Epic Ballad Part 4

I softened, let my anguish show

"Even he does not think he will rise.

The orcs will take no chivalrous pause

I mean to hand them a nasty surprise"

"The sylphs, they would not suffer

My loyal retinue to pass

They drove the winds with icy shards

Cut their faces like glass"

"I left them at the forest edge

The sylphs, they harmed me not

The winds quick stilled, I rode alone

They flew with me silent, unsought."

Orsen liked this little

His frown grew deeper yet

"I must consult the mages,

The sylphs are never well met"

"Enter now the Great Hall

Elandon will hear you there.

The elven court will sit to dine

Please join at our table to share."

(to be continued)
©Kiku Koibito

Epic Ballad Part 3

The mists were finally parting

The sunken sun glowed gold 

A royal groomsman took my mare

To the stables, from the cold

I shouldered my leathern saddlebags

Bounded the wide granite stair

I hid my wonder at the place

Cared not of disapproval in the air

The castle doors were set in jewels

Swung wide at my approach

The frown of Orsen, his brother and heir

Held nothing but reproach

"So, House of Baylen remembers its kin," he said

"But only when it needs"

"Does House of Elandon remember its kin?" I said

"Or will you let us bleed?"

Orsen ignored the question

"Where are your attendants, Baylen Queen?"

"The High King of Baylen lived when I left."

Lightnings of rage pulsed in my veins

"No offense, brave daughter, truly I am

More than pleased to hear it."

Orsen backpedaled like a courtier

"I saw the Bear Sword, and feared it."

(to be continued)
©Kiku Koibito

The sylphs set up a wailing

as I crossed the magic line

The elven keep is strongly charmed

They retreated in the pines

The guardian gatemen were silent

A nod to acknowledge my rank

I made my way across the square

At sight of him, my heart sank

The great arched window framed his form

It was him and no mistake

Elandon knew that I was here

Suffered me for my mother's sake

Generations of my house 

Have called and answered call

My father's father's father

Elandon knew them all

My father would be outraged

If he had but wit to know

I have come to seek the elven king

before the enemies grow

He lies upon his deathbed

the man who gave me his sword

He bid me protect his kingdom

I solemnly gave my word

But Elandon and he had fallen out

No one will tell me why

I've seen the orc camps by looking glass

We need warrior elves, I must try

(to be continued)
©Kiku Koibito

I walked a crystal forest

In company of sylphs

as mist obscured the sun and sky

To the castle of the elves

A message bourne from lords of men

To beg Elandon's aid

The orcs do mass up in the hills

Maidens stolen and slayed

My allies grant me access

The silver-bound gate swings wide

I lead my mount in the fortress

My father's father's weapon beside

(to be continued)

©Kiku Koibito