The Knights of Summer

The Knights of Summer (full name: Most Noble Order of the Knights of the Summer Court and the Golden Throne) are the Seelie King's personal knights. They are widely regarded as the best soldiers in the entire kingdom and are often viewed as the elite of the Summer Guard, despite the two organizations technically being separate. This is because many of the Knights' recruits come from the ranks of the Summer Guard, usually the palace division. However, this is not the Knights' only source of recruits. Any particularly promising soldier has a chance at becoming a Knight if they happen to catch the attention of the King, the Knight-Commander, or a Knight. In addition, many children with family among the Knights are trained from childhood to join the Knights, typically becoming a squire as soon as they are old enough. Among a few families, this is so common that almost every member of the family becomes a Knight.

Structure

The ranks of the Knights of Summer are as follows:

• Knight-Commander of the Knights of Summer (usually simply called Knight-Commander) - The Knight-Commander leads the Order. Their authority is second only to the King.
• Summer Knight - A Summer Knight is a full member of the Order.
• Spring Knight -  A Spring Knight is a junior member of the Order who has attained the title of Knight, but does not yet have the full privileges and responsibilities of a Summer Knight.
• Squire - A Squire is someone who has joined the Order, but has not yet been granted the rank of Knight.
• Autumn Knight - An Autumn Knight is a former Knight who is no longer fit for battle, either because of age or injury, but is still a member of the Order. They have the same social standing as Summer Knights but are not expected to fight. The Order gives Autumn Knights a generous monthly stipend, as well as the option of living in a hospice run by the Order.
• Companion - A Companion is someone who is part of the order, but is not, and does not seek to be, a Knight. Companions are typically the families of Knights or employees of the Order.

Type

Military, Knightly Order

Alternative Names

Most Noble Order of the Knights of the Summer Court and the Golden Throne, Summer Knights, Royal Knights

Training Level

Elite