Ainlana
Ainlana is a military rank among the Melena (knights) of the Order of the Lady of Paladins.
At age 20, the Melana decide whether the young squires (Atalana) are suited to life in the Order. Not all are and about a third leave, with the Order’s best wishes, to seek their fortune in the secular world. Other squires who have received their training from secular knights are drawn to the service of Larani. Squires from within and outside the Order travel to the annual Ainlana tournament, held each summer in Whyce. During this tenday long tournament, between ten and fifteen postulants (Ainlana) are selected to attempt the year-long initiation. The number varies from year to year.
The following year is spent in a series of eight trials to determine if the Ainlana has the ability to become a member of the Order. The number of trials is highly significant. Eight is the number of Agrik, the arch-enemy of Larani, and it is also the number of challenges faced by Saint Ambrathas as he defended Larani. Before each trial, in a symbolic rejection of Agrik, the Ainlana affirms his faith with night of prayers. He rededicates himself to Larani and prays that he is worthy to enter her service.
The year is extremely difficult, both physically and mentally. The first three and a half months are spent in hard preparation training. Two to three postulants usually fail during this period. During the winter, the trials begin.
Each month the candidates train for and complete a new trial: Ilvin – unarmed combat, Navek – dagger, Morgat – mace, Nuzyael – shield, Peonu – sword, Kelen – warhorse, and Nolus – lance. Another two to three postulants fail during these first seven trials. During Larane the postulants undergo the final trial, known as Tirannon.
Once an Ainlana has satisfied the Reblena of Whyce that he is worthy, he is taken to the main hall. In the hall, he is stripped of the training arms and armor he has used over the last year. He is then presented with a new hauberk, helm, kite shield and sword. From the hall, he is taken to the High Chapel. During the day and night before the Feast of Saint Ambrathas (the most holy feast in the Larane calendar), he lays his arms and armor on the altar and keeps a twenty-four hour vigil over them. The Ainlana prays to Larani to bless him and his gear and meditates on the Virtues of a perfect Knight. On the morning of 17th Larane, the Ainlana is called to stand at the center of the temple. Surrounded by the assembled Soylanas, he is tested on his knowledge of Larani ritual, the Sainted Knights of Tirith and his own character. Occasionally, an Ainlana with fail the Tirannon, but that is rare event. Upon completion of this final grueling trial, the Reblena of Whyce calls upon the Ainlana to place his right hand on the reliquary of Saint Asodan, Knight of Tirith, and swear eternal allegiance to Larani and loyalty to the Order and Kaldor’s current King. He then receives the quarter-red diamond shaped badge of the Baulana and bows before the Reblena. The Reblena knights him with a tap of the sword on each shoulder. Then he stands, faces the assembled Soylana and is proclaimed Baulana. A huge feast and a tenday of tournaments, including the selection of the next year’s Ainlana follows.
At age 20, the Melana decide whether the young squires (Atalana) are suited to life in the Order. Not all are and about a third leave, with the Order’s best wishes, to seek their fortune in the secular world. Other squires who have received their training from secular knights are drawn to the service of Larani. Squires from within and outside the Order travel to the annual Ainlana tournament, held each summer in Whyce. During this tenday long tournament, between ten and fifteen postulants (Ainlana) are selected to attempt the year-long initiation. The number varies from year to year.
The following year is spent in a series of eight trials to determine if the Ainlana has the ability to become a member of the Order. The number of trials is highly significant. Eight is the number of Agrik, the arch-enemy of Larani, and it is also the number of challenges faced by Saint Ambrathas as he defended Larani. Before each trial, in a symbolic rejection of Agrik, the Ainlana affirms his faith with night of prayers. He rededicates himself to Larani and prays that he is worthy to enter her service.
The year is extremely difficult, both physically and mentally. The first three and a half months are spent in hard preparation training. Two to three postulants usually fail during this period. During the winter, the trials begin.
Each month the candidates train for and complete a new trial: Ilvin – unarmed combat, Navek – dagger, Morgat – mace, Nuzyael – shield, Peonu – sword, Kelen – warhorse, and Nolus – lance. Another two to three postulants fail during these first seven trials. During Larane the postulants undergo the final trial, known as Tirannon.
Once an Ainlana has satisfied the Reblena of Whyce that he is worthy, he is taken to the main hall. In the hall, he is stripped of the training arms and armor he has used over the last year. He is then presented with a new hauberk, helm, kite shield and sword. From the hall, he is taken to the High Chapel. During the day and night before the Feast of Saint Ambrathas (the most holy feast in the Larane calendar), he lays his arms and armor on the altar and keeps a twenty-four hour vigil over them. The Ainlana prays to Larani to bless him and his gear and meditates on the Virtues of a perfect Knight. On the morning of 17th Larane, the Ainlana is called to stand at the center of the temple. Surrounded by the assembled Soylanas, he is tested on his knowledge of Larani ritual, the Sainted Knights of Tirith and his own character. Occasionally, an Ainlana with fail the Tirannon, but that is rare event. Upon completion of this final grueling trial, the Reblena of Whyce calls upon the Ainlana to place his right hand on the reliquary of Saint Asodan, Knight of Tirith, and swear eternal allegiance to Larani and loyalty to the Order and Kaldor’s current King. He then receives the quarter-red diamond shaped badge of the Baulana and bows before the Reblena. The Reblena knights him with a tap of the sword on each shoulder. Then he stands, faces the assembled Soylana and is proclaimed Baulana. A huge feast and a tenday of tournaments, including the selection of the next year’s Ainlana follows.
Type
Religious, Military
Comments