me. 
Yet I say to those who would offer you kindness,
That I would take such as a great courtesy. 
Now greet ye your kin, as you don well my colors,
But ask of their aid and none here shall refuse.  

Both:
For brighter the path when we journey together. 
Thus sworn, stand we now as the “Fam’ly We Choose”.­

​

Refrain
Refrain

​

Lyrics and Music by Samantha Moore | Ambra Michelli | Copyright 2023 Samantha Moore ASCAP
(Inspired by a poem by Ambra & Niall for their Laurel/Apprentice Ceremony 2009)

 

I would someday be a knight, Let me tell you why:
14,000 rivets done, 40 more to pry!

​

Refrain:
Oh, my hands are cramped, My fingers sore
Though I've yet touched a blade
But as my goodly knight assures
For such were squires made

​

Service is the soul of man, So my knight doth say.
That's why I'm posting every bloody, Tent on the field today.

​

Refrain

​

Household bears a heavy price, (Ha!) one I get to pay.
Cause your tables, chairs, and benches all, I made last Saturday!

​

Refrain

​

(Now) Its all about aesthetics, so hath our knight decreed.
That's why I pack a trailer full- Of crap we "really" need!

​

Refrain

​

I'm a human pell it seems, (Ow!) working on my guard
Bruising parts of me keep whisp'ing, "Quit, and be a bard!" (Nah!)

​

Refrain

​

Oh to be a knight one day with half my good knight's charms,

But til then I'll gladly help to train his man-at-arms!

Final Refrains:
Oh their hands are cramped and fingers sore
Though they've yet touched a blade (WAH!)
But as I'll thusly each assure,
"For such were men-at-arms made." (HA!)

​

Our hands are cramped and fingers sore
Though we've yet touched a blade
But as we're always so assured,
For such were minions made!

​

Music & Lyrics by Samantha Moore | Ambra Michellli Copyright @2016

 

As the embers fade to shadow, still you sit beside the fire.
And you gaze into the night, I see your thoughts grow dark and dire.
For the hour of dawn approaches on the morning we must ride.
I can see your apprehension, you are young and yet untried.
Despite your resolution, there's a question in your eyes.
As you wonder what is worth the cost of risking all our lives.

​

Refrain

​

I have known an Allie's cause to call unto my very soul.
Oh and how camaraderie can coax a flame from quiet coal!
Ah but when the ale runs low, does that conviction fade to ash?
And will your new soul brother leave your side within a flash?
How then, can one not wonder if a bond you forge is real?
Pray but do what you have promised, and your word is tempered steel.
 

Refrain

​

There are those with silver tongue who speak with rich and rousing tone;
Who will offer hollow words but wring your blood out of  the stone.
When all empty vows are spent, then you learn that talk is cheap.
You will judge a man not by the oaths he makes, but those he keeps!
Today, or many years from now, one truth is well assured:
(Aye) that you need not wonder at the worth of he who keeps his word.

​

Refrain

​

As the dawn crests the horizon and the sounds of battle grow.
There is but one question left, the answer only you can know.
For as fate demands, each man must stand to face his dying day,
And when you lie the earth below, what will your people say?
Will you break faith and run, to find your legacy is sold?
When a man who can be trusted's worth more than his weight in gold!

 

Refrain:

I've given oath to Crown and I have pledged my vow.
All those I promised then, I'll not abandon now.
And though the war's not mine, a good man keeps his word.
I'll heed the call of Kings and prove my worth in deed and sword.

​

Last Repeated Refrain:
We've given oath to Crown and we have pledged my vow.
All those we promised then, we'll not abandon now.
And though the war's not ours, "a good man keeps his word".
We'll heed the call of Kings and prove our worth in deed and sword.
We'll heed the call of Kings and prove our WORTH!

​

Music & Lyrics by Samantha Moore | Ambra Michellli Copyright @2023

 

I see my kin across the field yet here I must remain
The sound of sword on shield is like some taunting thund'rus rain
The battle fever rises and war sings within my veins 
But bound by captain's orders, duty binds like captive's chains

​

Changing Refrain:

But the price of glory's pride is dear
And so I bide a little longer here

​

(Now) I live to feel the thrill of Battle's crash upon my shield
To dance along the war line til the foe is made to yield 
To meet the eyes before me and to test my with and to test my wit and skill
To shield my brother spear-man and thus partner in the kill

​

Changing Refrain:

But the price of Glory's pride is dear
And so I bide a little longer here

​

We guard as we are ordered, but the bridge begins to fall
I hunger to meet steel with steel, and answer Valor's call
How can I stand here silent when so many cry for aid
I slip the bonds of Duty for to rally, unafraid

​

Changing Refrain:

For the price of Glory's pride is dear
But I can bide no longer waiting, here

​

I am as I was meant to be a breath of wrath and grace
We counter charge with charge and drive the foe back into place
An archer gives me thanks, a glave-man fails to take my head!
And soon the dance with sword and shield and spear has left him dead

​

Changing Refrain:

For the price of Glory's pride is dear
No longer would I heed my captain's fear

​

I turn a fearsome grin I feel within my very soul
Unto my allies left behind, to mind our captain's goal
The banner it has fallen and in horror do I see - 
That but one shield would even fate and that one shield was me!

​

Changing Refrain:

For the price of Glory's pride is dear
Too late, my duty's purpose is made clear

​

I race to right my actions, though I know my chance is slight.
My captain calls for shield-men, as they struggle in their fight.
But as my focus falters, fie! A spearman's shaft is swift!
In pain, my vision fades and then sweet darkness is a gift

​

Changing Refrain:

For the price of Glory's pride is dear
And what has Duty's failing cost us here?

​

I waken on the field, the sun within my eye's too bright
I hear the dieing echos of the last dregs of the fight
A healer tends my wound, and though regret will be my song
I see my captain's banner flying tall and sure and strong

​

Changing Refrain:

For the price of Glory's pride was dear
And ever more that cost to me is clear

​

And so, for all my days, I swear to answer Duty's call
To use my voice and beg a choice, but not abandon all
For though I see a need and instinct tempts my hungry sword
I'll foremost trust the wisdom of my captain's given word

​

Changing Extended Refrain:

For the price of Glory's pride is dear
A cost too many pay each day, I fear
Though the price of Glory's pride is dear
I'll honor Duty's calling, this I swear

​

Music & Lyrics by Samantha Moore | Ambra Michellli Copyright @2019

 

War-line breaker, hammer wielder, 

Valor's child is sir Valbrandr!
Who upon this field takes arms to prove his skill is sure.
All for Cerric Elvaghandi,

Sheildwall bracer, stalwart valk'rie;
For if love were sickness he would seek no cure.

Changing Refrain:

But in his mind he finds -A voice of shadowed doubt taunt on,
And so he wonders.. And so he wonders...
"What if I falter? What if I fail?
What if upon this field of prowess I cannot prevail?
Will I prove foolish? Or win the day?
Few men before their time has ended of their fate may say."
But as his memories fade, and all his glories seem to blur, 
This he remembers, this he remembers...
"I fight for her!"

​

Stands he now as tourney's victor, 
And in love he kneels before her;
For to offer all he has and all he's yet to gain.
Cerric asks if they are worthy,
Or if pride will be their story,
And for what good purpose would he truly seek to reign?

 

Changing Refrain:
And in his mind he finds- A voice far bolder than his own,
And so he answers... and so he answers...
"We will not falter. We will not fail.
We will in any test of honor let ho-nor prevail.
We'll prove not foolish. And come what may,
We'll let our deeds in hist'ry be but what the bards may say.
For when their memories fade,
And our past glories seem to blur,
This they'll remember... This they'll remember...
I fight for her!"

​

Sits our king and queen before us,
With "Vivat!" An ardent chorus,
As the burden of the crown sits heavy on the soul.
As he meets each gaze before him,
Those who doubt or who adore them,
Then he counts no more the cost, he knows he'll pay the toll.

 

Changing Refrain:
There in his mind he finds- A new resolve to call his own!
Yet still he whispers... This prayer he whispers...
"Let me not falter. Let me not fail.
Let Odin guide my better judgement as our course sets sail.
Prove me not foolish. And come what may,
Let me remember always those I live to serve, I pray!
And if their mem'ries fade, and all my glories seem to blur,
Let them remember... let them remember...
I fight for her!"

Yes pray all remember... always remember...
We fight for her! 

  

Music & Lyrics by Samantha Moore | Ambra Michellli Copyright @2018

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The tourney field is home to prowess, those we hold apart;
The legends of the lyst the bards do ken.
Though many fall the way side, lo, it take a hungry heart -
To fall and fall and fall yet rise again.
And after one such struggle of a day I anguished so!
Was I to never taste of victory?
I swallowed well my pride - Up to a knight did stride,
And I cried, “What trick or magic might you share to better me?”

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The knight he turned to meet my eyes and with a knowing smile,
He answered, “Take ye heart, the road is long. 
For in your time you’ll train and learn of style after style.
And never can you be too swift or strong. 
But it is not your might alone which serves you most to grow,
But cunning that will sharpen well your skill.
There is no magic key - That I may grant to thee;
But I’ll share this bit of wisdom, you may take it as you will:

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“When I see your eyes dart, or see your shoulder shift.
I see you inhale, or see that back leg lift,
That's how I know ~ what you have chosen. 
My path to victory, for-
The field you stand upon this day belongs to me.
The field you stand upon belongs to me.”

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I pondered all his words and deemed their insight well and good
I altered what I could in how I trained
And soon I came to watch for what the knight had understood
Still hopeful and undaunted I remained
Though in the next grand tourney, I soon fell beneath his blade,
The shame that once did haunt me never rose.
While I had lost the bout - I nearly came to shout,
With the joy of utter triumph, future pity for my foes!

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For I saw his eyes dart, I saw his shoulder shift.
I saw him inhale, I saw that back leg lift,
Though much to slow, I came to know then,
My path to victory, for-

The field he stood upon could someday fall to me.
I swore this field would soon belong to me.

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I watched as every fighter took the field of chivalry
I studied every step and every word
I mirrored every action with its counter silently
And sharpened keen my wit as much as sword
There was no one true answer to defeat a single foe
For much as I, they worked and watched and learned.
And yet the more I fought, - The wiser that I got,
And I felt as something shifted and I reached for what I yearned.
 

Then came the morn that tourney bid me take up sword and shield
I still recall the promise of that day
And from the very instant that I touched my boot to field
All doubt and question somehow fell away
My sword was an extension of my hunger my heart
The skill and sight I’d honed as much my shield
The knight I idolize, - Was felled before eyes.
And twas I who stood the victor on that noble tourney field

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For I saw his eyes dart, I saw his shoulder shift.
I saw him inhale, I saw that back leg lift.
And toe to toe, some how I’d chosen
My path to victory, for-
The field we stood upon that day belonged to me.
That field we stood upon belonged to me.

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So now with each new tourney I do take the field and see
That still no magic over fate holds sway
Tis only when I reach within for cunning’s clarity
When tested, speed and strength may win the day.
No matter all I’ve conquered or my count of tourney’s won
We sharpen not our swords on glories past
Let not your hunger fade - But feed ye wisdom’s blade!
And the legends of tomorrow may be you if you hold fast

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Lo see their eyes dart, and see their shoulders shift.
Oh see them inhale, and see their back legs lift!
But fight to grow, you too may know then
The heart of Chivalry! For-
The field you stand upon this day belongs to thee
And only you can earn your victory!
 

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Music & Lyrics by Samantha Moore | Ambra Michellli Copyright @2023

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