rime

 

“On Avaric’s white plain, 

                        where an icarus now wings

To steeps of Terrain 

                        from Tour-of-the-Kings

And damozels twice-seven

                        his brides have all become:

A far cry from heaven,

                        a long road home —

Then strong-hoof of a starhorse

                        must hallow him unguessed

If adamant’s edge is to plunder

                        his chest.

Then, only, may the Warhorse

                        and Warrior arise

To rally the warhosts, and thunder

                        the skies.

But first there must assemble

                        ones icari would claim.

A bride in the temple

                        must enter the flame,

With steeds found for six brothers, beyond

                        a dust deepsea,

And new arrows reckoned, a wand

                        given wings —

That when a princess-royal’s

                        to have tasted of the tree,

Then far from Esternesse’s

                        city, these things:

A gathering of gargoyles,

                        a feasting on the stone,

The Witch of Westernesse’s

                        hag overthrown.

Whereafter shall commence

                        such a cruel sorceress War,

To wrest recompense

                        for a land leaguered sore.

With her broadsword Bright Burning,

                        the shadow Black-as-Night,

From exile returning,

                        shall dare dragons’ might

For love of one above who, flag unfurled,

                        lone must stand,

The pearl of the soul of the world

                        in her hand.

When Winterock to water

                        falls flooding, foes to drown,

Ravenna’s own daughter

                        shall kindle the crown.”