italian saga

From page 150: Freed from his sentimental bonds represented by the allegorical colours, Martino hoped the ceremony was now over; but grandfather Ghisilieri motioned him to kneel down where he stood. So he obeyed, his heart pounding. Martino knew that the custom of investing new knights by dubbing them with a gift of iron, silver or gold spurs was taking hold in Bologna. It was a questionable but no doubt spectacular custom from across the Alps.
""Knight Martino"" said the noble Giulio Azzoguidi ""I do not carry a sword and you will not receive no gift of spurs from me, since our lineage were destined for another""