The Ballad of Lenore (Part 11)

"When were you attacked!?" she asked, aghast

"I was 15. My father saw me walk away

My brother writhing on the floor

Everything changed that day"

"My father could do nothing official

His mother had been a Princess of Llyr

In private, he gave him a stiff beating

After that, Gaston stayed clear"

"And I was sent to Ainsbridge

Five years training as a knight

Every step Gaston sunk, I was raised up

I took to war's arts with delight"

"I thought Father only indulged me

Knowing the wild thing that I am

Never at home in ladies' circles

Now the Bear Sword is in my hand"

"I had always kept hoping

Gaston would straighten up and fly right

He'd been kind to me when I was little

And firstborn is King by right"

"But absolutely, no one but he

Objected to my father's choice

His scandals will be his only legend

All Kings acknowledged me in one voice"

"Everything would be different

If not for the thrice-accursed orcs!

They need a leader now, not Gaston

And I need all alliances to work"

(to be continued)
©Kiku Koibito