THE ROYAL HOUSE OF FRANCE - outriders poetry project

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© 2009 Max Wickert
News arrived that King Anglant of Africa was preparing for a war of conquest in Asia, and Miles set out to enlist
under him, calling himself Sir Misadventure 45 . Upon arrival in Africa, he learned that Anglant’s two sons were
already in Asia--Troyan in Persia, and Almont in Assyria and Media–but that Anglant had meanwhile himself
been attacked by his old rival, King Salatiel. Salatiel had captured two of Anglant’s nephews, Aspinar and
Doranius and Anglant’s chief champion Balant was about to pursue him with a large army. Balant encountered
Miles at Arganor and engaged the so-called Sir Luckless. When, at leave-taking, Balant commended his young son to
Anglant’s care, Miles burst into tears. Asked the reason, replied: “I weep because I have left a young son at home
whom (I fear) I shall never see again.”
King Salatiel was assisted by Argoriant, a terrifying giant from the Atlas mountains. When battle was joined, Sir
Misadventure killed Argoriant at the first onslaught, but was surrounded by Salatiel’s men until Balant came to his
rescue. When Salatiel learned that he had slain Argoriant, he lost heart and surrendered. On condition of fealty and
submission, Anglant restored him to his throne.
Anglant in person then led the army into Asia. Among his commanders were Balant, Salatiel, Bramant’s surviving
son, Triamedes, and Ulien of Sarza,, as well as the supposed Sir Misadventure. During the first battle with the
Sultan of Persia, Miles defeated and killed the Sultan’s champion, Manador, and rescued both Salatiel and Anglant.
When Balant killed the Sultan himself, victory was secure.
Tidings now arrived from Anglant’s two sons: Troyan had taken all of Turkey, Media and Assyria and his army
was now engaged in Greater Armenia; Almont had crossed the Taurus Mountains and was marching through Persia
on his way to India, but a great horde of Tartars and Indians was advancing to meet him. Anglant therefore decided
to move to Almont’s assistance.
Anglant’s and Almont’s armies joined up and, upon crossing the Araxes River, engaged the Tartars and Indians. In
that terrible battle, two-hundred-and-fifty thousand men died, but the issue remained doubtful. After a lag of two
months, the two forces met again near Lake Arias 46 outside the city of Sotira.. They agreed to resolve the conflict by
single combat. Almont, acting as Anglant’s champion, killed four challengers and imprisoned a fifth. At this, the
enemy surrendered, and thus all Asia became subject to King Anglant of Africa. Upon his return, Anglant named
Troyan King of Asia and rewarded Balant with the crowns of Scandia and Nobirro.
Roland and Charlemagne
Charlemagne Made Emperor
57
When these events were taking place among the infidels, King Charles had already ruled France for
twelve years. It was now decided to hold a great council in Rome, since the Emperor Constantine
45 Sir Misadventure: orig. Sventura GLOS
46 A lake named Arias and a city named Sotira are mentioned as early as Herodotus. They perhaps refer to modern
Lake Urmi and the nearby city of Kapustan in Armenia, near the Iranian border.