Porthos, Wilem de la Champagne
Don Wilem de la Champagne
- Bobby L. Rolls Jr.
- Born: October 22, 1960
- Passed: September 3, 2011
Don Wilem de la Champagne, known also as Don Porthos, was tragically killed in a motorcycle accident. During the Last Court of Duncan and Larissa, the Dons of Trimaris gathered in royal court for a moment of silence.
The Ballard of Don Porthos
as written by one James Highgate of Darkwater in A.S. XLVI
His name was never known to me
among my journeys oversea
but ale has a certain way of talking
once men tire of their walking.
Of Trimaris; I was quite new
so strange found I, these lands of blue
and white where Lord and Lady both
did speak his name, and by their troth;
in every book of honor writ,
was he in word, and wiles, and wit.
Yet from salt seas, on came salt tear
for this hero that had fallen near.
I knew him not, but looked about
and from every eye did lament sprout.
For man is judged by what he proves
the lives that he’s touched and thus improves.
In his honor came call to lyst,
I knew I’d stand within their midst
so thus moved I from where we stood
and rode me on to the Wyvernwood.
On every road, each passerby
did stop to lay their flowers by.
And yet I knew I stood apart
for lacking in a war-torn heart.
My armor new, my sword still shone
I’d shed no blood, had won no throne.
So came thus I, warrior bard,
to stand within that hallowed yard.
For on the eve of Hallow’s came,
When veil is thin and set aflame
did we stand to salute the Crown
for to give him honor and renown.
And yet, my friends, as you will see
the tales had kept some notes from me.
This hero was a joker, too;
for down to the Lyst he straight-ways flew.
We fought for honor and glory,
and please, my lads, pray heed my story,
for I say without a hint of fear
that a shining figure did appear.
That figure stood, blade a-ready
A halo as his second’ry!
So on we fought, and in his name,
for Courtesy was our only aim.
Some he blessed with the favored shots
yet others were not well at spots.
Until, at last, there stood but two
Ladies of whom each other did woo.
These ladies, foe and consort both,
took they the field, and by my oath,
I swear I saw that figure laugh,
for to see such joy on his behalf.
And as we laughed at such good sport
he glanced around, a friendly sort
of look that shone his fondness through
for all that came and those that knew
But as the victor crowned the day,
this figure, he did fade away.
For heroes live within our heart
and in the legacies that they impart.
Thus ends my tale, I tell you true,
to let him be the best of you.
For man is judged by what he proves
the lives that he’s touched and thus improves.