The Ballad of Lenore (Part 6)

A footman bowed, and offered to take

My bags, my cloak and my sword

That I might dine in civilized mien

To keep a weapon, untoward

I surrendered gracefully

Felt and showed no mistrust

To win their aid, I'll win their hearts

Only reasonable common menace be crushed

I sit, Elandon speaks again,

"Does your father know you are here?

It is astonishing you travel alone

And carry the Sword of the Bear."

"My father knows of age, 

And old wounds' agonies

No, he lies insensate

But he entrusted the Bear to me."

"How did your half-brother like that?"

He grinned, obviously well-informed

"He blew up in rage and took to his bottle

Only himself does he harm."

"I'm sure that is what your father intended

When he passed the duty to you.

But to travel our forests unaccompanied

Seems less than wise to do."

(to be continued)
©Kiku Koibito