Of the Gathering Beneath the Castle
In the shadow of mighty Edinburgh Castle, amidst stones that have withstood the ages, there was held a great convocation of minstrelsy. Sir Rod of Stewart, knight of song and voice most famed, did raise his tune before the multitudes assembled within the castle’s outer ground. The air was filled with cheer, yet soon was it to be hallowed with a moment most tender.
Of the Lady Mary, Sister of the Minstrel
For lo, as Sir Rod did array himself in the Banner of Scotland, proud emblem of his father’s kin, he did pause his lay. With outstretched arm he beckoned unto the stage his sister, the Lady Mary, of ninety and four winters. Slowly she came forth, and the people, beholding, lifted their voices in mighty applause, as though welcoming a queen returned to her throne.
Then began the minstrel his most cherished ballad, Sailing, and the Lady Mary did stand at his side. The song, borne of longing and of love, became not mere melody but a memory shared, binding kin and kindred together in that place.
Of Family and Song
Sir Rod hath oft spoken that family is his true foundation. And in this hour, he spake not with words but with presence. No grand discourse was given, nor need there be. For the bond of brother and sister, steadfast through near a century, shone brighter than all stage lights.
Thus did the gathering perceive that music is not for ears alone, but for the heart and soul, and that behind every ballad standeth the ties of blood and remembrance.
Of the Tale’s Spreading Through the World
A humble witness did capture this scene with moving picture, and cast it upon the vast marketplace of the air. From thence did it travel unto distant lands, garnering the gaze of many hundreds of thousands. Men and women, mothers and sons, strangers and friends, wept alike upon seeing it, declaring:
“Here lieth not only a singer of songs, but a man of heart.”
Of the Minstrel’s Heritage
Though birthed in the city of London, Sir Rod claimeth oft his Scottish roots, for his sire hailed from that proud land. Ever doth he bear the lion rampant and ever doth he lift his voice in honor of that lineage. And upon that night, to share both heritage and song with his sister beneath Scotland’s ancient stones, was a vision most fitting and most fair.
Of the Memory Eternal
In these latter days, when much of music seeketh only glitter and show, Sir Rod of Stewart did remind all who gathered of the things enduring: love of kin, loyalty to land, and the quiet grace of family. The Lady Mary spake no words, yet her presence was as a psalm.
Thus was it remembered as a moment not of spectacle, but of truth. And so shall it endure in tale and memory, as long as songs are sung beneath the shadow of Edinburgh’s stones.
