(Day 9 of 4th moon. Year 183)
“No life to live, or night to sleep,
“Unless alone beside this Deep.
“I wander aimless, all alone.
“I am a king; no queen to throne.
“The minstrel, he will never sing
“Of any sighs that from me wing.
“No tear will fall from my eyes,
“Nor will girls hear my cries.
“I'll never give out gold or pearls,
“For fancy none, for darkness swirls.
“A maiden take and use a gun
“If by it she's power won.
“And so my soul, another hit
“Will take before a wife I get.
“So stand I along this shore
“And watch for banner from the moor.
“She will come, in some manner;
“In silk deceit or war's clamor.
“This I know, and know defeat
“Will follow short behind her feet.
“So answer not with quick retort.
“The Lord is God, and we are sport.
“Toward His will I can but nod,
“And lay my soul before His rod.
“If He knight me and make me whole,
“The ground will shake before bell toll.
“If He strike and let me break,
“Then from this world my life will take.
“Before that then my spear be hurled,
“My helmet smashed, and armor curled.
“And to my horse I will be lashed
“So when asleep the grass not mashed.
“My death draws nigh as toward me sweep
“Her pretty face and wage to reap.
“So, come on, and take my place.
“I wait for you with bow and mace.”
A ways away, we say today, a day or two from the fray,
And onward spurred, the landscape blurred, the Bird of Izle'ray.
She came on, not like a fawn, the dawn or day to play,
But rather as a hawk to stalk the dock of his mainstay.
Her beauty unsurpassed by sculpture golden cast
Was as the night cradles the light of moon and starlit bay.
“Silence all, now hear me speak,” she said in whisper soft.
“The kingdom that we overthrow is not one to be scoffed.
“Many men defend the Keep and die for women fair.
“Instead, just thank your fortune that you are not now there.”
A smile, wicked beautiful, shone from her shaped gaze.
“Tomorrow, or the next, this city we will raze.
“So, courage, my loved companions, for this will be our war.
“Like breeze beginning lightly becomes a gale and roar.
“One castle we have left him, so soon to free him of,
“All because he feared me, and every woman's love.
“Thus rest assured tomorrow, as we ride on toward his doom,
“That it is just and fitting for he would be no groom.
“I would have had his fancy, his touch, his golden crown;
“Instead, I got rejection, a rose, and his sad frown.
“So with the thorns stripped from the stem, this necklace I have made.
“It lies upon my bosom as the petals and he fade.
“It should have been his body, the flower some bright ring,
“Instead I ride to kill him; his epitaph to sing.
“I, who have long loved him, with beauty pure and raw,
“Am forced to take his head; his hand he did withdraw.
“We should have been companions, and ruled what was our land.
“I asked him for our union, but he withdrew his hand.
“So now we ride for vengeance, for unity not bought
“With this my fairest skin, and body soft and taut.
“My eyes will shed a single tear for him I did adore,
“But he'd no sooner have had me than any ugly whore.
“And so for love rejected, and bed he only warm,
“We ride to conquer king, and take his crown by storm.”
The pain did stain the rain that came, and also sleep refrain.
The game was plain, yet all the same, he felt himself insane.
How could he, who was once free, let lives be lost in vain?
The castle would be lost, of course, by force of female bane.
He knew it, oh, so long ago that now in roster crow
He heard the morning's come, and go his long loved reign.
(Day 10 of 4th moon. Year 183)
“Please tell me true, Bartholomew,
“Should I have wed this fateful night?
“I cannot see where I should be
“And so am in a wretched plight.
“Oh, how can I ask you to die?
“You have wife and son and daughter.
“And if today takes you away
“Tears will fill a sea with water.
“My closest friend, my heart I rend
“For fate draws us to yonder grave.
“If sacrifice would yet suffice
“I'd gladly die if you I save.
“But if she Queen, this I have seen:
“That men from their wives soon wander.
“What should I do? I turn to you;
“I have no strength to still ponder.”
“I've heard her beauty inspires awe,
“Her charms grip men like raven's claw,
“And if all this you also saw,
“Then my bow for you will always draw.
“Glorious would be your bed at night,
“But men are want of such a sight,
“And their women not quite so bright
“As such a beauty seen in the light.
“Were such an enchantress to entrance
“The men so from their beds they dance
“And leave their wives to more enhance,
“Then we two this girl should give the lance.
“Men are better dead then lusting so.
“If she not kill so the rift grow,
“Then soon your plans to stop this row
“Would lead these lands deep into the snow.
“Better weep our wives, whom we love still,
“Than save our lives to their hearts kill.
“Mourning is good if vows fulfill,
“Worse is the soul's death that breaks the will.
“So lead on, to whatever our fate
“The morning's come, the hour's late.
“We stand to fight. We stand to wait
“Beside your side on this your estate.”
The hoards drew towards the sunlight fords, swords and lords and all.
They galloped on, all just a pawn, wills gone to Beauty's fall.
She smiled sweetly at each man, his plan to hear her call.
Her beauty had thus made them mad, all glad in her enthrall.
Light kisses she would hand out, like water drops in drought
Entice the dying lips, give sips; thirst still stout as any wall.
“By evening we will all be there, to sack and so to raid.
“Every man then who's still with me will greatly be repaid.
“Remember that the foolish one is mine alone to kill.
“The wives and gold that's won is your's for you to take your fill.
“Ride the faster toward victory; already banner flown
“In white so bright in surrender, their fate's already known.
“And so we take them peacefully. They're cowards, every one.
“The fall of their empire now, before the setting sun.
“But wait, what's this? I see a man standing as if he fights.
“Close quickly now on him alone, and see what claims he writes.”
He stood as one who would not run, nor flee a tidal wave.
He the one who only could his good town now to save.
If she had gotten closer, the men would misbehave,
And she would have their every soul, from knight to worthless knave.
So thus he went to meet her alone for he was pure.
A cloud covered the sun to match his mood so grave.
“Fair one, you come, I knew you should,
“And so I wish men made of wood.
“I stand as planned to end you here.
“I can't let you yet get more near.
“And so, please go, and leave in peace,
“And all these men also release.
“Beauty I see, but not in heart,
“So say again, 'You must depart.' ”
“Softly, now, my sweet foolish boy, you know just why I come.
“Every man so easily mine, but you, your heart is numb.
“Please, may I kiss you, oh my king, so in me you delight.
“I ask but for a single chance. I'll only need one night.
“May I now give myself to thee, for you to have and hold.
“I will give you my guarantee: I'm worth my weight in gold.”
“Speak not, fair one, I've heard this said.
“Your bed will not be next to me.
“And if you speak of promises,
“Then I say this, a guarantee.
“I want no witchcraft in my bed,
“And so just leave me now to be.
“I want much more than you offer,
“Not taste of fruit that's from your tree.
“I see your many followers,
“Oh goddess of the blood red moon.
“Take not my men into your care.
“Instead, turn back, and do so soon.
“I know the ancient writings well,
“And I have read your beauty's rune.
“What's in your heart will soon replace
“Your face and every joyful tune.
“I know what lies in wait for you:
“A shallow grave and not a tomb.
“You know yourself the prophecy:
“What strikes you is from the womb.
“You've wronged so many women now
“That this last one will fill the room.
“The shadow that covers my eyes
“Is behind you to quickly loom.”
“Be silent, pig,” she hissed at him, sliding from horse to ground.
“See this twig? It is from your rose, the only thing you found
“Good enough to once give to me. Take back your cursed thorns.
“I am the only one today who still for you now mourns.”
And ripping off her necklace made, she flung it in his face.
They scratched along his proud visage, blood as their only trace.
Bartholomew, who alone knew what detained the king this day,
Now sat to view what his king do to turn this threat away.
He saw him stand as army come, a dot amidst the grey.
He saw him take the army on, and knelt and tried to pray.
He watched the girl dismount her horse, the Bird of Izle'ray,
And watched as she struck him. No longer could he stay.
He bolted down the passages, and out into the building fray,
Rushing toward the tumult to join in with king to slay.
It grew ever darker as the king and friend fought on,
Breaking many shields, and stilling men of brawn.
Through the night they beat them, and slaughtered to the dawn.
They fought 'till few retreated, and the rest were gone.
The king and friend clasped arms in joy, as each stifled a yawn,
And then they fell into a sleep, there on the bloody lawn.
(Day 11 of 4th moon. Year 183)
“You're hurt, poor thing. Oh, do not move. Instead I'll nurse your pains.”
Bartholomew opened his eyes, and saw the golden chains
That hung around a neck so fair he could not look away.
He tried to move his mouth to speak, though he had naught to say.
“Don't try to speak, oh brave, sir knight, you fight like mortal god.
“The only marks that you do bear are of much blood and sod.
“Let me nurse you back to your health, just sit if you can bear.
“I watched as you fought so bravely, and you are also fair.”
And with this, and without warning, she kissed him on his head.
Her scent was just so lovely he was certain he was dead.
She then went back to nursing him, cleaning his face and neck.
Every once a while or so she'd give to him a peck.
And then he rose, his bloodied king,
A yell as used in war to bring,
And flung himself upon the maid.
Bartholomew did seize his blade.
“Back off, dear friend. Forget her face.
“Oh curse us men, and all our race.
“I say again, leave me to kill
“This witch and wretch and garbage swill.
“Bartholomew, you are a friend,
“Please believe me as I now send
“You to run back to your good wife.
“Bartholomew, give me your knife.
“Oh God, why make beauty a snare?
“God, please be just in this unfair.”
“My king, you strike this my lady fair.
“You've done damage that won't repair.
“I won't let you have any share
“In this beauty that for me does care.
“And since you degrade her in your speech,
“And so my confidence do breach,
“So like the time there on the beach
“I will prove again my arm's long reach.”
“Bartholomew, life long brother,
“Do not mistake me for another.
“I am your friend, believe you me.
“Dear God, his eyes, please let him see.
“Just let me kill this awful whore.”
He grabbed her neck, and squeezed some more.
A blade slipped in, into his side.
Bartholomew stabbed, his eyes wide.
And so the king, in this way died.
The girl almost perished that day,
Beautiful girl of Izle'ray.
Wednesday, March 23, 2005
Part II: Lilyeth
(Day 27 of 1st moon. Year 190)
“The poets of this castle love tell tales like this to hear,
“As how it came that she should tame the beauty strong and sheer.
“For in the light of morning bright, he brought fair girl to rest.
“Upon his bed he laid her head, as if she were his guest.
“Then to the wall he took his call, proclaiming loss of king.
“But he was made, as all men bade, the ruler, as they sing.
“So queen he took, and wife forsook; beauty over law,
“And so once more the devil's whore took heart in pretty claw.
“The kingdom fell, though none could tell the enemy did bed
“Inside their queen as beauty gleam like blood in satins red.
“She laid with king, and so did bring a prince into this land.
“The boy was pure, and to be sure, he had a gracious hand.
“The king did play but every day with prince and queen so fair.
“Their joys complete and love so sweet: A happy triple pair.
“She was faithful to king in soul, turning all men away.
“But wives were not, due to their lot, inclined for queen to pray.
“Husbands once true forgot of you, liked work more than your breast.
“If to hearth came, always the same, not you, but for their rest.
“Tears shed alone on grinding stone mixed flour into dough.
“The loneliness of emptiness maids' hearts did overthrow.
“Now all children were gaunt and thin, and mostly fatherless.
“Women pregnant were mostly spent, no man to them caress.
“Yet so happy the royal three they noticed not the pain.
“Their love intense, much like a fence, in ecstasy to chain.
“The queen had found a love that bound, so she now free of spite.
“In fact each day she found a way to make her soul more bright.
“Eternal youth and growing truth more made the king merry,
“So why should he still need to see burdens maidens carry?
“Gretchen so sweet did claim defeat; with daughter born, she died.
“Husband she had, now king so glad, and he for her not cried.
“Child given to now live in as daughter to the queen.
“With joy received like she believed this girl was hers to wean.
“Same moment born, one joy in scorn, these twins met months apart,
“But from that day, all people say, 'Their love grew from the start.' ”
But hush! A sound.
Oh were they found?
Dared they not to breathe.
She held his hand.
A small twin band:
Girl with boy on sleeve.
Yet nothing showed,
So hearts now slowed,
So they from there did leave.
Now once again
She took the pen
Of voice, a tale to weave.
“Three years did pass, then four and five, now older, like her brother,
“But something in the stride of time forgot to take her mother.
“As children grow in body, mind, these two followed such course,
“And she did learn the trick of blade along with mounting horse.
“A man there was who spent his days standing on the green,
“Always with face turned toward the sky to glimpse the fairest queen.
“Like thus she found to beg his help in learning steps and steel.
“She was so short he bent his head even while he did kneel.
“ 'Young lass, you are a pretty thing. Why learn the art of death?
“ 'But if you must, tell me your name.' I said, ''Tis Lilyeth.'
“ 'Good name,' quoth he, and with one swoop, his shoulders I did ride,
“And then onto the Armory, we two went right inside.
“From the treasures there safe kept he let me choose a blade
“With diamond studded silver, and that for wood did trade.
“ 'Too sharp,' said he, 'but have when skills enough you've learned.
“ 'I promise that will be before the age of six you've turned.'
“So from that day we met to play at meeting as in war.
“He taught me tricks and proper skill, his mind a treasure store.
“To stab like thus, or slash like so, and dodge and parry too.
“And so I mastered knife and blade, the art of war most true.
“To home he often took me, his wife there I did meet.
“She knew my past and history, real mother and lost heat.
“I heard from her the fall of king, and loss of husbands dear.
“She also said he had returned now that I was here.
“And as father with your mother I saw them at their play.
“ 'Love makes us into foolish things,' they used to laugh and say.
“And here I learned the art of scribe, the secrets runes can tell.
“I learned the past's deceptions, and for what men's souls sell.
“A child's simple hatred now harbored in my heart.
“My mother died in agony; our mother played a part.
“And so I looked for opportune the deal in vengeance quick.
“My mother if she be ageless would bleed with dagger prick.
“Events would come, oh little one, before I would succeed.
“A king across the water, to take this castle speed.
“His ships and soldiers plenty surrounded this our town.
“With twenty-two and twenty the gate came crashing down.
“At first she would not meet him, knowing eternal charms,
“But husband king did prod her, and bear her in his arms.
“And when the king of Wog-tari saw her, this perfect gem,
“He turned and took his men away, no more to hear of them.
“The purest love that king beheld; desires from him fled,
“And so the king and queen returned to their marriage bed.
“The gates remained in ruin so all who would pass by
“Would know that none would take her, for men would rather die.
“I should have seen the subtle change, the eyes a different wet,
“But I was blind in my resolve, my will and soul were set.
“I see that now the men were home, the tears were ones of joy,
“That change had come to everyone, but memory is coy.
“Bitterness remembered, and tales of pain and woe,
“Thus changes I just couldn't see, and only hatred sow.
“A year did pass, and thus I six received my knife to bear,
“And his wife in her goodness made tunic that I wear.
“The blade did glisten bitingly. I reveled in the gift.
“Thought of every grudge I held then from me did lift.
“That day I was so joyous. Our parents praised us both.
“That night before I sleeping, I gave myself an oath.
“With love so great for king and queen, I swore them both to guard,
“Not knowing in my youthfulness this task would be too hard.
“I woke last night from horrid dream: Gretchen as she died.
“She pleaded for my vengeance, her blood still on my side.
“As I was still a baby I could but swear I one day would.
“She now woke me with her presence; 'twas time to make it good.
“I slipped into this tunic, and took up naked knife,
“Then padded to their bedroom, he with his naked wife.
“They two asleep, she slept on him, her back looked soft and white.
“Stealthy approached them, I death to strike tonight.
“Silently slipped in the steel, more silently slid out.
“Her blood stained red their marriage bed, and now the time to doubt.
“And thus today we fled away, for death did strike again.
“The king murdered without mercy. The jealous had long been.
“And now with beauty draining with every bloodied drop,
“The men, rash minds returned, his reign did quickly stop.
“So guard us now, oh gods, as we from here make haste,
“And try to cross the barrenness that makes up marshy waste.”
And so they go,
Driven like snow
Before a gale unseen.
Both children clad
In sorrows sad
And garments surely mean.
“The poets of this castle love tell tales like this to hear,
“As how it came that she should tame the beauty strong and sheer.
“For in the light of morning bright, he brought fair girl to rest.
“Upon his bed he laid her head, as if she were his guest.
“Then to the wall he took his call, proclaiming loss of king.
“But he was made, as all men bade, the ruler, as they sing.
“So queen he took, and wife forsook; beauty over law,
“And so once more the devil's whore took heart in pretty claw.
“The kingdom fell, though none could tell the enemy did bed
“Inside their queen as beauty gleam like blood in satins red.
“She laid with king, and so did bring a prince into this land.
“The boy was pure, and to be sure, he had a gracious hand.
“The king did play but every day with prince and queen so fair.
“Their joys complete and love so sweet: A happy triple pair.
“She was faithful to king in soul, turning all men away.
“But wives were not, due to their lot, inclined for queen to pray.
“Husbands once true forgot of you, liked work more than your breast.
“If to hearth came, always the same, not you, but for their rest.
“Tears shed alone on grinding stone mixed flour into dough.
“The loneliness of emptiness maids' hearts did overthrow.
“Now all children were gaunt and thin, and mostly fatherless.
“Women pregnant were mostly spent, no man to them caress.
“Yet so happy the royal three they noticed not the pain.
“Their love intense, much like a fence, in ecstasy to chain.
“The queen had found a love that bound, so she now free of spite.
“In fact each day she found a way to make her soul more bright.
“Eternal youth and growing truth more made the king merry,
“So why should he still need to see burdens maidens carry?
“Gretchen so sweet did claim defeat; with daughter born, she died.
“Husband she had, now king so glad, and he for her not cried.
“Child given to now live in as daughter to the queen.
“With joy received like she believed this girl was hers to wean.
“Same moment born, one joy in scorn, these twins met months apart,
“But from that day, all people say, 'Their love grew from the start.' ”
But hush! A sound.
Oh were they found?
Dared they not to breathe.
She held his hand.
A small twin band:
Girl with boy on sleeve.
Yet nothing showed,
So hearts now slowed,
So they from there did leave.
Now once again
She took the pen
Of voice, a tale to weave.
“Three years did pass, then four and five, now older, like her brother,
“But something in the stride of time forgot to take her mother.
“As children grow in body, mind, these two followed such course,
“And she did learn the trick of blade along with mounting horse.
“A man there was who spent his days standing on the green,
“Always with face turned toward the sky to glimpse the fairest queen.
“Like thus she found to beg his help in learning steps and steel.
“She was so short he bent his head even while he did kneel.
“ 'Young lass, you are a pretty thing. Why learn the art of death?
“ 'But if you must, tell me your name.' I said, ''Tis Lilyeth.'
“ 'Good name,' quoth he, and with one swoop, his shoulders I did ride,
“And then onto the Armory, we two went right inside.
“From the treasures there safe kept he let me choose a blade
“With diamond studded silver, and that for wood did trade.
“ 'Too sharp,' said he, 'but have when skills enough you've learned.
“ 'I promise that will be before the age of six you've turned.'
“So from that day we met to play at meeting as in war.
“He taught me tricks and proper skill, his mind a treasure store.
“To stab like thus, or slash like so, and dodge and parry too.
“And so I mastered knife and blade, the art of war most true.
“To home he often took me, his wife there I did meet.
“She knew my past and history, real mother and lost heat.
“I heard from her the fall of king, and loss of husbands dear.
“She also said he had returned now that I was here.
“And as father with your mother I saw them at their play.
“ 'Love makes us into foolish things,' they used to laugh and say.
“And here I learned the art of scribe, the secrets runes can tell.
“I learned the past's deceptions, and for what men's souls sell.
“A child's simple hatred now harbored in my heart.
“My mother died in agony; our mother played a part.
“And so I looked for opportune the deal in vengeance quick.
“My mother if she be ageless would bleed with dagger prick.
“Events would come, oh little one, before I would succeed.
“A king across the water, to take this castle speed.
“His ships and soldiers plenty surrounded this our town.
“With twenty-two and twenty the gate came crashing down.
“At first she would not meet him, knowing eternal charms,
“But husband king did prod her, and bear her in his arms.
“And when the king of Wog-tari saw her, this perfect gem,
“He turned and took his men away, no more to hear of them.
“The purest love that king beheld; desires from him fled,
“And so the king and queen returned to their marriage bed.
“The gates remained in ruin so all who would pass by
“Would know that none would take her, for men would rather die.
“I should have seen the subtle change, the eyes a different wet,
“But I was blind in my resolve, my will and soul were set.
“I see that now the men were home, the tears were ones of joy,
“That change had come to everyone, but memory is coy.
“Bitterness remembered, and tales of pain and woe,
“Thus changes I just couldn't see, and only hatred sow.
“A year did pass, and thus I six received my knife to bear,
“And his wife in her goodness made tunic that I wear.
“The blade did glisten bitingly. I reveled in the gift.
“Thought of every grudge I held then from me did lift.
“That day I was so joyous. Our parents praised us both.
“That night before I sleeping, I gave myself an oath.
“With love so great for king and queen, I swore them both to guard,
“Not knowing in my youthfulness this task would be too hard.
“I woke last night from horrid dream: Gretchen as she died.
“She pleaded for my vengeance, her blood still on my side.
“As I was still a baby I could but swear I one day would.
“She now woke me with her presence; 'twas time to make it good.
“I slipped into this tunic, and took up naked knife,
“Then padded to their bedroom, he with his naked wife.
“They two asleep, she slept on him, her back looked soft and white.
“Stealthy approached them, I death to strike tonight.
“Silently slipped in the steel, more silently slid out.
“Her blood stained red their marriage bed, and now the time to doubt.
“And thus today we fled away, for death did strike again.
“The king murdered without mercy. The jealous had long been.
“And now with beauty draining with every bloodied drop,
“The men, rash minds returned, his reign did quickly stop.
“So guard us now, oh gods, as we from here make haste,
“And try to cross the barrenness that makes up marshy waste.”
And so they go,
Driven like snow
Before a gale unseen.
Both children clad
In sorrows sad
And garments surely mean.
Part III: Return of Wog-tari
He met him in his chamber,
Her form in flesh beheld,
But now it did not grip him
As if it were dispelled.
Her tussled hair and still eyes
No longer owned his mind,
So he did stop in wonder,
And let his will unwind.
Cleverly he pondered it,
Weighing action and care.
The king in mortal anguish
Too late saw his death there.
One thrust and it was over,
The throne was now his own.
He strapped on further armor
If he did fight alone.
He took both crowns to carry,
One worn on his own head,
The other to his own wife,
And news to town to spread.
And so began the legend
Of he who slew beauty
Whom none could overcome
If her they once did see.
(Day 19 of 8th moon. Year 190)
“Make haste, lame boy. You move too slow.
“To tower message bring:
“Invaders from the Western snow
“Descend on us like rain.
“No rumor to protect us now,
“No fear of such a sight
“That takes away the will stay
“And turns away in fright.
“Our port and town so much desired
“Will fall to stronger force
“Unless you take this message swift
“And run required course.”
Along the road the swift boy strode, the fear of death his goad.
From fords he ran towards his clan, now knowing basic plan.
The war had come with sound of drum. More haste though he was numb.
The road he flew, now closer to the Keep with banner blue.
'Spur feet. Lungs burn. You must not turn. Pain, air, and rest to spurn.
'And now the gate. I'm not too late. Someone please guess our fate.'
So thinking this, his footing miss, and entered final bliss.
(Day 20 of 8th moon. Year 190)
“My lord, please take counsel.
“To Keep now all do pull.
“We will not win today,
“So why on walls to stay?
“Retreat to hold the main.
“To burn us is insane.
“If so, they must rebuild,
“And in that time be stilled.
“They'll siege us and then wait
“For hour that is late.
“But we may yet be saved.
“One more has also craved
“For this castle and port.
“Let's see what comes of sport.
“If west meets east, what change?
“Thus leave gates open strange,
“And see what dawn will take
“In blood and body make.
“Our well is deep clean,
“And food never more seen.
“Take chance over folly.
“Who knows what we shall see?”
(Day 22 of 8th moon. Year 190)
The Keep took town into its arms, protecting young and old.
New gate left simply standing, a welcome to the foe.
The houses open, empty, with fires long gone cold.
An enemy approaching, proudly, certain, slow.
A man formed of ruthless action, born of snow and wind,
Did ride with sure abandon due to defender's state.
He knew the troops divided; their position pinned.
No unifying woman, and town of perfect bait.
The plains to the south a marshland, and cliffs beyond most rum;
Thus, first and foremost inlet for south of any sort.
Once holding this prized holding, much revenue could come
In shipping taxes only, for trade requires port.
With greed and long held bitterness, his troops he now did lead
Toward castle they would soon take. Its lord not well received.
A man once Chief of Armor now held the town he freed
From a witch most demonic whom all had once believed.
True, odd it was to enter town, provoked by not a soul.
Stranger still the empty streets, houses, yards, and fields.
Inside the very village they'd come to sack in full
There was not now an army to meet with swords and shields.
But in the center of these walls the Keep was closed and barred.
Nothing moved outside the stone, neither could one get in.
A massive door, made of oak, did make entry more hard,
And wanting very castle did make the siege begin.
(Day 7 of 11th moon. Year 190)
A silent sail bore him to her, the man of sea to land,
For thus was his intention: make red the virgin sand.
On quiet beach alighting now was black-tarred wood of dark ship's bow.
And many more did find their moor when ship and hull in shore did plow.
All quietly they took their place; in silent ranks did stand.
They waited for their fearless king, and raise of his right hand.
Expectantly their eyes did strain, their vision darkness probe in vain,
For he had not the stillness fought by making move for such a gain.
Instead they stole through open gate, the cold wind lashing out,
And so besieged the former siege with great and mighty shout.
Erupted war, the clash of steel, death, rage, and what battles reveal:
The dulling thud, the smell of blood, and what makes life so really real.
Aegrin, Boc, and Clemet, Dair-sen, Eli, For'ge,
And untold scores and hundreds, Death's appetite did gorge.
These men of wartime valor and heroes conquest made
Did meet an end spectacular when in their blood were laid.
For'ge who wrought in iron a sword that slew Gla-daan,
Did take six broken arrows to kill this mortal man.
Eli of the Everwood who took back Sorne of Hyne,
Was felled by thirty pike men in killing twenty-nine.
Dair-sen strong and mighty, who beat the hoards at Ide,
Was bested by an elephant which took him in its stride.
Clemet who with single bow long held the hill Jensiere,
Was run right though, but fought unto the point of second spear.
Boc who had six boar's tusks which his bare hands did kill,
Ended when a trebuchet took him and laid him still.
And Aegrin of the lower lands, who bested Luken Loc,
Was murdered by some fifteen men while he did guard the dock.
And so the days slipped out of time, the weeks forgotten too,
For war does take eternity and bring it near to you.
(Day 30 of 3rd moon. Year 192)
“Now listen, my men, you know where we've been
“ 'Tween target and their other foe.
“The outer wall's down, the castle does crown
“The way that we're wanting to go.
“By day it's -Tari, by night we can't see
“And archers from castle draw bow.
“Three years we have fought, yet only to rot
“And melt like a summer's light snow.
“This rain I disdain; my wound gives me pain,
“And surely the lord here does know.
“Three years they have laid, alone and afraid,
“Supplies must now be running low.
“We must make our peace, and thereby increase
“Our chances we don't feed the crow.
“Let's end now this War, the blood-sucking whore
“Of Death who does like her just so.
“I'll go to the Keep, and there wages reap
“Two-hundred less eight that does grow.
“Let bitterness kill? I don't think I will.
“Instead let the love start to flow.
“Our only escape is found in the rape
“Of her who does drag men below.
“She cannot be killed, nor can she be filled,
“But stopped when war's end is in tow.
“Old enemies make great friends in the wake
“When breeze that is famine does blow.”
“Come to bed,” she softly said. “Tomorrow is our last.
“Find a way to see today, for it does close the past.
“Hunger gnaws with death's dark jaws, but one more night we're free.
“Conquered king, myself I bring, one last time to have me.
“Come to bed, my lord,” she said. “Tonight will be the best.
“In the dawn we will be gone, and find eternal rest.
“Too long starved, and grave stones carved. Enjoy this fated end.
“I retire to set on fire the sleep of you, my friend.”
With a wink and fluttered blink, the darkness embraced her.
His gaunt frame soon did the same. Make love your last, for sure.
In borrowed dark cloak, the lord he awoke
The Overlord of snow and rock.
And in candlelight they met through the night
To settle a feud with their talk.
“My men are too weak to fight, as we speak,
“But from here we cannot just walk.
“We're hemmed on all sides, the waves come in tides,
“We're left like a snake to a hawk.
“And you're shut in here for nigh on three year,
“Without food and game or livestock.
“We both know the past, but if we're to last,
“We must now a treaty not balk.”
“A goat, was it not, that started this rot, two-hundred and aught years ago?
“How can we believe that you’ll take your leave if you we relieve from this show?
“Please say what you will, but Time does not kill the way that we spill blood in row.
“We bested you once, Overlord of the Hunts, but Time makes us runts even still.
“But Tavin had sold that goat of his fold for silver and gold and not swill,
“And yet to his shame, your Father, he came, and ruined his name with that bill.
“With worthless intent, false money was spent and so it is meant as your blame.
“Eight years it did take for Tavin to make the forces to break him the same.
“And so from this place my ancestors chase your evil and base bloodline tame.”
“You do us much wrong, for we here belong,
“For Tavin was paid back in full.
“Twelve dozen black sheep and life at this Keep
“Were offered to pay back the toll.
“But he turned it down to take up the crown
“And murdered the Queen and his soul.”
“We too justified, we also have cried, and all for our pride and some wool.”
“So cast that aside, and may we reside
“In peace once we’ve bested -Tari.
“We are your one hope, and you are the rope
“That hangs us or pulls from the sea.
“By joining our force we can change the course
“Of all that could happen to be.
“Tomorrow we fail, and so set our sail
“To be with our ancestors free.
“And soon we will meet, like trees in the sleet,
“Forgotten and broken by thee.”
“You speak of the morn the way that I’m torn and sit here forlorn in the night.
“Tomorrow to die, and so greet the sky in birds, for we fly in their might.
“You’re right to assess we need you no less than how much you stress your own plight.
“So brother, my kin, now let us begin a new war to win in the light.
“All grievances paid, so death for life trade to watch our lives fade in the fight.
“Let’s take on the storm. For this we were born: To raise up the horn in their sight.”
And so in this way they greeted the day,
Both ready to meet their own end.
In breaking their hate, they did something great,
And so winds of war can so bend.
On eve of a loss they shed their old dross,
And nothing that’s greater is penned.
In life full of dust, it’s better to trust
An enemy that’s now a friend.
And even when dead, no greater is said
Than that grace is there to extend.
(Day 1 of 4th moon. Year 192)
“I see the enemy has joined in force to take us out.
“And so we know the weaker ones are those so full of doubt.
“They’ve lost the will to stand or fall; they’ve fallen to dark Future’s call,
“And so we show what they well know: they will be taken, one and all.
“They’re weary of this fruitless war that simply spells their doom.
“They watch and see that we will be what sends them to the tomb.
“For supplies we have in splendor they grow the more weak and tender.
“We’ve pressed this war up to their door and press on to their surrender.
“So courage, my men. Give me your lives, and I’ll give you this place.
“It’s long been in the coming short, but we will win this race.
“They’re beaten, be of this assured. And know our rage is also stirred.
“They join to break. We castle take. And we will end them, in a word.”
Marching now on pen and quill, resolved so to undo
Virtue with wrath and xeric yards; the war was now a zoo.
And clash they did in many ways, both steel and bow and brawn,
And thus the dew was greeted new by blood and battle dawn.
Much was made of every man, in skill as well as zeal.
None were left to wonder why, and so Time spins its wheel.
Only those who born to win, so left to tell the yarn,
Proved worthy of the fighter’s glove and night in captured barn.
Quite a sight it was to see, to see the war’s extent.
Rather than a joyous shout, ‘twas won when all were spent.
So hear the tale of two dead kings, and one who rightly won.
‘Twas Wog-tari whom Day did see as His surviving son.
Under the moon the men did swoon, their trust was not in vain.
Their king had led to victory, though not without much pain.
And so this single man made up for queen not had
By taking port and castle wall, but now the more was sad.
What joy was this to take some land to share with whom, and how?
A queenless king again did rule, but that is just for now.
Her form in flesh beheld,
But now it did not grip him
As if it were dispelled.
Her tussled hair and still eyes
No longer owned his mind,
So he did stop in wonder,
And let his will unwind.
Cleverly he pondered it,
Weighing action and care.
The king in mortal anguish
Too late saw his death there.
One thrust and it was over,
The throne was now his own.
He strapped on further armor
If he did fight alone.
He took both crowns to carry,
One worn on his own head,
The other to his own wife,
And news to town to spread.
And so began the legend
Of he who slew beauty
Whom none could overcome
If her they once did see.
(Day 19 of 8th moon. Year 190)
“Make haste, lame boy. You move too slow.
“To tower message bring:
“Invaders from the Western snow
“Descend on us like rain.
“No rumor to protect us now,
“No fear of such a sight
“That takes away the will stay
“And turns away in fright.
“Our port and town so much desired
“Will fall to stronger force
“Unless you take this message swift
“And run required course.”
Along the road the swift boy strode, the fear of death his goad.
From fords he ran towards his clan, now knowing basic plan.
The war had come with sound of drum. More haste though he was numb.
The road he flew, now closer to the Keep with banner blue.
'Spur feet. Lungs burn. You must not turn. Pain, air, and rest to spurn.
'And now the gate. I'm not too late. Someone please guess our fate.'
So thinking this, his footing miss, and entered final bliss.
(Day 20 of 8th moon. Year 190)
“My lord, please take counsel.
“To Keep now all do pull.
“We will not win today,
“So why on walls to stay?
“Retreat to hold the main.
“To burn us is insane.
“If so, they must rebuild,
“And in that time be stilled.
“They'll siege us and then wait
“For hour that is late.
“But we may yet be saved.
“One more has also craved
“For this castle and port.
“Let's see what comes of sport.
“If west meets east, what change?
“Thus leave gates open strange,
“And see what dawn will take
“In blood and body make.
“Our well is deep clean,
“And food never more seen.
“Take chance over folly.
“Who knows what we shall see?”
(Day 22 of 8th moon. Year 190)
The Keep took town into its arms, protecting young and old.
New gate left simply standing, a welcome to the foe.
The houses open, empty, with fires long gone cold.
An enemy approaching, proudly, certain, slow.
A man formed of ruthless action, born of snow and wind,
Did ride with sure abandon due to defender's state.
He knew the troops divided; their position pinned.
No unifying woman, and town of perfect bait.
The plains to the south a marshland, and cliffs beyond most rum;
Thus, first and foremost inlet for south of any sort.
Once holding this prized holding, much revenue could come
In shipping taxes only, for trade requires port.
With greed and long held bitterness, his troops he now did lead
Toward castle they would soon take. Its lord not well received.
A man once Chief of Armor now held the town he freed
From a witch most demonic whom all had once believed.
True, odd it was to enter town, provoked by not a soul.
Stranger still the empty streets, houses, yards, and fields.
Inside the very village they'd come to sack in full
There was not now an army to meet with swords and shields.
But in the center of these walls the Keep was closed and barred.
Nothing moved outside the stone, neither could one get in.
A massive door, made of oak, did make entry more hard,
And wanting very castle did make the siege begin.
(Day 7 of 11th moon. Year 190)
A silent sail bore him to her, the man of sea to land,
For thus was his intention: make red the virgin sand.
On quiet beach alighting now was black-tarred wood of dark ship's bow.
And many more did find their moor when ship and hull in shore did plow.
All quietly they took their place; in silent ranks did stand.
They waited for their fearless king, and raise of his right hand.
Expectantly their eyes did strain, their vision darkness probe in vain,
For he had not the stillness fought by making move for such a gain.
Instead they stole through open gate, the cold wind lashing out,
And so besieged the former siege with great and mighty shout.
Erupted war, the clash of steel, death, rage, and what battles reveal:
The dulling thud, the smell of blood, and what makes life so really real.
Aegrin, Boc, and Clemet, Dair-sen, Eli, For'ge,
And untold scores and hundreds, Death's appetite did gorge.
These men of wartime valor and heroes conquest made
Did meet an end spectacular when in their blood were laid.
For'ge who wrought in iron a sword that slew Gla-daan,
Did take six broken arrows to kill this mortal man.
Eli of the Everwood who took back Sorne of Hyne,
Was felled by thirty pike men in killing twenty-nine.
Dair-sen strong and mighty, who beat the hoards at Ide,
Was bested by an elephant which took him in its stride.
Clemet who with single bow long held the hill Jensiere,
Was run right though, but fought unto the point of second spear.
Boc who had six boar's tusks which his bare hands did kill,
Ended when a trebuchet took him and laid him still.
And Aegrin of the lower lands, who bested Luken Loc,
Was murdered by some fifteen men while he did guard the dock.
And so the days slipped out of time, the weeks forgotten too,
For war does take eternity and bring it near to you.
(Day 30 of 3rd moon. Year 192)
“Now listen, my men, you know where we've been
“ 'Tween target and their other foe.
“The outer wall's down, the castle does crown
“The way that we're wanting to go.
“By day it's -Tari, by night we can't see
“And archers from castle draw bow.
“Three years we have fought, yet only to rot
“And melt like a summer's light snow.
“This rain I disdain; my wound gives me pain,
“And surely the lord here does know.
“Three years they have laid, alone and afraid,
“Supplies must now be running low.
“We must make our peace, and thereby increase
“Our chances we don't feed the crow.
“Let's end now this War, the blood-sucking whore
“Of Death who does like her just so.
“I'll go to the Keep, and there wages reap
“Two-hundred less eight that does grow.
“Let bitterness kill? I don't think I will.
“Instead let the love start to flow.
“Our only escape is found in the rape
“Of her who does drag men below.
“She cannot be killed, nor can she be filled,
“But stopped when war's end is in tow.
“Old enemies make great friends in the wake
“When breeze that is famine does blow.”
“Come to bed,” she softly said. “Tomorrow is our last.
“Find a way to see today, for it does close the past.
“Hunger gnaws with death's dark jaws, but one more night we're free.
“Conquered king, myself I bring, one last time to have me.
“Come to bed, my lord,” she said. “Tonight will be the best.
“In the dawn we will be gone, and find eternal rest.
“Too long starved, and grave stones carved. Enjoy this fated end.
“I retire to set on fire the sleep of you, my friend.”
With a wink and fluttered blink, the darkness embraced her.
His gaunt frame soon did the same. Make love your last, for sure.
In borrowed dark cloak, the lord he awoke
The Overlord of snow and rock.
And in candlelight they met through the night
To settle a feud with their talk.
“My men are too weak to fight, as we speak,
“But from here we cannot just walk.
“We're hemmed on all sides, the waves come in tides,
“We're left like a snake to a hawk.
“And you're shut in here for nigh on three year,
“Without food and game or livestock.
“We both know the past, but if we're to last,
“We must now a treaty not balk.”
“A goat, was it not, that started this rot, two-hundred and aught years ago?
“How can we believe that you’ll take your leave if you we relieve from this show?
“Please say what you will, but Time does not kill the way that we spill blood in row.
“We bested you once, Overlord of the Hunts, but Time makes us runts even still.
“But Tavin had sold that goat of his fold for silver and gold and not swill,
“And yet to his shame, your Father, he came, and ruined his name with that bill.
“With worthless intent, false money was spent and so it is meant as your blame.
“Eight years it did take for Tavin to make the forces to break him the same.
“And so from this place my ancestors chase your evil and base bloodline tame.”
“You do us much wrong, for we here belong,
“For Tavin was paid back in full.
“Twelve dozen black sheep and life at this Keep
“Were offered to pay back the toll.
“But he turned it down to take up the crown
“And murdered the Queen and his soul.”
“We too justified, we also have cried, and all for our pride and some wool.”
“So cast that aside, and may we reside
“In peace once we’ve bested -Tari.
“We are your one hope, and you are the rope
“That hangs us or pulls from the sea.
“By joining our force we can change the course
“Of all that could happen to be.
“Tomorrow we fail, and so set our sail
“To be with our ancestors free.
“And soon we will meet, like trees in the sleet,
“Forgotten and broken by thee.”
“You speak of the morn the way that I’m torn and sit here forlorn in the night.
“Tomorrow to die, and so greet the sky in birds, for we fly in their might.
“You’re right to assess we need you no less than how much you stress your own plight.
“So brother, my kin, now let us begin a new war to win in the light.
“All grievances paid, so death for life trade to watch our lives fade in the fight.
“Let’s take on the storm. For this we were born: To raise up the horn in their sight.”
And so in this way they greeted the day,
Both ready to meet their own end.
In breaking their hate, they did something great,
And so winds of war can so bend.
On eve of a loss they shed their old dross,
And nothing that’s greater is penned.
In life full of dust, it’s better to trust
An enemy that’s now a friend.
And even when dead, no greater is said
Than that grace is there to extend.
(Day 1 of 4th moon. Year 192)
“I see the enemy has joined in force to take us out.
“And so we know the weaker ones are those so full of doubt.
“They’ve lost the will to stand or fall; they’ve fallen to dark Future’s call,
“And so we show what they well know: they will be taken, one and all.
“They’re weary of this fruitless war that simply spells their doom.
“They watch and see that we will be what sends them to the tomb.
“For supplies we have in splendor they grow the more weak and tender.
“We’ve pressed this war up to their door and press on to their surrender.
“So courage, my men. Give me your lives, and I’ll give you this place.
“It’s long been in the coming short, but we will win this race.
“They’re beaten, be of this assured. And know our rage is also stirred.
“They join to break. We castle take. And we will end them, in a word.”
Marching now on pen and quill, resolved so to undo
Virtue with wrath and xeric yards; the war was now a zoo.
And clash they did in many ways, both steel and bow and brawn,
And thus the dew was greeted new by blood and battle dawn.
Much was made of every man, in skill as well as zeal.
None were left to wonder why, and so Time spins its wheel.
Only those who born to win, so left to tell the yarn,
Proved worthy of the fighter’s glove and night in captured barn.
Quite a sight it was to see, to see the war’s extent.
Rather than a joyous shout, ‘twas won when all were spent.
So hear the tale of two dead kings, and one who rightly won.
‘Twas Wog-tari whom Day did see as His surviving son.
Under the moon the men did swoon, their trust was not in vain.
Their king had led to victory, though not without much pain.
And so this single man made up for queen not had
By taking port and castle wall, but now the more was sad.
What joy was this to take some land to share with whom, and how?
A queenless king again did rule, but that is just for now.
Part IV: The Princess of Ugal
(Day 22 of 3rd moon. Year 198)
"It's nights like these that stir the mind and cause the will to wane.
"The wind whips whispers on the air which bring both fear and pain.
"And like a god I ride the gale, and like a god my life is stale,
"And so both wine and pleasure time combine to form this fleeting jail.
"Darkness, hear these my cries for peace, for Day does not respond.
"And Rain, you are my one release, like magic in a wand.
"The stars still hide amid the clouds, my thoughts reside within the shrouds,
"I waste away much like today, and now, alone, am free of crowds.
"Oh Night bring forth a maiden fair, a reason castle held,
"For in the day this perfect bay is all but quite dispelled.
"I own the world, or much of it. Beside an empty throne I sit.
"I wish to share my glory there, for single men are like a pit."
(Day 23 of 3rd moon. Year 198)
Awake. Bright cheery day enters from the gate,
And so the shadows of the night all but dissipate.
Forgotten are the weary words, muffled now by dreams.
The sun is playing music upon the flowing streams.
Gaiety and song of birds is all that's to be heard,
And yet the soul does not take flight, for it is not a bird.
'Flight ignites a dreamer's dream that earth can not ignite,
'And so the want of womenfolk belongs but to the night.'
Eight and twenty riders the courtyard now did join.
'Of what be there intention? Be war, or help, or coin?
'Doubtless they are strangers, come from a distant Keep.
'But who could be that beauty? She makes me want to weep.
'Careful, lad, she could be false. We men will never learn,
'For women hold a tempting thing for which our hearts do burn.'
Beside him sat an empty throne when they did meet that morn.
She smiled as she looked on him. His heart from him was torn.
And thus the Princess of Ugal began her stay with him.
Who knew the future for them both could be so bleak and grim?
"I wish no thing than just to bring good tidings now to thee.
"My father's land is vast and grand, and I a share to see.
"My brother here is kind and dear, and so we ask for peace,
"For you maintain a hefty claim in land and gold and fleece.
"Our father ill, dare we wait till he passes from our sight?
"And so we ask that we may bask within your friendly light.
"What gifts of gold or treasure old have we to so bestow?
"Just virgin youth and certain truth I'm all you need to know.
"We come to bind a pact here signed, thus joining us to you.
"The choice is yours: Open your doors, or do what you will do."
"Fair One, your words are eloquent, your voice so soft and sweet,
"And yet I fear inside myself you do intend deceit.
"For come you do, as if alone. The morning dew still grasses' throne.
"A fool I'd be to not now see you are but throwing me a bone.
"You offer much within yourself, yet still I hesitate.
"For pacts so formed in hastiness do tend to dissipate.
"And what of me do you pursue so that you seek me as you do?
"What motivates? Who instigates? I say your years are far too few."
"You do perceive as weaver's weave: Correctly, without thought.
"My king, know this: My precious kiss can not be sold or bought.
"I would not for much gold or more give up my one prized jewel.
"Young I may be, but you can see, I am no earthly fool.
"No, no one bade by coin or blade that I to you should cleave.
"And so please know, I will not go, nor could you bid me leave.
"If I must wait as poisoned bait, one day to be thrown out,
"Then that I will, and longer still, until you've no more doubt.
" 'Tis love, my king, that I here bring, and love until I die.
"And if it's true one's false to you, you'll know it wasn't I."
Now one pauses, questions rise. Strange turns unfold as veils.
'What exactly is your zeal? Beauty before her pales.
'And so I sit and think of her, and not her prod or goad.
'So lost am I within her eye, I feel much like a toad.'
No time was wasted to decide, and so the two were wed.
On top of everything that day they also took to bed.
Perhaps 'twas rushed. Perhaps unwise. Perchance it was zany.
Queen from girl in recklessness is how she came to be.
Rife with thoughts of happiness the two did sleep and yawn.
Such was so that first long night, but not for Prince of brawn.
Too much was lost; he couldn't find a way to now expel
Untold griefs and grievances that thrust him into hell.
Virtue was lost. Virgin no more nor less since they were wed.
Whirling thoughts so stole his sleep to commandeer his head.
(Day 5 of 4th moon. Year 198)
"Your husband, yes?
"Now can you guess
"Why we are met here?
"I can not bear
"To not still care.
"You are yet my dear.
"Please hear my plea:
"I do love thee.
"How can we be near?
"I love you so.
"This pain does grow.
"Love is like a spear."
"You know I do still treasure you as brother and as friend.
"But your outcry must simply die, our marriage must now end.
"Brother you are and I the star that gains us back our right.
"So bear with me and you will see my love for you is bright.
"It's not for him I play his whim, but you, for you I do.
"I love you still, and husband will the future name to you.
"But for this time this pantomime must hold as if it's real.
"But your caress will mean no less once castle back we steal."
"Why not this day?
"He had his way;
"Now let's take our own.
"Your whoring done.
"He had his fun.
"Let me change the tone."
"My brother, no. That will not flow. Too soon they will not buy.
"We wait in peace. For now we lease. But then, in time, he'll die.
"And then, in grief, just like a leaf, I'll sadly take command.
"And then my dear this pain and fear will fade into our land."
"You know not love,
"You white wing'd dove,
"Thus I take my leave.
"My lonely nights
"No more with rights
"Cause us now to cleave."
On heal he turns.
The one who yearns
Will find a way to fill
The things he lacks
Like grain in sacks
If even he must kill.
(Day 23 of 4th. Year 198)
Two weeks had past
And now at last
She stood within his room.
His bed was cold.
His meal was old.
Just candlewick and gloom.
He'd really left.
He was bereft,
But she could not believe
He'd run away
And wouldn't stay
Until he had reprieve.
How dare he go?
She'd like to know;
His mother, sister, wife.
He followed her.
He worshiped her!
She was his all, his life.
So all alone
And fin'lly grown
He'd truly shaken free.
Yet bitterly
She thought: 'He
'Owes everything to me.'
Yet conscience stab,
Like sword or jab,
Her self-made thought gave way.
"Oh gods," she sank
To wooden plank,
"Oh gods, he did not stay!"
So in that room
Her honeymoon,
The plot to take back all,
Ended in grief
Without relief
For the Princess of Ugal.
"It's nights like these that stir the mind and cause the will to wane.
"The wind whips whispers on the air which bring both fear and pain.
"And like a god I ride the gale, and like a god my life is stale,
"And so both wine and pleasure time combine to form this fleeting jail.
"Darkness, hear these my cries for peace, for Day does not respond.
"And Rain, you are my one release, like magic in a wand.
"The stars still hide amid the clouds, my thoughts reside within the shrouds,
"I waste away much like today, and now, alone, am free of crowds.
"Oh Night bring forth a maiden fair, a reason castle held,
"For in the day this perfect bay is all but quite dispelled.
"I own the world, or much of it. Beside an empty throne I sit.
"I wish to share my glory there, for single men are like a pit."
(Day 23 of 3rd moon. Year 198)
Awake. Bright cheery day enters from the gate,
And so the shadows of the night all but dissipate.
Forgotten are the weary words, muffled now by dreams.
The sun is playing music upon the flowing streams.
Gaiety and song of birds is all that's to be heard,
And yet the soul does not take flight, for it is not a bird.
'Flight ignites a dreamer's dream that earth can not ignite,
'And so the want of womenfolk belongs but to the night.'
Eight and twenty riders the courtyard now did join.
'Of what be there intention? Be war, or help, or coin?
'Doubtless they are strangers, come from a distant Keep.
'But who could be that beauty? She makes me want to weep.
'Careful, lad, she could be false. We men will never learn,
'For women hold a tempting thing for which our hearts do burn.'
Beside him sat an empty throne when they did meet that morn.
She smiled as she looked on him. His heart from him was torn.
And thus the Princess of Ugal began her stay with him.
Who knew the future for them both could be so bleak and grim?
"I wish no thing than just to bring good tidings now to thee.
"My father's land is vast and grand, and I a share to see.
"My brother here is kind and dear, and so we ask for peace,
"For you maintain a hefty claim in land and gold and fleece.
"Our father ill, dare we wait till he passes from our sight?
"And so we ask that we may bask within your friendly light.
"What gifts of gold or treasure old have we to so bestow?
"Just virgin youth and certain truth I'm all you need to know.
"We come to bind a pact here signed, thus joining us to you.
"The choice is yours: Open your doors, or do what you will do."
"Fair One, your words are eloquent, your voice so soft and sweet,
"And yet I fear inside myself you do intend deceit.
"For come you do, as if alone. The morning dew still grasses' throne.
"A fool I'd be to not now see you are but throwing me a bone.
"You offer much within yourself, yet still I hesitate.
"For pacts so formed in hastiness do tend to dissipate.
"And what of me do you pursue so that you seek me as you do?
"What motivates? Who instigates? I say your years are far too few."
"You do perceive as weaver's weave: Correctly, without thought.
"My king, know this: My precious kiss can not be sold or bought.
"I would not for much gold or more give up my one prized jewel.
"Young I may be, but you can see, I am no earthly fool.
"No, no one bade by coin or blade that I to you should cleave.
"And so please know, I will not go, nor could you bid me leave.
"If I must wait as poisoned bait, one day to be thrown out,
"Then that I will, and longer still, until you've no more doubt.
" 'Tis love, my king, that I here bring, and love until I die.
"And if it's true one's false to you, you'll know it wasn't I."
Now one pauses, questions rise. Strange turns unfold as veils.
'What exactly is your zeal? Beauty before her pales.
'And so I sit and think of her, and not her prod or goad.
'So lost am I within her eye, I feel much like a toad.'
No time was wasted to decide, and so the two were wed.
On top of everything that day they also took to bed.
Perhaps 'twas rushed. Perhaps unwise. Perchance it was zany.
Queen from girl in recklessness is how she came to be.
Rife with thoughts of happiness the two did sleep and yawn.
Such was so that first long night, but not for Prince of brawn.
Too much was lost; he couldn't find a way to now expel
Untold griefs and grievances that thrust him into hell.
Virtue was lost. Virgin no more nor less since they were wed.
Whirling thoughts so stole his sleep to commandeer his head.
(Day 5 of 4th moon. Year 198)
"Your husband, yes?
"Now can you guess
"Why we are met here?
"I can not bear
"To not still care.
"You are yet my dear.
"Please hear my plea:
"I do love thee.
"How can we be near?
"I love you so.
"This pain does grow.
"Love is like a spear."
"You know I do still treasure you as brother and as friend.
"But your outcry must simply die, our marriage must now end.
"Brother you are and I the star that gains us back our right.
"So bear with me and you will see my love for you is bright.
"It's not for him I play his whim, but you, for you I do.
"I love you still, and husband will the future name to you.
"But for this time this pantomime must hold as if it's real.
"But your caress will mean no less once castle back we steal."
"Why not this day?
"He had his way;
"Now let's take our own.
"Your whoring done.
"He had his fun.
"Let me change the tone."
"My brother, no. That will not flow. Too soon they will not buy.
"We wait in peace. For now we lease. But then, in time, he'll die.
"And then, in grief, just like a leaf, I'll sadly take command.
"And then my dear this pain and fear will fade into our land."
"You know not love,
"You white wing'd dove,
"Thus I take my leave.
"My lonely nights
"No more with rights
"Cause us now to cleave."
On heal he turns.
The one who yearns
Will find a way to fill
The things he lacks
Like grain in sacks
If even he must kill.
(Day 23 of 4th. Year 198)
Two weeks had past
And now at last
She stood within his room.
His bed was cold.
His meal was old.
Just candlewick and gloom.
He'd really left.
He was bereft,
But she could not believe
He'd run away
And wouldn't stay
Until he had reprieve.
How dare he go?
She'd like to know;
His mother, sister, wife.
He followed her.
He worshiped her!
She was his all, his life.
So all alone
And fin'lly grown
He'd truly shaken free.
Yet bitterly
She thought: 'He
'Owes everything to me.'
Yet conscience stab,
Like sword or jab,
Her self-made thought gave way.
"Oh gods," she sank
To wooden plank,
"Oh gods, he did not stay!"
So in that room
Her honeymoon,
The plot to take back all,
Ended in grief
Without relief
For the Princess of Ugal.
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