The Ballad of Lenore (Part 7)

"Dozens of sylphs accompanied me

My knights were bloodied, beat back

I bade them make camp at the edge of the field

I took the courier's pack"

"The ghosts, they wanted me to come with them

I cannot say how that I knew

Or why they attacked and harried my men

They're your neighbors, perhaps you do?"

"They are inexplicable." he said

"But they can read the hearts of men

No live wood can be taken there

Travelers disappear, now and then"

A frosty chill went up my spine

Orsen came and sat next to me

"The mages are all keen to meet you now

When you've eaten and slept, we'll see."

Though the food set before me was wondrous

Large trout from clear mountain streams

I suddenly felt my exhaustion

Between bites, I fell into dreams

I was back home, the Baylen Keep

The orcs were at our gate

I cried out, and woke myself up

Staring down at an elvenwork plate

Elandon's hand was on my shoulder

"Oriel, my niece, would you take her upstairs?

It is a long, cold path with sylphs through the forest

She's worn out with duties and cares."

(to be continued)
©Kiku Koibito