The Ballad of Lenore (Part 16)

As we turned to head for the staircase

Dawn's glow was filling the sky

The lights streaked then to the south side

From the trees there, a torturous cry

The lights were attacking a lone man

Who had stumbled out of the trees

"Stop it!" I screamed to the angry sylphs

And they obeyed, they listened to me

I ran as fast as I could down the stairs

And through the Great Hall's doors

I pulled open the outer jeweled portals

Racing to the gate I'd passed through before

I shouted up to the gatesmen 

"Let me out, that's one of my men!"

They looked dubious, but did as I asked

Two guards followed me out to the glen

A man lay in the snow, face bloody

His cloak was tattered and torn

I stopped in shock, it was Gaston!

In Baylen heraldry his armor was adorned

He said "Lenore!", and then he passed out

We carried him through the gate

How did he pass through the haunted forest?

And why? For a sister he should hate?

"His wounds are bleeding, they must be bound

Where can we take him for care?"

"The infirmary is this way, Baylen daughter

Under direction of the Lady Vesomere"

(to be continued)
©Kiku Koibito