I was honored to be assigned Kolfinna as my fighter. I served as a Lady of Her Court during both reigns, and became a fierce friend — so easily. Before my poem was completed, I learned it was to be her last fighter poem. I was so not worthy! She would laugh at that idea, I know, so I let my pen tell the story of her last fight. What I lack in skill, I hope to make up with a sincere heart –a heart that shares the same dream as hers had — a place for Kolfinna to remain, forever.
————-<>————-
Duchess Kolfinna kottr
fallen in Fall Crown Tourney, A.S., XLIV
(alliterative verse)
First-fire fared, and filled morning sky
Men and Maiden, in madder-light
Sharpened spears, and steadied swords
Determined to deny death-choosers this day.
Shield-Maiden stood, as Saxi’s stone
Warrior-ready, until last weapon would fall
Bryan Gard Yale, began the battle-dance
He would finish on Freyja’s Field.
Under Odin’s orb, in ocean-amber
Shimmering sky-ceiling, of golden shields
Sister-Warrior stood, Sigrid-Mother her strength
And Thorin fell, in this tomb of trees
Meeting horse and hart at Odin’s hall.
Then knight and knight-brother, notable peers
Valets to the Valkyrie, both victors in turn
Bested by both, the brave battler fell
Cherished Duchess, now chosen champion
Of Valhalla’s Vanguard.
Sky-fire fell, in the Field of Folk.
And orange ambers await Odin’s call.
— THL Beathog nic Dhonnchaidh
. . . is a 14th century bard who can often be seen traveling far from her home in the Highlands with her lord husband and muse. If a good tale crosses her path, she will sing a song about it, pull out its hair and spin it, or throw it in a pot and cook it up.