Siegfried the Immane
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In the spring warmth of the tavern, the sunshine streams in through the open door. The windows are unshuttered and from above, the merry singing of tavern staff wafts through the air as does the dust from the rugs and bed linins that are shaken out of the upper windows.
The Cathedral square is crowded and busy as this weather evaporates the winter puddles as well as the 'closed in' winter blahs. Merchants cry their wares and haggle the price while children of all ages, freed from their lessons and chores, add to the frantic swirl of movement throughout the square and steps.
Into this melee rides a travel worn hospitalier on a weary steed. He pauses on the fringe of the activity and drinks in the wonder of life renewing itself after winter's hardships. Standing down from the saddle, the monk removes his coif and helm hanging them from a strap on the saddle. Removing his cloak, he reveals an old, worn script hanging from a shoulder strap. Throwing the cloak over his arm the monk gathers up the reins and walks slowly towards the tavern stable. As he passes through the crowd, voices call out greetings and offers of bargains, but as his sombre demeanour is noticed the voices quiet and a slow but steady flow of step's denizens begin to head for the tavern.
In the stables the monk's horse is handed over to the ostlier with a request that the faithful beast be treated to the best the stable has to offer as he has served long and well on this and other journeys. The wash basin at the rear of the stable serves next as the monk removes as much of the travel stains as he can from his body and cloth.
Then, squaring his shoulders, he heads for the now packed tavern where unfortunately the cheer has stopped, and the folk of the steps await his coming with untouched drinks in hand.
Upon entering, a wench hands the monk a cup of his 'dark' and gestures to the corner table with it's bench that is the monk's place in the common room. Nodding his head to the assembly, the monk seats himself and opens his script. Upon the table, he places the black ribbon, ink, pen and knife that are the tools for the duty he will do this day.
After inscribing the ribbon, he rises and carefully attaches it to the Scroll of Honour that hangs alone on the western wall of the tavern. Back to his table for his cup, then to the assembled folk who still await his words. The gentle buzz of conversation dies as the monk raises his cup and says.
"Siggy, safe journey and renewed health in the heaven of your choice." Some of the folk understand the name but some do not and show their confusion in their face's and glances at each other.
"My friends," says the monk," I have received the sad news that Siegfried the Immane, husband and father, marshal and constable, a tireless worker for our Kingdom has succumbed to the many ills that he had suffered in these past years. Siegfried was a large presence our Kingdom and a man of staunch beliefs that he lived with a sense of honour that all who knew him respected." The monk bows his head, then continues "The one who knew him best, the one who shared Siggy's life these last years is the one who can speak best as to the kind of man Siggy was. Melissa Kendal of Westmoreland, Siegfried the Immane's Lady Wife."
Aaron then turns to a small lady seated beside him and gives Siegfried's wife, Melissa, a hug. Although tears glisten in her eyes, Melissa remains on her feet and speaks.
- Gentle Lords and Ladies,
- On June 12th, Baron Siegfried the Immane, Master of the Pelican, thirteen years the Kingdom Constable of An Tir and many more a constable in our Kingdom, journeyed to the realm of stars, to be with his protégé Lady Eowyn Carrick, my Lord Father Gerhard Kendal, Master Robbin Greybeard, Colonel Evan Grahame of Montrose, our beloved Dowager Princess Janeltis, and many others.
- He was the strongest man I ever knew, and I have known many, strong men. Just as he served his country in mundane life as a member of the Armed Forces, and the public as a police officer, so did he carry that service through to the SCA. He had a natural gift as an investigator, and that gift was his greatest strength as a constable in An Tir. People would tell him things that they would never dream of telling anyone else, and it saved An Tir from problems on many occasions. For him, being a constable was as natural as breathing, and we were blessed to have him watching over our tourney fields and halls.
- He brought his ability to "speak truth to power" to the office of marshal, and while it may not always have been comfortable for those hearing his views, they could not ignore his words.
- For the last two years he has been very ill but in spite of the bad days when he felt horribly sick, he journeyed to many events, some at great distance, because he wanted to serve An Tir. I would gasp to see what it cost his strength, but he was determined and I couldn't deny him his heart's desire.
- His need for special medical treatment necessitated his traveling south on an almost daily basis. A need that wouldn't have been met but the people of Lions Gate stepped forward in an effort unparalleled in this Kingdom. For two straight years they took him back and forth from Lions Gate to Shittimwoode three days a week, at an ungodly time of the morning, and never groused about it to him or me. Those amazing generous souls included: Baroness Amanda Kendal of Westmoreland (a more amazing Mom there couldn't be), Baron Gerhard Kendal (just as amazing a Dad), His Lordship Kenneth of Shaftsbury, Her Ladyship Genevieve Barbota of Griffinshold, Sergeant Rodrigo de Cordova, Baroness Aurora Argentius, the lady Leah of Surrey, Her Ladyship Rosalinde McAllister, Lady Safiye Konstantiniyye, Lady Brigitte die Arrogante, His Lordship Curtiss of Rum, Lady Aislinn Fiona of Rum, Lady Tille Sparewe, Mistress Elizabeth Braidwood and others that I'm sure have temporarily slipped my mind. Please know that each and every one of you have Siegfried's and my love, and respect, and gratitude. There are not enough words in the English language to thank you for what you have done. It will ever burn bright in my heart; it was such a source of joy and wonderment to my husband and myself.
- Please tell his tales throughout An Tir and the Known World, that such a man, huge in his heart, iron in his will, rock in his convictions, and bountiful in his service, once strode the lands of An Tir, and helped to build it into the Kingdom it is today. He would treasure that legacy.
- When we married I promised to love him and cherish him until the day we were parted by death, but I can't keep that agreement; I will be helplessly in love with the man who changed my life in so many more ways than I can count forever."
As the Lady seats herself the folk in the common room mutter their condolences and support.
Next, a large man dressed in the garb of the Norse now stands and clears his throat. Then with a voice that show great emotion Mikill-Óláfr Bjarnarson, inn Hersir speaks.
- "My good friend, Master Siegfried the Immane took his last breath this day in the arms of his son, Fred. Master Siegfried passed rather suddenly without suffering. As many of you know, he has been plagued over the years with complications from diabetes. His heart simply gave out. Efforts to convince it otherwise were to no avail.
- Siegfried should be remembered as one who tried to do much for many. He served An Tir for thirteen years as Kingdom Constable. As I watched his health fade, he often spoke of regret for not being able to contribute more. His heart, though physically worn out, was spiritually enormous. He offered counsel and wisdom to all who would ask. He traveled this kingdom far and wide for many years, teaching constabulary and marshalling classes. He instructed countless minions in the trivia and protocol of the SCA. He was a wonderful resource for history of our kingdom's origins, it's traditions and various reigns. He was an advocate for many whom he recommended for awards and titles. He had courage of his convictions, holding firm to what he believed to be true. He exuded peer like qualities, including the ability to admit errors and apologize, when appropriate.
- In my eyes, he was one of my heroes. He was a champion. He was a mentor. He was one of my very best friends.
- I shall always love him.
- I shall always miss him.
- I shall always remember him.
- Siggy, Save me a seat at court. I'll be along shortly my friend."
The monk nods in agreement and support, then with tears in his eyes the monk raises his cup to the heavens and offers the toast to Siegfried.
"To Siegfried the Immane, may he have all the joy, health and peace that heaven can give, and may that heaven hold the tourneys and feasts that give gladness to his soul!"
Throughout the tavern cups are drained and the toast is echoed with such additions that each of the throng adds for their personal friendship with Siggy.
Then as the stories of Siegfried's deeds begin, the monk leaves the tavern for the quiet of the Cathedral where once again he'll hold the office for the departed.
In the square, the sun still shines, the birds still sing and the empty steps hold silent witness to the passing of a good man.
From the An Tir Remembers web page
awards:
Award of Arms - Apr 4 AS 15 / 1981
Leaf of Merit (West) - Sept 6 AS 16 / 1981
Goutte de Sang - July 12 AS 21 / 1986
Belated Rose - July 11 AS 22 / 1987
Golden Garter (Wastekeep) - Oct 7 AS 24 / 1989
Pelican - Jan 12 AS 25 / 1991
Forget-me-not - July 20 AS 26 / 1991
Court Baron - Oct 5 AS 26 / 1991
Magistrae Ithra - Nov 5 AS 30 / 1995
Baroness' Champion of Service (Lions Gate) May 6 AS 35 / 2000
died: June 12, 2005
Memoria:
Sent: Sunday, June 12, 2005 7:19 PM
Master Olafr requested I post a note to the Steps to tell you that Master Siegfried the Immane passed from this world today from a heart attack. I do not have more details. As I get the digest version of the Steps, I apologize if this a multiple posting. Our thoughts and prayer go out to Countess Melissa during this difficult time.
Callista
Gentle Lords and Ladies,
Yesterday, Baron Siegfried the Immane, Master of the Pelican, thirteen years the Kingdom Constable of AnTir and many more a constable in our Kingdom, journeyed to the realm of stars, to be with his protege Lady Eowyn Carrick, my Lord Father Gerhard Kendal, Master Robbin Greybeard, Colonel Evan Grahame of Montrose, our beloved Dowager Princess Janeltis, and many others.
He was the strongest man I ever knew, and I have known many, many strong men. A prisoner of war during Vietnam, unacknowledged by his own government, he suffered from injuries incurred for entire rest of his life, without complaint. He was always so quiet about what the war had done to him; I was the one who was outraged and wanting to rattle the sabres. I will never know how he could not seek the justice he deserved.
When he left the military, he longed to be a police officer, and he lived his dream for many years, until his ethics got caught in the politics of the job and he was asked to resign when he attempted to arrest a rather highly placed politician. But, to the day he died he remained a cop at heart, and an investigator to the end.
That natural gift as an investigator was his greatest strength as a constable in AnTir. People would tell him things that they would never dream of telling anyone else, and it saved AnTir from problems on many occasions. For him, being a constable was as natural as breathing, and we were blessed to have him watching over our tourney fields and halls.
He brought his ability to "speak truth to power" to the office of marshal, and while it may not always have been comfortable for those hearing his views, they could not ignore his words.
For the last two years he had been tied to a dialysis machine, but inspite of the bad days, when he felt horribly sick, he journeyed to many events, some at great distance, because he wanted to serve AnTir. I would gasp to see what it cost his strength, but he was determined, and I couldn't deny him his heart's desire.
His time on dialysis was logistically difficult, because of his immigration situation in Canada, but the people of Lions Gate stepped forward in an effort unparalleled in this Kingdom. For two straight years they took him back and forth from Lions Gate to Shittimwoode three days a week, at an ungodly time of the morning, and never groused about it to him or me. Those amazing generous souls included:
* Baroness Amanda Kendal of Westmoreland (a more amazing Mom there couldn't be), * Baron Gerhard Kendal (just as amzing a Dad), * His Lordship Kenneth of Shaftsbury, * Her Ladyship Genevieve Barbota of Griffinshold, * Sergeant Rodrigo de Cordova, * Baroness Aurora Argentius, * the lady Leah of Surrey, * Her Ladyship Rosalinde McAllister, * Lady Safiye Konstantiniyye, * Lady Brigitte die Arrogante, * His Lordship Curtiss of Rum, * Lady Aislinn Fiona of Rum, * Lady Tille Sparewe,
and others that I'm sure have temporarily slipped my mind (forgive me, I can't sleep, but research is beyond me right now). Please know that each and every one of you have Siegfried's and my love, and respect, and gratitude. There are not enough words in the English language to thank you for what you have done. It will ever burn bright in my heart; it was such a source of joy and wonderment to my husband and myself.
Please tell his tales throughout AnTir and the Known World, that such a man, huge in his heart, iron in his will, rock in his convictions, and bountiful in his service, once strode the lands of AnTir, and helped to build it into the Kingdom it is today. He would treasure that legacy.
When we married I promised to love him and cherish him until the day we were parted by death, but I can't keep that agreement; I will be helplessly in love with the man who changed my life in so many more ways than I can count forever.
Love and Hugs, Melissa Kendal, Proud Wife of Baron Siegfried the Immane, OP
Those who know me, even outside of the SCA, know that it is not common for me to be left speechless.
Yet that is how I find myself for over a day as I try to write about the passing of Siegfried the Immane.
Those who knew Siegfried for many years knew that he was as much a part of Lions Gate as the war fields of Clinton, the woods of McLean scout camp and the hills of the north shore.
Siegfried is a fixture of our Barony, taking the hand of our own Countess Melissa, he was greeted in our hearts with open arms as he shared his wit, his skills and his vast knowledge.
Lions Gate lost a soldier this week, and our remembered friends gained a set of extra hands to help guide us and keep us on the path to our game.
I was really thinking that he'd turned a corner and that things were about to get a lot better for him. Perhaps in a way they have, but they certainly haven't for us in Lions Gate.
To the Kendals, and all others whose lives were touch by Siegfried, the Baroness and I wish our sympathy and heartfelt hopes that time will keep the memories sweet and that the pain of loss will be lessened.
With our love
Devin and Aurora
Baron Siegfried the Immane, Master of the Pelican, will be missed very greatly and sincerely by all including many who did not know him closely or well. For he was a fixture and well loved by any who met him. I must admit that I almost didn't correct the typo my fingers made when I started typing this... "Baron Siegfriend..."
Siegfried, though not quite so easily hugged is not gone and is strong in our thoughts. I know he would be pleased if we watched out for each other and supported each other through what sorrows might come and go and offer strength to each other. I'm sure that he will even be offering his own strength even now whenever someone might think of his smile or words they have heard him speak.
Sincerely,
Wade
Dearest Widow, assembled Lords and Ladies,
When I first met Siegfried I didn't much like him. He was the Kingdom Constable and I was the Head of House Gucci - still trying to establish our right to be left in peace to have fun in a corner of every campsite.
But over time I began to realize that dealing with Siegfried wasn't like dealing with the run of the mill Constables that we dealt with. Somehow, when he was on the site we managed to have more fun while receiving fewer complaints.
It wasn't until after he stopped actively working that I realized what his secret was. I realized that when Siegfried was working he would always manage to show up at our camp just about dusk and take me aside. Then he would use what I plan to immortalize as "The Siegfried Line" - "So what do you guys have planned for tonight?". Then he would listen to me talk about whether tonight's party was for a special occasion or whether it was just going to be routine hubbub. Then he would tell me about the site and about our neighbours and end with a kind of general pronouncement about the kind of "Constable Weather" we could expect - light, blustery or heavy.
Funny thing that I found is that I ended up agreeing with the results - so if we had to get quiet early then when it became time to get quiet I would quiet my people down. And on nights when we could run as wild as we wished then I would encourage it. There were, simply, fewer clashes.
I used to joke about it and say it was like the Police Chief coming to meet the Mafia Don to agree on a reasonable level of mayhem.
But now I teach Constables to talk to a camp before the party, rather than during it. To show respect by going to the camp and consulting before there are any issues. To speak to the head of the Party camp, rather than to a mob. And to yield when a real celebration needs to happen - then to in turn expect restraint when it doesn't.
Siegfried was very smart. I will miss him.
And when a Gucci says he'll miss a Constable, you have to know that that Constable was a heckuva man.
Baron Steffano, OP
PS And Darling Melissa, anything you need or even want, just ask.
I haven't come here much, I see I have entries to make. It's best that I start here with Siegfried. I just returned from my first AnTir-West War, and during the battle the refrain ran through my mind: "There was Siggy, Siggy, Siggy, squealing like a piggy at the War, at the War. There was Siggy, Siggy, Siggy, squealing like a piggy at the An Tir Western War!"
Sig, I've taken a new SCA student. During this past month of negotiation I've thought a lot about what you taught me. I even looked for the last Timon and Pumbaa toy I bought you, that I never got a chance to give you - I wanted to have it there. I found myself trying to explain to Krystene the years and history... I remember trying to explain at your memorial, and still couldn't. I remember the amazing things we got into constabling, years ago... and that marshal's handbook revision that never got published... and driving to teach marshaling classes, you regaling me with stories the whole way. I remember all the teaching that happened. I remember all the learning I did of things I never even noticed you were teaching me. I tell every marshal I really teach that they're of your line. They are - I hooked up with you on the warfield 19 years ago, and never regretted a moment spent working with and learning from you. Thanks - I needed all those skills this past couple of years! Again, you contributed to the dream even after you're gone, by what you planted in me... though I sure wished I could pick up a phone to you about twenty times! Thanks for what you gave me. Just...thanks. --Mir
Please add your memories of Siegfried to this page, starting here.
This gentle's name has been entered on the Scroll of Honor - An Tir Remembers.