From Kerry T - In days of old when nights were bold....450 + points ( I think)?

Morning, afternoon & evening all

For most of the challenge,  I have found myself in the medieval period where there is a wealth of stories and legends. Of course, many are famous and ingrained in our psyche, particularly if we were born in the UK. Who has note been regaled by stories of Arthur & Merlin, Robin Hood and his Merry men and countless others

During medieval times, heroic deeds and acts of chivalry carried out by the great and the good of the land were regaled in ballads sung by the bards. Because of this, for my last post of the “Sweet Sixteen” challenge I thought I might tell you all such a story. Like a bedtime sort of story so you'll probably fall asleep 

The actions of one of Wales’ greatest knights though once prominent and in those days on the tip of every bard’s tongue somehow became lost until its recent discovery. Thus we arrive at the Ballad of  Sir Creshan of Deheubarth. So join me if you will by the fire, pull up a chair and close you eyes and imagine. (Er On second thoughts it’s probably best that you don’t close your eyes as you won’t be able to see the pictures which would defeat the whole object)

In days of  old when knights were bold…

The Bard Gerald of Wales will help us recount the tale...

Behold Sir Creshan and his trusty squire - Pod

Sir Creshan has no lord, he's a hedge knight and is sleeping under one

Sir Creshan is on his way to a tourney where he plans to earn fame and fortune by winning and so marry the love of his life, Lord Lucan's elder daughter Lucretia who will no doubt be unable to avoid his advances should he win and so become a knight of renown

She's on the right wearing blue

Of course one of the reasons he wants to marry her is because she has big chests

What were you thinking, take your mind out of the gutter, these chests are full of money

Anyway I digress....

This is Sir Creshan's old squire, Hodor, but he had to let him go...

At the last tournament on the circuit though Sir Creshan had been victorious he had somewhat unfortunately be the source of much jest and mirth because of the unfortunate well stupid actions actually of his then Squire Hodor. Now Hodor wasn’t the sharpest tool in the box and when asked to repaint Sir Creshan’s shield with his Leopard heraldry misconstrued or misheard  and a dreadful scene followed " I said paint a Leopard -L -E - O-P-A-R-D - there's no T in Leopard you stupid boy.

Fighting with a leotard on your shield is not really the way to garner favour with lords and ladies

This is Pod, Sir Creshan's new squire

Being a squire is hard work

The day hasn't started well because they slept late  and its worse when they get to the bridge where's there's obviously an ye olde traffic jam where carts are piled up waiting to cross

"Pod, I'm in a hurry, tell those peasants to get a move on as I'm an important man you know"

5 mins later - "well? "

"He's signaling sir - I think he's saying it will take 2 hours to cross"

It soon become apparent what the trouble is and Sir Creshan springs into action

A river troll it seems

Finally Sir Creshan is victorious

On with his journey and into the forest.....

Ni, ni, ni - you shall not pass...

Thank goodness for the shrubbery, not too expensive

If that's not bad enough, a few miles on and another says Sir Creshan shall not pass....

The dreaded Black Knight..

Call it a draw?

Meanwhile with his back turned and horse left unattended it looks like some thieving sod has made off with his horses hooves and shoes ( The current practice of stealing car wheels and leaving the car on a pile of bricks originated in Medieval times)

Off to the blacksmith

Then there was the matter of that magic sword

Arthur you little sod, come here. Where did you get that sword, you could get someone’s eye out with that, You wait till your father gets home he will brain you for stealing that sword – now take it back to where you find it and not only that if his lordship finds out you’ll be on one of those boats to Australia

Next off to see the Mad Bishop at the church for a blessing

Nobody was expecting this

At the tourney Sir Creshan's first opponent was disqualified for wearing a dress and being improperly dressed and his second was a little odd

But look behold

Unfortunately not all medieval tales have an happy ending....

Poor Sir Creshan, all hot and melted.....

Apologies a mad rush and only just in

So In summary - 455b p0its in foot and horse, 3 wagons and a troll and dragon

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Wow, amazing work and such a rollicking story, Kerry! I loved how the saga of poor Creshan (it's all very Welsh, you know) allows us to have a wonderful tour of your collection, both new and old. So much to take in. Of the group, I especially like the jousting knights and, of course, the red dragon. Amazing brushwork and all beautifully photographed amongst your stupendous terrain. Bravo on this final parting volley, Kerry! I look forward to seeing you with us next winter for Challenge XVII.

- Curt