Epilogue (7/22/97 Edit: 5/19/03)

So it is spoken in Dransik's Wood:

Alas for Lorien who is lost to us

For in years past, he too fell into the Gulf

But in the gulf he perished not

And rose from the Darkness undying

(Airan kerlorien, sar etwanilon ah malin

Ker ah larantorles, ray airan rutan asintere ah marlandlon

Ah lesse ah landlon, ray marrutan gorstaon

Eletwanion age ah shah gortaken morgorstanion)

And this song we sing here at night

When children are sleeping and know not fright

Weak spirits quiver as the darkness unfolds

For all fear what the future now holds

So it is sang in Dransik's Wood

We would all forget the tales if we could

But memory now hovers like a willow tree

Holding its soft sway over you and me

Hear the wonders the woods have seen pass

These hints of the future like a looking glass

The tale does hold for the wise they say

While the rest tremble…

And hope for the new day

The First Part

Canto One (8/9/97 Edit 5/19/03)

So it is spoken in Dransik's Wood:

The night was heavy and the festival was nigh
Lorien pondered death and what it meant to die
Recalling his master's words when this world he parted
"Death ye shall not see till this world ye have charted
Like a god envying man
death slips through your hand
Frail or fragile you may be
But you will outlive nigh all you see
And think this not a curse I have played
I wish it were so that such power was mine
Rather realize that it is something staid
Something cruel, and something divine"

The prophecy of Ranusan as he died

Something afar off he there espied
Had echoed so many times
Lorien thought life a whisper
Interrupted but by bell chimes

But this night there came a vision
As of his dead master's hand
A lady would come knocking
With a glance he could never withstand
And her steps he would follow
To power and to might
And his pride he would swallow
That his journey should start tonight

And the prophecy echoed again
From the walls, the ceiling, the floor
But how long now had it been
since someone was knocking at the door

Of his meditations made he an end
Expecting a witch, a fury, a hag
Whose face so mangled and back in a bend
That his spirits began to sag

The door creaked as the knob he turned
And he felt as her eyes fiercely burned
A battle he feared never took place
For he found no strength to look in her face

"Come join us Lorien friend
And tell great tells of where you have been
Your name is destined for song
If you will just come along"

Without word or act, he joined the four
And quietly behind him closed the door
A minstrel a druid did he see
A priestess, the leader and of course he

The leader he feared and admired at first
But when he saw her eyes he felt his may burst
Unmatched beauty and eyes filled in fire
He was not alone as this lady he did admire

The druid a marvel that intrigued
Akin to planting an unknown seed
Perhaps nothing destined to be
Or growing into the great unshakable tree

The other two he gave little care
The bard seemed nothing but flair
And the priestess though beauty great
Lacked substance, her soul without weight

And his vision was yet clear
A loss he would hold so dear
The night became memory he would confuse
The first of much he was to lose

End Canto 1

Canto 2 (8/12/97 Edit: 5/19/03)

And as the prophets had said
Beligi was never dead
And through that night he played
And through the night the rapt audience stayed
And with the morning breaking light
The music seemed to be in flight
Ascending to places unknown
speaking of things not yet shown
And then with the end of the tune
The audience held in the swoon
The music ended, an echo it became
Leaving the listeners none quite the same

The bell rang the ground there stilled

Up came the voices as if willed

The crowded avenues then cleared

As up each one there now neared

Mourning pilgrims with voices filling the air

A sound so powerful thick and rare

So deep the sorrow of the parting song

All were stunned in the gathered throng

Even those that heard it in a century past

Felt this more pained than the last

And when the number passed their way

The lady stepped into the fray

Her voice added to the sound

That stilled the soul with peace profound

As they do each century

The guardians march from the city

Morning the loss of Zaryl now dead

For which the Bard had fled

This city which bore ever his name

The loss he thought ever his shame

And the others were stunned

The sadness of a city shunned

Of a love lost to this world evermore

Noted then not these four

When from without the lady returned

Having sang a song she never learned

And so the five left Kerchel in a thrill
Following no path but the Wanderer's will
When a light flashed before, and music rang
And it was the same sweet sound that sang

"Beligi am I, awaiting you here
and a favor I ask, so dear
a staff awaits to the south will it stay
Until destiny pulls you that way
It bids you go and not tarry
Return it to me, the rest yours to carry
Riches, wisdom whatever you seek
Remember though you must remain meek
But the challenge belongs to you
And it is a question of what the five shall do
But the staff awaiting in the south will stay
Until destiny pulls you that way
Return it to me, the rest yours to carry
I bid you go and not tarry"

The light of this one so great
It lowered the five like a weight
But his voice was pure sweet
And all knew it was not fortune that they meet
And each heard a promise in his brief song
And each knew that they would go along

It was then that Lorien spoke
As within his greed was awoke
"We will go or I at least
Fighting hazard, nature and beast
Tell us more that we might soon
Seek this staff from your tune"

"In the caves, the lesser of two
It is this that you needs go through
Within the staff there you find
treasures of wealth, spirit and mind"

And with that the immaculate bard was gone
And with him the brilliant light that has shone
And now remaining the five and no more
For the Bard returned to that celestial shore

Where he bides his time waiting

That day Kerchel is fating

And now it was for the gathered to decide
Would they journey or from their fate hide
But all knew they would go
Had not Beligi warned them so
But the bard's heart was weak
And Lorien far from meek
Alas trouble would come for this merry five
As into their fates they now did dive

With Kerchel behind and the sun come low
They traveled to what they did not know
But Doom lay along every way
And sometimes that is how life does play

End Canto Two

Canto Three (8/20/97 Edit:5/20/03)

Departing through the southern gate
Ending now the ancient wait
The eyes of many looking there
As the band left from Kerchel's stare

Lorien spoke to Dransik's child
Her face scarred her voice so mild
And she absorbed what he said
Speaking of powers, living and dead
The bard fell for the priestess there
For like the pilgrim her face was fair
But her heart was to be taken
The wanderer's will could not be shaken

Her destined path now stretched before

To dissuade her steps it would take more

Than a praiseworthy voice singing a tune

While on a slow walk beneath the moon

Instead fearing her band might split
As she amused the bard with her wit
The druids’s deep wisdom, and Lorien's greed
Would keep them, her would they heed
But the bard, his will seemed weak
And battle she feared might fall bleak

And if were so he wavered in fear

Would he flee when danger drew near?
The priestess' path elsewhere would be
The conclusion of this she could almost see

The day worn on and the sun waxed strong
The pilgrim never tired through the day long
The druid noticed and Lorien as well
If she had tired at all they could not tell

Tales each told to ease the load
and this kept them going but still they slowed
The bard sang Gordunov and The Stone
And in his singing he was not alone
The druid whispered, beneath the wind
But to her voice did everyone's mind bend

Like a breeze through a forgotten cave
With the rise and fall of a gentle wave
They all felt lighter than air
And the voice was like lightning without flair
Pure, soft yet cold and dreary
It was a song for the weary

And the druid ceased her breathing tune
The others awoke from thoughtless swoon
And more tales came to them all
And tales were told until nightfall

Lorien thought the wanderer may push through the night
For she had not weakened within his sight
But rather laughed at the bard and his cunning smile
As he sought to ensnare the priestess with his guile

At first the wanderer had been his desire
But when he looked into the eyes of fire
He shrank back as a frightened child
His voice stuttered, his manner then mild

He turned himself to the priestess' face
There finding a more comfortable place
Not as fair as the wanderer tis true
But her beauty was matched by less than few

By dusk, the priestess' heart had he won
For Lorien saw that at the setting sun
Her head she leaned toward his ear
And the rest of the trip they stayed quite near

But Lorien's concerns were now elsewhere laid
Power came not to those who love’s game played
This other, who seemed now prepared
Against her the rest could not be compared

As darkness fell, the bard did plead
"Fair wanderer it is rest I now need
May I now find a place to rest my head
Could we wearily now take up our bed"

"Agreed with you, master of musical deed
I see that it is dinner and sleep that you need
So here is a good place to stay
Rest, be merry and prepare for the next day"

And with that their packs did fall
A long journey it had been for all
A fire soon rose by Murrien's hand
And dinner she prepared for the entire band

And soon enough they had found sleep
And Lorien the first watch did keep
He watched as in silence they lay
wondering what he would find in the next day

Orc wars had risen in the west
And the five of them could take 15 at best
If a legion was to see them in the sun
This first exploration would soon be done
Misfortune aplenty he considered that night
But still burning to see his first fight
He had studied his magicks as the others had dined
He had practiced his skills as the others had wined
But still the wanderer seemed distant still
Perhaps she knew soon there would be kill
He could feel the power flowing through her mind
But the source of it he still could not find
And so he considered as he looked in the fire
And still he was thinking as his watch did expire

The wanderer approached sat by his side
"It is your turn from your fate to hide
Go now and rest under the stars
For tomorrow may bring you battle scars"
But she smiled at him as these words she said
And he peacefully went on to bed
And while they slept the pilgrim did pray
And prepare for her trials of the next day
She took her staff and the trial did begin
Every night, again and again

If two are together, then they will match
Practicing their craft until sunrise they catch
But alone she must summon from heart
Herself to take also the other part

And silently she sparred with her partner there
And most slept somewhat unaware
But the druid slept ear to the ground
And felt the vibrations though there was no sound
Her eyes she opened and silently did gaze
At the pilgrim's staff whirling in a blaze
Lorien too thought he saw through his tent
Her form moving, in battle bent
But then it left him as in shadows she did hide
And only the druid saw through eyes open wide

The druid knew but had never witnessed such
And she finally slept impressed much
Hours would pass and the match did not end
But there was no sound, save for the slight cutting of wind
For the staff flashed like lightning from Dransik's ride
And again she would disappear as in the shadows she'd hide

So the druid slept, renewed in mind
For perhaps now a friend would she find
Lorien she liked, but also did fear
But the wanderer was one to hold to dear

Misfortune she sensed but did not concern
"All a part of life’s lesson we learn"
And with one last glance at the pilgrim's form
She turned over, the earth to keep her warm

End Canto Three

Canto Four (9/26/97 Edit:5/27/03)

Through the night Dransik’s child dreamed
The forest changed so much it seemed
Awakening then to the mornings sound
She raised herself from off the ground

The wanderer sat, into the flame did she reflect
The druid's soft footfall she did not detect
As Murrien came to a place on the right
She asked Dransik's child how passed her night

"Dransik's child, gentle and still
How was your sleep, did you get your fill?
Were your dreams at peace within
Showing where you are going, where you have been.."

"Wanderer, pilgrim deep was my rest
I saw the trees of my youth far to the northwest
But darker now seems memory to me
And I wonder why this may be?"

Through the myst of days to come
The wanderer could not see where from
This darkness was to make itself known
But soon enough it would be shown

"I too, wood loving friend
Did feel a chill that seemed to transcend
The night with its evening cool
Like water beneath a frozen pool
But before much time is past
I fear it will be revealed at last
That your heart has deeply revealed
Much that is still concealed
For Dransik would not idly send you here
Unless some great fate were truly near.."

The druid marveled at what the pilgrim said
But was not quite sure to what end she led
Yet Dransik alone it did seem
That the wanderers held in the highest esteem
And no other druids speak of pilgrims so well
As those who know of Dransik's tale
But no longer this could the two concern
For others now moving could they discern.

The robes of Lorien could be heard quite clear
As he layered himself for the sun's daily sear
The bard and priestess too
Now came across the morning dew
And within an hour they were traveling again
Leaving behind where they had been

The eyes of Loren now shone without cease
Energy flowed through him needing release
He spoke little as they traveled their way
He hoped for battle, he wanted it today

the wanderer saw this, and was at no loss
And towards him she shifted lightly over the moss
"Mage, I feel your desire but let peace hold sway
We will not see battle while it is yet day
But as the south draws ever nigh
The nights will not be a time to sigh
For danger will be at every turn
Blades will cut and fires will burn
So relax until the sun has sank low
But from that moment on you must know
That with each step danger doth surge
then from your soul may that energy you purge"

Lorien remained in his silent state
But nodded, knowing he could wait
But so anxious to achieve his end
He could not turn his thoughts from Morsend
The dragons he battled just to pass the day
The wights he bested just to test his sway

The dangers he desired to boredom alieve

The treasures he sought to retrieve

How Morsend quested without pause

Seeking to remove all his flaws

Until at least his failure he found

Crashing into the sea with no sound

When into the deep mists he dared

Not returning therein snared

His fate long guessed but known by few

Slain by the fishking in mortal duel
Lorien found little else to hold his mind
Except that soon a test he might find

The bard and priestess had so close now grown
Sharing stories, lies, and dreams as brighter the sun shone
The wanderer listened to the druid's tale
Quietly speaking how her family had fell

"I was but 12 when the lumberers came
The year had started very much the same
The swelling of the Antrees had already gone
Hidden by the forest Trimbond we were alone

But the lumberers came and cut the tree
It pleased not my father nor did it me…
Normally it would have been of no concern
But it was our trees they took to burn

My father went to ask them to go
I followed along though my father did not know
But when they fought him I ran in fear
Through the woods like a frightened dear
While fleeing a fallen branch caught my feet
Hidden by the growth of the peat

Forward I fell into another tree

Marring my face for all to see

And death was coming to stake its claim

To hide my misfortune and shame

Unconscious for how long I cannot say
When druids happened to come by my way
They took me to a small tree shrine
And then I learned what fate was mine

My father was dead and our mill burned
So I stayed with them and there I learned
But as for my face, luck was not with me
Disfigured forever will I be

Perhaps that is why I followed with such ease
Is that you did not ask if I had a disease
You did not gawk nor did you stare
At a countenance that even I cannot bear…
But it is Dransik's will that I remain this way
and I thank him for it the morning of every day
It was his people that found me in the grass
Without them my life would have passed…."

The druid’s tale waned as the sun did fade
And deeper into fate the five did wade
Lorien continued to almost exude fire
To the bard and priestess the day did hardly transpire
So wrapped up into whatever the other said
It wouldn’t have mattered if the whole world was dead
And the pilgrim felt the nights weight come fast
Feeling this day might be her last

Then the camp site was well chose
The druid was wise at knowing those
And soon all had found their place
The pilgrim sat into the fire did she face

All wondered what it was she might see within

For into every fire she would look again

Lorien too had sought not rest
Wanting to be awake, and at his best
For all that he had trained for and sought
Would soon be realized (and come to naught)

Murrien did rest and return to her trees
Where she would sing to the flowers and their bees
Battle was coming, she did know
But she still fought one from long ago…

End Canto 4

Canto Five (11/01/97 Edit:5/29/03)

Short was the wait that night
The pilgrim's deepened sight
espied she thought a speckle of gold
but before the others could be told
the shrill cries of the heagle did fall
what had happened was known by all

The flock was close there numbers unknown
The five gathered where the fire shone
Awaiting the beasts to swoop or land
Where they would fight them hand to hand

Lorien readied his mind
In his pocket the black dust he did find
For if one would come down where he could see
A magical display would there be

the first came to land at Lorien's side
from his ambitions did he not hide
And with more flourish than might
Did the fire appear and fly in his sight

Impacting the beast and burning its doglike guise
But now the others grew silent and wise
The five came toward the one in their view
Each hurriedly thinking of what they must do

But then with a crash did the bards great tent tumble
And toward it did he quickly stumble
Three were there and he called for aid
Before all of camp to waste was laid

And the Pilgrim and priest went toward his side
To meet the three that had tried to hide
Lorien and Murrien advanced towards the first
But then came the best and the worst

For one had silently managed to hover
Thereby holding his steely cover
And as the priest and pilgrim went toward the bard
He dived at the pilgrim, quietly and hard

He struck her cleanly and to the ground she fell
Lorien gasped and lost his spell
But just as the beast turned and dove once more
Something was seen by the other four
at first they thought their eyes might lie
Having not time to ponder lest they die
but from her back to which she had went
the pilgrim reached for her staff which the forest had lent
and as the beast dove now shrieking and fast
she took he weapon and thrust it through and past
the beasts skull ugly and fierce
that same skull did she now piece
and turned with a might so quick
she threw the beast from the end of her stick
across the way into the fire
and there it lay as they saw its life expire

quick gasps but the battle refreshed anew
and the bard and priest were still three facing two
but as the pilgrim drew dear
there eyes were filled in fear
and the bards sword cut though not deep
and from many wounds did blood begin to seep
the mace of the priest swung through the dark
aa the bard sang the kangjark

Murrien's weapon, strange sword of dragon wood
did just as much as steal could
and though weapons were not his forte
even Lorien got in on this little play

For seeing what the pilgrim did do
when her staff had ran their leader through
they fought with almost no heart
and when one alone was still standing he chose to depart

But nightly peace once broken pleases not the wanderer's way
and though he might have escaped were it day
she spoke an incantation akin to Lorien's from before
two small balls of flame through the air tore

into each wing did one impact the beast
and he crashed and died upon the ground
but the wanderer pondered they sought not a meal to feast
and the one that made no sound
surely there is something else, sinister perhaps working here
and how did they get silently so near

Well did both she and Murrien know their wild ways
And neither had saw in their numbered days
Beasts of this sort act together so well
How they could not tell…

With the battle completed, Lorien wasted no space
And began to scour the bodies that had attacked their place
He took a feather and some pinches of hair
Strange are the ways of the magicians of despair

When they saw the magician's task was done
The druid and pilgrim began to act as one
While nothing was indicated or said
It was as if each's mind was read
they began to pull the fallen bodies into one large pile
And this task took them a good while.
Lorien rested as wizards need do
repairing the tent was the task of the other two

The bodies gathered wanderer and druid stood side by side
And in each heart did a prayer they confide
Wishing well all beasts who in this world have a place
Their prayers said each lowered her face…
And after a moment of quiet they went apart
on opposite sides a fire to start
and the bodies of the four then burned though the night
The fifth already burned from the pilgrim's might

His tent repaired the bard came nigh
"Tonight's watch let it be I
For rest you need or at least deserve
so that your strength you may preserve…"

She nodded and paced Silently About
For an answer she was still without
She noticed the druid saw her pace
And caught then her lovely face

Their concerns were the same
In what manner had they came
Such beast can usually be heard a mile
And one can hide or prepare for a while
But sudden strikes are more than rare
But there was no answer in either ladies stare

The pilgrim decided it was now time for rest
She chose a flat stone it seemed to be best
She lay her down and hummed with staff in hand
And Murrien joined to make it a band
though the druid had never before heard the song
It seemed she had known it all along
And it took Murrien to her sleep
So happy so sad for both did she weep.

End Canto 5

Canto Six(11/01/97 Edit:6/5/03)

The night passed in quiet bringing with it day
Restful night had taken concerns away
For the morning at least there was a sense of calm
Stories debated a card trick with the palm

taught this slight of hand the bard to energized mage
In return did Lorien play the sage
as he tried to explain the art of his spell
while attentitive bard on every word did dwell
After breakfast had come to its varied ends
The bard announced he would part from his friends

He said this with shame and a sense of regret
But his life in the cave he simply could not bet
But the others had known this for a while
and the pilgrim greeted him with a smile
her words comforted him and brought him to peace
"It is not your part and I would simply like to lease
Your companionship and protection to the cave
After that a different road are you to pave
And the priestess also another path must take
For her lord requested that she now shake
away from this piddling group and his bidding do
Perhaps together should travel the two
For darkness is coming and enemies are about
And we must oft flee them for we are not so stout
So be never in shame and hold high your heart
For long has it been determined that at the cave we part"

The bard smiled and held back any tears
Though this woman he could follow through all his fears
and if she had instead asked of him to come
to her will plans would quickly succumb
But she spoke aright saying their paths had split
So he simply smiled while his tounge he bit
The priestess and pilgrim had shared the dream
Or so to him did it very much seem
For both knew not the night before
that she should travel with them no more

But the cave was not so much out of her way
So she too would travel with them till that day

This brought the bard even more delight

And know his steps fell soft and light
While into the unknown dark would pass the three
Leaving only the priestess and he
He had wanted to stay if only for the priestess' fire
But with what had this day began to transpire
He knew it must be then his fate and fortune too
To part now from these three, this chosen few

He thought his fate must somehow be less
Than this wanderer which he would bless
If only he knew song to speak of her might
How her eyes could fix and illuminate the night

This day they traveled and not much did they see
An occasional bird, fox, but never a tree
The grassy south though would soon bring hills
And then the mountains with their dangerous thrills
Beasts unknown and forgotten secrets lay there
Where the friendliest of creature is a starved bear
And afternoon did bring them to a more hilly way
And now the air from the eastern sea held sway

As night grew nigh but the light still out
A place was found that could be camped without doubt
And as the gear for the night was placed
The bard offered with some haste
To go and hunt some game for an evening meal
He wearied of road bread, wanting something real
So he took his bow and the priestess did go
While the pilgrim told what she did know
As Murrien and Lorien's questions were spoken
The pilgrim's promise remained unbroken
Murrien asked if she knew the way
The pilgrim responded that she passed it once by day
In a vision so deep, like a living dream
A strange place so long ago did it seem
At the time she knew not the reason for the sight
But now she was sure she could find it day or night
"Large stone carvings like unto a man's head
With mouths in open terror screaming of dread
There will we see many when to the entrance we draw near
Soon thereafter must we put away our fear
For the cave's entrance will then await our call
As we plunge into the darkness hidden from all.."

Lorien then inquired about when would they arrive
He knew soon or so did he contrive
As he thought of maps he once studied before learning the art
At which time from such pursuits he had to part

"I suspect the dusk of the morrow we will see the stone
Which guards the entrance completely alone
I would hope to rest that night without entering in
So we may be rested before we must begin"

Discussions were to what they must prepare
Also concerning what sort of other fare
They may find themselves of in need
If they are to avoid becoming vulture feed

They finished their discussion when the bard was seen
Returning with rabbits plump not lean
Laughing and smiling came the priestess too
The pilgrim was happy for these departing two

The three planners then stood aright
As they saw their dinner for the night
But Lorien then left quickly to his tent
And the pilgrim was saddened not knowing what it meant
She had hoped he would come out of his shell
His help they would need she knew full well

But when he returned with a white chef's hat and some pans
The druid laughed and the pilgrim clapped her hands
A fire was soon readied for the Chef of the Southern Mounds
Lorien's tongue loosened and knew no bounds

End Canto 6

Canto Seven(11/01/97 Edit:6/6/03)

"Old Sheker, my ancient master of old
would take no students I had been told
I begged him but it was not his wish
So I promised to cook chicken and fish
His kitchen I said would be that of a lord
and it was in this manner that I implored
him to teach but one more soul the art
before from this world he depart
both tasks I approached with equal might
lest the old man find my efforts contrite
Much did I learn then of arts numbering two
and nothing else but I learned them through
and now I cook or cast with nigh equal skill
and find that I derive almost therein equal thrill…."

And Lorien spoke to whom they could not know
But the dinner was beyound that of the greatest show
No banquet that any had seen
Had as much food befitting a king
Each rabbit was set to a different place
A different dish and a different face
And Lorien apologized only that no rabbit muffins were to be made
Since rabbit was not an ingredient in that dish of the Dade
But before anyone dared to ask or implore
Lorien began to explain the dishes long lore
How "no rabbit is needed these muffins to make
but moss we need from a shallow lake
Tree bark shavings, two days old
and blue root plucked when the ground is cold"

He continued throughout the meal
And all enjoyed his continuing spill
Perhaps a better cook than even a mage
So would have Murrien guessed if she had to wage
And dinner passed in this jolly way
Until the night beds were taken to prepare the next day

Again the pilgrim sparred as is her nightly prayer
But more accustomed, the druid did not stare
And the night passed in an eventless slumber
Until the morning sun in the east did lumber
camp was broken quickly for the pilgrim sensed need
And the trail was resumed with a good deal more speed

She spoke to Murrien in quiet tone
"As I slept the earth seemed to moan
Then thunder but distant rolls
Felt to be approaching these southern knolls

As you slept did the earth seem ill at ease
As though swept by unwelcome breeze
perhaps I make unnecessary haste
And that too would prove deadly waste"

Murrien remained quiet for a pause
Then she nodded understanding ever more the cause
"I too seemed not to rest
And thought maybe it was best
For I pondered myself many things
But now I see better what this means
The earth is ill at ease and trouble follows our way
And we will understand better our troubles this day"

No more was said but the pace did increase
The others asked not but did not cease
Increasing their steps to follow along
and there were no smiles and no travel song

The sun's work was more than half done
and the morning walk had turned into a run
the wanderer's face had grown pale
still none had asked and she did not tell

Murrien seemed to be seized with fear
sensing growing danger near
and when the wanderer saw her terrified face
she knew they needed to rest in this place

so she stopped slowly and signaled silence as she kneeled
she listened hoping something would be revealed
without speaking she put ear to the ground
Murrien followed seeking the direction of that sound

Murrien's eyes widened then again found calm
And the wanderer raised dusting off her palm
The two spoke in the woodland with a woodland word
and the others knew not what they heard
as the pilgrim replaced the hood about her head
she took a slow breath and this is what she said
"Orcs…army maybe a thousand coming fast
we must hurry if we are too last"
and with that they were off in a rush
as their feet flew through the green so lush
the bard was slowest so he set the pace
as they hurried hoping that army they would not face

"before dark my friends we will arrive at the black
and in we must go and not turn back
they will camp outside but not come in to find
unless the fear of the ages follows behind
in that case our hope was long lost before
we ever strode from Kerchel's pearled door"

the pilgrim spoke as she seemed to effortlessly keep in stride
"and this in you bard I do confide
you must keep your journey towards the mountains to the south
and stop and rest not until you see the suns morning mouth
but then heard east and you and your holy charge will be well
it is we they seek on you they will not dwell…"

as evening came with the sun's orange glow
it was as the pilgrim did know
for large heads were seen in terror they were cast
but no time to dwell as the adventurers rushed past

Lorien marveled at the doom that must lie near
And his heart was shaken in fear
he had seen the pilgrims face go pale
and wondered what in that cave must dwell

but for now he ran knowing he would be no more
if battle awaited them just beyond the cave's door
for he was near to fall to his feet as the run began to ease
and he was more than willing his feet to appease
they stood at what appeared to be a bush covered mountain side
as the pilgrim took her food to divide
she kept half and the rest gave to the minstrel there
and he and his charge were off over the hills without flair

the three remained with only quiet thought

Wondering what fate this night had brought
heading east and south could Lorien see his life
but for now he had a greater strife
while he pondered briefly but was awoke by a sound
thundering rolling dust coming over a distant mound
from the north along the path he had just traced
the pilgrim grabbed him as mindlessly he had paced
"Into the cave!!! The orcs are here
And so strong was her words he followed without fear
And the druid passed in the leaves and was gone
No more did she stand there no more her torch shone
He followed then by pilgrim's hand
In the leaves that over his face fell like sand
And it seemed a flash dark and again the light
it was the druid's torch and not the night
suddenly his mind then found its way back
it was the cave, the long sought black
peace descended over his mind
it was like the first time a home you find

End Canto 7

Canto Eight(11/14/97Edit:6/10/03)

And now there were but the two remaining
As they fled over hill and rock still straining
But the thunder that had chased from the rear
Had seemed to fade and no longer drew near

For over such rough terrain
the massive army would restrain
But a small group say a dozen or so
Could give chase they both did know

And so as the sun had finished its day
And then to the night giving way
The priestess and bard struggled over the rocky height
Of mountains just beginning to show their true might

And both wondered but had no time to speak
What of the others who into the mountain did seek
The cave and secrets feared of yore
Would they were of them once more

Or had they passed from memory and mind
When the entrance to that dread the pilgrim did find
In his soul the bard began a tale
That would describe all of this journey without fail

Of the power of the wanderer without shield
How she bent their wills so that they could yield
To fears and legends that bring terror to this place
And of the untold beauty within her face

Though deeper still was the mind within
And to describe it he could not begin
And through the night they quietly fled
Further south without taking bed

And the night passed with lessening fear
And when at last the sun was near
To the east they turned as she had spoke
And this day wore and heavy was their yoke

So at last they tired and decided to rest
Four hours in turn they agreed would be best
She first after prayer for her and her traveling mate
For she knew this was her destiny but not what would await

After they had a spot of rest again the east they sought
And by days end it was not for naught
For the air promised the nearby sea
And the next day at the coast would they be
So resting again for a space in the night
They were alone with their thoughts of the others’ plight
But the next day came and again on their way
And north they turned finding a place to stay

As night drew nigh a village they found
Like many others with folk fair and sound
A local fishery with a bit of markets and trade
They reflected on the journey they had made

The next day their life would resume
But thoughts of the others, their mind would consume
But his tale he wrote with the greatest of detail
In mentioning every action he did not fail

But he sang it not only in his heart
For he wondered if he had correctly played his part
But the priestess worried not of such faire
Her destiny was here and not there

Time passed for these two
As for all of us it will do
But here we must take a final reprieve
and to fate and eternity these two we leave…

End Canto Eight

Canto Nine(12/14/97 Edit:6/10/03)

Her half elven form moved like a song
Effortlessly bringing its listeners along
With eyes holding the depth of the sea
It felt my soul had departed me
As she spoke her words softly fell
Losing my will like under a spell
Others too felt her presence there
But it was mine to follow the one so fair

Greater beauty will pass our way no more
And eyes like that are a part of lore
and hers too I see going to that place
and not simply from the beauty of her face
Though that alone would take her there
To where poets sing of the lovely and fair

Yet spend an hour by her side
When her nature she does not hide
And doubt will quickly die
That her place in history is drawing nigh

Her wisdom apparent and her wit sharp
Her voice sings longingly aside with the harp
Her soul overpowers and smile so pure
Her movements perfectly gracious in her allure

When with her left I the city of light
We were met with the great sight
Of Lord Beligi, the master of us all
But so overpowering, she alone him saw
But it was not our quiet band which he needed see
It was her that was clear to me

Just beginning her unalterable quest
Already acting under such a Lordly request
I wonder what heights she might meet
As her skills become more complete
She spoke little of what she need learn
But that there was much I did discern
And I can but wonder at such a unique
Another one I could not find if I did seek

Little was said of her kind
Though I will share what I did find
A holy warrior and priest would be nigh
But then a warrior would be a lie
For but one weapon and no armor can she bear
And I wondered if this could be fair
But she thought not of such concern

For as well all did learn
With one weapon she is mighty
This one weapon a staff as it must be
these things she hinted at to me
Like a mage perhaps for she had skill
When summoning the arts of power and thrill
But then too she moved in the still
In the woods, stealthily on the hill

The druid seemed closest to her spirit of us four
And of her nature the druid knew more
With solemn respect and deference she would heed
What the pilgrim said there was a need

I find myself returning to thoughts of her
Wondering what the brown cloaked lady can find to spurr
Herself and the two into that dreadful place
Whose lore and danger I dared not face
If the legends be true she must surely pass
For I see no hope for the lovely and wise lass
Yet I feel words of her will come again
And that her tale does just begin
when the first test has passed into lore
For she will be remembered when I am no more…

End Canto Nine

Canto Ten(12/14/97 Edit:6/12/03)

Long ere Kerchel was built at first
Long ere the lost sea last burst
The Three Hills stood afar in time
And memory of manless days were still in rhyme
A darkness had fallen before
And then the light was no more
But the elven lord Drestilli pushed the darkness away
Returning again the order of day
But the creatures of dark shrieked in shock
For Drestilli had broken the lock
And in their pain they sought again the night
And dug into the earth with all their might
Great caves and mountains were then formed
And the land lay decrepit and deformed
Ah, but then a lady of Drestilli's house
Walked quietly about as a mouse
Planting seeds and refinishing the ground
Upon which soon great grasses be found

And in time the land above began to settle
But undernearth things were still a bit of mettle
Some dug low others dug deep
And few from above into their realms would seep
But to the south of where Kerchel would one day be
Great mountains and a single cave could one see….
The great cave a network and maze
and many unwise wandered in a haze
But over the cave there was one who held sway
And his rule was strong for continual dark day

But some greater had dug continually since the light
And one found his way to this sight
And war raged continuing and the mountains grew tall
And war raged undearneath among them all
and while the earth grew quiet, serene
danger was forever below, cruel and mean
and content not with an underworld reign
emerging at times to cause strife and pain

and so it was but the threat was small
that darkness would again the world befall
but time changes much and did so again
and there was war betwix the elves and men
and in the depth there was danger plotting
and to this threat no time being allotting

and elven eyes seemed closed to the danger now growing
action was needed for it showed no signs of slowing
one and he alone saw the darkness there brewing
for the underworld had grown tired of but stewing
Obelieus the wise, Obelieus the old
Saw the danger rising in the night so cold
A mage so great, who would have no match
entered the lesser cave to see what he might catch

But the danger was great and he dared not fight
These creatures who so hated the light
But his explorations yielded him wise
And he remained hidden with strange guise
He felt he a weakness had found
So subtle he noticed as he held his ground
From the cave he then withdrew
And began to go about what he must do
A sword he thought he must make
A special sword for his own sake
For creatures of godlike wisdom he had seen
And active in a manner quite keen
No intelligent life did they hold in fear
nor the weapons which warriors hold so dear
but things of knowledge quite strange
do plans to handle did they seem to prearrange
while for all else they had formed a plan
how to defeat elves then man

Obelieus saw then but one way to hold sway
and to drive this darkness deeper and away
knowledge he must then instill
in an object that before had only the feel
of inanimate and cold no life before
a sword he would make and return once more

he left then the lesser cave alone
returning to where the sun proudly shone
there he began his labors of lore
in the great furnaces by the flower shore
a sword of knowledge matching that he possessed
and the secrets of this majic he never confessed
but years and years this consumed his day
working then searching in every which way

when his labors had reached their long sought end
his finished weapon truly did transcend
the art of all that had came and passed
one sword greater than all the world had amassed

it knowledge as great as the elven sage
it even learned some majics from the written page
but its greatest strength and greatest pride
was that other knowledged swords could not hide
but were drawn to it if it so desired
and it was this goal to which Obelieus had conspired
For if it was such weapons which held his best hope
and against such weapons his enemies could not cope
he would summon all that there might be
and take his chances and then would see

if his efforts would turn into a waste
or if his enemies would turn in haste
he would soon discover as to the cave he returned
and in his eyes a dreadful fire burned
and the dreadfuls whose names we shall not say
turned thinking this was the personification of day
And the weapon drove them deeper than the dark
and cut pure never missing its mark
and this became a silent weapon of lore
and in our history it will appear once more
for when Obelieus was broken into shards the weapon fell
but this was not there its death knell
so great its magic, the shards still power held
against once more when together they would weld
and as time passed they were scattered asunder
often taken often left when there was great plunder
and to this cave had the hilt returned
for its beginning will we no longer be concerned

but now it simply laid in wait
seeking itself a proper mate
whose destiny would seek the many shards
hope it held then in the cards
as it waited in silence in the world without light
until once again it could reunite

And so they sing among Dransik's place
A tale which brings fright to the face
Of all who hear its scarring end
And no more night's shadows can you defend
In your heart it forever will burn
If the entire tale you dare to learn
And in the cave did Lorien fall
Destiny now dragging them all….

End Canto Ten

End Part I

The Second Part

Canto One (2/6/98 Edit:6/12/03)

The darkness awoke Lorien in the cave
Into which they dove their lives to save
A darkness so pure he wondered if death he yet found
Until beside slipped the familiar sound
Of fair pilgrims voice, like cotton soft
As she lit a torch and held it aloft
"My half-elven eyes can thru this dark yet see
But it will not do for you to trip and fall into me
Worse still awaking dangers of long past
And bringing doom that forever will last"

The druid had to the ground bent low
Studying the earth and thereupon the moss that did grow
And Lorien's eyes adjusted to the light
A weak beacon in this artificial night
In the glow that about them did spread
He saw again a dreadsome head
A face carved in terror out of stone
And many there were, none alone
With mouths hanging open struck in fear
Hinting that all doom grew near
And surely that would seem quite true
When the cave was but one through and through
But these legends he learned made his fear less
Though so little his heart was gripped with stress
The soft damp moss beneath his feet
Reminding him of the boggy peat
But outside he was certain to fall
So the cave we would choose gladly with all

"We should move" the pilgrim spoke without haste
"For perhaps the orcs are too being chased
And then we must move for the danger will be real
Though no such presence do I now feel.."

Through the fear carved walls they began to pass
With a heavy quiet as a somber mass
With each step growing this dread
Lorien understood the terror carved head

It was no artist’s craft

That this stone did draft

The earth herself had placed a warning here

Fortelling what mayhap draw near
Such fear through his soul and mind
He wondered almost aloud if but doom they could find
But the pilgrim and druid steadied his nerve
And this was a little his soul could serve

The druids eyes glowed as they would sometimes do
As if she saw the rock and time straight through
But his mind wandered now through his past
Until they had stopped walking at last
Ahead 2 paths diverged before the three
And no light either way could they see
Aside each choice a notch was carved
For a torch they were starved….
Upon the earth were no wooden sticks
Only loose stones with which a fire to fix
So the one torch they had lit was placed
Into the middle no more could they waste

They puzzled and pondered which way to take
But no secrets of that cave could they awake
The pilgrim searched the walls looking for an ancient hint
But found only faces, not sure what they meant
The druid walked about in their peculiar way
Touching the ground, to feel what held sway
And Lorien looked though his mind
Hoping some help he might find

His love of lore ran deep

But no secrets of this did it keep

For knowledge of this cavern was held by few

And share that knowledge none do
So for all it was of no avail
Again the dark shroud about them did prevail
The mystery grew heavy with perilsome weight
And the uncertainty Lorien did hate
Hours passed and the one torch grew dim
"No more time can we allow ourselves to hem
But our lot we must soon cast
For not forever will our torches and foods last"

the druid responded first for Lorien remained in thought
"I agree for we find not what we have sought
Let us eat and regain strength, and hope perhaps
Then move forward before our fate upon us collapse
I am uncertain still, but my mind moves ahead
Let us go soon and not in this place be found dead"
And a quick chefless meal was made
Dry bread cold and staid
And the water tasted old and worse than it would be
If drank where a sky one could see…
And the meal was ended about as quick as it had begun
and now the druid's eyes shone like the sun
So Lorien thought as he watched them gleam
the path her mind had seen

her voice then in a whispered chant

words then came she could never recant
"To the south heads the cavern on the right
Deeper into the cave farther from light
And that is the path that brings reason
For this far one might come by season
If strong willed or fool hearted
But deeper would mean your senses had departed
Mighty is that which we seek
And deeper must it be if out it does not leak"
The pilgrim nodded seeing here much that did convince
No words though would Lorien dispense
Rather rose from where he had sat with a nod
And onward, now deeper did the three trod
A new torch was alight
Growing now was fright
The world had lost three of its kind
That ancient wisdom they might find…

End Canto One

Canto Two (2/13/98 Edit:6/13/03)

And the southern path was taken
And Lorien's nerve held though he was shaken
More and more the fearsome heads leered
he had to remind there was nothing to be feared
But after a space the druids head began to shake
And Lorien's heart ceased to quake
"The path has turned and rose a good number of feet
I suspect soon our former place we will meet
Then another path we must choose
If our quest we are not to lose"
The pilgrim nodded she had expected the same
And finally to Lorien a sense of peace came

Then they drew nigh until the room from before
and even Lorien now sensed the fall in the floor
And so it would be the central path that they must take
Surely there their fate they would awake
But Lorien had relaxed and startled was he
When an arrow shot right past his knee
Krokals had found their previous place of rest
and seemed to know this place best
their doglike faces with those grimy snouts
had waited for them to follow the ill chosen routes
And so Lorien toward battle was drawn
throwing his dagger where the light had shone
it missed as the druid pulled her sword
and the pilgrim now attacked the horde
for she first had wedged the torch into place
so that Lorien could see his enemies face

Lorien's majic now fired from his hand
and the krokal fell where he did stand
and twice now the pilgrim's staff had struck
and once Murrien's sword had stuck
and but one remaining overcame with fear
raced down the middle path as it was near
and his stumbles were resounding quite well
until a great scream then befell
and suddenly quiet throughout the cave
fell upon them all like a heavy wave

The three stood close and without word
What was the meaning of that they just heard
They had not followed a trap they did fear
but that was no such scream for them to hear
it had been sudden and quickly cut short
and now they simply stood near their cohorts

finally the pilgrim spoke after much thought
"deeper still is what we have sought
and assured we can be that more do not awaits us within
though it will probably be worse than it has yet been
follow me and do beware
if trouble awaits then that fate we will share"
and with that the torch she retrieved
Lorien then noted how he had been deceived
For he delicate arms had appeared so weak
tore the torch with strength not meek
wedged into the wall had the torch she had thrust
and now to retrieve it her it must
for he had not the strength to tear it from the wall
but these thoughts he kept to himself as did he all

the central path they now did begin
and downward did the three it send
soon becoming a steady telling slope
leaving behind the earth and perhaps hope

But the faces on the wall Lorien noticed none
wondering what to that poor beast had been done
and the path turned to the left and split suddenly into 2
without asking the pilgrim knew
she took the right the druid nodded slight
though Lorien saw no reason in the dim light
he puzzled briefly why this way was chose
but for path finding he had no nose
soon the pilgrim's pace began to grow slow
"we are close, that much I know
I think I even see a door just there up ahead
but I also see the beast motionless and dead
so slowly now ready to fight
and let nothing trouble your sight
maintain the steady verve
follow me and do not swerve"
she began to walk slowly looking at the ground
when she heard a kind of squishing sound
"Lorien behind you turn and fight"
And there he beheld a fearsome sight
a thing like a person it appeared
though round and cubby and its eyes were seared
drooling and mindless it moved to attack
and two more were behind its back
Lorien had seen the squishy way they walked out of the wall
but now hoped his dagger would cause one to fall
Murrien joined him her wooden blade out
the pilgrim too had some he did not doubt
for he heard the air sing as he staff cut quick
impacting with a sound that made him think it would stick
but as he fought he heard the hum once more
and knew she was fighting toward the door
Murrien and he began to give ground
and try to follow her step's soft sound
one fell before them but they were pressed by the other two
"drop lower and pass through"
the druid and mage followed her word
and she shut the door as again the sound was heard
of the squishy beasts entering wall
and weapons again readied by all
thinking that through the door they would soon be
ready to strike as soon as the flesh they did see
"Through that door they come not at all
For I would banish them forever withall"
Boomed suddenly a voice from behind
Startling Lorien so much that it froze his mind
his dagger he dropped as he did jerk
unaware that behind him did Kharlin lurk
"Fear not, they are but pests though not my own"
As the torch light now upon his frame shone
Tall and dressed all in black,
With those marking and hood cast back

For now under the earth beneath the sky
They had found were Kharlin did lie
Hidden now for longer than days could recall
Wiser now than nearly all
Kharlin the Black who deferred to but one
Of those now walking beneath the sun
A fortune that the pilgrim did not foresee
And lost not to her was what now might be
But fear too struck in her heart
For what if he had it and would not part
Surely the three would fall like dust and flies
Quiet she kept though hope now in her eyes
Fortune or doom stood before her so near
Moments like this left no room for fear

End Canto Two

Canto Three (2/27/98 Edit: 08/23/03)

Kharlin stood, his black robes swept the floor
Unlike Lorien, but one color and no more
His hood cast back, a stony face revealed

Aged wise eyes so much concealed
He glared at the pilgrim without hint of threat
She steadied her eyes back…showing no fear no sweat
"Fair maiden of wisdom…daughter and chosen one
Reasons to worry over me for you there are none….
That which brings you into this dark does not bring you to me
and if it were so I would easily give it to thee
Old am I, surely this you know
And the stories I heard when I first began to grow
For but of late had Beligi been swept away
And many that lived had seen and loved his day
But now history so old, this story I tell
That listeners think not my mind so well
But one there remains older still that I
Instead of stories it is memories of that Beligi
Occupying his mind when thinking of that master bard
He alone can speak of matters so hard
He was young but breathing and real
When from Kerchel's golden shore did Beligi steal
So long since Tarlin's voice has sounded in my soul
But he lives for a small space still this I know
If you the sun above do see once more
Him you must seek for none know as much lore
So many things I see but our time together so quick
Words I must chose that well will stick
Wooden one with ice in the vein
Tilted toward doom after so much pain
That which you seek is indeed within this cave
Held by one of the dark…its lovely slave
His power too much for you three
And a part cannot be played by me
But this I know and aid you it will
For safety rules his heart and its thrill
He fears none will seek him, so in quiet persue
A single one, of Lorien's kind too
Draw close and this test you can pass
But if he strikes first, there will be no funeral mass
On death and decay and your bones will he feed
To the beasts he rules as they have need
The holy blue stone in a liquid brew
Is happiness and peace he never knew
But remember it yourself as life passes by
For times can come when it is all you can try
I would that longer words we could share
But soon deeper I go and you into the snare
A trap by time, a destiny awaits you
And you all I fear trapped its true
Between death and quest lingering forever there
death is oft avoiding unfair
your puzzlement you hide now within
I wonder how long it has been
since I spoke with one of your chosen kind
wandering seeking that you must find
and through my many years your mystery remains
my admirations breaks through failing my constrains
but so it has remained with you each
and again lying there beyound my reach
eyes which see foggily through walls and space
but see nothing hinting within your face
but more I must tell you in our granted day
and then rest before you go on your way
beware the waters of gold and their song
though not evil they bid you stay too long
if your soul is held in slight sway
you will succumb, you will stay
if here you fail all will not be lost
but great will be thy personal cost
perhaps lives perhaps years will you pay
if from those waters you cannot turn away
little more can I see from my surface post
for deeper is my wisdom buried in the host
but such things are now of little gain
and latter it would be useless pain
when such times as I might aid
you will find such things you have already laid
long has it been since one came into here
before my studies I do fear
so immense beyound thought must be your place
for no small reason must you see the stone face
but I will leave you now to rest and fight
with your shadow as you do each night
prepare well for your blows must soon count well
how many chances you will have I cannot tell
but I must believe the other side you will see
For now to Lorien I turn and speak of a friend
for his master I knew before his end
a small favor I wish to show
before to your fates you all must go
and to the druid I must say forgive
for in such caves as this I know to live
woods and trees as is her delight
I see only in dreams at night
and if time were mine I would beg of her
tell me of the delights and beauties that occur
but no time for stories do you have I fear
for the time of departure is now very near
so I ask now Lorien to come this way
and I show him the place where I oft play
and some of his craft there will he learn
for such knowledge I feel he does yearn
so come pupil of friend so dear
it is but a few paces out and very near"
and with that Lorien followed the old sage
then passing through the door went Kharlin and mage

End Canto Three

Canto Four (3/7/98 Edit8/23/03)

And ancient mage walked staff in hand
Waved it before him like directing a band
And the fearsome troubles through which Lorien had fought
Fell to the earth as if they were naught
"Were they not then real?" Lorien with query
"For in our battle they brought us quite weary"
"Real they are, indeed is true
But this staff's might if only you knew
But tell you I cannot for words would fail
When you have learned more though then can you tell
But such I have crafted my cane aside
That if not troublesome, I need not abide
But dangerous immense if perhaps I be wrong
For then death awaits and will not wait long
But these things seem strange to your unlearned ears
I seek not to offend but still you lack the years"
Lorien listened, sensed with intense thought
Such knowledge and its power were what he sought

"Now to a place where some things of value I keep
Hidden not in the open for there they might seep
into greedy unwanted hands when away I must go
Deeper where I seek things I do not yet know"
And with these words, a gentle tap of the rock wall
And the rock tumbled to dust, unreal was it all
That portion of rock that had stood before
For now their was revealed there a door
And to his knees Lorien fell as if crushed
As through the door the energies has rushed

"Steady there my young friend
In a few seconds your system can defend
Those energies you feel in brief
Now flow through you without relief
Necromancy, the art of the dead
Or so is it so often said
And now the energies of that world flow over your soul
Such intensity before it did not know"

By the time these words had come to a close
Lorien had recovered from the energy's blows
Standing now outside the door
He wished it to be opened so that he would experience more
And soon that door was spread open wide
And Lorien astounded at what he beheld inside
A graveyard filled with gruesome undead
And visions now filled Lorien's head
Skeletons and zombies fled as they drew near
Though Lorien knew it was not he that they held in fear
After a brief space, a coffin they stood beside
"Now Lorien some things I will confide
A vampire, terrible in its might
More evil that fearsome night
Abides herein and now comes in haste
Fearing its coffin is to be laid to waste
Have you any free bags for ingredients for your magical arts?
If so take the dust from aside and under into 2 parts
I will show tell you why when we return
But first my adversary I must burn"
With words so lazy to seem fully free
Fire arose in a sudden spree
A hammer fist it formed smashing lean
On a nearby vampire Lorien had not seen
Lorien gasped as Kharlin laughed a bit
"Return to your task, on your hands do not sit
As you know such art does not destroy but only displace
And he will return again to my face
I understand him not in whole
But I finish him not, would not be good for my soul"
Kharlin laughed again but this time loud
And the room darkened as if covered by a shroud
And Lorien now marveled at what sort of place was this
For he saw now torches that before he did miss
But then it appeared as if the outside they were at night
And it was a graveyard, he was certain he was right
But now it appeared a room, large and grand
He filled his bags and again did stand
"No more space do I have to hold
Though Sheker assured me this was as good as gold"

"Right then was your old master, wise indeed
Let us now return and plant another seed
In the garden of your mind that it may grow
So that one more thing you will know"

And now walked the Lorien with the sage
Whose step seemed now lighter, hiding his age
And Lorien marveled at how Kharlin seemed to grow strong
Since hammering the undead to song
Now returned they to the door and shutting it behind
Kharlin leaned close and recalled the words to mind
Whispering things Lorien misunderstood
Sounds muffled from within Kharlin's hood
Which he had raised when first the room they entered
Lorien could not then hear though his thoughts were centered
Upon what phrase brought again a new wall of rock
Serving then better than any conceivable lock
And Lorien looked at the door was truly hid
But not an illusion he saw as a kid
For even to the touch it was rock hard as before
Lorien could find the entry no more
Back down the hall again the fearsome guards fell
As the staff of Kharlin did tell
And the door opened with the softest push from the ancient hand
And Lorien was returned safely to his band

the pilgrim sat near Dransik's child who spoke
"Tell dear Lorien, what new ideas awoke
Great are your tells of magic when you choose to tell
For truth or fiction you still do well
Or is it a secret like unto Fornhelm's wall
Which when spoken to one is known of all"

Kharlin laughed at Murrien's ploy
As she teased Lorien like a toy
And spoke concerning what little Lorien had seen
So that the young mage grew not haught or mean
Secrets of art were his to protect dear
But to these two his spirit must seem near
So Kharlin thought to himself as a black fate he felt
When into this cave their lives did melt

Now Kharlin sat in his chair from before and called Lorien to come
"The dust you collected may I have some
But just a little for most you need spare
It will not work here but you need be aware"
And Kharlin proceeded to go over with him a basic of Lorien's craft
And though Murrien thought it was daft
Kharlin claimed that this spell had would work on the dead
To raise them briefly from that black bed
And for one day longer then they would be
Before returning to the dying sea
If the effects of death could be in repair
Then life resumed without lost hair

Dinner was served by Kharlin that night
As Lorien retold what had been in his sight
Of the vampire which he had failed to see
And the hammer fist wide as a tree
As a dream to Lorien had this day grown
So many things he had been shown
Tomorrow would the journey resume
But tonight one thought alone would Lorien consume
Such knowledge did Lorien ever desire
A mighty staff and a fist of fire

End Canto 4

Canto Five (3/13/98 Edit: 9/5/03)

And morning came or was it night
Days passing by with no sunlight
Arising then in Kharlin's lair
Sage so wise before the despair

Awakening to find Kharlin had gone before
About a stone table as in tales of yore
A meal with plates, cups, and spoon
Lorien was saddened to know they must leave so soon
Had he offered Lorien would quickly agree
To follow to learn to see
But no students the great master sought
For he would have brought them to naught
Such were the dangers he daily faced
And another’s talent he would not waste

Also in part that very same night
He had peered into time with the sage's sight
Seeing a piece of the great play
That now laid in Lorien's Way

And so this morning found him of different mind
Hoping to remove himself from this bind
If a small part he played in the malevolent tale
That I now speak to you so well
For the depths of Lorien's plight
Had Kharlin seen before waking light
How fell into its frightful hand
Any that touched this smallish band
And perhaps thought he "An old man's dream"
But so it did not seem
So farewell's were felt long before said
And all knew tonight they would not nearby bed
But for now there was this morning feast
Of many great meals this was not the least
It appeared a modest spread
But that appearance would have mislead
Were it not for the smell that seemed to awake even stone
One might could live by the smell alone
But soon after the taste was told
Striking pure, true, and bold
Then did one accept the hand fate had dealt
For no such thing had the palatte felt
And once the meal was complete
One's heart admitted defeat
Memory now impossible to hold
And all other foods seem stale and cold

"Dear friends," did Kharlin now start
"I fear that I must now depart
Things unseen now awake
And the very ground itself will shake
And a part there is I must play
And so I must go this very day
And now your time too I sense is drawn nigh
If the wanderer’s face does not lie
For she too feels that she must forward go
For her quest is still just so
And the future fearful and great
Can never be made to wait
But alas when I leave the lights herein will fall
And greater darkness than you before saw
When plunged first into this cave you fell
Would then blind you and well
So perhaps a moment I will stay
while you ready for your journey this day
and then be off right behind
As toward our ends we seek and find"

Murrien smiled for he had spoke so precise
Neither few nor many, simple and concise
She nodded his way and he smiled right back
An understanding the two did not lack
Though none knew what he had seen
They felt the parting must be clean
And so readied there things with good pace

And soon they were then ready to embark
And were nearly then at the mark
The torches they moved between packs
Other items evenly among all the sacks
How long they had been here they were unsure
Something about time here seemed so pure
Perhaps only a day or a week
Strange when sunlight cannot leak
But their stay was at an end
And they looked forward to mend
The trail they had lost along their quest
That they made at Beligi's request

They worried amongst themselves without word
But it seemed as if Kharlin had easily heard
"I can easily remove the guards from your way
They will not force you to stay
Though not mine they must heed
When I force upon them my need
In fact I am unsure about their presence there
They are recent I am aware
Only recently did they plod at first
More so when you came it was worst
And now they seemed somewhat more reserved
As if their purpose has been fully served
This question among others grows upon my mind
But so much else that I must first find"

And then the three came to the door
It was the same as before
No longer was it comfort on the opposite side
Rather a time from which they could not hide
As the door opened no enemy could be found
No dull faces not even sound
Only the hollow quiet of dread
That had almost been forgotten resting at bed
But now there again it dwelt
Once more the soul its lasting sting they felt
And one last time Kharlin spoke
"Friends beware for on dangers this place does choke
And remember the color of the soul
Doom dread it in a bowl
In the sky, water or cup
Use it always as a gentle sup
Now I return to regain a few items for my trip
Then I too from future's well will sip"

And they nodded now too intent
To speak when all knew what was meant
And so they began as they heard the door close behind
And wondered what Kharlin might then find
And as they retraced the earlier way
They again heard softly that familiar play
Kharlin's door had once again been shut tight
And now he wandered the darkness needing not light

And again and again within a step or two
They would wonder what the old sage knew
About their trip and days ahead
But surely such was better unsaid
But still the thought passed again and once more
What saw the old man behind stone door

Returning then to the very rock
Where their fate had become a lock
And towards Kharlin’s door had they been
Now returning to the quest again
But what had once seemed near eve
Became as only the first weave
In a tapestry to cover many a wall
If they lived to tell it all

And through the cave, deeper did Kharlin hide
Even in himself could he not confide
Such darkness covering his sleep
Almost moving him to weep
But Strange are things that from wanderers do come
Causing marvel at many and fear of some
Enough of this though and rest he must gain
If he is to avoid death's steely pain

"Now forward you destined three
For reasons great have I summoned thee
And this might of my own
Has not yet been shone
But I feel you so close now I almost shout
And you may never know what it is about"

End Canto Five

Canto Six (4/3/98 Edit: 9/5/03)

And again as always the cave
But now ever close to the walls they clave
Feeling them ever nearer
Growing then ever dearer
The dawn of Doom a plan now hatched
With each step increasingly latched
Locked in nearly with no escape
The tale to be began to take shape
Such fortune to be quickly amiss
Surely this is now my lordly bliss
Strange song that to their ears then fell
As walking they continued quite well
The cave silent as death must be
Nothing but the carved stone to see
Ghastly heads gripped in fear
Terror so real growing so near
Cunnard's sad tale is with us now
And to escape he saw not how
Now into such will other be drawn
And the full tale will never be shown
Yet flashes like myst and fire
A tale unending refusing to expire
The bridge now broken, walls beneath the sand
Waiting for the rising of 1 hand

The pilgrim felt estranged in her heart
As though being led apart
From a path she thought she had explored
And dragged as if by a cord
Deeper and deeper into this cave
Wondering if time would behave
Or if so long they would be in this dark
That the sun would no longer mark
What was day or night for such things she'd known
When learning lights on the cave was shone
From above she thought a light she felt
And then her words began to melt
Within her as she came to a stand
And quickly in her mind she planned

Murrien pilfered the heart of Kharlin old and grey
And in her eyes she had held sway
though not strong or willing her power to claim
Things stayed much the same
Though her heart had been lifted by his kindly glance
And many times when she would have to chose a stance
These days she would recall with a peace lost
And so much else with such high cost
Yet unknown the part this day played
When all coins so closely eyed and weighed
Hope this gift could not offer
But life and wisdom were worthy to proffer

Lorien's Day it would not be danced
No gifts or smiling pranced
Blue and dark streaming banner
Falling upon drunken tanner
Almost in haze and unaware
Perhaps that was what drew the steeling stare
And the first spell was cast
It would not be the last
In his mind he pondered nonsensical things
Awaiting the rod that sings…

The pilgrim turned to her companions two
"Above I think I see it true
A light and a feeling perhaps we are near
Now is the time to steady your fear
I will through the shadows now go
And see if indeed I think it so"

She left with step so quiet she was not there
Hoping she too could catch prey unaware
Seeing then as she crept a robe red and black
She turned just as quiet and came back

"As I thought there is danger ahead
And we must leave this one only dead
For revealed to me is this our end
Of the quest weeks ago we begin
Perhaps anew life will lead us on"
And led to Arsed who did not yet know
Into how grand a tale he was about to go

End Canto Six

Canto Seven (4/3/98 Edit:9/5/03)

Arsed stood then in endless thought
Over ancient tomes a key he sought
A word a clue perhaps only hinting muff
Page upon page of this archaic stuff

And with his mind turned then away
He heard not the winds minute sway
As the brown robes of the pilgrim drew nigh
She motioned without turning from that on which she did spy

And still in thought deep at loss
From his task he did not toss
Hearing not as Lorien walked to pilgrim's side
As standing in the shadows did they hide

Turning another page, shaking his head
Arsed groaned as if he were dead
Looking up but turning not to his left or right
For if he had, Murrien would have been in sight

But lowering his head back to the tome
Unaware that in his unprotected home
That now 3 brought destiny to his door
And he would waste in this cave nevermore

Evil to the core and brilliant to a spark
Arsed's thoughts rarely missed the mark
But unwilling to work he would fall short
If measured against his less talented cohort
So Long ago they parted complete
And Arsed to this cave would not compete
Troubling only the things he found easy to destroy
Torturing then killing as if a toy
And mighty more so than the intruding three
But carelessness damages as he would soon see

The pilgrim then again moved her arm
A signal to move soon with alarm
As she crept up in quiet towards Arsed's rear
With her life in the balance she remained without fear

One, perhaps two good chances to strike
If successful their chances did she like
But if she failed they would all soon die
But it was here so they must try
Lorien had readied his spell, Murrien drew her sword
As the pilgrim moved like a thieving Lord
Without sound She crept up behind
Hoping that a bit longer he would be lost in mind

As she prepared to make her initial blow
A slight sound surely now he would know
And as Arsed turned the pilgrim like lightning struck
And now it was with a bit of luck
A tremendous blow to the side
But Arsed's senses did not run and hide
Immediately he reached for a potion nearby
But the pilgrim had seen where it did lie
And striking his hand before it could reach
While from the shadows fire from Lorien did scretch
Impacting Arsed's arms a horrible scream
As again the pilgrim swung her mighty beam
And now Murrien's wooded blade found play
And Arsed could but helplessly flay
But his knife caught no flesh, only air
And Lorien's majic he did not spare
And Arsed fell to the earth his heart had ceased
Seemingly no more of life had he leased

Going then about the spoil
the pilgrim found the staff for which they did toil
She placed it carefully in a sack she had brought
Now knowing their quest would not come to naught
The books too then she poured through
While Lorien and Murrien surely knew
That somewhere about here he would have more
And indeed not hidden from view was his store

Gold and Silver laid about in a small mound
Not much though of such riches were to be found
But Lorien then used a piece of his art
So that all magic would then part
Separating itself from the dull and drab
So that it would be clear what he was to grab

In a corner tossing things around
Making huge noise and terrible sound
Murrien left this loud noisy act
And asked the pilgrim What was the sort of fact
That was being gleaned from those tomes Arsed read
That so occupied every thought of his head

The pilgrim paused before she would speak
For so heavy now the thing she felt so meek
"He read very much, mostly old elven lore
Stuff unusual covered by history of yore
Unusual as his art is that of Lorien friend
That to such interests his taste would bend
Perhaps something caught his eye
But likely there is a reason" she spoke with a sigh

Nearly 100 feet away from the two
And the Body of Arsed run through
Lorien continued his pillaging spree
Taking all magic he could gather for free

Books and scrolls he put in their place
Greed glittering across his face
Continuing to make the place a wreck
As veins showed through his neck
Straining to pilfer through all he saw
Before the spell would end in all
Then at last he came to a stop and a shout
Unsure what this was all about
A sword's mightily carved hilt and no more
Still radiating magic strong to the core
Very strange to him but he took it without pause
continuing then his magic crazed cause

And finally his spell weakened and was nigh gone
When in his mind a light was shone
He turned on instinct and there was clear
A golden necklace, almost sheer
Then in a moment his mind was froze
As fate often hangs before forward it goes

His hand at his side trembled in time
to the maddening music and the endless rhyme
A song he felt somehow he should know
But it seemed to always come then suddenly go

He felt his heart pound and then skip
His hand still quivering at his hip
Without thought the hand suddenly shot out
Grabbing the necklace a grip so stout
Unnatural how strong his hands had suddenly grew
What he thought right now he never knew
But suddenly the necklace was over his head
the darkness over his eyes as if he were dead
A grey sheet into a twilight night
almost blocking out all his sight

A door was closed, a shovel then made
a grave to be dug by that spade
his magic had ended his search complete
and now his fate he would suddenly meet

End Canto Seven

Canto Eight (6/6/98 Edit:9/12/03)

From the depth of darkness Weilton's realm
Seen so clearly but for a soapy film
Sat the Swordmaker in layered dark brown
Nothing but the solitary single sound

But forges were not there for swords this day
Neither spears or any battle sway
Rather High Mage, nameless and black
Cast dread upon molten slack
Swordmaker reclined now quest complete
But to this task his skills could not meet
So resting now with firing eyes
It was dark fortunes he then espied

Beaded for look, though simple even that
Swordmaker observed from where he sat
Through his eyes, that bane he beheld
And in his throat his heart there swelled

Years and years with unwavering might
Around him resting snug and tight
Grim and unforgiving though is time’s long march
Death’s thirst will never parch
So Swordmaker fell in that dark unforgiving way
On paths where even gods can not hold sway
Seeking secrets too deep for mortal mind
Where mortal or not, fear you find

Gained by many and lost by the same
Questing for the surface but in darkness would it remain
Patience faded quickly when Thunder broke the North sky
And the hammer of fate shook the ground where it lie
Then to Arsed first came the call to seek the ground
And then southeast where the master could be found
But Arsed too strong to turn from his will
And the damp dark of the cave was his thrill

Well powered, and strong with sight
Not leaving to lose his might
Arsed sought that secret his quick mind nearly saw
But all investigations lead to a fall
But unweilding was his mind and held it in tight regard
When fortune would bring hope though marred
For Arsed's will was singularly too strong
Over him held no power the little song
For though the might of the rope was mighty indeed
Song was not easily lent to Lords of Greed
And though it might destroy the strongest of men
It was most difficult to lure them in

So with Arsed was no hope found
But when Lorien's greed entered the ground
feeling the need that he be deceived
willfully weakening so that Arsed now perceived
Seeing then the way to the immortal now clear
Arsed heard not the pilgrim draw near
And sudden battle when he was unaware
Left Arsed crushed beyound despair
But Lorien's desire few would estimate well
And that is why there is this story to tell
For his rattling about with such a mighty noise
Caused for once the pilgrim to lose a spot of poise
And as she and Murrien searched Arsed's fallen form
They noticed not his hand's were not warm,
Rather covered by gloves hidden from view
A ring to soon his body renew
So there was he left, dying but healing quick
So that he was more a boy who had grown sick
And while Lorien's feet caused the miles to count many more
Arsed slept neither forever or even with gentle snore

Such things would not have come to be
Had the necklace not sensed the need to flee
For now the master was needful and had summoned him there
And little time did either have to spare
Unwitting but not unwilling was Lorien drawn into such a scheme
Though innocence for the druid it would seem
Innocence or blame for the pilgrim is different I say
She was where expected and such is their way.

And so Arsed's body was left there alone
And only one torch and fates light still shone
Leaving there between the dark cavern's walls
Only memories of the choices for which fate calls
But also lay there in quiet and still
Arsed's form from their kill
For more careful did they dare not be
When screeches and wails struck as lightning does a tree
Such sounds unfamiliar to Murrien and pilgrim too
They felt they must ready for battle or whatever they must do
Back to the hall onward along their way
Knowing not Arsed's body had no intention to stay

End Canto Eight

Canto Nine (6/16/98 Edit:9/12/03)

The necklace now tight against Lorien's skin
Not just any could rescue it from where it had been
So doom had it to the end of the cave brought
So that surely it had what it sought
One who's will would flinch and use its power
Then weakening resistance with each passing hour
So those sounds were not of some cave dweller in fear
Rather a great dragon that had now been summoned near

Young and still not full of might
From the frozen north had it come in flight
And like the snow of the ground scales of white
Waiting for the travelers three in pale fire light

Struck still as if statues on the ground
Stood Druid and Pilgrim making not a sound
Lorien too greatest coward of them all
Would to his knees quickly fall
But steadied by the necklace and that strange voice within
Bidding him charge howling like sin
And Lorien obeyed as he knew he would be secure
Marveling instead at the wealth he might procure
For in the scales of that dragon beast
He counted 20 jewels at least
And then came to him the power of fire
And how he was not sure it did transpire
But a ball of flame entrapped the dragon so quick
And now druid and pilgrim joined with sword and stick
Struck with horror then did the dragon try to flee
But magic flowed through Lorien with glee
Again now blasting the dragon with fire
Now bleeding heavily leaking guts and mire
The dragon reached out with fierce talon claw
Too weak to threaten the druid who clearly saw
That this magnificent beast's time had now past
And then one wail, the dragon's last

Stunned silence fell from pilgrim's closed lips
As druid sheathed sword next to her hips
And in wonder they saw Lorien's face go pale then black
As he sought through dragon scales on side and back
Marveling then at the fearsome change they had beheld
At Lorien's mad charge and the dragon they had felled

The pilgrim and Druid both knew much of these majestic beasts
And that the three of them should be dead before even the least
What power had now Lorien that this dragon lay dead
What ideas and thoughts rushed through his head
These things they had hoped to inquire
But still Lorien plundered through the mire
Gems, gold and a few small items had he placed in his bag
Cackling to himself like some dreadful hag

"Lorien dear friend I must implore
What thought caused you to race the floor
Howling like being chased from a demon from the rear
To forcefully attack a dragon so near
And then further if you will then heed
Your art is not that advanced in deed
I have seen such workings from a more masterful mage
What brings you to this new page?"
The pilgrim asked, without fear
Though dreading the answer she felt she might hear

Lorien seemed surprised to hear a voice not his own
And turned to see her whose face like the sun now shone
He squinted his eyes first feeling pain
But it passed and he tried to explain
"Fairest friend of truth I am unsure
Hearing only a voice and seeing wealth to procure
'Rush onward now and know you are safe indeed
Fear nothing now onward proceed'
Such were its words as I felt their truth within
And so as I rushed my understanding did begin
And the art was not of my own but only passed by
As If I were a door and I now sigh
for the understanding passed as a fierce storm
The knowledge is gone, not even warm"

The pilgrim puzzled then looked at the blooded stone below
What she must ask she did already know
Yet she hesitated wondering what it might be
When the druid in her wisdom guessed rightly as did she

"Take off your necklace if you will Lorien friend
Perhaps that will cause your strangeness to mend"

But Lorien refused and glared at the Druid with eyes of steel
She would take his necklace this he could surely feel
But ere an argument then arose
The pilgrim spoke to his senses and calming those
Lorien concurred to remove it for her to heal
On assurance that the druid would not attempt to steal
But alas then the necklace could not be undone
and burnt the hands as if burning with the sun

"Lorien friend, the power that through you before did flow
As it was happening could you feel did you know
Could you stop it if need were to arise
Till more of its nature we might surmise
Such a thing is of a lordish might
But also possessing dreadful fright
Perhaps that is why it was left aside
So as to avoid its powerful stride
As now we are forced to bring it to light
Perhaps it would have been better left in night
Or perhaps better that we have it near
Instead of in this darkness which breeds fear"

And the prophecy of the pilgrim resounded with the cavern wall
And now finishing their work one and all
Taking some scales and the best of the meat
Some for spells some to eat
For Lorien, Chef of The Southern mounds would this night show skill
Serving steaks that would bring the heart to thrill
If only they had not first been met with chill
Of fates strong working seeking the kill
Then leaving then the cave with life anew
Passing through walls passed by few

End Canto Nine

Canto Ten (6/16/98 Edit: 9/12/03)

The wail of the dragon had drawn them deeper or so they thought
But rather it was just an exit that they would soon have sought
And perhaps only a few miles west of where the cave had begun
They hoped to walk a few miles and rest at setting sun
For it was midafternoon nighing dusk when they had found fresh air
Though soon that would threaten despair
For soon upon their exit again Beligi's form would appear
Now more gentle, more human more near
Retrieving that for which they were sent
Seeing the chain about Lorien's neck, gold unbent

"Troubles you have fair travelers I sense and I see
I suppose there are questions you would ask of me
About Lorien's find, his new golden chain
Wondering if it brings you doom or pain
Of such things I know little though worry you should indeed
For such a thing is for an immortal its power there to be freed
Little can I tell you beyound these words so few
Though I can guess at what you must do
In Drayla elven city more than old
Was a elf of whom stories are told
When I was yet mortal he was on this earth still
But his time draws near or so I feel
Hurry then before he makes his journey at last
And then this world will he be past
To where I cannot say, decide, or guess
But he might know how to escape your mess"

"In wanderer's fair thoughts I have sensed wise advice
Resist the necklace guiles words with spice
Resist it for failure or death and you will not die
Rather return as a slave and a spy
dreadful lich at it's masters beckon and command
An eternal doom the thought of which I can not stand
And I must be off for great duties now call
Though perhaps yours is greatest of all"

And then a sudden flash of light and Beligi was gone
Leaving but the three standing alone
Murrien noted with delight that in the place he had stood
were now no footprints, though really they should

In heavy silence their plans were not left
Rather along the path west they kept
To Drayla and that was the way
Though first they must walk many a day
Then a boat and passage they must hire
Though little trouble from this should conspire
For from the western trader towns went many a sail
Most toward Drayla's port so well
Across the Flower Sea in not too many a day
Sensing no danger they would have felt like play
Though even before Beligi's dreadful thought
Doom had hovered, not needing to be sought
As the sun fell then below southern sky
Lorien began his work but to speak he did not try
The druid whispered softly to the earth and trees
While pilgrim prepared drinks and teas
Then when sure none saw her hands
She took some dust looking like blue-white sands
Placing it quickly into each drink with measured eye
Aiding them all in the battle not to die
She would not speak of this for quite a time to be
Hoping to avoid unnecessary worry
The dust of the blue star sapphire more precious than diamond stone
It's powers known by wanderers alone

She pondered How was it that Kharlin did know

This secret that her kind never show

But what mystery he held she could not concern

And if she did she would never discern

One who walks the 5 fold way

A secret for some distant day
For darkness that would seek to grab Lorien's mind
Would be slowed if the blue sapphire dust it did find
In this diligent care, time she would in effect create
Time to attempt to alter their dreadful fate

End Canto Ten

End The Second Part

The Third Part

Canto 1 (6/20/98 Edit: 9/12/03)

Then standing here along rocky shores
To moon's last light my soul implores
Finally offer I to forget me
Offer myself to destiny
Among the flower waters of lily

Then from quiet heart sing I at last
But briefly now of a life that is gone past
From the hearing of the warrior-bards last song
Excusing myself before the next act comes along
Standing now at this final door
Outside this cave on this rocky shore
I hear faint whispers as they begin once more

The mystery of the five have I come to so near
Perhaps then I see then the sudden fear
To be trapped then far from safe keep
Forever to make blood rush and heart leap
My part at last though is through
And I have written all of that which I knew
My time was short forgive, Crystal One
For off I must before morning sun
But what you asked I have done

A new mystery she brought me at the end
One I tried from my mind to fend
Oh alas so craven have I been for the strange
That a few more years I thought to arrange
This glorious one who steps in time
Over miles and years she easily doth climb
Yet ever more bitter is the coffee ere the water is warm
To be not in one's place is always harm
So now I part with wisdom without fire
Leaving life with lost desire
And now at last I finally tire

A few more lines then I shall be gone
A few more then finally alone
Hovering there above the water blue
As the sun reflects its magic hue
No different is that art than elven craft
Than the one which brings me to this boating raft
My mind still lingers on her shining face
Sensing that now is her time, her place
And another whom I but barely hear
He is very quiet but quite near
A last preparation and I wonder still
Hoping I did not take more than my fill
Wondering if all have had the same thrill

The wet sand beneath these tired feet
We both so old many times we meet
Again too I suspect I shall come this way
Such is time, choosing the strangest of day
The cold of the water with each coming wave
Calling my heart to abandon that cave
The prophecy passes ere breaking of light
Save the moons final dances of wavy delight
I will shove off with the last of my might

Then standing here along rocky shores
To moon's last light my soul implores
Finally offer I to forget me
Offer myself to destiny
Among the flower waters of lily

Now I part with memories in hand
No more on this shore to ever stand
Leaving my legend
To be washed away in the sand

End Canto One

Canto Two (6/21/98 Edit: 9/12/03)

Now then, the cave behind, onward with the three
And towards the eastern shore, little life did they see
Perhaps the horde that had chased them from the rear
Had driven all life so that none was near
But no signs of that was there to be seen
Through the wanderer and druids eyes were true and keen

4 quiet days with sky overcast with threat of storm
But no more than in their face would the wind swarm
Though they traveled without battle all was not still
For Lorien tossed in dreams awakening to chill
Nightly preparing her tea with crushed stone
Wondering why they were in this alone
For Beligi's words yet heavily lay
What perils await he would not say
Though was not fear it was a sense of concern
That in his words she did discern
(great fair one was his worry then
for he had not known where the necklace had been
and to see it there your fate with it entwined
a way together must you all find
for he too was in a great game
ever too great to speak of or name)

Through the nights oft one would listen near
So that Lorien's mumblings they might hear
Thus to make what might be in his dream
For in morning nothing recalled he to mind so it did seem
He spoke only in shadows and admitted he was unsure
At turns insane fearful and demure

North also was then their way
For they hoped to find passage from Coutin's Stay
One of many ports along the eastern coast
Was the one the wander knew of most
Easily the gold in Arsed's cavern they found
Would hire them a ship sturdy and sound
And the jewels within the dragon scale
They would not yet be forced to sell
As was said by Lorien this was fortune indeed
For art oft needed such and on this all agreed

In only a week or so of easy work for this band
They reached then the Flower Sea and her sand
A space to the south were there still indeed
And this confounded the wanderer to stop and take heed
For to be so far south would imply what she knowed
That to the east the cave traveled more than she had supposed
But by foot alone so far they could not have went
While walking within that earthly vent
Some strange trick had been played upon them within
But no time to worry overmuch on where they had been
So north along the shore the walk now took
And at night the beaches they forsook
For if storm rare but raged in the shore
Quickly away they would be washed ever more

So this path they found for days numbering a few
Each one more marvel to the wanderer as understanding grew
Of just how far the exits of the cave were apart
Trying too much to take to heart
what maybe had occurred that she had missed before
That led to such a distance from door to door

But ere rest was found for the wearying lot
In the dark before morning an arrow was shot
Missing Murrien who sat nigh the fire
Raiders hoped victory since their prey should tire
Perhaps a dozen set then upon the band
But Murrien called light from a burning hand
And as if the camp was under sun of day
All could see clearly in the fray
Caught in sudden shock the raiders for a moment were still
Too much time if they were to avoid the kill
For awake as a flash had wanderer risen from earthly bed
Awakening at the sound of an arrow slicing air overhead
And with the druids powerful light
Had she summoned and signaled Lorien to fight
And since their experiences had quieted a space
He had studied texts he had taken from Arsed's place
Many beyound his skill or knowledge of mind
But much of use did he find
And in stretching his mind nightly so
More power he had which he intended to show
Small balls of fire now kindeled in his hand
As he stepped from his tent onto the sand
Four in total he now burned
And then toward the raiders his orbs he spurned
concentrating upon them with a wizard's sight
He saw two raider's catch alight
Then the words he spoke before
When from above the heagle's did soar
His missile he shot at another from aside
Who had no time to duck or hide
By now half had fled in fear
But some had already drawn too near
And Murrien's sword had made them to pay
For their hopes of finding easy prey
Six they slew in all
For 2 also before the Wanderer did fall
The other six could be hear at the shore
Rushing into their boat to trouble them no more

"Pirates and raiders of all sorts about the Flower sea
Some weak and few that at first fight will flee
Such we met tonight with easy force and sway
But perhaps not so lucky will we find ourselves another day
On our passage across these waters of beauty immense
with weapons we would not dispense
For Great ships will at time sail that way
And on that path we must stay"

These words in almost a whisper from wanderer's fair lips
As each take their morning sips
And onward then as sun was soon to break
Along the sands as the grogginess they know how to shake
With ease again the afternoon they find
The city as the Wanderer had recalled in her mind

Met at the door by fair and handsome guard
On his person no blemish nor anything marred
"Eli wentrenth asnerth nor
enter fair wanderer I do implore"

"Great friends in this city are we wanderers thought
So when in need of such things here I would have sought
And now friends may I think we might desire
A night of peace where we need not make our own fire
Though I must admit to my druid friend
that perhaps not for her would be comforts of normal inn
Within fair parks is much ground for rest
If such for yourself you think best"

"truly so, though not this night
For a bed is not to me a painful sight
Yes I prefer the earth or the tree
But such fair is not foreign to me
so rest I this night in a bed soft and sweet
Though not so warm as earth's loving heat"

Then the three chose a place, they were all of good acclaim
And rested there not aware of their fame
For word had passed of their strange appearance southernly thrown
Were they had been many guessed and felt they had known
for certain Bard had sang of them a song
when through this part he was passing along
Though too modest a city to question or stare
Of many a glance and gaze they were keenly aware
When mourning came they would rise as new
And begin to see what for passage they could do

End Canto Two

Canto Three (1/30/00 Edit: 9/19/03)

Morning brought the company to return

And though for nature’s company did she yearn

Murrien arose with ease just as the rest

Though the sea was some dreaded part of this quest

Nearly stunned when she had first saw the sea

More than the streams that watered the forest tree

As they had walked up along the coast

She felt the sands harsh heat and roast

When those days the skies had remained clear

Slowly then she overcame her fear…

Now she quavered though only a bit and slight

Willingly accepting the nature of her plight

Over the great waters would she sway

And try as she might to enjoy the stay

Behind at the inn had she there remained

As wanderer and Lorien had to her explained

That a wood druid in this wise a town

Would appear far too much a clown

If she tried to find ship to hire

Poorly would things then transpire…

Better to arrive as the ship takes leave

Than to stay there and to the land then cleave

As Murrien out a window gazed

Along the streets paths had Lorien blazed

The wanderer had sensed some great need

That journey must be made with greatest speed

Her reasoning would not be clear until it was too late

Though for now there was no time for wait

Her spirit felt the fair sage depart

But this knowledge her soul did not impart

Not yet developed her deepened sight

Coming in time with growing might

And within an hour they had passage to cross the sea

And the cost was considered a reasonable fee

Soon then Murrien was asked to join the crew

Though it was clear she was unsure what to do

Lorien for a moment seemed to become humane

And fair pilgrim hardly a smile could restrain

As Lorien aided the druid aboard the craft

Walking her across the deck, she slightly laughed

In a show she nodded and then walked alone

Now brightly her face shone

A sense of strange pride swelled in her soul

Pleasure from her eyes did freely flow

Soon enough they had all found their place

And the ship was out to see seeking wind for pace

Though the trip across the Flower Sea

Was not to pass so peacefully

but as day yet reigned problems drew naught near

and the flowing of water was gentle to the ear

the lilies were nighing the bloom to give a name

to this tranquil sea soft and tame

but day does not hover forever and all

and in its time night began to fall

and on the horizon like a shadow dreaming

came a ship of war, angry and screaming

and Lorien suspected and Pilgrim as well

these were the pirates that to the south did tell

these attacks were not rare now in these dangerous of days

and the appearance the crew did not phase

rather manning the cannons and instructing guests in their fire

quickly preparing for the battle to soon transpire

and when the signal had fallen the cannons then roared

as ammunition was hurried to the deck from whence it was stored

the ships then reeled from impacts to the side

soon not easily over the deck could one glide

soon Lorien found a hammer into his hand was given

below he and Santigo were then driven

leaks gave way to water as it began to flow

and boards they were nailing and sealing down below

keeping the boat above the dreary sea so dark

as cannons roared in the night so stark

the pilgrim and Murrien found themselves manning a mighty gun

as a smaller crew than needed with had they begun

the pilgrim loaded as alone her might

was enough to lift the great balls in this death filled night

in between the roar of the battle rage

hammering could be heard from below the battle stage

the ship teetered as the side was hit clean

water could now be heard as well as seen

the carpenters from down below now rushed to the deck

desperate now to save ship and neck

a harness was fastened quickly about Lorien’s waist

over the edge hoisted as the great waters he faced

when the ship leaned and the side was clear

he would hammer hammer hammer desperate in fear

the waves splashed above him as he waited to again see

where the next board would then be

twice fire from afar drew near to his perch

nearly drowning when violently the ship would lurch

but as the night aged the fire from afar faded away

indeed pirates were defeated by their prey

but was not till most of the nails had been placed in wood

that they could feel certain to avoid deaths hood

indeed still in precarious form crossing the waters deep

gradually still in the water would seep

but bailing duty was partook in by all

so that into the warm waters the ship would not fall

days seemed to pass forever in fear of storm or ship

for through another battle she would not slip

though the rejoicing would not be still

when one morning showed the city of Drayla the port on a hill

though the dancing would remain subdued and slow

till on ground they stood where grasses could grow

That bay invited dreamy hope and sleep

as its fragrances from the shore did leap

and fear subsided for the light evening in all

though the pilgrim feared that waste was in their stall

for time had went slow since the battle off the shore

now she feared to hear the closing of a door

End Canto Three

Canto Four (1/30/00 Edit: 9/19/03)

Drayla Drayla silver golden city elven fair

Streets of beauty and secret lair

More days have you seen than the new sky

Forever on these coasts do you lie

Gleaming forever your shining white

Brighter than day and lighting the night

Kerchel and Obelieus once walked these streets

Stories to be told by all one greets

Defending this land from the quiet of the ice

Not forgotten is the awful vice

That bides its time in the earth below

Beneath the grounds covered in snow

And resting now in your secret halls

Rests wisdom the world enthralls

Jesting passes the count of time

Till comes the night’s great chime

Now sleeping as dawn draws out the morn

Upon your coasts come those to be torn

The keenest eyes here yet do not see

In the distant swirling sands must be

Nor the one walking now the mountain’s pass

Has come to view in the seer’s glass

But questions to be asked will soon awake

As the sleeping city arises with a shake

Throwing off the dust from the bed

Clearing the thoughts from the head

Waiting finally for the first horn to blow

So that their part they could know

For now though the city yet lay in slumber

And about the streets could one silently lumber

Full of life though not yet aware

The ancient city under the glare

Drayla Drayla city of gleaming

We arrive toward you now still yet seeming

That soon this part will be complete

And to the quiet shall we retreat

Just a few words if we might

And then from this brief furor find respite

Perhaps in the eldar gardens by the fountains of ice

The cool air of the sea and the scent of spice

As the nightly fair begins its quiet sound

To make its way over all the ground

That this fair city is laid along

Filled with smiles and song

Or the nights along the docks of the northern shore

Where storms pass by at their full bore

Raging along coasts north and west

Waiting for those the unknown guest

Whose coming was seen in one brief fit

After too much drink was the fire lit

For the prophet seen though the water blue

At the ship resting known by few

Who walked ere ancients had learned to speak

And earth was possessed by those who seek

But one night alone was the vision clear

So badly the mind did it sear

That not again the prophet would say

What dream had befell him that day

And now our mischosen three

Fall quietly upon thee

Drayla Drayla city of the wise

What is this that I now surmise

That but a few days have now since passed

When one sage said goodbye at last

And back across the sea has fled

ere our misfortune to this city has led

And in her quiet the wanderer was seen to wince

At visions of what has happened since

For tomorrow is not what you wish to see

When today is not as it should be

It is easy to do and do not

But hard to act when one knows the plot

But from the thespian she knew her part

But now must struggle to find its heart

Having believed the play almost done

Discovering it was only Act One

End Canto Four

Canto Five (2/5/00 Edit:9/19/03)

Sacred garden Dahaus Par Dwelion

With rare flowers and kept lawn

Hidden among the nooks of the city grand

Tucked away the jewel of the land

Silently spoken of among only few

How brightly you glisten in the morning dew

First built in memory of the sworded wonder

Who saved thy city from Strokel’s plunder

Resting now deeper in myth and lore

Nigh forgotten like this remarkable store

Of wonder and color seen now by dreadful few

A city that has forgotten or never knew

The heroic deeds that saved a nations fate

Returning the world to a clean slate

Overhanging gardens and other worldly trees

Sway now softly in that salty breeze

As one of the few comes to homage yield

To flowers fairer than those of the field

Having aroma with color and song

A symphony organized into a throng

Themes arise and away then drift

Through the mind of musician shrift

Words of times now much past

Echo and forever herein last

Trapped away from the flow of time

Repeated in the gentle wind chime

Dreams of a nation and its twisted doom

Of a race sleeping through dreadful gloom

Rising again as the morning bulbs awake

To the suns touch and gentle shake

All hint at tomorrow’s part

Recalling today’s soul and heart…

Now passing though with pace astray

Those who will from time shake out that coming day

Haste is needed with the ancient hall now so near

But far too quickly though the garden dear

For 6 eyes and 3 souls beg to hold

A while longer so more can be told

In this garden of wisdom delight

That with its color will shimmer at night

And just a moment do they take respite

To learn therein what they might

Murrien near mad with love and joy

As Lorien considers playful ploy

For his eyes grow keener and now are sharp

And though he hears a gentle harp

His mind is edgy as his head is awhirl

With thoughts and sounds his vision does swirl

Perhaps these herbs would lend themself to gain

But for now he feels he must ever refrain

For these strange thoughts that upon him light

Fear the wanderer and her ponderous might

It occurs that it perchance is not all real

But her wrath he still would not feel

Even in those moments that he is not his own

A desire for life ever is shown

“Master master I am on my way

Yet they force I tarry each day

The numbers are small but tread with fear

One of the clothed is ever near

Her mind I have tempted and nighed the end

Against her I can only defend

The other soul I find still is pure

Not so strong so perhaps a lure

In time perhaps, but know that I travel slight

Lest too quickly the grip grow tight”

Murrien now reclined upon the ground

Hearing from the trees in that invisible sound

Of great victory that had brought them to this place

Though once they had wandered over the face

Of others they spoke who yet did the same

Trees could be difficult to tame

And in warning to subtle and muffled with glee

Spoke of things not what you see

That “tress and shrubs are but a small thing

Compared to that which once did sing

And once the fairer folk were alone

Ere sun or moon ever shone

But the radiance of the wise did not last

Yet not all that is old is past.”

Puzzled by this most earthly song

Murrien did but quietly tag along

As into the hall of Ancients did the three find

That the question that arose to mind

When once recalled why one had over ocean sailed

Why water from the ship had bailed

From orcs into cave once had fled

Wounds which had briefly bled

How could this garden only be

A place to pass by and to see

And not the end of a joyous quest

Only a passage to place a request

To the keeper of this ancient hall

Who stood inside the jeweled wall

“Has Tarlin been seen in this way?

That ancient sage of the Grey

If so his wisdom we seek

Questions we bring humble and meek?”

End Canto Five

Canto Six (2/18/00 Edit:9/19/03)

These leaves now dust gathering here

Where once stood kings and princes without fear

The wise walked through the silent breeze

And now through this house of trees

Walls of wood and floor of dust

Underneath the ebony bust

overlooking the learned who here seek more

From these walls of knowledge that freely pour

In the silence of the nightly sea

The plains of time come to me

One in white riding to complete

The colored sands again replete

Elven sage standing sword aflame

Through the misery the darkness came

Warring then on this hill

Each finishing only with kill

And then the shards were flung astray

And the darkness at last was thrown away

And deeper sank that which yet remained

Aghast afraid and deeply pained

For those that were once learned and weak

Had broken those whom power would seek

A laugh arose from whence unclear

Yet somehow now riding near

The blast had fell a forest with ease

The thirst of the earth to appease

When stained with the fullness of might

And reawakened at possibility of night

the war that was fought was to the past

Yet in the heavens did it last

For the rider bore harder down on his prey

And even the immortals could not escape out of the way

The sky opened and the mighty fell

The earth shook as the mountains did swell

And underneath the red flashes in the sky

All turned away with head and eye

Till again the next morn when the sun again would awake

And no more would the ground then shake

And about that spot on this hill

Arose a memorial of that final kill

And the too many that led to its place

And the likeness of the sage’s face

So from all spots knowledge befell

And the wings would expand every such spell

So that no other place would the wise choose to be

Unless need or matter to must they see

Such was it then with each in kind

So many things did they find

That to leave seemed only loss

To return to the sea and its toss

A dreamy week passed for only a day

Ere from those halls could they pull away

No time or darkness warned of its pass

Minds were left in a morass

But the awareness of time returned as the garden was quitted

Aware sunndedly of the error that was committed

Onward now with but deep regret

That more time passed not within that set

A brief search and boarding without rest

Back to the sea one knew best

The lilies had sank down as the sun now slept

And on the sands his students wept

Now to the water to the shore

That would ever be no more

Save for the will of powers unseen

And the wisdom of those far too keen

End Canto Six

Canto Seven (4/14/00 Edit:9/19/03)

“Friends a moment I bid thee stay

Ere you travel now on your way

For time smiles not upon your road

Let my word now lighten your load

For soon still you need depart

Though your goal eludes from the start

For that great elf I suspect did not long tarry

Nor let Sari’s kindness too much harry

His path chosen many years before

When his travels he wished to be no more

So I feel I hear and see

That the waters take your company

That the elder of all you shall not find

Or delve at all into the endless mind

But if my thoughts shall be as true

Not lost is the trip you would go through

For Sari runs not some inn along the coast

Greeting great so that he might boast

But counted wise remains he as spoke by all

In the might of knowledge he stands deep and tall

So if that elven dancer at first doth elude

Rather than travel in waste no water or food

Abide that with the joking old man

He of large heart and chubby hand

In his rooms in quiet villa of soft sound

Many are the treasures to be found

Indeed! A hall of wonders could each be

Whilst the greatest wonder in each is he!

Decide as you must the paths you take

But from that old tree some fruit shake

For as his hands seem idle in sloth

And his place seems to reside for only moth

His eyes and mind can clearly see

Things ever hidden to you and me

And if something should give him a rumble

Heavens know not what from him might tumble

The past he knows as one who lived twice

Though somehow clearer than ice

his memory guides over the early day

Resting upon stones along its way

Now gather together yourselves for journey once more

But rest easily once past Sari’s door

And hope that I am not a right

And that both wise minds be chattering at night

Then all this wisdom you hope to gain would be bare

Freely give to all that are there

Though life oft brings a difficult twist

And its path is clear like the mist

Walk not on the waters where the fires lie

Walk toward the stars where the demons die

Rest under hills above the flame

And may your memory be ever the same

Fair halls of eldar air

Bid now these travelers a fortunate fair”

End Canto Seven

Canto Eight (4/14/00 Edit:9/19/03)

“Fair Lorien, pilgrim of this place

How sits this ship in water before your face

For assured now am I that your knowledge of the sea

Has sprang and grown in the face of necessity”

(And darker too now that neck resting

As over your mind it is besting

Angling towards psyche and soul

To what dark end I do not know)

“Softly resting there in these clear seas

Sails lightly aware of gentle breeze

Resting though when fierce battle wages

Is a trait seen only by the sages

Though if you dear travelers think our passage hath hope

Then gladly I take to deck and rope

Keen eyes for things you have not seen

Guide us through fire and around screen

The haze of tomorrow is partly clear to your mind

And so if you think this is the best of the find

Toward the wisdom of Sari we must then soon take

To hope that Tarlin has returned not to the lake

Rather resting there as we rush in haste

In dread out time here has been in waste”

And with passage agreed Lorien found himself in store

And checking the ship but once more

Pilgrim then sought out in a nigh wood

A druid there praying as rightfully should

Fasting and calling to mind Dransik’s mystery held

Within the forest where Derolden was felled

When allegiance was struck about Kerchel grand

In fear he might singly desolate the land

And how at night he would steal through the town

Trying to draw home the force of the downed

Yet appearing there on the crystal shore

When Kerchel left to return no more

And with Tarek cound of the city

Spoke farewell with no enmity

As she saw and heard the quivering prayer rising

The wanderer spoke her own verspers surmising

That indeed old friend and foe followed now their days

But her thought could not escape her mortal maze

Her heart saw not The infinite thought

Nor the solace which she sought

Her prayers in time did conclude

And she sat in marvel of those the tress did exude

Joining in a chorus now with Murrien’s soft song

Pulling thoughts, minds, and time along

The vigil reached its ghostly end

And standing then Murrien her knees did bend

Stiff in body but now almost airy

She glanced at her companion wise and wary

A silent nod from each and together they walk

For as sisters there was no need to talk

Each knew well the history of this day

And talk of it on times would they

But silence was for the holy hour

Left to marvel then at its power

As day passed and night fell with its light

In this elven city of artful delight

The ship was boarded and at last secure

one last glance at the city did they all procure

The soft sounds of the water across the bow

Towards the sea crossing wondering how

Hoping it would pass and then permit

A time to recollect and quietly sit

Of the time upon the elven stage

And the time to come seeking a sage

End Canto 8

Canto Nine

(5/4/01 Edit: 9/19/03)

The water swiftly swept aside

Across the face the ship did glide

On the face the moon did gleam

The sea reflecting each bright beam

And morning arose in full bloom

Rising to the surface came white plume

Which gave this sea one of many a name

Flowering each season never quite the same

A soft white now with a center of light green

Leaning over the ledge each in turn had seen

Yet this glistening joy seemed all but lost

For each in mind now pondered the cost

That this voyage would hold within life

Thinking not soon came end to the strife

The whispers each heard in the mind

Warned of the history they would find

And even now their name had began to spread

A thing that all the wise know to dread

Toward the sage on illusionary isle

First found solely for trial

So well conceived is now ever to be

Floating driftless all to see

The day spent in quiet relief

Afternoon brought about belief

That perhaps something hopeful could still be had

And thus dinner proved gleeful and mad

Lorien in spirits unusually high

Asked Murrien to speak of the sigh

Spoke by Dransik when Kerchel did depart

Rending there alliance and heart

Murrien did not there disappoint

For such things she was chose to anoint

And spoke then with uplifting song

Of a war and parting remembered so long

Indeed how Dransik had forged hopeless war

That Kerchal might not destroy evil evermore

For in his sorrow had he abandoned all reason

Thinking there only death could be in season

And seeking his own at the hand of evil foe

Found that none could now overthrow

The power that surged and burned in his hands

finally left seeking understanding in other lands

To her kind the story would end here

For in his departure ended the deep fear

That Dransik would face Kerchal at last

Knowing if true his life would be past

Even all the strength in his band

Against that sorrow could not stand

An evening on these waters is so easily found

To pass by with the gentle sound

Of those waters and that fragrent smell

Of the flowers as over them the water will swell

The pilgrim smiled as she listened to this tale

Indeed she knew the rest so well

But not for others so she held peace

Though Lorien did not yet cease

To wish to hear tales or speak his own

One of those rare moments when his kindness shone

“My struggle seems to never rest

For it is the dead I understand best

Yet life offers so much once more

And my life seems such a bore

Perhaps other studies I should pursue

Maybe not study but something I should do?

Then to the books I always return

Finding there is something I must learn

My power so as to secure

Forever this is the lure

The baited trap I cannot resist

The reason my studies persist

Perhaps I know this will always elude

Yet this never does preclude

That I must always strive though in vein

To find the place I can always sustain

I do not know and again I shrug

Perhaps I could. but then the bug

Like a fly buzzing in my ear

Draws again those books back near

At times I float endlessly adrift

Till again into desire I shift

Escape this at times I should

I chose not…as if I could”

The evening drifted with the craft

Through the evening they talked and laughed

Food, drink and hours were spent

Stories, smiles and shoulders lent

The dawn found them closely knit

Though somewhat tired and devoid of wit

They were soon about to retire

When the isle was seen in the early mire

As the fog lifted from off the face

They made out the first form of the new place

That this journey now did display

Another stop along the way

Tarlin Sari or some new quest perhaps loomed

Though none this dawn felt they were doomed

Sleepless nights can obscure the gray

Sometimes adding brightness to the day

Ashore they came hopeful of their lot

Awaiting now the next twist of the plot

End Canto 9

Canto Ten (5/11/01 Edit:9/19/03)

Gleaming lights arose from the lanterns morn

Quiet, small, almost forlorn

Came there Perlin into morning view

Rising to life from beneath the dew

Standing though ragged and tired they be

Viewed the new stage there the company

Where the next scene was wrought to be played

The second mate came by as each day before

But after now never no more

“Come the boat is nigh ready

we depart as soon as she sits steady

be sure nothing you lack

as you load your pack

for onward toward Make’ we till

Resting there ere descend winter chill

Here you find quiet perhaps rest

To the house of Sari at your behest

His wisdom will aid if can be disentangled

That in his mind in which you be mangled

I wish you well but onward we seam

Toward the north that sailor’s beam”

The company went to the room they were placed

Packing in care no need of haste

For ere dinner and drink swept the night away

They prepared for the coming day

And in time assured that all was in store

Reassembled they then upon the ship’s floor

Led in turn Druid pilgrim and mage so dark

Came ashore under song of lark

Each rode alone in separate skiff

crewman rowing with gentle sniff

Flavor arising from flowers ashore

They came to gather a bit more

Fine food for banquets to come

And truth be told a little rum

away from the great ship they fell

Too shallow these waters easy to tell

For such a mighty wooden beast of the sea

These rocks too strong for tree

So in small craft they made for land

Till coming to rest ashore in sand

thanking the crew one last time

gathered they hearing the morning chime

“Tired after our night regaling with drink

Rest need you any you think

Or press on toward this house of sagacity

Bringing our questions of great multiplicity?”

Fell there from the pilgrims mind

Into words did these thoughts then find

Her companions considered the choices they had

Both agreeing to go forward they would be glad

And toward the gate that stood for symbol alone

Went forward so tired but without moan

The company of three whose little tale herein

Has began to draw attention and chagrin

For what had been but a small stone displaced

Was now a travel being carefully traced

By those we would prefer to not have to meet

Whose arrival we would then unpleasantly greet

But nonetheless their presence we begin to feel

Lorien now on occasion was seen glooming

He perhaps first felt the weight looming

Outside the gate a large wooden sign was clear

Making houses to each visitor steer

Towards the place each would choose go

So that their destination they might know

The sage’s house was large in bright shades

A glance at the street, required no other aids

For gleaming with paint, magic, and flags

Which in the wind zigs and zags

Stood a house far unlike any they could note

“Surely it is he for whom we rode the boat”

Noted Murrien now more at ease

Away from the grand city and nearer the trees

Wherein Drayla she felt the walls close in nigh

Dreaming each night that she might die

If the true woods to which she did not soon return

Even here with eyes closed the difference she did discern

The forests about where in full life and true

Not cultured and placed only for view

Ever more aware that danger sought them out

Still they strode on without doubt

For that enemy had yet to find its way

Into their minds to gain sway

With this frame they continued to draw ever nigh

Full of hope, restless, and spry

Nearer the sound of the flags in the early breeze

Hoping for a while to rest from the seas

The hold of a ship has no forests to tend

Nor wildlife to aid and mend

And though hours in study can be spent

Talents of such can nowhere be lent

Now ashore for awhile again on ground

Some use of their skills could then be found

(the pilgrim walked her head bent low

Seeing the ground she then did know

Of what was meant by the word glimmer

how she had heard the land could shimmer

If eyes were sharp enough to spy

The way the land did subtly lie

There was no way to force apart

The secret held within the heart

Of this strange land hid from all

Since the time from whence it did fall

Legends spoke of it as arising hence

As land forming only to meet fence

Yet it faded not as such is wot to do

The true nature known by only few

None perhaps still lived with its secret inside

If not it well they did hide)

Her mind swept from the place around

She was startled by the sudden sound

Of a knock lightly placed before

Ringing pure on this gilded door

In but a moment it began to swing

From the latch where before it did cling

“Coming , Coming” a voice could be heard

chimes ringing and all sounds absurd

spewed forth as the door swept open slow

in they stepped, into what, they did not know

End Canto 10

End The Third Part

The Fourth Part

Canto I (5/18/01 Edit: 10/15/03)

A small rain cloud lingered in affection

Ere Sari left his thoughts when in detection

He sensed coming now drawing to his door

A number that he had been waiting for

Since large ship espied drawing nigh into the bay

He guessed they perhaps had came by his way

He had watched a small cloud form alone

And block the light behind that shone

Gleaming a delicate burning white blue

From the shores of Barmandou

At once too jolly and deep wise

One glance at his face you could surmise

Bright colorings in swirling displays

So much to see it would take days

As a museum of great things and the bizarre

Sari had brought these things from near and far

Now resting against chair or on wall

He knew their number, loved them all

Anything with beauty or something strange

An acquisition he sought to arrange

He walked by a wall with mirror wide

Staring deeply into it he spied

The company of three drawing near his path

“Oh no!” he cried,”and before my bath?”

Quickly he changed into his sage robe

Removing the shirt claiming “I climbed mount Strobe”

Smiling as he cast it aside

“a long walk… But what a ride”

he called the trip back when into whirlpool they fell

When that boat was sank in the swell

but there was that guy whose name was unknown

yet in his eyes the blue fire shone

who didn’t know how to eat with fork

or the difference between chicken and pork

but at his call the dolphins to his aid did draw

in truth those fish had saved them all

or his fish perhaps more precise to say

for when he spoke they did obey

and bore us to the isle coast to the west

he thanked them at our request

but oh what a ride, what a tale could be told

now the rap at the door not meek but bold

“Guests so soon, guests again

Right past the parting of my eternal friend”

Sari spoke softly of the one they sought

Suspecting as much in secret thought

Rushing now towards the door he felt it unkind

To bid them wait so if they did not mind

He commanded the door open as he passed wind chime

Was such a sound greeting the companions the first time

“coming coming” Sari spoke as he did dash

But in his movements hasty and rash

He stepped into the red paint on the floor

An experiment he had forgotten the day before

The lights in the room did suddenly flare

The horns in the corner began to blare

“Its not an intruder its me its me”

He whispered toward minions that none could see

The sound ceased when Sari drew nigh

First meeting the pilgrim, eye to eye

“A-ha!” The strange fellow exclaimed and bowed low

“Worthy of such an honor? I hardly know

But welcome in to this my home

Rest weary from the trouble through which you roam

And if wisdom or knowledge you have to share

I plead for it until no more my mind can bear!”

He swept his arm out wide welcoming them enter

They marveled at the room with large globe in the center

As it moved with a nigh imperceptible spin

They noted their location and whence they had been

For indeed the whole isle glowed eerily strange

Knowing glances did the sages exchange

So distracted by the nature of the place

Druid and mage looked about in case

Any small thing should escape the eye

It was nigh too much for one to try

To intake all that was there to see

“ a lifetime it has taken me”

sari thought feeling their mind

wonder about each object in kind

he too looked around in play

the pilgrim laughed knowing not what to say

for of all the wonders perhaps he ranked first

with ponderous fate both blessed and cursed

when Murrien’s eyes spotted the sage’s head

turning about wildly instead

of looking at them she laughed aloud

patting Lorien bringing him from his cloud

knowing they had lost themselves in wonder

in marvel at the sage’s plunder

“Do forgive our state of amaze

it is strange in so many ways”

Spoke Lorien then softly to sage

And each that moment took of the other gauge

Sari nodded, feeling the weight immense

And spoke then clearly without pretense

“I would hear of your journey; everywhere you have been

But in truth I know and you know within

That most that come to my door bring request

With answer secure then oft in zest

Must be off and away in haste

No time for tales remain to waste

For as life passes, it drags time in tow

So tell me then what you would know

So that you may be off if it needs be

One should not miss appointments with destiny”

End Canto 1

Canto II (7/22/01 Edit:10/15/03)

The silence that lingered was then unsure

Till Murrien spoke with voice demure

“Fair Drayla, city of soft light

Indeed was the port of our last sight

But in the fair unending gloam

Found we not for which reason we roam

For the place of Tarlin, ancient and grey

Is the knowledge which may yet sway

If our travels are to be short and at end

Or if still they are just nigh to begin

In hopes of secrets he may possess

It is his person on which we obsess

So to then your door were we bid to come

And perhaps you can help if but some

For in those halls of wisdom long held

No clues were from us withheld

But that he was coming to pass this way

Ere departing, ancient and grey

And if but of late he was taken leave of thee

Then toward him must we flee

For ancient knowledge we desire and seek

Into the past we need peak

For even the bard Beligi in vision seen

Spoke not quite what the markings did mean

When the neckwear of Lorien he spied

Marveling at what secrets it did confide

“Ere my time, these words unknown

though with deep-magic it ghostly shone

Find Tarlin who was aged in my youth

No finer there be a legend sleuth”

These were the words of bard so wise

The secrets he could not surmise

Or at least would not there say

What power within holds sway

So as dark darkness on Lorien fell

We have chased sun moon and stars as well

Seeking the illumination of one elven light

That we might put an end to this dreadful plight”

Sari had listened with attentive ear

Sometimes leaning forward and near

His brow knitted up like woven flax

Then settling back he did relax

Shaking his head as he began to reflect

In his minds the dots would connect

Such names to say at once and the one in brown

His soft face hardened in frown

Of the nature of this, he felt ever more unease

At the tale being told by those from across the seas

Now questions came then to Sari’s mind

Perhaps answers to others help find

But first his words were expected with dread

“Indeed my friends Tarlin has long fled

To be seen by our ilk I think not once more

Unless even more surprises remain in store

But his life has been long and longer still

And his end was granted as was his will

Now if you would allow me to inquire

That perhaps a new path we may inspire

Beligi you have seen and to Drayla you have been

Might I inquire how then this all did begin?”

Companions three looked at another and back

Then Lorien spoke of the place that they did track

“When the high festival time did expire

Was when this did transpire

Into a cave small but strange

Did Beligi our trip arrange

For a purpose his own which we accomplished indeed

And while there this necklace was freed

By my hands in the dark dread

And then placed lightly over my head

Alas since, the strength I have none

To undo what then I had done

Through its links is a power fierce and great

But worse may be my curse and fate

For dark voice lingers in my mind

Peace is difficult now to find

The mighty bard and others cured not my bane

Revealing not the secret to the chain

So about my neck it rests still

Heavy to hand, and to skin but chill”

When Lorien had made through his part

Sari too felt wretched in heart

For if some problem had began a year before

Off it would be then to Tarlin’s door

But twas now a path lost to rhyme

So Sari thought as clock did chime

“Indeed see I why Tarlin one would seek

For as would I, head bowed and meek

Choose to ask his thoughts on this matter deep

Hoping some of his wisdom into my mind might seep

Now a new way to this puzzle must be taken

Lest all our hopes be deeply shaken

I ask that you take a time to rest in this place

And other tales we can share face to face

While I in my tomes a hint shall beg

That more directed be the step of your leg

Let my house be a haven for study or rest

Indeed dinners are always the best

Until hope for an answer is more clear

Hospitality is all I have I fear”

The three caught the other pairs of eyes

And from what each could then surmise

This plan seemed for now their hope

While Sari for clues did books there scope

And it was then conceded

That rest and study were needed

So in the many rooms of wondrous sights

Did the companions spend there a few nights

End Canto 2

Canto Three (Aug 18 2001 Edit:10/15/03)

At the end of a days only a few

Sari read and thought on what he should do

And up he came to Lorien’s side

His anticipation he could not hide

If you would allow an incantation of sort

This curse perhaps we thwart

If I fail it would mean dark pain

But your life will almost certainly remain

Then of this noose you might be free

If not then revealed to me

Shall be the color of the power held within

And more smartly, we could think again

Lorien agreed this should be done

So aimlessly no more should they run

“Indeed fair sage your idea has appeal

That this power I might repeal

For the might and temptation are always great

But having no control this enslavement I hate

I feel guided by designs not my own

And worse its power has ever grown”

As spoke he who danced with the dead

The pilgrim rested there her head

Fist to chin she reflected in deep

Feeling the concerns therein seep

This dark power had chosen well

A home for its place to dwell

Driven by powerlust Lorien does live

Such a one to these powers give

Where he less wise and had not the stone within

Lose they would ere they begin

Neither good nor bad, he takes no stance

In such a one there would be no chance

Save his desire to design his path

And be not slaved to another’s wrath

Into the hearts where both pilgrim and druid fled

As Lorien and Sari spoke of the dread

That hung about the neck laying loose

For his soul a tighting noose

And with Lord Kerchal pilgrim did commune

For from its voice she was not immune

Sweet as desert water to the ear

She was wise enough to fear

Seeking the sounds within her mind

That the voice could never hope to find

Murrien too dove into her spirit world

As the danger before her unfurled

To fair Dransik she fled in haste

Lest the voice of her make waste

And even there turbulence she found

In his voice a worried sound

“Even Kerchal knows not why

Across the plains of time they fly

The bear that one does not oppose

Save by fools and this is fate for those

Murrien Murrien we shall do what we can

To balance against this new plan

That the world has designed to lay bare

And it is your fate to find yourself there”

Murrien had never felt herself quite so near

Though had never thought an immortal to fear

Now she could harbor not a doubt

Yet what was this quite about?

The question remained on the edge of thought

For Sari had the assurances they sought

And toward his basement they all now went

Ahead to prepare, Arnold he had sent

Spirit power or ghost, Arnold served with aid

Sari’s personal cook and maid

When in the basement they did alight

Arnold had the room just right

A black powder circle in which Lorien would stand

Another in which Sari would land

Two white circles so that the others might see

(And rush sudden aid if needs be…)

Once all were in their positions, Sari began to speak

And at first held quiet and meek

Growing in power his face did strain

The room filled with a mist like rain

Bolts of red and black from the necklace did pass

And over the roar Sari’s voice did surpass

Then formed in the mist and light

A ponderous and mystical sight

And to each’s mind the lights fell

Different images each to tell

And in no mind was anything the same

Except for perhaps the coursing pain

Then with shouts all the four had crumbled

Sari awoke first slightly stumbled

Awaking each with gentle tap

Each wondered why did their strength there sap

Back up stairs so weary

Tired, broken, almost dreary

Sari spoke first a warning to heed

“Of what you saw never feel need

To speak of it to another or dare

For therein lies your deep snare

I’ve seen them all and prophecy they be

Keep them at heart and the sight you will see

A small warning of that coming which is dread

Do not twist fate or find yourself dead

For your path is lined with death

Forces come to squeeze your breath

For a god has been expelled from the rank

And of mortality he has again drank

Craving his power again he has sent a call

To the most potent item in his thrall

About your neck it now sits in wait

Drawing you towards that fate

Only his end breaks the power it holds

Even at your death it never folds

Raising you up in but a day’s time

Completely enslaved to its riddle and rhyme

No, this fallen immortal but be the one to fall

These are there the things I saw”

End Canto Three

Canto Four

(May 24^th 2002 Edit:10/15/03)

In Lorien’s mind lived now voices two

The outsider and his own he knew

A new sound came of Sari softly saying

“See a part now of the plans he is laying”

Lorien’s thoughts returned to the wonders before

And remembrance when came that knock at the door

Ranusan’s words again and again replayed

From what fate was it he could not be stayed?

News I have both great and ill

How fate now plots against your will

An immortal that is undying no more

Seeks your doom and your store

For such it is the path they must take

That mighty powers must they leave in the wake

When crossing the gulf from life to undying

On you such a one is spying

For mortal she shall be till this one she regains

Wherein much of her power yet remains

The essences bubbling herein in blue

Contains her own immortal hue

For she alone does it grant this end

Then death to her no errand can send

The essence one cannot dare release

For doom on us all, shattering the peace

And to her at once would it flee

Then woe to you and woe to me

For he knows of us as we know of him

And regaining his might we’d fall before his whim

In seeking these truths are we now uncovered

Moving soon from where she has hovered

I am certain that the pursuit has begun

Before even the incantation was done

Though the worst I have now had chance to speak

A new misfortune into the vision did leak

Already I begin to feel the sap

As into the magic fount someone did tap

Pulling its powers towards hisself alone

Some dark path begins to moan

Pulling us all towards its way

Hoping to weaken so that we must stay

How this was done I could not guess

Just even now I feel my might less

When your invocations you pronounce

Notice perhaps if just the ounce

Is there missing from before

But say little of this I implore

For this might while opposed to you

Is perhaps not allied yet with the evil hue

That dances lightly in the crystal well

That doth about you neck now dwell

Tidings of hope I have now none

Only to say much must now be done

Depart soon you must not be here

Someone is coming painfully clear

Sari’s hand went to his head in pain

Though the trail of his voice did remain

There is the strange unspeakable end

Which your coming may now portend

Your number is beyond peculiar strange

The twisting of legend that does derange

Sari’s voice trailed speaking to his thoughts instead

Unclear it is where this all has led

You come to my door as Tarlin departs

Having left Drayla to the younger hearts

An immortal somehow cast down

In whose mortal power we might yet drown

What nature of foe wields might as daring

To bring down one as though he were snaring

A hunter with harmless foe

Driving madly through the snow

Sari’s words grew more distant still

But faster more intense was his will

Pushed by need or purpose immense

What new thing is this I now sense

Sari’s voice seemed no longer his own

And in his face a light now shone

We are coming we are coming the night draws nigh

Raise up your banners and fly them high

A sleeping world shall not long now slumber

Arise all you waiting and join our number

The distant sky shall split asunder

We come we come

We come like thunder

Sari’s voice returned to its softer state

Ah dear friend we cannot here wait

The heavens themselves are now shaking

It is your fate at which they are quaking

Remember yourself and hold that dear

The loss of that would confirm all fear

The forces of this world begin to align

to say how, such power is not mine

Listen to yourself and your companions two

Much of this world shall be remade anew

Ere the end of this matter grows clear

Now I insist you must be away from here

These words and thoughts in Lorien’s mind came

The others it seemed had communed the same

For all on Sari their eyes did alight

Till he spoke that they must take flight

What to the others had Sari in mind spoke

What visions for them had they awoke

When this path they took without knowing

What fate would come then bestowing

Even now the gifts still wrapped

As the world each day it seemed they mapped

Now off so soon and once more

More uncertain of what was in store

Lorien’s mind then to the present returned

When Sari spoke aloud his voice concerned

Never again find his mind returned

To wonder what it was the others may have learned

End Canto Four

Canto Five

June 7 2002

Edit: 10/15/03

While in Lorien’s mind Sari dwelt

His presence also the lady had felt

This wanderer in brown with eye so deep

Listened in quiet as his voice did creep

Soft slow and without life’s spirit

She stilled her self the better to hear it

Regarding his face as his thoughts did flow

Less and less color it did ever show

His eyes falling; falling deeper into his head

He spoke of glory, he spoke of the dead

“Your footstep awoke as here you did land

A harrowing doom each imprint on the sand

The waves could wash them anew

Yet the earth shook all the way through

Of what I have seen much I could say

Though your views go farther along the way

For the one whose ear you hold

Sees afar with wisdom so bold

The path of your company runs into the mist

Dangers and darings too many to list

And one stop along that endless trail

Shall my blood at last fail

Not a small number until we count that day

And when it comes my part, I will play

Yet until then remains there much to be done

Many preparations before that battle could be won

For some path will continue on from there

While the other a prey, caught in the snare

Will wither and perish the first storm is past

But rumblings from the heavens, it is not the last

I know you hear it as all of your ilk are prone

Though I marvel that you have come here alone

Understood neither by you nor I suppose I

And for myself I dare not question why

“One wandering alone

Until the light is shone”

Within my mind upon my fear

Then help arrives for you my dear

Hold yourself steady fight the despair

Hear the winds voice be ever aware

The first storm shall bring the lands down low

The second one even the wise cannot know

When that last banner is there unfurled

Into what chaos will we then be hurled”

Sari was quiet almost from her mind withdrew

Yet a bit more remained in her heart she knew

His depth of vision was beyond all telling

And in what thoughts now was he therein dwelling

Quoting a prophecy he could not know

What other things would he soon show

Of the heavens and earths new rage

What might come from the wisdom of this sage

His voice as weak as before

He began speaking once more

His eyes now empty of fire

Speaking of matters grim and dire

“We are coming we are coming the night draws nigh

Raise up your banners and fly them high

A sleeping world shall not now long slumber

Arise all you waiting and join our number

The distant sky shall split asunder

We come we come

We come like thunder”

One of the immortals in a distant part

Seeks your companion with a subtle start

But as memory returns on a mortal’s ways

Your fortune has run out of days

What power brought him low I tremble to wonder

And what is this distant voice of slumber?

These matters marvel but their time is not here

Dazzle at them is as a trap I fear

This is but one foe of many you carry

I know another your steps do harry

Enough heed I cannot here pay

For his might grows, holding more sway

His name is muffled on the wind a time still

But how long till even it is at his will

I show more fear than perhaps I would

But more I have know that you should

Your fear is a matter of your own

I know well enough it will not be shown

But your hand was in this matter from before the start

And the curtain falls not till you have played you part

I am sure in the one whose ear you hold

This and more you have oft been told

But know no small thing has been begun

A coming battle that must be won

Mighty is the part of this three

And far greater than that by me

But all must be in their place

If this fate we hope to face”

The wanderer maintained her stoic calm

Which even now was not a balm

For the whirling she felt in her heart

When Sari had finished with his part

Her strength had never yet failed

Though she felt her courage had paled

Of the heavens storm and sudden peace

Her fears she did not unleash

But some great matter was at debate

Uncertain times, uncertain fate

How again had they come for so long a while

Only to find more danger with each passing mile

End Canto Five

Canto Six

June 14, 2002

Edit: 10/15/03

Murrien o Murrien sari in her mind then spoke

A ringing sadness some agony he awoke

The heavens are all a tremble

And you find your self here, sad but nimble

Even Dransik, who holds your heart

Wonders if the heavens be torn apart

For what reason did fate play you so cruel

in the future days dark what will be your fuel

Wars in the heavens where would you stand

Dark fate falling where will you land

Caught in the mess you should not be

Though not all days can the wise see

Your story everwinding grows one with pain

A lesser would be broken no longer sane

Breaking not the test grows ever more

Doom has followed ever from your door

Where first was home from hence you fled

But not fast enough it seems you then sped

With each day more twisted lies your fate

Traps set full of misfortune agony in wait

Murrien o Murrien why have you passed this way

Reason I know could not now sway

For you and your rightful lord as well

Now caught eternally in history’s fouls spell

To you I know no offer to help cope

To you I know no offer of hope

Time is raging with its horrid designs

Though choices lie before along many lines

Worry not what drink from which chalice

For all hold only life’s cruel malice

The visions I have seen offer no consolation

Life is soon but dismal desperation

And while the final hour might be delayed

Both of us are here betrayed

An immortal, a master of hate

Soon seen when he can ready the date

Towards that end we both now tumble

While for some great purpose the heavens rumble

It is but the smallest that makes up the sand

Ignored dismissed as the waves find land

To throw down roots I have proven too weak

And I will be washed away with all the meek

There is space for you, a moment perhaps

That escape you might if you do not lapse

For Dransik and others may not last

If all dark things I know come too fast

Labors must be made to delay this time

Plains to walk, mountains to climb

Weary or not seek rest for no cause

At moments of desperations do not pause

Heed the voices you hear in earth and air

Songs of beauty exceedingly rare

The curse of Lorien is a doom for us all

If to death and beyond he should fall

Love and hate is a well mixed drink

For him about right I do think

But his doom you must diligently forestall

From him beware of withdrawal

Tidings are foul and darker still

That pursed he is by another’s will

Even speaking now we spend one chance

But share I must of my vision and trance

That you might know what you should

Perhaps though more than you would

Murrien o Murrien why did life ensnare

One that it seems never to spare

Murrien o Murrien why did you pass this way

How will you escape the doom that day

When this matter is settled for good or ill

Where many find death as I will

And even as I bemoan things that draw near

Off in the distance a song I hear

Voices strange and wondrous awaken the mind

What so far off is it we could find

Sari’s face rose to ethereal light

As a moon on clearing night

His voice came from a place wholly new

Rings with a pureness known by a few

As if another place and time now spoke through his lips

Sweetly and slowly as honey drips

“We are coming we are coming the night draws nigh

Raise up your banners and fly them high

A sleeping world shall not now long slumber

Arise all you waiting and join our number

The distant sky shall split asunder

We come we come

We come like thunder”

When rage and anger begin to swell

Feel there no need it to dispel

For of the gathered in your company three

Betrayed the most by fate you see

Is wondrous Murrien whom the fates despise

Her fierce spirit and hopeful eyes

End Canto Six

Canto Seven

September 29, 2002

Edit:10/15/03

Slowly life crept back into the form

With each hour the blood again did warm

Arsed’s head arose and eyes did burn

And what had transpired he soon did learn

So lost in his own thought caught unaware

Easily the small group did then ensnare

How they came to this forsaken place

And further in battle him to face

These things he guessed not nor mused at length

But rather stewed as returned his strength

Long separate had he hidden away

Lost in himself and there to stay

Proceeding well without ambition or drive

No great goal towards which to strive

And yet without interest had he grown great

This placid concoction was now stirred by fate

Lost now his treasures he did desire

To have them again he did aspire

And this simple wish of a blackhearted soul

Caused his mind to burn like heated coal

And so burning he began to study and seek

All knowledges both great and meek

Of Ranusan’s prodigy he came to know

And knew from whence his power did flow

Tapping the power of the dead as well

Arsed studied as his wisdom did swell

But a new trick was learned by this obsessed mind

One which none other was yet to find

Lorien like all others who shared his trade

Formed creations which by this power was made

The power in the dead was shaped and placed

Into forms and bodies leaving the enemy in waste

Almost as a sculptor releasing art from rock

So too the power of the dead they did unlock

But Arsed in his brilliant now mad state

Driven by desire melting into hate

Found this power needed not to take form

As was always done as was always the norm

Rather the pure energy could be held and seen

Hovering a black pulsing shimmering

This discovery at first brought him no delight

Until he learned how it could increase his might

That this energy could be held in his own store

Returning to the dead never more

Giving him a power he can increase

Holding it forever, it will never cease

And beyond this an added gift

That since now there is less power to sift

That practioners of this black art

Find their creations having less heart

In particular one called Lorien who carved

His forces from this power dread

Would see his spells now starved

And then himself joining the dead

This brought Arsed what he accounted joy

Though not too soon would he unleash this toy

For with this necklace Lorien’s power would grow

Much about its might did Arsed know

Its source he knew to be an immortal wonder

Who had fashioned it that he might be torn asunder

From the mortal bonds of life and its end

Rather to the immortal planes would it send

The one who could fashion such a thing

And such power to its possessor it could bring

If one could resist the crafter’s call

Which might go out should the maker fall

To this end Arsed had hoped to learn

If the necklace still had power to burn

But much was afoot Arsed could not see

Hidden even from a mind great as he

That a wanderer walked at Lorien’s side

A fact from him that Beligi did hide

As all of those that take that path

Are hidden to avoid the mighty wrath

Who fear those pilgrims with pure soul

Dreading what might be their goal

But even further another thing Arsed did not know

Though soon time this truth would show

That the crafter of the necklace had called of late

Needing again this metal mate

To escape this mortal ground

For from the heavens with great sound

Had he been cast down with much disdain

By one whose name I must refrain

From saying here for it is not my will

To have the same seek myself to spill

Lower in form than I have as such

Fearing already I have said too much

His might and wisdom increased with his wrath

And much Arsed destroyed that crossed his path

The rest he subjected under his hand

And they scoured for Lorien in every land

Desiring the necklace taken when he came

And another was seeking the same

End Canto Seven

Canto Eight

September 30, 2002

Edit: 10/15/03

Sari gathered around him the three

To reveal the doom revealed to he

Each in a chair so soft and large

Purchased in the marketplace of Defarge

They gathered their places he his thought

And revealed the knowledge he had sought

Wisdom came, but was dearly bought…

For Sari’s eyes gleamed a bit less bright

His expression showed memories of fright

And thus it was as he cleared the throat to speak

So it appeared as the knowledge he now did leak

“The wanderer here must surely know

Perhaps however choosing not to show

That those that we know of immortal kind

Were once as us of mortal mind

But through the acquisition of power and might

Thrust themselves above a mortal plight

Much there is to this immortal lore

And indeed it all might seem a bore

Except one thing that can come to be

That immortality can be lost and flee

Of this all such mighty are indeed aware

So a precaution is made against this snare

That before the ascension is come to past

One final work is made at the last

The reserve of might and wisdom there stored

A precious artifact valued beyond any horde

To those that follow the new god a treasure

Valued and protected beyond all measure

For if the immortal should come to lose his place

This one artifact should save his face

Giving him again his immortal post

Returning then to his lordly host

This bit of knowledge is closely kept

Over its truth many deaths are wept

That you know this now always hold it near

For slay you many would from out of fear

But this doom is but the least of your worry

And the rest of the tale should now hurry

The craft resting about the head

Is such an artifact I know and dread

And there is more to the lore I possess

And tis this that does ever depress

The artifacts thought filled with power

Do not always make one so cower

For when inactive tis a necklace alone

And easily off it would then be thrown

But when active it takes a death grip

Each day the life of the wearer it does sip

And such is Lorien’s present plight

But matters are worse, you must soon take flight!

The necklace is active I have revealed

But how it is so yet remains sealed

Till now I avoid our cursed fate

But now speak though the truth I hate

Active it is for its maker has called

And on its path it has now been stalled

On its way to him was the bearer waylaid

Then to the previous owner where hidden it stayed

For who had it before you had designs of his own

And yet more must his knowledge have grown

For concealed seems his efforts to unleash its worth

And then to a new god would it have given birth

But now revealed the new bearer be

I fear all because of me

For though my lore on such matters is wide

Know not do I how my studies to hide

So now as I speak we must all reckon

That through a power now doth beckon

A cast down god seeks in anger and wrath

That which you wear upon your path”

Sari’s voice trailed away as he trembled

A broken man he now resembled

Wrestling with powers he did not expect

Destroyed would be one less worthy of respect

To deal with such powers this world had few

Now the questions of what more he knew

Dransik’s Murrien had sat in peace

The green lord’s comfort did never cease

As she heard the tale of despair

She remained protected in his sacred lair

First she was to speak as Lorien sat now white

And the wanderer sought the path of light

“How came these matters to be

That a god be made like you and me

What events cause such to pass

That an immortal be made human and crass

And further could not the jewelry be offered up

And thus avoid the bitter cup

Of a god’s wrath that seeks to impede

Offer now advice, give us a lead”

Sari heard the question he awaited

“Much ill I fear is fated

For retuning to mortal lands is a rare day

And almost never from a battle sway

Though in legends it is done by desire

Or so the bards claim when they inspire

But then the crafted necklace would not so soon be called

For instantly it was asked but was then stalled

No some great strife in the heaven’s was about

Even greater than the gods no doubt

Was a power I tried to see

But a blinding flash rejected me

‘We are coming we are coming the night draws nigh

Raise up your banners and fly them high

A sleeping world shall not now long slumber

Arise all you waiting and join our number

The distant sky shall split asunder

We come we come

We come like thunder’

That refrain in the distance I heard

Fearing and marveling at every word

But as for returning the thing no option there

This immortal would then you ensnare

An arrogant god of death and pain she would be

And such she desires to share with you and me

No only she or you from this time can emerge

And for the other but a dirge

She has not sat idly while in wait

But rather driven by bitterness and hate

Forces she is assembling among her priests

Battle they seek and hold war feasts

Hurry now you must flee

Off towards Lara and the golden sea”

End Canto Eight

Canto Nine

October 2, 2002

Edit:10/15/03

At the name of Lara Sari’s face grew bright

Suddenly departed his heavy fright

And his voice grew soft though still yet strong

Unable to stop it seemed from his song

He whispered lovingly of the golden sea

Where there awaiting Lara would be

“Lara fair wonder of all this world

Waiting now where the golden waters swirled

Who is accounted of all things most wise

Since wondrous Pem found her demise

Her place ever now is rightly your own

That same seat from whence her brilliance shone

In the golden waters where lie the five

Deep in the waters we all might dive

But if your will is found to oppose

None shall find where you take repose

When time arises that fate does not call

Your wisdom and eye to be fixed on all

But time shall come when you hear the cry

Then you fated there go to die

Your deeds transfixed ever then in rhyme

But we pray too soon comes not the time

Long in the days where elf memories are dim

Circle was made for the golden sea a rim

The golden river secrets and life it brings

Whispering of the past and to you it sings

Bringing tidings of the worlds joy and woe

And inquiries into the things you know

Most blessed and wise the audience you grant

And lovely the flowers in the ring you plant

When in other guise you there wander alone

Removed from the weight of the throne

Most wondrous whose past runs true and deep

We come now even if the sea we must leap

For needs grow pressing and the world does shake

Matters that make even the mighty quake

So forgive if we do now encumber

But we beg that you now not slumber

The golden wings spread, from the sea you rise

The world draws quiet and all then surmise

That great need has drawn ever nigh

The fate of the world the reason you fly

The sun grows weak with your luster unveiled

A light before which all have paled

We sing to you fondly for we must soon sail

To the golden sea where all is accounted pale

Before the beauty and peace found there

In the lands held by the one most fair

Who there as been since the shattering came

Of Pem whose perishing in her own flame

Turned the hands of fate from bringing its doom

To the marvel Obelieus giving him room

To fashion that which he had in his hands

To save the rocks grasses and sands

From the ill that from out the past had crept

Suddenly on the world it had leapt

Under ill stars and with no hope in thought

Pem gave battle ere Obelieus could be sought

And so Pem fell that we might be ensured

That this world could have endured

And such is the sad future you see

Knowing such a day will come to thee

The promise of the beyond is unclear

And so for many life is held too dear

So you too shall fall to tip the scale

And if we endure the world shall wail

Of Lara, beyond all things most fair

Who sat in wisdom in her hidden lair

Hidden deep below the golden sea

Inside the great ring, where beauty be

This great sea by the gods was made

A guess at least for that which does not fade

For when first seen, it was the earth’s crown

And never from the head does it come down

There sits in rest dragon Lara in peace

Until her might she has need to release

A day that arises only in great fear

And hope we all it draws never near

Earth protector, dragon of gold

Who has watched over the days of old

Soon some will pass your way

And see what wisdom you might display

Consider with care what you would impart

For this matter brings a dark heart

Foul is the matter I do perceive

I hope the danger you might relieve

My new friends I now send to the sea

That forever shall golden be

To Lara, dragon in this world most fair

And she will guide them while they are there”

Sari’s discourse was then at an end

And towards Lara he would them send

But his knowledge of the place was no aid

For few had seen where Lara had laid

Her places could only be sought

When allowed by her thought

And Sari confirmed she was waiting

And any delay they should be hating

At the docks passage was found

That would get them close to the ground

That they believed themselves to seek

But too near not for the courage was meek

None dared pass to close to the isles

Which guarded the last several miles

Before the ringed isle could be reached

So far few had ever breached

Thus were two ships taken in the flower sea

One for the sailors a guide to be

The other would when the time had arrived

Be left to the those towards the isle they strived

For none other would dare draw nigh

To the Golden sea where Lara does lie

With much sorrow at parting Sari bid farewell

But with joy for at least a spell

Traveled the three along the way

For a new friend they had gained that day

One of many of which they would have need

As the wheel of fortune gained more speed

End Canto Nine

Canto Ten

October 5, 2002

Edit: 10/15/03

The waters grow dark, the lights fall low

When into these water one does go

For round about the fog does descend

Hiding all, fate foe and friend

The compass does not hold steady still

The winds uneven, guided by some powers will

Few willingly dare the sea of isles

Fearing they cannot pass the trials

Of a hundred isles deep shrouded in mist

In angry seas the craft will list

Until upon one of the isles the ship is ashore

Then forgotten as they return no more

Whatever power that here holds sway

Allows none to dare pass this way

In this sea you find only your end

There forgotten no memories to send

To the world this passage is ever shut

Even if not you would find a glut

O grounded ships crashed on the coast

And if somehow you lived you would not boast

To see the remains of the forgotten dead

Who dared to enter this waters dread

A few return to speak of the doom

Greater than even the descending gloom

For the waters are perilous to the lives of all

But greater still those of landfall

Every known isle is inhabited by one kind

That has only your death on its mind

Each isle a different flavor of demise

None are preferred you might surmise

All are hard hateful mighty and grim

There to destroy where the lights lay dim

These isles are treacherous hold not even their place

Gone in an hour leaving no trace

But hiding elsewhere in this fog of fate

Leaving only the sea’s spite and hate

For all that find themselves yet alive

Though not much longer the sea will strive

To allow you your place among the living to keep

Rather to bury you ashore or in the deep

The sea will battle until you are past

Leaving it’s waters or breathing your last

Tales of dragons of shades unknown

Too fast upon the ships they had flown

Unleashing fire and a great stone

Of the host come back one alone

The fleet of King Hirthern was thus no more

And not again did his councilors implore

To claim the sea as land of their own

For a greater power held than Hirthern’s throne

And from that host only one ship comes back

Tales of greater success we lack

For at most a few ever return

Mad with visions one can scarcely discern

What things they saw or what they dreamed

But all the same they cried and screamed

And from thus broken men we discern

What little of this place we claim to learn

Of the isles and the beasts that there reside

Of the secrets that within there hide

And if they only recall the tales of old

Or actually saw with their eyes so bold

One does not guess or desire to know

Even the legend is truly so

That in the deep of the misty sea

There the ringed isle truly be

A river they say flowing with gold

Like the Kerchal legend of old

And a sea of the color the same

But those waters they dared not tame

Though Kerchal spoke more but did not reveal

What he found the inner sea to conceal

But the mad claim to have seen the surface like glass

Violently rise up and forbid they pass

Unlike the Bard’s tale it grows in this place

Perhaps the golden sea they did come to face

And none of the mad to claim this vision

Stray at all from exact precision

Each of the ill fated sailors so cursed

Describe this the same, the darkest the worst

So Kerchal’s map we still hold dear

Even if to this place we draw not near

For indeed it seems there is a golden sea

But such a doom is not for me

I need not know if such legend is true

If debt for knowledge is my life and due

And why Kerchal was allowed to pass

Over the golden sea like glass

I will ask not and seek not to worry

Of matters that bring the sea so many to bury

But there is a sea all shrouded in death

Where men do sail to draw the last breath

In legend lore and prophecy it lives

But to those that enter only death it gives

So travel far but always away

From the sea where the isles hold sway

Where the unsleeping beast awaits to devour

Those that be fated so bitter and sour

No riches promised in the ancient rhyme

And only death is offered in this time

So admire the map and hear the tale

Always be free to wonder and well

But dare not ever therein to seek

No business we have the mortal and week

Rarely the gods dare therein to tread

So wander far but not to this dread

Too many wonders in this world to see

Perish not seeking one that may not be

Like black water to the south account this null

Unless you would hear the cracking hull

Ere your ship is by chilled fate then shread

And you join the endless number of dead

If your way grows dim near this track

Repent your course and then turn back

For the strength of the sea is poised in spite

And none withstand its fury and might

End Canto Ten

End The Fourth Part

The Fifth Part

Canto One

Thursday, October 10, 2002

Edit: 10/18/03

Off they went with crew hearty and hale

one ship well manned as they set sail

A smaller craft held scarce more than three

For doom they sought in the misty sea

Few would wander even by their side

Fearing that same fate they might abide

So the three like stricken lepers went

Only the barest of crew had the captain sent

To keep their small craft barely alight

Nothing to him if they were lost at night

But the three had this far prevailed

Not so easily would they be failed

So they learned the skill as each hour there waned

No room to fail after so long they pained

Skillful and wise each found in turn

A new task they had yet to learn

But aware and desperate they fainted never

Knowing that in the mists they would sever

From the larger ship that was now a guide

Also protection if any foes they spied

But they days passed with enemies none

And the three hoped allies they had won

Each hoping silently that the daily ease

Would mightily the other captain then please

And into the mists he would also dare

Ignoring old legends of what was there

Lieing in wait the sea angry and deep

And no doubt into his mind would creep

But one morning he came aship to meet

The three to one last time them entreat

That instead they came on the southward way

For the misty sea drew nigh this day

But too great the fear upon them laid

Of the future if cautious they played

Away to the south would be never secure

As long as this foul fate did endure

For Sari’s warning of an immortal’s wrath

Had laid clear the needed path

That darker roads must ever be sought

Taken even without reasoned thought

For they were now hunted with no ally

So ever into danger they must fly

Rather than wait to find the trap

They would discover only when it did snap

With them an hour did the captain hold court

Begging again their plans they to abort

But they held strong despite his plea

He parted saying “You be braver than me

Or more foolish I cannot guess

Perhaps though even less

For the sea she whispers not all is right

More than just the mist shrouded spite

Another thing has the waters troubled

The count of waves I believe is doubled

Since last I passed this nearby

The misty seas where sailors die

Forgive me that I must let you go

To what end I would fear to know

But my sailors, the bravest of heart

Would not for any play your part

And go in any manner into the gloom

That hovers over the seas of doom

But they say you have learned quick and well

And if you perish none will tell

That your trip was ended by lack in skill

Rather as before tis the sea that does kill

To the end of the mists we will stay tight

But part we must ere day is night

My crew shall to my ship now return

And sail you shall as you did learn

And into the mists you pass from view

Travel with care to that you must do”

With sad fear in his voice he trailed away

Gathered his men to his ship to stay

Many friendships quickly formed ever there parted

Sailors bowed deep to the three strong hearted

Who dared the misty seas to tempt with deeds

Knowing not how driven they were with needs

For willingly into that dark goes none

Less great deeds call to be done

And even then it is without desire

Guessing not what will soon transpire

So a flagless craft, petit and small

Followed one with masts so tall

And canons ready to ever defend

But no such energy did they expend

But rather came slowly to a still

A distant mist all hope did kill

A black fierce cloud was there hovered

The entire horizon this doom covered

The three manned their small craft astride

The Merdimino, her captain’s pride

The entire crew stood in reverence

To the three at this severance

No more words were offered only glances

To three sailors deep in trances

As their small craft passed out of vision

And a moment of doubt in the decision

To follow the path long intended

So much had their courage been mended

By Murrien princess of the sea

They dubbed this druid that did not flee

From her place manning sail and ship

Sure hands that never did slip

By Lorien who all knowledge had begged

While across the deck daily he legged

Nothing by him accounted to small

He came to be loved by all

And the brown lady who spoke so rare

With piercing eyes that would flare

Unbreakable they named her as craft went by

But surely in this sea even she would die

When the mists swallowed them whole

The captain’s bell then did toll

The crew gathered to hear what he might say

Thinking he would chose to follow their way

“Follow them I know is your desire

When boldly they sailed I felt that fire

But mettle not into their fate

For we all sense it grows now great

And if they from these mists reappear

Know we all great fate is near

And we all have well played our part

But for now we must depart

For in such matters tis best to not mettle

Such things are for the mighty to settle

And three of the mighty we account as friended

I think we all suspect this be not ended”

So then Merdimino southward bore

Daring those troublesome mists no more

Captain Larzamuhk at home on the sea

His mind often returning to those three

End Canto One

Canto Two

Wednesday, October 16, 2002

Edit: 10/18/03

Into the misty gloom now they sailed

Fear swept about them but hearts never failed

Murrien’s hand held steady on the helm

As the fierce waters tried to overwhelm

The two manning the ship grimly at whiles

Facing the anger of the sea of isles

The small craft violently thrown about

The seas wrath leaving their life in doubt

And in the dark ahead without alarm

A danger appeared in order to harm

An isle rose up, jagged rocky shore

The sea determined to suffer them no more

Suddenly quiet the wind grew still

Leaving but the water, and it meant ill

Picked up by a growing sea wall

Pointing for the shore and the end of all

And all would then have passed away

Save the might of Lorien on that day

A few words he spoke in haste and fear

As their rocky doom grew ever near

And at the moment all would be lost

When violently upon the rocks they were tossed

The ship hovered unharmed in the air

Softly landing avoiding the snare

Set by the sea which for now recoiled

Brooding darkly, its first efforts spoiled

Quickly they scrambled to avoid the next wave

A final effort to make this shore their grave

But the sea fell short its wrath fell to waste

Another time if their blood it would taste

Huddled upon a cliff fearing the shore

It was decided in brief to explore

For the sea rocked in fearsome wrath

That it had not stopped them on this path

Or broke their ship on the jagged stone

Leaving them dead or ashore alone

With pale wonder they began to walk

So black the landscape they did not talk

Dead and harsh, seemingly blast with ash

All the same when the lightning did flash

On further a structure distantly seen

Great pillars of black, smooth and clean

Rose in a circle deep into dark grey skies

Deathly fear it would bring to lesser eyes

“That way” the pilgrim first to dare speak

She led them on through path unseen and bleak

With each glimmer of ever dim light

The spires rose, pillars of great fright

Then when they reached the circular ring

Perhaps twenty strides the other side would bring

Stepped first the lady into the circle of dread

Next entered Lorien who fell as if dead

Murrien and the pilgrim stopped and turned

Confused at first but soon they learned

As before them a voice in ghostly guise

Spoke as figures began to arise

“He is accursed and his life we claim…”

“Then you must take mine all the same”

Replied the pilgrim, her voice filled with wrath

Turning in fury whipping her staff

Before her it became a glowing light

The figures recoiled at this sight

Murrien as well taken aback

Now pulled her sword in the black

For a space all things quiet fell

As though neither side could yet tell

What turn next this meeting must take

The wind did not howl, the ground did not shake

The voice spake again, the tension broke

And Lorien moaned and was awoke

By the words “Arise but soon be away

We shall not quarrel with you this day

But lover of the art of death be gone

For death here is all we have known

For you have come to this shore

Where be the ghosts of Derkinmore

Cursed forever bitterly we reside

Here in these mists our folly to hide”

Lorien now stood and all paid heed

To words of treacherous deed

How the Derkinmore for power betrayed

A great kingdom long ago waylaid

By grim powers, hatred and fear

To whom the Derkinmore played friends so dear

Only to reveal weaknesses, betray and lie

Hearing not the sounds of a fair nation die

Ears ever closed by greed, spite, and lust

Left now forever rotting in this black dust

But on one matter they would not speak

Of those whom they left power to seek

The nation they say was accounted great

And we returned nothing but hate

“Eternal misery is how the gods chose to bind

But even that is perhaps fate too kind”

A deep regret was felt by the three

In the Derkinmore’s eternal misery

Ghostly faces downcast in shame

Recalling the part in which they held blame

With each admission the pain grew more

Till at last the spirit did implore

“Please leave us here and go

Your mission is elsewhere we know

The sea’s wrath is kindled still

But it is no longer our place to kill

But the sea tests us well

And far too often we still fail

There will be no new blood this day

On my hands that I can never wash away”

And with that the spirits fell faded into mist

The only sound, the wind which hissed

Calling them back to their quest

And away at Derkinmore’s behest

Spirits who mourned in regretful spite

Watched as the three went to the shore that night

Each taking up their proper post

And the ship was put to water by the host

Of bitter spirits once mighty and fair

Who now forever are rotting there

Watched them go out into the gloom

That lies ever over the sea of doom

End Canto Two

Canto Three

Thursday, October 17, 2002

Edit : 11/5/03

The ghastly figures of Derkinmore

Ever regretful guarding the shore

Watched then with sorrow as went the three

Into the dark of the misty sea

Three who would speak forever no more

Of the pale figures of Derkinmore

Damned eternal with sorrow and bile

Ever forgotten on their gloomy isle

They rage and regret with unending hate

For to their hearts sorrow came too late

The waters proved then no respite

For our three sailors on this night

Daring into the sea known for dread

Before them the black waters spread

As faded quickly like painful dream

A matter deep to ponder it would seem

Thoughts of the grim Derkinmore

Bound ever to that rocky shore

Such thoughts no time to entertain

For the sea intended to bring them pain

And thoughts of safe passage were vain

As they were tossed about with disdain

Murrien steady handed held the craft well

Reading the waves, their intent to foretell

Ere they crashed to break the humble ship

Woe would come were her mind to slip

But mightily she fared over troff and crest

Her crew ready for every request

Lady of the wood, mistress of the sea

Tell us again how you came to be

Captain of this ship in a sea of spite

You hand opposing the water’s great might

In the dark where all should be lost

As the small craft was fiercely tossed

Waves, furious waves long poised for the kill

Only held back by the strength of your will

A voice carrying clear and strong

Over the winds great howling throng

Never ordering only to ask

If someone could perform a task

For if not the trip was completed

And at last the three defeated

Your two companions laughed and complied

As the will of the sea you harshly defied

Scurrying about heeding your commands

The soft question instead of demands

As with each request, death was defied

Even as no end to the plight was spied

Your two companions shared many smiles

As you led them through the sea of isles

Lady of the wood, mistress of the sea

Reader of the waves, Princess to the tree

Dransik’s charge who mastered the storm

When all about the waves did swarm

Few have sailed with such need

And no sailor yet has matched your deed

Save perhaps the Kerchel bard of old

These waters he sailed we are told

But none other has fared so well

In all the stories old men tell

These waters still whisper your name

Mocking all who have since came

No greater captain these waters have known

No greater skill has this storm been shown

As was on display by these three

Who now dared the isle filled sea

Deeper now into this misty black

No lack of direction did they lack

Though the winds changed and compass lied

The truth from them the storm could not hide

For such spirits as the lady in brown

Felt the earth and knew up from down

North from south, east from west

The water could not lose her, try its best

Old maps they studied in Larzamuhk’s keep

To guess their way while in the deep

Where compass would lie and no stars could shine

That the proper path they might divine

While Lorien showed his mastery with sail

And spotted the waves coming as well

The lady in brown would aloud recall

The directions needed by all

If this leg was to reach an end

Lest forever in this water they spend

Sailing a circle about that shore

Seeking hopelessly forever more

Lara fair wonder of all this world

Waiting now where the golden waters swirled

Who is accounted of all things most wise

Since wondrous Pem found her demise

Though wisdom and skill ever held

And hearts and minds never failed

The sea spitted and again swelled

Hope has shaken and nigh dispelled

As an isle, giant harsh unkind

Suddenly before them they did find

Out of the dark suddenly appeared

A fate they all secretly feared

And Murrien this gambit could not win

To late to miss it was then

So she took aim for what they thought a cove

And mightily with the sea they strove

The sail was ripped by driving rain

The rudder weakening under the strain

As pilgrim and Lorien tried to spin

A new sail sturdy and thin

From their magic arts such thing was made

Quickly hoisted as hope began to fade

Such artful constructs do not long last

But all would be ended save for this cast

Had not the new wizard cloth held

As into the cove Murrien now sailed

These waters seemed murky and dead

Calm foreboding and filled with dread

No wind filled sail, no waves with to contend

They drifted to the coast, no energy to spend

The three lay on deck as the sail went to naught

So quick the folly of what the mighty have wrought

But the ship remained unbroken

Yet the words that went unspoken

Warned of trouble if no sail was found

Somewhere upon this new isle’s ground

For farther yet into the murky sea

Before the ringed isle they hoped to see

In dead water the craft came to rest

Though in truth they thought it best

No hope they had if the water did wake

Not the power another sail to make

Nor one that would long last in fierce wind

The first too torn now to mend

So these daring three whose song I sing

Rested and waited for the sea to bring

Ill timed battle and foul colored fate

Coiling for a final strike, completing its hate

But in this cove only quiet and dull

Safe for now the ship’s weakening hull

So the three gathered and went to shore

With wisdom and hope, having little more

End Canto Three

Canto Four

October 18, 2002

Edit: 11/5/03

They gathered together headed to the beach

Wondering what new ill there would reach

Giving them new issues and greater grief

While the ship rested in the reef

But at the shore no such thing to surmise

A peaceful place to their surprise

Dense jungled forest, such a change

From the isle before, this seemed strange

Instead of the wistful figures of Derkinmore

No ash nor death laid on the island floor

But teaming life laid before in deep expanse

They stood stunned unable to advance

Even tensing for battle thinking it a trick

Some illusion, magics laid thick

Waiting to grab them and ensnare

Leaving them to rot in eternal despair

Motionless they waited, moments passed slow

The pilgrim whispered “It shimmers you know”

For her eyes were sharply trained and most keen

Then Lorien too could see it in the green

Soon as well, through a different path

Murrien spoke her voice with wrath

“These trees are false bearing no life

Illusions here to bring us strife”

And to each eye the scene then faded

To a more natural black grey shaded

More natural at least in this misty sea

Where the sun does not light grass or tree

The truth now clear their ground they held

For fear yet more secrets the isle withheld

But no new danger appeared to pilgrim’s eye

Murrien could sense no natural lie

Lorien whose heart thirsted for power

Saw nothing as he did glower

An isle with only lifeless barren

A shore with neither fish nor heron

But different in that it did not all seem waste

A more mysterious isle they faced

For a single set of footprints were found

Sharp eyed pilgrim sping the ground

Murrien assured they were quite fresh

Walking a path through the dead mesh

So a path was now easily chosen

No longer stood they there frozen

But tread quietly over the ground

Subtle steps making scarcely a sound

They followed a narrow winding way

Carefully measured steps that never stray

From the same path or same length

Each footfall with the same strength

A mechanical almost perfect stride

A fact marveled and noted by the guide

“No man have I seen walk in this kind

The only to come close are the blind

Who walk with careful consideration

Lest they fall finding pain and frustration

But steps this perfect are strange, sublime

Unchanging even on the steep climb”

So noted the lady in brown

Fair pilgrim of growing renown

Ever listed as among the three

That dared sail the misty sea

No farther though would they be bore

If no sail they found on this shore

Or some way through great artifice

To find something that would suffice

Before the might and growing ire

Of the isle filled sea dark and dire

So the singular path they now tread

For no other could go instead

Toward the isle circular in shape

From this task offered no escape

To find Lara fair wonder of all this world

Waiting now where the golden waters swirled

Who is accounted of all things most wise

Since wondrous Pem found her demise

The path was long and never straight

Deep winding, another trap and this the bait?

Regardless they continued to proceed

Driven now by a sense of need

With Murrien, the lady did confide

Traces Lorien could longer hide

The necklace was showing early signs

That his will it undermines

Lost in thought not his own

These effects they must postpone

Lest all be lost ere it could be won

And Lorien’s soul be wholly undone

So Murrien had began grinding bardstar

Rare and treasured these stones are

Now it was ground into a grain

And made fine drink in order to maintain

The will of Lorien, now under siege

By the malice of death’s vile liege

Deeper into land, the path grew wide

But still always found at the side

Old dead woods and perished grass

But it was all dry as by they would pass

The whole isle, parched for water in this domain

Yet all the sea plagued with raging rain

Great woods in perpetual decay

A dense fortress save this narrow way

Which had began to wider grow

More hints it began to show

“More footsteps, but alike and the same

First coming then back as it came

We draw nearer its abode or lair

But who can guess what we find there

On your guard ready an alert

Lest caught unaware our purpose it divert

The signs grew that it was nearing

Then a sharp bed and a large clearing

And before them sat a hut humble and drab

Again they waited suspecting a sharp stab

Of some fateful unseen prank

But in their searching they drew up blank

The hut was a hut and no more

Though strange to find it here on this shore

Hidden Deep within the misty sea

Where dared so few but these three

End Canto Four

Canto Five

Sunday, October 27, 2002

(First since the return)

Edit: 11/5/03

They looked upon the clearing

Where simple structure stood

Still thinking they should be fearing

A home of stacked stone and wood

Disappearing into black sky

Smoke rose in stilled wind

Yet no danger did they spy

Disbelief they could suspend

Forward the steps now fell

Lorien anxiously in lead

Each alert the signs to tell

If any warning they must heed

But coming quick to the door

With delicate footfall

An answer they did implore

Each standing grim and tall

Pilgrim staff tapped quick

Each blow ringing pure

The door was heard to click

opening softly, as if to lure

Quickly they each tensed anew

Bathed in pale golden light

No doubt as to what they must do

Stepping out of the night

At once the danger they felt

It had torn to the heart

But each was strong and there dealt

And the risk did depart

“Why did you seek this delay!”

Lorien bellowed in rage

“Why would you trap in this way?

To hold us in this cage!”

For each wavered in their desire

When the threshold they crossed

Dampened suddenly the fire

And all about to be lost

For the thought of ending here

To never leave this isle

Struck the soul so near

Never to flee another mile

A mighty force from great skill

Had assaulted and nearly won

Then time would suffice to kill

A failed quest would be done

But now nearly betrayed

By this old man against the wall

Wrath could barely be swayed

Ere blows began to fall

Hermit then with sorrowful eyes

Speaking ever in hushed voice

Never louder though he tries

With sorrow his only choice

“Forgive, though you do know

Greater shall soon seek to snare

Find this a way to show

That you may yet get there

The test was not conceived

To trap your numbered three

You should not be deceived

I but wished someone with me

That who would pass my door

Would forget chosen way

Leaving again no more

With me ever to stay

I am of Minkintarn

Alone, my soul here forgot

A force who did not warn

Led by the fierce despot

War made against power

That rests in Darrin hills

I alone to cower

As the gloom slowly kills

But spiteful sea is slow

And ever stretches long

These days I do so know

Too quiet for word or song

Thus all my lordly might

I placed into that trap

So you would stay in sight

And turn then from your map

My evil long broken

Washed by endless deep gloom

True words I have spoken

To you three in my room

Forgive king with no throne

Do ask if you have need

So that I may atone

For efforts to mislead”

Hermit then with sorrowful eyes

Speaking ever in hushed voice

Never louder though he tries

With sorrow his only choice

Moved even more by his pain

Than the words he did speak

For a spot they did refrain

To ask for that they did seek

Again his sad tale did pull

Asking that they stay

Testing the will with power full

Words so strong they almost sway

Murrien first broke the spell

Then speaking bold and well

“We have need of a sail

Or strong cloth that be not frail

For with own skill and craft

A new one we could draft

Then going back on our way

For not here shall we stay

Your fate is strange but we heed

That precocious power did the deed

For our fate is in the sea of trial

Delayed not by your beguile

So speak now, do not fail

And if you have such then do tell

For if not our search forward goes

To what none of us yet knows

But we shall not grow old as your guest

On this isle ends not our quest!!”

Hermit then with sorrowful eyes

Never louder though he tries

Speaking ever in hushed voice

With sorrow his only choice

“One I have, it is yours to take

Strong and old it will not break

Raise it up and the wind shall fill

Then fate belongs to your skill

Eternally strong are the sails

Long since made by the Behels

Go then quickly and torture no longer

Great I was, your destiny is stronger”

The gifted sail was finely made

Sturdy and yet lightly weighed

It would fit well the tall mast

Stand strong against the windblast

Soon the three were back aboard

The sail raised up all in accord

Though the wind in that small bay

Not enough to send on their way

But the pilgrim for a moment unveiled

Powers that commanded the winds swelled

And soon they again found the sea

That spitefully slays the mighty

Once more out into the gloom

That lies ever over the sea of doom

End Canto Five

Canto Six

Saturday, November 23, 2002

Edit: 11/5/03

Again our fated that number three

Legends they would surely be

If no further in they then dared

Into the sea whose wrath was now bared

For two would man the ship aright

As third rested in infinite night

In the black that hung low and thick

Over these waters rushing so quick

But in further now, no rest to find

As the shifting isles were now left behind

Each so foul for those ashore

But the fury of the sea is ever more

And with no isles to give a space

Leaving them be in their place

The wrathful full fury now unfurled

And all its might at the craft now hurled

The sea crashed with no respite

Waves rising up out of sight

What little sight could be found in the gloom

Lieing ever over the sea of doom

Twice the craft was upturned

But watery grave was yet spurned

For the powers commanded by these hardy three

Could for a space withstand the sea

For Dransik headed Murrien’s call

When overcome by falling sea wall

And the boat righted with a full roll

But such ferocity began to take a toll

The deck glowed a deepening red

Damaged limbs and cuts to the head

Lorien took the fiercest blow

He who among them death did know

Long had dark arts been Lorien’s domain

Now it reached for him without refrain

And Murrien’s steady fierce grip

On the helm did not slip

Though her hand was deeply gashed

As waves and rain ever lashed

And Delenleha on whom grace did rest

Looked not well though still the best

But she rushed about finding wounds to bind

For if one fell no way could they find

To this isle that laid in a ring

Of which only the ancient songs dared to sing

And while her life began to spill

She sought to ever delay the kill

For Murrien alone could withstand the sea

Most skilled she was among the three

When the waves did ever conspire

To bury them all in the dark mire

So her hand was made whole

Lest it slip at the next roll

For Murrien alone now held the wheel

For any other the sea could kill

And so pilgrim unleashed a song

A voice beautiful and strong

That carried over the storm’s shrill cries

And overwhelmed fate’s cruel lies

This song’s strength closed the sore

Ere it could weaken Murrien more

And Lorien too found strength as he heard

The beauty and power of pilgrim’s word

And the wind’s foul turns he could withstand

As the hermit’s sail he maneuvered and manned

The pilgrim now served as the eye

Into the dark she did spy

Trying to alert of approaching threat

That action was taken ere it was met

“Up ahead like a mist of grey

Moving fast coming this way

Something above the water of black

Danger is coming to drive us back”

Her warning but scarcely complete

When suddenly the air was replete

With flying fish armed with teeth and fins

Swarming about as the staff spins

For battle was joined by pilgrim alone

Lest from the ship they all be thrown

“Call for aid if need is near

But keep to your task lest I fear

These fish drive us into the deep

So stand if you can and your place keep”

And in the rage of unending storm

The staff spun in a dervish of harm

But the school of fish filled the air

Snapping and cutting defending their lair

Which laid miles beneath the sea

A great cavern where no man shall ever be

Unless it is his bones sinking down below

But the fishlord none shall know

When chance arose though rare it came

Lorien sent fire, the foes to tame

And three fell each volley he cast

But three times more swarmed past

They rose from the sea, more came than died

“Turn the ship from where I spied

These foul foes numbered without end

And pray they come only to defend

For we shall otherwise be a meager feast

At a table set by finned beast”

The storm’s fury now mixed with a whirl

And more fiercely the staff did twirl

The pilgrim cast down a hundred or more

Fierce fish that knew no shore

No any fisher or man had passed

In this generation or in the last

But as the craft got some distance away

The tide aboard the ship did sway

For no new fish joined the swarm

But those in the air yet intended harm

But the staff of the lady brown

Continued to hack them all down

And balls of death from Lorien flew

As chance arose slaying a few

And Murrien again held the boat sure

That again they evaded death’s sweet lure

And the course was resumed, the sea still mean

The pilgrim continued battling fierce and lean

But at last Lorien and Murrien could see

Her battle fury though foes did not flee

An hour she had been hidden from view

By the whirling staff and dying shrieks they knew

That she still fared well but was in harm

They now saw the damage to her arm

Yet the staff glowed a pearl white

As one, two, three fish it would smite

And at once deflect sharp fins aside

How so many foes she could abide

Marveled the sailors as the last fish fell

It’s loud shriek a final death knell

End Canto Six

Canto Seven

Saturday, November 23, 2002

Edit: 11/5/03

The battle ended and the swarm no more

The three sought again the immortal shore

Where Lara fair wonder of all this world

Waited now where the golden waters swirled

Who was accounted of all things most wise

Since wondrous Pem found her demise

Lorien’s task he accomplished quite well

Hold strong the hermit’s white sail

Which held its color, with a slight blue hue

Though poisoned wind tried to rip it though

His wounds still ached but bled no more

As the pilgrim bound wounds the fish tore

Murrien was left mostly unharmed

But Lorien when attacked he was swarmed

He had some cuts but they would leave no scar

He was hurt but not too deep a mar

Now he was weak but still held his station

Almost unaware of the situation

So long had the storm beat him with spite

That he almost grew familiar with its might

“The sea rages on and I stand here

Waiting for death, surely its near

My life before this craft forgot

I only recall standing on this spot”

He whispered to himself heeding new command

Sure that no more will he see land

Even if the sea they could ever outwit

They would perish lest soon land they hit

For a few more days with no rest

And a simple wind would easily best

Skilled sailors without energy to fight

The sea’s furious unending spite

Hope was lost to Lorien it did seem

And he was lost in waking dream

Wandering in the color of the sail

Lorien fell under a spell

And visions appeared on that screen

That he would ever wonder what they mean

And such would be his cursed fate

Time so cruelly did he hate

Without death he would come to know

The meaning of all the dream did show

Alas for Lorien who is lost to us

For in years past, he too fell into the Gulf

But in the gulf he perished not

And rose from the Darkness undying

(Airan kerlorien, sar etwanilon ah malin

Ker ah larantorles, ray airan rutan asintere ah marlandlon

Ah lesse ah landlon, ray marrutan gorstaon

Eletwanion age ah shah gortaken morgorstanion)

A green plain laid before with no end

Beyond a great rain did descend

A rain not of water but of sand

Falling fast and covering the land

Sands of black and sands of white

In the distance a poet did recite

Lines in a forgotten tongue

Memories of when the land was young

The same plain now rested bare

An unheeded voice said “Beware”

Deeper into the vision Lorien now dove

He saw flames rising in a small grove

A large hand formed, friend or foe

For this Lorien could not know

And his heart swayed at the sight

But suddenly all became night

When dawn returned, hope did not

Be it lost or ever forgot

Yet the morning continued with a tinge of gray

So it was with every day

The earth cried I can drink no more

And then gently began to snore

Lorien felt his eyes fall weary as well

So deeply entwined in this tale

Off a great cliff, a sword did fall

He seemed to hear it call

Crying as its master in battle was downed

Gurgling water as itself was drowned

The call grew nearer as the vision then turned

To the Darrin Mountains, later he learned

Deep in those mystical hills

Where undying wander and legend kills

For none can withstand the weight of that past

Where live generations that will ever last

In the snowcaps clues lie in wait

But will they only be found too late

Of how fair Obelieus held strong

Fending off mighty throng

Rumors of wondrous Pem’s secret thought

A secret the wise have ever sought

Why here was drawn his mind

Lorien wondered what he may find

If ever these secrets be revealed

Or what doom if they remain sealed

In the distance a horn is sounded

And the whole of life is astounded

For arriving is a moment long awaited

Nigh at hand a day ever fated

But to what is here intended

Lorien is lost as the dream is ended

Infinite thought in the moment just spent

A glimpse the future has just lent

But all will prove to no avail

If Lorien holds not now the sail

For the wind is angry new trouble is nigh

The sea will not rest till they all die

Murrien’s voice now meek and tired

Surely soon they will all have expired

Forgotten in the frightful gloom

That lies ever of the sea of doom

End Canto Seven

Canto Eight

12/6/02

Edit: 11/5/03

Fiercer still the waves now came

Holding still the three the same

Each suspected not much longer could they hold

If in view soon a shore did not unfold

For the storm’s greatest might was now unveiled

And through it all they yet sailed

Each now weary battered and weak

As ever it seemed Lara’s shore they did seek

Now they had tied each to their place

Lest wave and wind then deface

The deck of the ship of one of the crew

And all at once the quest would be through

And now tossed about the ropes cut skin

The pain was met with much chagrin

But better than finding death in the black sea

But how much longer till that their fate would be?

Deeper the doubt began to gnaw

Too late now to withdraw

Only Lara and her wisdom offered the chance

That with death they would not dance

For even if land again they found

Lest wings be laying upon the ground

They would never again this sea escape

For sailing out would be too great a scrape

For the ship had weakened to Lorien’s eye

In the hull the damage he did spy

Would soon enough lead to their doom

If no sooner defeated by the sea of gloom

So filled was their fate with poisoned spite

That not shaken were they by the sudden sight

As from out of the mists to the stern

They all at once did learn

A dragon as red as the dying sun

All knew they were now undone

The mast was burning with the first volley of flame

The three prepared to perish without fame

Cutting the ropes holding them in place

The final blow of this sea to face

Three voices rose up, mighty and furious

The dragon slowed, perhaps deeply curious

For no ship had he seen in Lara’s age

Pass so deep to find the sage

Which ever held the golden sea

Against the might of so many as he

But when he felt pain as not in a generation past

He unleashed yet another flaming blast

Murrien could not yet bring the lighting to cease

But in the heavens she could change the crease

So that the lighting found his scales

But to bring him down it fails

As did the arrows of shivering ice

Sent towards his wings to slice

A skill learned by the lady in brown

That she had taught to Lorien when last in town

So long ago now Sari’s wisdom there gained

Worthless it seemed as the fire now rained

Now the deck too began to burn

The situation well past concern

As Murrien again split the storm his way

But too slow as he did sway

And the lighting crashed into the sea

Her last action she thought it to be

As the pilgrim’s arrow missed as well

When Lorien unleashed a piercing yell

Above the roar of crashing wave

The heavens heaved and gave

And about the ship a shimmering light

To all gathered a dazzling sight

And the waves could not enter

And suddenly safe within the center

Of this sphere with a simmering glow

And they turned to Lorien wishing to know

“How long have you hid this power

That has saved us within this hour

Holding back the dragon and sea

From which even the waves must flee?”

But Lorien shook violently on deck

Clutching the necklace about his neck

Screams of a deep anguished pain

He spoke only with immense strain

“The necklace unleashed the might

and tasted my blood with vicious bite

hurry extinguish the fire

For soon the sphere will expire

Then us too is my fear

For I see death is resting near”

Indeed it was not death but the dragon of red

Who had made this barrier for himself a bed

And now rested on the ethereal sphere

So that when it was gone he would be already near

So now while the ship rested at peace

To keep the craft in one charred piece

The ladies extinguished the dragon’s flame

While they rested calm and tame

But as the ship drifted, charred and black

An idea for escape all did lack

Lorien muttered as though he were mad

That for him it would only go bad

For when it was claimed his fate would be ill

And eternally his blood would spill

While the other two were not yet insane

They too could find only great bane

For resting, asleep even the dragon did stretch

Twice the length of a great ship his figure sketched

And when the spell came to its last second

At last death would surely beckon

At once the sphere was no more

The dragon gave one last snore

And crashed into the ship not yet awake

The ship splintered with a deep quake

Far into the air then into the sea

At last were cast these three

The water bit with a deep cold

As all the old tales have ever told

For ages uncounted since last saw it light

And ever chilled is a long night

End Canto Eight

Canto Nine

Sunday, December 08, 2002

Edit : 11/5/03

As the spell wavered and began to fail

The pilgrim’s eyes were the first to tell

And with quick warning she began to slide

Across the deck did she glide

And as the spell found its end

She leaped with faith to defend

Herself from the crashing mass

Into the water she willingly did pass

And thus aloft when the splinters flew

Less pain for the shattered wood to do

Long hours of training sufficed

To hold her steady as the waters iced

And with quick mind she found wood afloat

To last a bit longer in the infinite moat

She saw Lorien with blood leaking once more

And his limp form into the waters bore

She left her grip and into the chill did slip

Lorien’s dying form soon in her grip

The cold bit the soul as the surface returned

Wet skin now exposed deeply burned

But soon the two of them were held tight

Barely alive from the storms might

And in the waters of freezing hate

Helplessly until the final fate

Murrien had held to the helm too long

For she had hoped to find herself so strong

As to turn the ship with deft hand

So that in the water the sleeping beast would land

But the wind died and completely betrayed

And the ship held steady and unswayed

And Murrien’s held the helm so tight

Never willing to relinquish this fight

Where she had landed the pilgrim could not tell

Perhaps crushed when the great one fell

And even now buried in the deep

Never again in her grove to sleep

The pilgrim’s mind soon fell cold

Now waiting death no need to be bold

Her mind prayed in delation

That she had failed in her destination

As the great waves returned unbidden

Her eyes began to see those things hidden

In the waters a great story lay buried

So difficult to see when one is hurried

To forestall the storm’s fierce wrath

Seeking ever to hinder you on your path

But when the waters are an icy bed

The clarity afforded the head

Peers into the sea’s deep past

But none escape to tell it at the last

But rather below with the knowledge resting

For none are found so late this sea still besting

And the water which had seemed pure black

Did not in truth a color lack

But rather they were all dark and fleeting

Recoiling away at each meeting

So that the eye could not at ease discern

And busy mind might never learn

The secrets now laid before the pilgrim’s eye

Revealing to her a great truth ere she die

Now beyond doubt she knew

That the great legends rested true

That within the depth of this sea

Resting a ringed isle eternally

Encircling a water of a golden hue

Seen in vision even by only a few

And that long ago Kerchal had thus passed

And with Lara much wisdom amassed

And in this sea laid with gold

A rare thing of which the legends told

A number of isles sitting somewhat small

But rising up ever ever tall

And that the number of these isles now counted six

Though soon a new one would fix

And this 7^th she saw in hazy glow

And knew it was a future to know

When Lara’s reign had ceased to be

And remembered so gloriously

For the 7^th lair would be built as time faded

And in the sands when the feet first waded

But these things were not hers to worry

For death was coming in some hurry

But she saw the sea of color gold

When Pem yet held the hold

And how her wind chime then rings

And gathered together living things

Who delighted in her presence of glow and light

And they would pass away the night

With tales of the world as it was and will be

Passing each night joyously

But when the world called and the deep bell rang

Pem arose as they have all since sang

And in her fury few dared give battle

For at her words the earth did rattle

And when Obelieus came to her in haste

No time or thought did she waste

The path she held open, it cost her dear

But with his might secured she hid not in fear

But she sallied bringing combat once more

Knowing her future here rested in lore

And when wondrous Pem found her demise

The earth stilled for no more she flies

But the earth endured for such is the task

Of the wonder who in the golden sea does bask

A new isle was formed for Lara to reside

Now deep in this sea does she ever time bide

And only in moment of impending doom

Does one pass through this sea of gloom

Why Sari did you send us this way

If now not be such a day

And if somehow Lorien reaches that shore

Will it be that deep tone rings once more

That Lara’s moment has at last been found

If Lorien ever in her lair finds ground

So it seemed to pilgrim’s expanding mind

That either way doom she would find

For if their troubles an audience gained

Surely the world was deeply pained

A moment of disaster was nigh at hand…

Or perhaps they never reached land

Then buried in this sea of gloom

They would soon find their doom

These thoughts lingered and many more

As Murrien’s voice sang of the shore

“To Dransik perhaps she sings

He who the flowery spring brings

When Kerchal’s winter has burned so sore

And we can stand the frost no more

A soft voice perhaps for my final rest

My strength depleted, no final request

Granted by the growing black

Of words and hope I too now lack”

And the pilgrim’s mind found its place

That calmly death she might face

And Murrien’s voice seemed a world away

As in fierce waters they drifted day after day

End Canto Nine

Canto Ten

December 10, 2002

Edit:11/5/03

Tight and desperate was Murrien’s grip

And when the dragon crashed it did not slip

Rather as the ship was torn asunder

She too was plunged under

Deep into the unending cold

Grave to so many foolish and bold

But the helm held tight in her hand

Light was its make well planed

Made by a sailor wise and grim

Who knew he feared ever to swim

So fashioned he the helm light

So that escape death the captain might

If the hand never gave up the ship

Such was the hopeless lady’s grip

And so it came that when the water’s splash

Had calmed from the dragon’s crash

That Murrien was adrift still alive

Though deeply cold from the sudden dive

Two hands wrapped around a magical wheel

As the cold waters life would slowly steal

The others she had not seen when the crash came

Trying again the waves to tame

But the wind had stilled in her moment of need

As the sleeping beast crashed through with great speed

So again no craft would yet alight

On those shores past this night

And Murrien’s heart fell as cold as the sea

Her voice then softly in mournful key

Whispered a dirge none would hear

Unless her companions had survived and were near

But even they would surely never share

Memories of this desperate affair

No time to gather and fondly recall

No stories to tell the young and small

For soon the cold at last would prevail

And none would hear their tragic tale

Such laid the thoughts in her mind

As she sang with heart deeply maligned

“I will never sing in your trees

To the harmony of rustling leaves

In the grand city or quiet grove

Since with this sea we have strove

With wisdom and cunning we sailed

And at last now have failed

These cold waters now will drain

What little of life can remain

A day or two and perhaps no more

Never to see that majestic shore

Where the golden waters swirled

Resting the most wondrous of this world

For our passage is ended here

Too tired and beaten to know fear

Only the cold and expansive void

Where soon we all shall be destroyed

And now that I taste this cold bite

Of the sea’s unending spite

And this is the time when now revealed

These secrets laying long concealed

For these waters mean and cruel

Now the last spite of this death pool

Is to reveal its history to dying soul

So that in death your knowledge be whole”

Murrien’s voice now found strength anew

Singing secrets known by scarce few

And these words carried across the waves

Sang by so many drowning to their graves

“The earth lay young and still

The ancients still maintained their will

The protector of the earth a dragonkind

Watching time unfold with attentive mind

But when the darkness that brought the sleep

Did at first begin to creep

This great beast was ever sought

And ever and more it was fought

And its lair found in a golden sea

A safehaven for those to flee

Who would escape the growing swarm

That was the first black storm

But so trapped it was a snare

Pinned there deep in its lair

So was this sea then founded

That the numberless foes be grounded

And not bring death to its door

But neither refugees came no more

But now it could bid again its time

And await that deep ringing chime

That would sound its part was played

That death it must seek if doom could be stayed

And so now has it ever been

That deep resting now within

Is one whose power lays unknown

Until such time it must be shown

And few shall ever reach her home

And none who but casually roam

For she gives audience only in dire need

And death to those who do not heed

The storm and its endless gloom

Lieing ever over the sea of doom

And that which is found therein

Is accepted without chagrin

For as they seek her out in vain

Safe there shall she remain

And sally out only at the earth’s call

Save me now or we lose all

So Lara now rests in wait

Till that moment calling her fate”

Murrien’s voice weakened as did her grip

Those cold hands at last began to slip

Lara would rest till her fate came

Murrien knew death now had a claim

On her it fixed as her eyes now fail

A ghost ship was coming white and pale

Across the water as though it were still

“Death is so beautiful coming for the kill

This sea my grave will now become”

Into the deep she went, cold and numb

End Canto Ten

End Part Five

Part Six

Canto One

( 12/9/03 Edit: 12/11/03)

Lara, ageless lady of the lake

At whose step the earth will shake

Who is it that dares your shore

What is it they would implore

Even now your sea rages

As promised by sailors and sages

The small craft is no more

Failing short of your shore

Left to perish as so many good and ill

Lest shaken now be your will

Knowing that if you sail again

That building anew will begin

For this next waking shall be your last

So spoke Kerchal when this way he passed

For your time must then draw short

If again you leave port

In that ship of gleaming soothing white

Against which the waters dare not fight

If again the sea of doom stills

Again be reminded that destiny kills

If from destiny one would hide

Time will find where you reside

Dark would be then your fall

No song to be spoken at all

Come now dear lady the bell is ringing

Sadly too the waves are singing

As your form now the surface breaks

The golden foam of the king of lakes

So it was when the three were taken

And by your gentle touch there awaken

When on the shore they were placed to rest

So soon all to be placed to test

The heavens cried a clensing rain

When up raised on your main

The standard of Lara of all most wise

Since wonderous Pem found her demise

The earth cast about a doubtful glance

Fearing now the coming dance

When blood would lay thick aground

For centuries after not a sound

The skies opened over the sea of gloom

Where thousands find their unending doom

For the lady has taken again to ship

The golden wreath about her hip

The sea has in reverence stilled

The earth knows your blood will be spilled

And in the tall mountains where the phoenix reigns

A hatchling is seen out on the plains

And one of the flamed birds is seen in flight

The world trembles at the sight

The young dragon is hidden away

Until you have seen your last day

Which now you know must be near

You sail forward without fear

In the deep of the golden sea

Those creatures that ever wait upon thee

Now with dropped face

Begin to carve your burial place

Where your form will come when you fall

That your legend will give the call

To that young dragon under phoenix wing

Who now is crying as you sing

“Watch babe of my kind

And learn what you may from my mind

For if this world I can preserve

And at the moment hold my nerve

Then my place is yours at my fall

Where you will abide until the call

And even now a mound is growing

When you are ready it will be showing

Peaking its form above the placid calm

Of the waters of this golden balm

A day short of forever you will reign

Babe found this day on the plain

He is coming, hear the sound

His feet walk in time as though it were ground

His day will be yours, beside him then stand

To what end he may lead his band

Of our kind you are to be the last

If this test I can get us past

You will never know my form

My touch that will never keep you warm

My face you shall never see

But know I love you through eternity

My memory you will cherish if I can forstall

And not lose to my great flaw

For we each are given one great weight

To cast off and not hesitate

If the white wonder can find the door

I shall see you in the evermore

On the plains of time he will be riding

When he comes do not be hiding

The song is growing you will know it well

When time comes you must tell

And awake from the golden deep

No more again to peaceful sleep

But the time you have will be long my dear”

Her song ceased with a single tear

The lines seemed so hard the second time

And harsher than Pem’s, which were sublime

But again they were spoken, this time the last

Sacred words from a sacred past

End Canto One

Begin Canto Two

(1/16/04)

Lorien awoke first on the white sand

Knowing not how they came to land

Or what power it was that chose to save

These three heading for the watery grave

No sign of another could there be found

The gentle waters the only sound

“Is it even the same sea that we fought

IS this the place that we have sought?”

Lorien wondered soft but aloud

Seeing calm sea and white puffy cloud

“Or perhaps that life is past?”

Lorien wondered still agasht

But a voice in his head, not entirey his own

Spoke of a truth as the sun now shone

“The quest continues, it is no dream”

Heavy the air to Lorien it seemed

Or perhaps it was the weight about his neck

Which still lingered with him through the wreck

As Murrien stirred it finally came to mind

It was the ringed isle of legnd they did find

How was it they came here to be

Yet alive near the golden sea

Lorien was still at a loss

When away her slumber Murrien did toss

“Lorien, how…” and she stopped there

Her sense had grown aware

And her eyes and heart now knew

“The ringed isle, seen by so few”

And she paused at Lorien she glanced

A place so peaceful her heart danced

“Lorien how” she tried again

Now she stopped, her voice trailing to the end

For they saw the pilgrim, the lady in brown

Whom they both thought had drown

But she lay, only a way off to the side

Almost burried as if to hide

They stood for the first time on this shore

Towards their fallen companion they bore

She remained alive, or so it seemed

By the slimmest of margins it could be deemed

Far worse for her had it fared

Since in the sea’s trap they were snared

“She held me,” Lorien recalled as if long ago

“What happened after I do not know”

Murrien bound the wounds she could

They washed what they thought they should

Her form held limp and she made no sound

Save the gentle breath blowing across the ground

For three days they stayed by her form

When at last she began to again grow warm

On the fourth day she twitched as though in sleep

But out of her did no other sign of life leep

The fifth day she seemed to talk

Though it was to some vision in which she did walk

Through the night, and two days more

Did her stregnth seem to soar

But her speach were in a tounge unheard

Since the first man spoke his first word

Ancient, and melodious was that speach

Which now again these shores did reach

And for hours seemingly too few

Listeneded intently the other two

And when the 8^th day was about to conclude

Ended the pilgrims fuge and prelude

And after an hour, as if to collect her breath

Awoke this lady, who had danced with death

“Forgive me my friends for these many day

That is seems I have been away

For the two of you have been her a while

It seems if I read right your smile”

And before she any farther went

Laughs of joy her way were sent

And Lorien had offered twice to cook

And for any food she desired go and look

And Murrien too chattered in relief

For the both had held to the belief

That she would soon be among them soon

But the three day talk caused faith to swoon

For her fever had violently rose

To what heights no one knows

Both wondered if a new compaoin she had found

One who takes the living from earthly ground

And that it was death she had spoken with at length

And near the end had wavered her strength

But awake and alert she now appeared

And none asked not what they feared

Whom had she spoken with for so long

And what were the words in the language of song

Nor in truth would the answer she have known

For to her the fave was never shown

But after a day her power returned

And onward to go now she yearned

And from her waking she knew the way

Along which path they must stay

The other two had each wandered in turn

And yet so little did they learn

Perhaps instead this was her mad vsion

That right might be each decision

As away from the calmed waters they now stode

Carrying with them fates great load

A world now depeding on three

And what while here they might see

After a few momets the river they saw

A marvel to be remember by all

Water flowing the color of gold

As all they myth and legends had ever told

Placid with just a gentle flow

“Against the current,” the pilgrim did know

“That will lead us to the place

That points to the ancient face

Which we faced the sea of doom to see

Questions we will ask, and so will she

Follow my friends, time moves less slow”

How much so, she did not know

End Canto Two

Canto Three

1/20/04

The pilgrim now lead with step so sure

Visions her mind held so pure

Of each step along the way

Not one footfall astray

In her mind now lingered unbidden

Stores of images ever hidden

Unless some need upon them call

Lest the world surely fall

Then come from places unseen

Thoughts and knowledge sharp and keen

In her fallen state her soul had left this shore

Returning again once more

After walking in the immortal light

A guardian for this world’s plight

She knew nothing of what had come to be

Only that now much she could see

The path taken by Kerchal, man of old

Who now sings songs great and bold

Or so it is known by the masses

While the pilgrims wait as this world passes

Until that which is sought is found

And then his song will truly sound

Lorien and Murrien followed close behind

Wondering at what now passed through that mind

That seemed to know this isle as it were her own

And a new light in her eyes now shone

She had aged in spirit while on the shore

Lying there moving no more

A new weight on her had come to rest

A warning of some coming test

Or perhaps one she had completed

Escaping with her soul nigh defeated

Now stepped through paths long lost

Found only once since the Vinger frost

Since then forgotten, and unsought

While kingdoms wane and wars are fought

The colorful growth seems to open before

The foot seems to fit the earthen floor

This path that is not for eyes to see

Hidden even to the one who hears the tree

But this lady clad in dull brown of the fiery soul

Somehow each turn she does know

Walking in file through the growth thick

They touch nothing using no trick

For each turn of the bodily form

Seems to be just the norm

And that no other way could be made

Through this ground as its laid

Murrien in her mind could not hide

The thought that another was their guide

Taken now the pilgrims place

Her voice, her manners, her face

Or if simply the brown clad lady was more

Than she was ever before

If when she slipped into the deep

Some new understanding did creep

She knew of others that had traveled to death’s edge

Seeing then the plummet over the sharp ledge

And returning to the mortal life changed

From their past self almost estranged

Then this one who with purpose had walked

Now even more so when she talked

It seemed to Murrien this was clear

That about the brown lady there be no fear

For now her strides inevitable had grown

Where before it was but a conviction she had known

The hours seemed to pass without change

The sun ever lingered, peculiar strange

The day grew neither hot nor chill

As the path heeded the wanderers will

And after a time that had went by

The sweet smell they could spy

And soon the gentle whispered flow

And the golden waters they did know

Were said to encirle like a corded belt

Here where fair Lara ever dwelt

The pilgrim’s step did not falter

Their path never seemed to alter

And the days went by with no night

The three did not weeken in their flight

And while it seemed they walked without haste

The travel had little waste

And indeed near a run they had held

For hours uncounted, the sun was spelled

Time lost meaning as nothing was altered

As onward the three never faltered

And the smell of golden waters ever grew

Sweeter than any they knew

When they drew to a grove to the west

“Carefully now, step your best

In anothers domain we walk

Courtesy in manner and talk

Lest we not be permitted past

And worse would be here than the sea at last

For the malice that the sea does hold

Is a hint of her power untold”

With that warning now spoken

Removing their shoes as honorable token

They into the small grove then went

And towards them Lara’s eyes were bent

In the grove, the river entered and left

Coming within inches with flows so deft

This river encircled the entire isle

From the stormy sea it flows awhile

Farther and farther in till this grove

Then beding away it is drove

Round the entire isle back to this place

Then drifting towards the sacred place

Washing itself to be ready to see

The white sands and the golden sea

Wherein Lara ever resides

Where be the one in whom fate confides

And the flow grows stiff and still

Flowing then slowing by Lara’s will

And the pilgrim with her dreaming mind

Sees the path of the water wind

And in a few moments points across

For a second they are all at loss

But then into the waters they wade

Permitted and Lara’s wrath is stayed

For she hears the bell of evermore

Ring that death is come to her door

“Long indeed has seemed the wait

Now I welcome you bringers of fate”

End Canto Three

Canto Four

1/23/04

Edit: 2/13/04

As the golden waters wash by

The peace of the sea was heard to die

Once more raging bringing doom

Filled the black of the sea of gloom

Now that these fated three have safely passed

The quiet no longer did last

Protected once more is Lara’s lair

The isle filled sea a deadly snare

“We follow now the water flowing with ease

In this manner the lady to please

Her isle is a beauty and wonder

Ever guarded, failing never to plunder

Cultivated by those of her court

Each to her do report

How fairs the land, water, and plants

The isle a garden and cause to dance

Where at times she is seen to dance alone

When upon the dewed ground the sun has shone

Early mornings to the sun’s delight

Or with the moon in the peace of night

She waits within the golden sea

To hear of our travel need and plea”

The brown lady spoke with solemn voice

While her heart did rejoice

For the legends here were all true

Such beauty no other place knew

As the ringed isle of Lara fair and wise

Her gardens cherished you might surmise

As were all things that from the earth came

Lara loved them all just the same

But above all the earth itself Lara adored

And for it she took no horde

Rather her riches were its continued grace

Matched by but that of her face

Once on the inside of the river of gold

The paths could be easier told

For none passed the river but by Lara’s leave

No need to defend or to decieve

So through a garden of color they went

Each step closer not once to relent

Nor slowing their step though there was cause

To see the isle one might pause

As all of life blosomed with purpose clear

These things by the lady held so dear

The waters rushed with a sense serene

Singing happily at its routine

For even the water can know joy

When in the golden lady’s employ

Every stone in sight had been rounded smooth

An endless flow of water had been to soothe

The rocks’ rough edges worn away

Repolished clean each passing day

Clensing as well the very soul

Remaking again until its whole

The pieces that within us break

When the world’s trials our foundations shake

As the path wound many times it passed through

These waters of the golden hue

Each time bringing a lighter feel

Cleansing the world away to reveal

The true core of each person there

That Lara may clearly see this affair

Then along the river they for a space held

Until a path turned towards the north swelled

And as a great causeway it seemed

The lady had seen this when she dreamed

“This is the path we seek

Now approach mild and meek

The golden sea we shall soon find

Of such wonders there is no other in kind

No marvel so great in thought

No greater miracle can be sought

Even in dream it left me in awe

Even now I hear it call

For it speaks softly across the air

You will hear it when we get there

And then forever will it ring in your head

You will hear it eternally, alive or dead”

The air which now held a salty weight

Promised of the waters that now await

This water of mystic myth and gold

Whose full story may never be told

For it stretches back deep into time

Before the days of song and rhyme

When the first was set to hold in place

A golden lady of endless grace

Only the ancients who sleep and are lost

Where here when this isle was first crossed

But many old promises does this tale portend

Tales of a world that we do not comprehend

Over seven thousand years had Lara counted

As the tales of history had mounted

And she was not the first, second nor third

Others were known to ancient word

And these giants lost in lore

Spoke of ones that came before

A whole world now held its breath

Wondering if came another golden death

End Canto Four

Canto Five

2/13/04

Edit: 2/20/04

You rise up over a dune of sandy white

As your soul is taken by the sight

It stretches out before like a mirror of gold

Finding your heart and keeping hold

In the distance that seems uncountable

Stands hills insurmountable

Great spires towards the sky

Reaching far beyound where any might fly

Perhaps they even touch a star or moon

Scrapping the sun as she passes at noon

Waters that so placidly lie

Reflecting perfectly all that’s nearby

The shoreline trimmed with bleach white sand

That feels soft to either foot or hand

It is a separate world on its own

Where ever the golden light is shone

The waves gently fall

Silently and never tall

Coming with a gentle wind

An eternity one might spend

Watching the waters caring flow

Hearing the voice as the breeze does blow

For the sea is singing ever and again

To all that she knows as friend

It is with one always and ceases not

Starting first when the sea you spot

The voice resides just beyound reach

Coming always with soften speech

That voice, endless and lovely you hear

Ever whispering in your ear

Words when you are most at need

If the soft voice you can heed

“Friend welcome to my domain

Rest now your hearts do not refrain

To find in this place what you seek

When here freely speak

For you came here through a great test

To make of me one request

You would survive not if you were untrue

To that task which you need do

So your words I soon await

Hoping that it not be too late

Come now, let your heart guide

In my presence you can confide

Now come out on this golden sea

Where so few have come to be

Come now withholding your fear

For Lara welcomes you here”

On this shore of perfect white

Only one thing ever altered the sight

A small boat, big enough though

For our number did she know,

Was sitting in careful wait

That we be timely in our fate

For it now ran on a schedule tight

One slip, and the noose would grow tight

But still loose did it seem to rest

There it would stay if our luck were best

More than luck though would be of need

And not least among those, would be speed

Then a last glance to the sands was made

As into the waters we began to wade

The soul it soothed and washed away

All the pains of a hundred day

No sails nor oars aboard the craft

But think you not that I am daft

For the water itself us did carry

No work to do, no troubles did harry

We three sat and mused with joy

Speaking plainly or being coy

Weeks had went since time passed so

Relaxed for once I did know

That our part was in truth just begun

Before our fates be lost or won

Still so pleasant to pass time the way

That I wished the boat to linger for another day

But towards our place it ever sped

Though for now I knew no dread

And scarcely knew I help drew near

For allies were growing whom we needed dear

The lady who ever went dressed in brown

Had since awakening ceased to frown

Though the weight she bore lessened none

Some small hope had her heart since won

Almost distracted she seemed to be

As we drifted purposefully on the golden sea

When asked she said “I am still unsure”

But some hope seemed to allure

Her mind and heart as we drifted slow

What yet even she did not know

But soon would be revealed

What hope lay yet concealed

The tall spires in the distance grew

To heights none counted or ever knew

Towards them we always went

No closer they seemed as hours we spent

Hours soon turned into many a day

As we continued slowly on the way

It grew hard to sleep at night

Because of the beautiful sight

Of stars reflecting on the golden pool

Nights always clear and cool

The moon gave a stunning light

As we rested from our flight

The spires shadows grew sharp and stilled

Somehow with a sadness filled

But the fairies upon the water that danced

As across the sky the stars pranced

These memories I will hold till the last

When all this world is gone and past

And my body is broken and remade

The memory of this will never fade

A week maybe more passed in kind

Till one morning we awoke to find

The spires were now all around

Rising up without bound

Closer than we might have guessed

Even the day before when vision at its best

Five of them stood great and tall

A sixth one jutted up but small

What wonders and amazing sights

I had dreamed of these past nights

But these towering isles were so much more

Than ever I could have seen before

End Canto Five

Canto Six

2/20/2004

Edit: 3/24/2004

Five towers of solid stone

Rose up toward the sun that shone

Casting long shadows as night drew nigh

These ageless monuments standing miles high

Though ageless, each belied its own youth

Each in turn younger in truth

And the sixth, appearing a small sharp rock

Growing with each step of the clock

But its emergence remained yet slow

And the gathered three could not know

Of the new tomb being formed

As the fate of the world now stormed

The five great spires were not just towers great

Upon each did intricate carving relate

Some deeds, in truth a great count

Fine was the text, long was the account

As far as the mind and eye could see

Text and images did there decree

Deeds both great and greater

No thing was small done by the creator

Who had authored these many countless deeds

Who had sown these innumerable seeds

The text was in a language long lost

Known by few and learned at great cost

The wanderer could follow the newest text

The older ones leaving her perplexed

As the forms of old were more subtle still

Laying yet beyond her skill

But even without the text, the images did live

A clear picture they did give

Of the many deeds done by the one honored there

Who long ago saved a world unaware

The wanderer could read of Pem’s deeds

Healing the world of her needs

When no other could hold back fate

She alone could push back the date

When the world must face its own demise

Unless found by then be the prize

Legend says will prevent the doom

The awaits us all in the unending gloom

“Five great dragons have here abode

Ere upon Lara this fate was bestowed

But one can I read, the newest of all

Of fair Pem who stood mighty and tall

The others names I cannot even discern

So far back in history these spires yearn

To tell of the deeds of the fallen great

Who for a space bore the world’s weight”

The pilgrim whispered her voice weakened in awe

Each concentrating on some image they saw

Be it Pem helping an Elven sage

Or a predecessor helping a war to wage

Usually the dragon was shown in human form

And only at need did they transform

To show the golden scales and powerful wings

Before which would quiver emporers and kings

These spires were spread at even space

Once there the boat moved not a pace

Time passed as the three sit spellbound

From image to image making no sound

Legends and lore known to few or none

They sought to recall to mind each one

Seeking more, Lorien even thought to fly

A skill he thought he might try

For his skills had begin to grow

And this secret he did know

But when he tried to leave the ground

It was for nought he found

For the lady suffers no magic but her own

On the sea where gold light is shone

Nor either could the boat be made to budge

Fixed truly in their place it was judged

So as they awaited a fate unsure

They watch through the night myths obscure

Save but few others in the past

They alone have seen these deeds unsurpassed

The last coming of his own will

Daring the sea if it could kill

But when he strode upon the golden sea

Lara rose to speak with he

But in the past that lays lost

There it stays until thaws the frost

In their hearts now they felt

The power of the lady that here dwelt

The nobility of her line now clear

How her gaze could summon your fear

For if their plight was of such concern

The danger they could discern

The fate of the world was her domain

Mettling not in matters mundane

How long there passed they guessed never

She would see them whenever

It came time for the meeting to occur

To her wish they would defer

Soon her eyes they would see

She who ever golden will be

End Canto Six

Canto Seven

3/24/2004

The golden waters that had gently lay

Now began to move in noisy play

Waves crashing softly against boat

No danger to the craft afloat

But in the waves a song was heard

A mournful tune needing not word

It hummed of Lara and her reign

This to all was quite plain

But it seemed almost to implore

Drawing away only to ask once more

Rejected anew it asked again at last

Knowing even the time of decision was past

Then back to mourning the waves fell

What was the question, the never could tell

But when the waters at last withdrew

The last part somehow they all knew

Beyound words but the feeling was nigh

To the words which here lie

“So must it be, so must it be

So speaks the Lady of the Golden Sea”

And with that the waters again were still

But for a moment only was that their will

For with no warning and sudden might

The waters swirled such was their plight

Their small craft was pulled under

As the water crashed overhead like thunder

So sudden that no panic came

And they found themselves sitting much the same

In their craft, safe and dry

That now sat without sky

In a cavern with dimensions unknown

Were all about a goldin light shone

Sitting alone on a carpet mound

A lady in whom no flaw could be found

The pilgrim was of all things most lovely

That mortal man would live to see

But the lady bathed in the golden light

Was of such to be at the edge of sight

She shimmered as if in a dream

More beautiful with each passing moment did it seem

Beyond the liking love or lust of mortality

Hers was simply pure beauty

Lorien was struck blind at first sight

And felt plunged into eternal night

Until the lady spoke, her voice within

“Open and see me again”

Then he opened his eyes and saw more clear

But always she seemed never near

None spoke for fear had stolen their voice

And they found no strength to rejoice

At the sight of the golden wonder

Whose voice can split the sea asunder

She held them in her gaze

Like being lost in a maze

They wandered in her eyes in despair

Twisting like animls caught in a snare

Till one by one she released her prey

Lorien was first to go astray

And her eyes released him to his senses

So that he could close them, such simple defenses

Murrien a long time in that glance did wander

Giving the golden lady much to ponder

But longest in those eyes the pilgrim remained

Lara felt her spirit unrestrained

Rare was it that she could be tested

Rarer still to be nigh bested

But the mighty soul within was yet untrained

The glance was broken, the pilgrim now drained

Lara now bent her head to think alone

Not much longer should her light be shone

This was the one the Bard had fortold

When those long ages ago he spoke so bold

“Your time lasts for years and generations more

For I have come but nothing to implore

But if my destruction I cannot find

Antoher will come with me in mind

And what fate they bring I cannot forsee

For much must pass ere it can be

But I sense another coming in my name

Some great doom seeking to tame

And why I am not the one to aid, I say naught

But you know it in your thought

Then your time is coming dear

Shrink not away in your fear”

The thousand years since those words had passed

And all the wisdom since amassed

Did not lessen the initial shock

When in the pilgrim’s eyes did she lock

But she faced the moment now and passed the test

To help them she would give her best

“Friends, be at peace and now speak

Much of your journey I know I think

But tell it all as is your will

Rest, eat and have your fill

The advice you need I will give

That fate might spare us all to live

But know even now the road ahead is long

Here lies but the beginning of your song

So hope not while resting here

That my words bring the end to be near

Drink, rest, think and speak

I shall listen, quiet and meek”

And with that, her aura seemed to dim

Still a beauty unsurpassed to them

But now her might she hid away

That over them it hold not such sway

And they their travels then related

And the flow of food and drink was never abated

The tale was told in full of each path taken

One correcting the other if they be mistaken

And if time passed here they could not discern

For none grew weary as Lara did learn

And once the tale was told in full and clearly

At last they began to grow weary

And Lara spoke what seemed a lullaby

For soon afterward did all fly

To sleep’s beautiful estate

While Lara sought to understand her fate

The golden sea slept not that night

Lara’s deep vision peering into her plight

Seeing better than ever before

Her own heart, as doom now stood at her door

End Canto Seven

Canto Eight

3/31/2004

Morning came to each of them

OR rather waking for here light was never dim

But soft and tame to the eye

Having no source that one oculd spy

Yet filling the room all the same

So was it that morning came

A few moments and the new day was found

Entering Lara’s chambers with no sound

For no sound harsh or needless was made

Here where once Kerchal had played

Here in this hall cozy but great

The sense of scale hard to relate

For it felt like a fine sitting room

Where conversation flows and friendship would bloom

But its expanse was greater than any of its kind

Lest in dire need Lara might find

That her other form was more to the task at hand

And she would need room herein to land

So was the sky open above the head

And far would it be from corner to corner to tread

For resting on her sofa she was just a lovely sight

But when stirred she flowed with unsurpassing might

And when the world wailed in dire need

To the air with immense speed

Would come a dragon of glinting gold

Of whom now endless stories are told

Lara, accounted of all things most wise

Since wondrous Pem found her demise

Through this rest deep and long

Lara had wandered about the teaming throng

Of fish abiding in the golden sea

Once more a joy for she

Then along that immortal coast

Many stones were heard to boast

That Lara had paused to admire

Their form and shape with her eyes of fire

That night and the coming days

She said her goodbyes in so many ways

And the isle fell quiet as she gathered the three

Whom had brought fate to the golden sea

Lara rested with eyes intent

To this matter all her mind had she lent

In her face wisdom did abide

Her true form could she scarcely hide

Her thousands of years now brought to bear

On these three sitting there

The golden lady spoke

As the gods awoke

“The sword of Obelieus needs be forged anew

Yet even this will likely not do

But the foe who is near I must confess

Could scarcely be harmed by a weapon less

For many paths I now see ahead

Only a few do I see this foe dead

And in none do I quite comprehend

The way in which this world we defend

And your lives hang by not even string

Hope alone saves you from this thing

My help you have, and need it you will in time

But not as yet from this place I climb

Your next stop, once you resail the sea

Shall be towards the spirit tree

Of all the earth, this most ancient I discern

That here a skill you shall learn

This will help you remake Obelieus’s gift

Which elven sage used with skill so swift

Your gods await you at this holy place

Go and do so with great pace

Little more I have for you this day

But to send you on your way

But their comes a time when no hope you see

There again will you find me

When all is lost, seek not to flee

But hear the roaring of the golden sea

More you should not now know

Lest you turn fleeing from your foe

Courage and hope you must now near hold

Long will be your journey if it is ever told

Prepare to leave soon, aid is at hand

Coming now from the golden sand”

Ere her last word was spoken

The silence was already broken

A cough and heave as if death were tame

From the room where first the three here came

The four walked towards the other room

Finding there one seemingly bent on doom

Who had swam to the bottom of the sea

Only to come to these three

She wore black as the pilgrim wore brown

Now on all fours, nearly drowned

Lara, Murrien, and Lorrien stopped quick

While Delenleha stood and tapped her stick

The staff resounded on the ground

Where as before it made no sound

“A moment you deserve if you wish

You who braved the storm, sea and fish”

The figure in black rose slow still wet

“No moment I need if you are set”

Then with her staff the two clashed

Lorien and Murrien would have dashed

But held in place by Lara’s light touch

Spellbound they became as the battle was such

It was akin, indeed exact the same

As the pilgrim’s nightly game

When with a light form she would spar

Working her skills into the night so far

Soon it came to Lorien’s mind

They are akin, she came here to find

The lady in brown to give her aid

As farther into history did they wade

The two dueled for perhaps an hour

Delenleha slightly the better with more power

But the lady in black was her equal near

And of her all would know and fear

Ere the tale of Delenleha is done

Ere the final battle is lost or won

When the ritual was at last complete

The lady approached Lara with modesty replete

“Forgive that I intrude unbidden

But my lady I had to find though she be hidden

As I am certain you already know

The others wait where the waters flow

Into the sea of golden sheen

Where abides you, lady most keen”

Lara laughed and with her smile

Brightened the world for a while

“Drasa I knew you were coming fast

And a spirit bond is a thing not surpassed

And your coming was that for which I waited

And your coming is surely not hated

Meet your companions and know them well

For what troubles you may face even I cannot tell”

And thus it was that Drasa came

Blackstar to some, a pilgrim all the same

Of that same order of the lady who in brown was clad

And to have another of her order, she was most glad

End Canto Eight

Canto Nine

4/7/2004

Blackstar knelt before her lady in brown

For whose presence she had nigh drowned

Drasa awaited the words of the one appointed

The one she knew to be anointed

“Rise friend and tell me of your coming to this place

For surredly many dangers did you face

We nigh survived, we humble three

To dare the passages of the raging sea

And here you arrive daring even to swim

The sea where glows the water never dim

No other I would know to dare that deed

And even the most foolish would to Lara pay heed

Than into the water their lives so risk

What drives you beneath the golden disk?”

The lady’s words were not harshly said

Rather with a sense of dread

As if she had seen something, a fate yet afar

That now nearer drew as her soul she did spar

“Lady of great acclaim

Word does grow of your fame

Who brazen be these three

That test the fury of the isles and sea

And as such you know to expect

That your names grow in respect

Many now heed your call

Rallying to your aid be it spring of fall”

So spoke Drasa her words restrained

Much as all of her kind are so trained

“You speak truly but only in part

For none would of their senses depart

And cast themselves in to golden sea

Unless greater their needs be

You could have found me in safer guise

Yet I know you be among the wise

As the garb you have been granted

So speak in words less slanted

Why do I find you at the sea floor

Risking all you have and perhaps more?”

“My lady, you know there is one face

One mortal who could send me to this place

His words were spoken to me

‘Chase hard through the mists and sea

Let no place give you rest, in none confide

Till you stand by her side’

You know the one to make the request

So it is I come as unbidden guest

More on this I may later speak”

She ended with voice soft and meek

The lady who ever in brown was seen

Knew deeply what this must mean

She said nothing more, her senses dull

As this new knowledge she would mull

The others heard much of this speech

But the language was one out of reach

Except for Lara with wisdom so aged

That she could follow the words of the saged

But even in her mind she knew not all

Of what was meant by the unexpected call

Of one who would thrust herself into the water gold

For only legends more ancient than she ever told

How the third passing must come to pass

That the heaven must now ripped open at last

A rider of fur white she had heard on the wind

But how then this tear to mend?

Her fate was somehow here tied

How yet she had not spied

But the end, it is always death

Which she faced with steady breath

Lara, her mind still in this deep twist

Spoke to the one from the mist

Who alone had dared the raging sea

From her fate she did not flee

“Welcome in this house forever you are

Who bravely with the brown lady doth spar

In truth the time is nigh that you all depart

But while yet her rest your heart

And to me, ask questions as you will

That any knowledge I might in you instill

For our paths cross no more for a while

And your feet may trod many a mile

For wars are starting over your fate

That will be lost if you arrive too late

For days, mayhap a week

The four gathered daily knowledge to seek

And Lara of all things most wise

Their curiosity did not despise

Rather any question they might ask

She spoke what she knew to aid the task

That three set out to complete

And now four sought to defeat

Histories that widely were now unknown

Light in these dark corners was shown

Knowledge that long in secret held

Four listened and so compelled

Were they by the golden lady’s voice

That to ask another question they had no choice

And sleepless passed these last days

But full of rest in magical ways

So that Lara’s revelations did not cease

For growing short now was the lease

That time had lent for them here to be

And soon it was back to the golden sea

That same craft that three had bore

Now drifted with four

Beside walking on the water of gold

Came Lara of whom it is told

Is more lovely that any alive

Never again will the world so strive

In the depths of such color and light

As when Lara walked within your sight

Parting at the inner shore

Lara spoke once more

“I cannot aid your passage out

For other troubles do the storms surmount

But the craft of Blackstar

Will suffice to take you far

If your skill holds back the waters wrath

You again will find your path”

And now her human form passed away

That in the sun the golden scales could play

A dragon of unpassable size

Then flew into the skies

Twisting and dancing in the light

This beast of unknowable might

And then with a speed matched by grace

She dove back to her place

Seen by mortal eyes never again

Save once, at her end

End Canto Nine

Canto Ten

5/18/2004

In the distance the spies now faded

The next step in their course was now debated

It was chosen to strike south, toward living tree

A great isle south of raging sea

A ship would be found the lady had said

To help them through the isles of the dead

More sturdy and trusty than the last

Which with great skill her test they passed

But now they drifted on the golden sea

Long ere another mortal this sight would see

The water carried them with no haste

The air filled with the sea’s taste

A clean salty breeze over the waters came

The four now traveled the way the same

As first the three to this place had come

Landing again the beach they had left from

The boat thus returned to its proper place

Life there resumed its proper pace

Lara the lady of the golden sea

Awaited the calling of doom for she

As truly she always had

Now it drew near, for this she was glad

For her great purpose she might fulfill

And in so doing, her fate thus seal

Lara bade them return to the shore

Where first they arrived at her door

To the place which they awoke

IT was thus that she had spoke

“Go to the beach each dear friend

Where the first moments on this isle did you spend

There find a ship made anew

That through the dangers it may carry you

Through the storms that guard this isle

Where you have rested this while

Go now and we shall meet again

Though years shall pass before this end

Safe passage I cannot grant thee

For other powers are also in the sea

And the raging storms shall keep them at bay

And do so each passing day

But you ship shall I enchant

That more difficult will it be to plant

In the depths of those raging waters doom

That surge ever in the sea of gloom

When need is most dire

Build we then a new spire”

The path was found to lay much the same

As when before they first came

There footprints had been wiped away

As though the path were cleaned each day

And the suspicion was they probably were

But on such questions must they defer

More concerning matters would soon be pressing

Over which they would be much distressing

In a short time they retraced their way

And it was as Lara did say

Awaiting them where they first found land

A craft lie waiting there in the sand

Sturdy enough to face the sea

Small enough to be moved by three

With a fourth it was easily done

Blackstar being the fourth one

Lorien and Murrien both now saw

The power leaving them in thrall

That these two wanderers each held in check

For when they lifted the ship by the deck

It was the wanderers who lifted it up

Their efforts not even a drop in the cup

How strong were these ladies, one in black

The other in brown the color of a sack

They knew not such strength could be possessed

Let aloen by a female they each confessed

When they spoke first as the ship took towards the sea

This paradise they now to flee

A small cove with waters calm

They sailed it slow, it was a balm

To the wounds promised by the gloom

That raged over the sea of doom

When at last the cove the departed

Lightening struck near they knew they had started

This treacherous way to the south now sought

As with the waves the small craft fought

Though it was small it was not easily swayed

By the ferocity that the waters displayed

Each in their mind thanked Lara for her skill

In seeing the water wouold not so easily kill

These brave if reckless four

That saw the golden sea never more

Lara watched with bated breath

Hoping they would not herein find their death

For her fate was now tied to them as well

She worried with ever wave swell

But she dared not leave ere her time arrive

Her energy she now needed to strive

Against a foe far from her match

If more time from fate her world should snatch

She watched and hoped and remembered fear

As traveled the four with death so near

End Canto 10

End Part VI

Part VII

Canto One

6/12/2004

(NJ)

Under immense weight a mind awoke

Inside his mind a voice again spoke

“They have emerged from the golen isle

And danger awaits for many a mile

But again your gaze that way turn

And there once more you may discern

The one Lorien who is so named

Still by a necklace is maimed

Now they sail the sea of gloom

Yet somehow escaping time and again doom”

And so it was that his repose was past

When emerged the cursed at last

Who somehow passed through golden isle

Living still for a while

Escaping so often now certain fate

Arsed struggled to yet wait

His power now was of diffenert tint

Towards himself death’s power now bent

The dying, expired, and undead he felt them all

Bringing more to heed his call

But the death he most desired to feel

Were these that he would kill

Who from him the necklace had possessed

Left him wandering the world depressed

But rage would keep him among the living

To it each day more of himself he was giving

Until at last, there remain nothing left

Except the reclaim that of which he was bereft

He had watched with eager glee

When sailed foolishly the three

Into that raging storm

That panics the bravest with dire alarm

That lies ever over the sea of doom

Shrouded forever in endless gloom

Yet he had known these three to endure

With steady hands ad plans so sure

And somehow to the golden isle they came

But shrouded it is ever all the same

And even his power could not there spy

Foolish was the one to even try

For what might lay there was beyond his knowing

Such daring he was not yet showing

To challenge something that might him surpass

Through even the distance of a looking glass

A spot of reason did yet remain

But he regarded it with growing disdain

A watch he set about the ringed isle

Waiting still for a while

But this day when the three again emerged

For his madness he now splurged

And his armies he decided to gather quick

Massing in camps wide and thick

For of his spies, many he now had

One came hissing evil and glad

For as they traversed again the sea

Hearing the speaking of the three

That for the lliving isle they now made

Arsed then summoned from his dark shade

And plotted to meet them there and soon

Giving his spirit a lift and boon

His wait over, now action he sought

Of this day he had long thought

But one thing remained troubling him sore

Where once was three, now be four

This one in black, she was new

And with her coming the might of the others grew

And the one in brown he began to fear

In his dreams her voice he could hear

Something about her was as a piercing light

Troubling his dreams at night

Now, for the first Arsed could lay his trap

They would walk in and snap

And about them would enclose all his rage

And this even his anger would not assuage

Nor fades it ever night or day

Till waste to the entire world does Arsed lay

And to this end did Arsed now set his thought

The destrction of the three he sought

And the fouth must perish too

Ere Arsed’s fury be thru

And of the mighty that now walked the earth’s face

Few could withstand Arsed in this place

(Of the powers that linger below

We speak not for we do not know

But long past mighty things hide in the deep

Until again to the surface they may seep)

But Arsed could not now get to these few

For a sea lay between the two

Arsed and this band of now four

And Arsed knew the sea would leave him sore

And perhaps even would flay those he hated

But even he now suspected elsewise was fated

So his plans were formed in time short

Each hour bringing a new report

Having a task at hand made the days pass with ease

But at night his demons he could not appease

As thoughts of the wanderers brought him fear

Something he had never known so near

But now it stalked him nightly to no end

End Canto One

Canto Two

6/28/2004

A cold wind swept across the deck of the ship

The wet mist continued daring them each to slip

The breeze currently was not very strong

Enough to but push the craft along

Yet something in it seemed to be ill

As if life did its flowing chill

As a dying man give one last sigh

Such a wind seemed to pass now by

As the craft was now manned by four

Coming from the ringed isle of lore

The sea seemed to have grown in wrath

Since came the three along this path

The isles seemed now to grow in number

The wind shifted oft to even more encumber

The navigational skill of Murrien who steered

The small ship as she tossed and leered

Racing too and fro were the other three

With each new command seen to scurry

Many of the isles appeared but jagged stone

Like a great rock tooth standing alone

But if ever the ship dared too near

Or if the winds that way did steer

It was clear that more malice lie in wait

More sharp rocks filled with hate

For all that passed living through this sea

Ever spite filled would they be

Without Drasa’s welcome aid

Certainly this course could not be made

The strength of her arms which oft lay hidden

Came to great aid when it was bidden

Holding the sail against a great wind

Standing upright and no gale could bend

Her frame which stood proud and fierce

Daring the rains to her skin pierce

And with one of her company in tow

The pilgrim was as one they did not know

More open, almost jolly despite

The growing desperateness of their plight

As she aided in this temptation of death

One could hear under her whispered breath

Light songs with laughter filled

Tales of spring time dances and ales long spilled

And her voice was so singly pure

Filled with such ponderous allure

That it weaved undaunted through the din

Enetering each’s ear and dwelling within

And as the great sea pulsed with unending rage

Holding to hol them in its death filled cage

The others found themselves humming softly as well

How they knew the words they could not tell

It was as if they had known all along

The words to the pilgrim’s song

Each sang it then in perfect time

Stopping not for the thunder’s chime

Fr it appeared the storm now played its role

As music to this song from the soul

They had been at sea for perhaps a day

When first again life forms came their way

More fish rising from the deep

But for the moment their distance they keep

Perhaps it is the song that brought them near

Or maybe the song keeps them away in fear

For hours uncounted they rode along beside

Providing hints of where underwater danger may hide

Steering clear of dangerous shore

Helping and guiding out these four

Perhaps two days or longer they had this guide

In whom trusted they did decide

They came to hear the pilgrim’s fair voice

Indeed any would have had cause to rejoice

If they had been within that darkening gloom

That lies ever over the sea of doom

When Delenleha the lady in brown

Chose to sing rather than drown

And the fish that the surface now filled

All about the ship on the surface they spilled

As far as one could when permitted to see

They led these four that sought to flee

The spite driven mighty storm

That had caused so many reason to mourn

And one last aid would these sea creatures give

That these four may yet find cause to live

For when the monster of the deep drew near

The fish began to swarm as if in fear

The four then were unsure of what would come now to pass

But well warned by that swimming mass

So that battle ready stood the four

When rising up from the ocean floor

Came Regnarstok, bane of the sea

From whom even the storms were known to flee

End Canto Two

Canto Three

8/20/2004

Regnarstok, whom of old was known

To bring down the stars as above they shone

Who sat brooding under cloudless sky

For not even the clouds would pass by

And none that way ever came

Fearing his fists of black flame

Endless would have been the desolation

If ever he remained in isolation

But at rare times a brave foolish few

Would dare the great beast a challenge anew

And all caved before his hammer of gold

Made ere the world did unfold

Votomsam was it fearfully called

And in its craftsmanship was nothing flawed

Of his sword, Migeunot, tales in secret crept

Whispers of the widows who eternally wept

Nations fell before its diamond edge

Passing while knowing the sword’s pledge

That those souls lost to its bite

Shall wander evermore without respite

Finding in such death no place to rest

Endless longing the only quest

Of those who traveled that shadowed realm

Those whom Migeunot did overwhelm

His eyes brought a stinging gaze

Torturing his prey in unimagined ways

Like hollow pits of deepened black

A sign of his rage there was no lack

For a single point of glowing light

In each eye offered sight

But more it was as an arrow of hate

Piericing all who dared his gate

That gate which offered a last word to heed

Guarded not for he had not need

He stored not riches or a thing to gain

Only keeping himself there and his desire for pain

That pain he had and would willingly share

To any fool who neared him dare

The gate stood a dozen men high

With walls over which birds dare not fly

There he sulked and his ill will bore

And so it would have been forever more

A plight on the land would have ever remained

Had not the world itself been so strained

It was a world to be remade

As if at first something crucial had strayed

But no thought to Regnarstork was spared

And to seek him out none then dared

So when the waters came to cover the surface whole

He was buried beneath the watery flow

Unlike any other, he continued there still

In the great depths of the seas harsh chill

Time then drifted continually by

While Regnarstok waited for the world to die

Hidden now by the sea of doom

Another dark place with in the gloom

But darker than the others, and yet unknown

This ancient malice was again briefly shone

What could to the surface bring this bane

That so long beneath the surface has lain

The ship had passed into a strange quiet

The sky seem to show a clear night

The waters seemed strange still

When Lorien to the deck did spill

With a yelp arising from piercing pain

Lorien, fell like a man insane

Overcome with throbbing in his head

Shivering as if soon he’d be dead

The necklace around his neck now tight

His eyes now darkening to sight

His voice crushed, words unformed

His body chilled no longer warmed

Murrien first to arrive by his side

Console him she could not though she tried

His scream was unearthly shrill

Then with dread did her heart fill

For the waters around the ship began to boil

As to the surface did now toil

One whose rage burned the water sore

As from the great deep he now tore

Regnarstok of whom the ancients lived in dread

Even now to the surface sped

Drasa spoke first of the approaching hate

“Something terrible is now our fate

The wind is stilled we now sit

Felling Lorien into this pain mired fit

The boat must be moved by magical means”

Spoke lady drasa, fairer than queens

The brown lady then tried to surmise

What in her mind would be accounted most wise

For of such powers she little held

But the wind she sought to make unquelled

Yet it would not listen to her magical word

Struck by fear, the wind was not heard

Hiding now from Regnarstok as of old

No command to it could be told

“The wind it is absent

No command can there be sent

The water quakes in only fear

Of what evil now comes near

Instead ready if you can for fight

No other option do I have for our plight”

So spoke Delenleha for whom one thing was unrevealed

Another surprise would Lara soon yield

End Canto Three

Canto Four

10/20/2004

Like a shark following a blood trail

Came a diamond edge faster than a gale

The water seemed to cut before the blade

For a brief spot, all stood still afraid

Then into action all quickly went

Save for Lorien, who thought his life spent

On the deck in agony he remained

His heart faltering, his mind strained

The blade of Migeunot through the waves slit

To some action they must commit

So the two pilgrims and druid now sought

To reshape the winds with which they had fought

And though no wind would answer the call

The air could be remade after all

To push the ship just slightly ahead

As slashed by that blade of dread

As it slithered past with its tip so near

Lorien for a space was overcome with fear

As his thoughts went into black

And ancient memories came flooding back

Of Regnarstok standing before an immortal

And being not felled by the blows

And how the golden hammer rang

Votomsam was its name

Such an equal match, neither would wavier

And endless battle neither to favor

Until swept under the sea was Regnarstok of old

The full tale of which is not yet told

As the boat lurched lightly away

The diamond edge seemed to turn and sway

Beneath the surface it at first fell

Then rose up again with an enormous swell,

Now longer than the ship was that blade

That before the seas were made

Had been forged to face those unknown

That no longer were seen were the sun is shone

Rising behind it a hand of black flame

All about a mist now came

As the heat proved to overbear the sea

But too slow from his wrath did it flee

And melted away as his arm now rose

Again Regnarstok did now interpose

His will had so long lay hidden

To even think of him forbidden

As dark are the dreams of those that seek

That one who in the depths lay bleak

No from the depths a long past is risen

Coming to this world at a time unbidden

And his arm raised up in ferocious spite

His eyes not yet seeing those he d smite

But in a flash as the blade came down

Coming towards the lady in brown

Who stood now bravely her staff aloft

With the dark strike coming her soul scoffed

Her foe she did not know

But she sensed its ancient soul

And the blade came down direct to the staff

But it did not rendr it in half

Lodging in the wood for a slight space

Then returning again to its place

Was it that the ancient blade had grown weak

Or that Regnarstok had aged to grow meak

Truth be neither had come to be

There beneath the sea

Again the blade fell with fury hard to be told

Yet stood Delenleha now strangly bold

Again in her staff the blade held awhile

Recoiling again with wrath growing hostile

But the ancient diamond blade now sensed

What foe it fought against

For the pilgrim ad a staff touched by dragon fire

And such wood did not easily expire

Repelled now, the sword was withdrawn

Last seeing such in a time foregone

Drawn closer now by interest in things near forgot

Of what wood could have Migeunot caught

For rare is bwood so treated by living gold

A secret that Lara had left untold

Votomsam was pulled, the water glimmered bright

In the raging steam that now took flight

The ancient hammer was about to be swung

Long had it been since last it had rung

But as Regnarstok to the surface drew near

He slowed sensing an aura austere

Ancient was the power that drew him from the deep

But stronger was the one that here held keep

Over the ones that sought hidden shore

Wandering these seas bringing war

It was not he who the necklace had made

That memory of which would never fade

So again to the depths Regnarstok now returned

And of this moment few ever learned

For Lara alone could sense him here

And his time was not yet near

And of the four who had seen his return

Little of him could they learn

For time begged other tasks be attended

Ere this piece of myth be mended

Long was it ere Regnarstok was seen again

And this passing moment was by then arcane

End Canto Four

Canto Five

10/29/2004

Other powers though were stirred

And not so gracefully deterred

Nor as respectful as that deep water bane

That for now in those depths would remain

Demons in the clouds, held in golden bond

Where less refrained when they did respond

To the passing of this ship through the sea of doom

Traversing beneath that endless gloom

For even though the ship were treated with ancient fire

To break the laws of the sea it dare not conspire

Whether Lara held such power was never known

Happening not since the last sunbeam shone

Down into the darkening water swirls

As from behind the great storm curls

Trapping within those golden foes

Caged forever where no light goes

Such demons now that small ship drew near

And to bring open battle the demons had fear

For they too saw the eerie glow

That over these Lara had blessed them so

Thus instead grave winds they brought to bear

Tossing them violently, no malice to spare

The ship lurched, but she would not sink

No fury could place her crew into the drink

But in such wind she could not be steered

And changing direction was to be feared

For in the mist that ever there dwelt

Drawing near another isle could be felt

Something in the air had again turned

Another landing they would have spurned

But the ship went for that shore unhindered

But her hull and sail remained unrendered

She came to rest in abandonded sand

Guided to safety by Murrien’s hand

That spirit of the forest, mistress of the sea

Who in legend forever remembered will be

And when the wind haed pushed the ship in tight

It withered away and passed in the night

Or perhaps it was day so long since one could tell

If in this forsaken sea one did dwell

Sitting there alone in the forgotten still

They all took a moment to get their fill

Of rest, food and a space to talk

Before on the isle they would walk

To consider next what they must invent

If not forever on this isle they were to repent

A strange sight in this sea of doom

Four friends laughing in the gloom

Such moments are never when on the sea

Four rushing about frantically

Hoping that with some luck and skill

They again avoid the kill

That ever is chasing close behind

Soon it seems the prey to find

On occasion does only disaster seem near

And then only with great fear

Would one be permitted a moment to sleep

To find what hope within the soul did keep

To strengthen the body those the passing days

Where blocked appears all the ways

Whereby this course might draw to its end

Without the world being lost by then

Only to be awakened when the ship would sway

Rushing to aid, hoping to just save this day

Stories were shared that come to mind

About things since seeing Lara that they did find

For 8 eyes were spread wide apart

Since from Lara they did depart

For those here doomed by the deep grey

Would not happily let them pass their way

And many ills had been seen near

Bringing wit them danger and fear

But even more where seen in the distant glow

Little of them could they know

But each shared stories of what they had seen

When piercing eyes desperate and keen

Had through the mists fog and storms so glared

To spy the mysteries in the sea ensnared

The stories some even true are too many to be retold

If even one listened till growing past old

Rested and now hoping that hope they had

The four prepared to admit it was bad

The ship was not wrecked but driven into the sand

Stuck deep now into this land

And no winds had come to push them out

Now power they knew of one so stout

Worse they had seen they knew

And worse would come if they made it through

But this problem still needed some solution

And yet unknown was its resolution

Perhaps on the shore some aid could they find

Accepting the danger now common in the mind

That no good thing comes here to stay

Only dieing along the way

Save the great Kerchal would alone came of old

Passing through both meek and bold

Now these four sought to join that list

Of those that came through the mist

Spoke with Lara, her wisdom gained

And found that life outside the sea still remained

End Canto Five

Canto Six

11/16/2004

&

11/22/2004

The isle was quiet and strange

So few landmarks here to arrange

Only a ship run near aground

Buried in the sand to be found

Little else, just flat waste

Holding nought this isle seemed displaced

But lacking in menance it offered dispair

For a ship lay lodged deep in the sand

And no aid was found upon this land

Nor anything else offered help or aid

And the hopeful spirits began to fade

The isle was small, it could be travered in a day

And across its shape they made their way

They slept not, for such was their need

And so rested, they gave no heed

To the day as it come to pass

Instead traverseing the forsaken isle

Seeing the complete shore

And finding little more

On the path back they at least grew weary

Resting then in this land so dreary

The three felt as though sleep was unknown

Not resting since last seeing the light that shone

Even though but a day’s past they awoke from long rest

Now it seemed long since they lay in nest

Weariness took them desperately quick

As one who fell suddenly sick

Into deep dreams at once they fell

Too late they came to know to well

What evil this isle held within its soul

That weariness brought dreams too dark to control

Bleak and prophetic in their very design

A future one would hope to never divine

Each into their own fears now dove

And against the misgivings they therein strove

Murrien awoke in the forest of her youth

The burning of woods by men uncouth

She recalled this moment in her soul

When somehow she could instantly know

That her father had been just slain

And fresh now seemed that unwanted pain

This dream she had had before at times

Waking her mind with simple rhymes

“Tis a dream he’s long been dead

Just more suffering in you head

Now awake and find the day

Then the dream goes away”

But she found herself now at a loss

Standing hidden in the moss

Words failed to pass her lips

Each time memory slips

“Tis a dream… tis some dreams”

No further could she go it seems

And so now trapped in a memory feared

She wandered while the burning neared

Instead of seeing the woods as a girl

As she had before when the dream did unfurl

Now as a lady of the woods she saw them in dread

Ancients now perishing and soon dead

Alone she could not turn back the fire

No clouds would gather for rain to transpire

The earth lay motionless despite her demands

Ignoring almost mocking her desperate commands

The spirit of Dransik ad left her at last

Now the forest would come to past

Not worthy to save these trees she was found

And over the roar of fires her cries made no sound

The druids that saved her had saved these trees

They came not hearing not her pleas

Forsaken now only with fire

Her forest now began to expire

Having now not her magical skill

Nor aid coming nor water to spill

She decided her life to lend

Using it the trees to defend

Any small fire was smothered with her frame

Seeking out other ways to tame

She moved fires by scorched hand

To rest on already burnt land

Running through walls of flame

Feeling not the healing that to her came

Trees she began to climb with speed

Removing limbs as she had need

Hopeing the fires would not longer spread

Comsuming only herself when at last she was dead

Till she had grown exhausted she continued to dream

Holding back the fires it did seem

Till at once they rose up all about to consume

As if past fires did the trees exhume

And at once the forest was all alight

Fires only fire was all in her sight

Yet No thing appeared to be burning

It was as if the wood was no spurning

The flames that now lept all about

Then in brief Murrien lost her doubt

For in the flames Dransik’s frame she saw

And then at once did they both withdraw

As the flames now faded and were gone

Murrien in fires now shone

Fires in a place of only flame

Where until her time she would remain

End Canto Six

Canto Seven

11/26/2004 &

12/13/04

Murrien was first to from dream emerge

Hearing in the distance some funeral dirge

Fading away on the wind

That gently over her now did bend

She saw laying still aground

Her three companions making no sound

But for soft breath there prevailing

Troubled sleep beyond dispelling

What dark places they therein wandered

What evil thoughts were being therein pondered

She saw now this isle held ill

More subtle than rage that would kill

For even at the slightest effort she grew weak

Again towards sleep did she sink

She grabbed her three companions that deeply slept

Dragging them in turn to where the ship was kept

But after an hour of tiring work was done

Again she slept in a dream that spun

From evil or regret that now explored her heart

Seeking to at each turn rend her apart

But each dream she found herself the stronger

Waking to drag them a little longer

Feeding each a little at a slow pace

For weeks might pass before again the place

Where the ship lay anchored and perhaps lost

If strong storms had the sea angriely tossed

How much time she could not surmise

For weary sleep took her by surprise

Perhaps hours minutes or days

The passage of time here came in strange ways

After a few dreams, she then surmised

She was not alone in the plan she had devised

By the footsteps she then discerned

That Drasa had also learned

The dark ill that this isle held

And how it was they were felled

And by what device that might persist

Escaping the isle to still exist

Drasa was indeed the stronger

And was able to drag a little longer

In distance though not in time

For darker were her dreams sublime

Lorien too awoke ere it was ended

Seeing quick how things might be mended

But with the arms of a sage

Never in hard work earning a wage

His pace was painfully slow

And time was short they did know

So weak each began to feel

And the strongest among them did not heal

Lorien began to construct a device

That to aid the movement might suffice

With the rough form of wheels and a bed

That they might all be rolled along instead

For Drasa was indeed very mighty

And could carry along the other three

But Murrien and Lorien could but drag

Tiring work as spirits would sag

With this new construct, the yards were covered with haste

For weak they grew and began to waste

And still the lady in brown slept still and cold

Stiff she grew as the journey did unfold

Only the subtle twitch of her eye

Did so lightly there belie

That death had not yet caught her up

Though days had passed since she did sup

Though all three tried again in vain

To give her drink her strength to maintain

In what darkness could she so long wander

What thoughts must she now ponder

That for at least weeks she did now entertain

Yet somehow her life maintain

For each knew the way of the dreams

Assaulting the soul it seems

That the waking moments were the only rest

And more just to escape the dreams at best

So deep continued the sleeping war

That Delenleha alone bore

Of her fate the three tried not to think

Lest in their waking moments they sink

Into fear for what would become them all

If in her dark thoughts she were to fall

The last leg seemed by far the worst

For these four cold and cursed

For from afar the ship could be seen

Sitting proud alone and keen

The pace was known as cruel

For like a fire lacking fuel

The drink and food now expired

In sight the destination desired

But long was that flat stretch of land

To where sat the ship just past the sand

Of the beach they had near forgot

So long had this place they sought

The passing days seemed to gain little ground

And the lady’s breathing weakened its sound

To recall a ship that yet needed repair

Was to give in to despair

But at least there would be a bit to eat

If they might return to their fleet

What would then become of the lady then

Would she emerge from the place she has been

For the past few days she had lain still

Her pulse waning as her body did chill

At times they thought she had past

Her heart pausing before beating at last

Defeated they returned to the ship

That still from the ground did not slip

Nothing had come of the trip to shore

Save the great burden that all three bore

Delenleha lay in some great wait

To discern once more her final fate

End Canto Seven

Canto Eight

1/18/2005 & 1/25/2005

A few nights passed, or times of sleep

For where the sun did not seep

No other time could scare be counted

Another trick to be surmounted

Three sat in a growing dark

No way to now embark

They sat with dreading delay

To see if from death’s door she would stray

A morning came, her breath was still

Upon her head was a forboding chill

Only the slight rhythm of her heart

Kept her from a final depart

And Murrien sat with Drasa too

When Lorien came as though demons did pursue

“The ship it has been remade

In the night, by sprite or shade

As though a shipwright plying his skills

It gives me such pained chills

But the boat seems ready to take to the sea

Yet I know not how it came to be”

“Stay Lorien, with our lost friend

And we shall check to see this mend

Still we are stuck aground

But long since a flash of hope be found”

And with Drasa’s words the two were away

This miracle to survey

Excited shouts could Lorien hear

As beside the brown lady he sat near

Yet without her strength how would the ship move

Though all would agree things did improve

The two returned, spirits lifted high

Still there was trouble, no one would deny

Any spark of hope however bleak

Had been forgotten so long did they seek

So the three now spoke in hopeful tone

On how to return where the winds had blown

Delenleha’s strength would have sufficed

Back to the sea the ship she could have enticed

But the three left would have to more clever be

If they were to return to sea

And truth be told, it need be soon

For little remained for fork and spoon

And the stores had grown very low

And when there might be more none did know

So it was decided that all should rest

That on the next day they would be best

To apply their common strength

To find at some length

A way out from the desolation

That had brought them to this desperation

Two days of clever thought

Had no closer to escape the three brought

All as their friend appeared to wither

And nerves seemed to fray and dither

Till a morning came and she was gone

But not dead and from the world withdrawn

Simply her form was no longer where it was placed

Indeed she was no where to be found

But something more pressing was there to confound

The ship was now at sea

Crossing the waters clean and free

The deck was manned by a ghostly host

Across the waters did the ship coast

The spirits that the ship now steered

Noted not when the three appeared

Rather continued about their task

Hearing no questions the three did ask

A ghost crew from realm unknown

Sailors that had not bone

And the ship sailed as if under expert hand

Guided aright away from land

When the shifting isles would reappear

Subtle and swift would the craft then veer

As though the helmsman had already seen

The future with eyes so keen

And a near silent day the three then spent

As in the silent work the spirits did not relent

Of the loss of the brown lady here

Drasa felt it most dear

For their fates were deep intwined

And ever were their fates inclined

To be of the same place and mind

And now at a loss, the brown lady to find

And late in day she stayed awake

The sense of loss too great to shake

And on the deck she watched the crew

Ghostly figures with strength new

Heeding not her voice or deeds

Only sailing through ravaging seas

This strange miracle seemed at too great a cost

If ever the lady in brown were lost

And as her sleepless hours stretched to be great

Buried beneath an unimaginable fate

She reached for one of the figures in the bleak

Taking hold of the arm she did seek

Somehow she held the ethereal form

It even felt strangely warm

Taking then her gaze

Familiar eyes did quickly blaze

Then the rarest of things then came to pass

Fear took hold the brave lass

And she released the ghostly arm

And her heart shuddered with strange alarm

She cowered alone on the deck

Her soul a shattered wreck

And spoke not of that evening for years unknown

How burning that night Delenleha’s eyes had shone

End Canto Eight

Canto Nine

3/24/2005

Drasa returned now below the deck

Alone now on her trek

She found a spot, small and dark

Where alone she saw a future bleak and stark

For it was the way of those in her form

That the soul would transform

To meld to the one they had long sought

Through nights travels and battles fought

And to the lady in brown was she bound

Through the golden she before she found

The one that was her kindred soul

And such a loss was hard to know

So soon after the hardships seen

For Delenleha to reside in between

To go where Drasa could not follow

She sat quient, alone and hollow

As the hours passed sleep took her

Long and pained for no dreams did occur

She sat frozen in time and space

Lorien and Murrien moving her from her place

Back to lay upon her bed

The two wondering if soon she too would be dead

Or taken as was the lady in brown

The misplaced wonder of much renown

Who into a deep trance had once fell

Leaving without a farewell

Now of the four who from the golden sea forth had sailed

The two remaining knew they had failed

For clarity was lost in the sea of doom

Where the horizon only promised gloom

Yet swiftly over those raging waters they went

At raging pace as if hell bent

On finding the place these spirits desired

Battling the sea as if mad and inspired

The two remaining pondered their fate

Nothing to do but wait

Drasa did not long linger in her trance

Waking but weakened after this dance

But her eyes belied the struggle inside

The others encouraged her to confide

And as the days steadily passed

Wondering if their food would last

Knowing not the eventual destination

Of if there was to be a next station

For seeing neither stars nor sun nor moon

Weary, frightened and in a swoon

Fearing the spirits that controlled their ship

Would forever about this ship slip

Never emerging from the sea of doom

Wandering ever in unending gloom

And so spoke the three in weakened tone

Dreaming of how once the sun had shone

Matching only by the glow of the golden sea

Where found waiting Lara would be

Wondering if she knew of their plight

As from there doom they took flight

Lorien had over the past several days seemed to grow weak

The necklace finding what it did seek

A spot of weakness in his soul

Now beginning to take its toll

Without Delenleha the powder was not as strong

That had helped him sustain so long

And in his voice was a new despair

For which their seemed no repair

Murrien’s prayers had fallen empty and still

In no place could she find Dransik’s will

Her faith still strong, her hope fading

As through each moment the darkness was pervading

On a ship driven by unknown need

They felt adrift and no longer paid heed

To the ghostly crew which with increasing haste

Drove the ship as though chased

What danger imagined or real was unknown

Nor ever told while while the sun still shone

Upon the surface which the ship did now skim

Toward a light, distant and dim

Lorien spotted it first as he stood watching the shades

“A dim light so distant, it never fades

The spirits now with blinding speed

Toward this light they now lead

Our destination perhaps now near

We face it having lost our fear

Losing it when hope at last died

We held on, we tried

But come companions let us see this end

That our days did portend

To what place these spirits have drove

With mad haste since leaving the cove”

So three stood together to see a strange sight

Emerging from that long night

That sat ever over the sea of doom

Only they emerging from the gloom

Save Kerchel who passed this way long ago

And had guided this ship, we all now know

For in the distance, as though it had waited

The sun was setting, now elated

The shadow which over them had so long lain

Began to lift as the light came to their domain

And when those rays found the spirit crew

Its form into the sky now flew

And the ship came to rest, its crew undone

Only three watching the setting sun

Motionless the three still remained

Staggered by that which could not be explained

And yet once more vision would amaze

While they remained in this daze

As up from below would emerge the shape

Making complete the stunning escape

Delenleha returned from a place untold

Her eyes burning with blue and gold

Words were not sufficient so none were said

For she returned from a place beyond the dead

As the sun descended, the sky was clear

The star’s revealing the destination was clear

The isle of trees was but a space to the east

And there soon would be a feast

End Canto Nine

Canto Ten

5/12/2005

That night recounted at length

As long to listen she found strenth

The tales did unfold

Of that which Delenleha desired to be told

The dreadful trip out of the sea

The ghosts who from waves did not flee

And guided the ship with skill so deft

That of the three none were bereft

Save to fear the loss of the lady in brown

Who now in the light is found

But none of the three spoke of where she had gone

Nor asked to where hshe had been withdrawn

For each had their guesses and would say no more

Fearing to hear of where her mind did explore

When she fell into the darkest trance of them all

On the isle that did weaken and enthrall

From the dreaded sea they all had scars in the spirit

They would recall anytime they were near it

And each felt their coutenance changed

A portion of the soul rearranged

But only those blazing eyes never faded

So deep the waters she had waded

As to the isle of trees they grew near

Other living things could be heard clear

Birds descended to their deck

Murrien would speak to the creature regarding their trek

With each passing hour, more creatures came to listen

The boat bent towards the isle with an escort of dolphin and whale

No longer having need of its war shattered sail

Pushed and carried by the thronging mass

To see the ones whom through the sea did pass

When closer they had drawn to the coast,

Others joined the host

A number had come to pledge themselves to the lady in brown

And they were requested to travel together until ground

Several knew Drasa and in her company had been

Now for a moment plagued with chagrin

To see she had dared the sea alone

And now was again where the sun is shown

Delenleha laughed for the first time since her demise

That left her with the blazing blue and gold eyes

“Know you not my new friends

Our fate such danger transcends

But surely you would have within fell

This I can surely tell

For small numbers may hope to dodge the sea

But such a host would never flee

Quick enough to escape the dread

That dooms the water that buries the dead”

Her three companions felt a slight chill

And recalling the waters that meant such ill

And the gathered number, perhaps 40 or more

That would ride with them to the shore

Could see in those eyes of blue

That each word from the brown lady was pure and true

From the gathered number, news was now gained

That Arsed could scarcely be restrained

And his hosts were coming to this same isle

And would know of there location in a short while

And a more ancient and more dreadful malice

A tale confirmed by a red gallus

With whom Murrien now spoke at length

Of this bane’s growing strength

A face not yet seen or known

At least not when the bird had flown

As the forest of his home was laid low

Seen in the night still burning aglow

The four knew this was the one Sari had feared

Would see Lorien when the necklace neared

And Arsed the Bleaker certainly wishes it himself

Since Lorien had claimed it from his shelf

And while they spoke words none

The others sensed that the war had just begun

After a moment of quiet reflection

Delenleha spoke now with affection

“Friends that have joined our number

Let me set a task that may encumber

The tidings grow darker but never more needed

And all about my ears I would be seeded

But my path, for now lies straight

Long before danger about it shall abate

So for as many of you as are willing

I have a tasking, dangerous and thrilling

At least if you should return from it yet alive

For much against you will contrive”

None would deny her a single request

All you go joyously at her behest

Thus she spoke to one sending him to the shifting sands

And would crawl the caves of Gorthanol on his hands

Three she sent in search of Sari the sage

For he was crucial if this war she must wage

Two others sent to Kerchal and beyond

Another to see the ethereal pond

To the extent of the known world were they sent

Many to their dooms and she did repent

“These things of you I ask

I demand no task

Of those that choose to go

Some will perish you must know

And even if you achieve your goal

I may not live long enough to extol

The great tasks I now ask you to achieve

Some are too much I do conceive

For you or any mortal, but these are our needs

So I ask you perform these deeds”

And all 43 stood and took an oath unbidden

“The truth you lay bare it not be hidden

We shall take each up our petition

And shall die before forsaking our commission”

Elsewhere is recorded the daring of the 43

Whose daring oft was not for others to see

Passing into places long left in fear

Only great need now pressed them near

They now offered up many a toast

With it came the occasional boast

While Delelnleha now cried inside

Knowing so many will have soon died

End Canto Ten

End Part 7

Part Eight

Canto One

5/19/2005

Reborn: Names added

5/16-24/2007

The shore was soon found

Many small ships were aground

As the number now included the forty three

Whom escorted the brown lady across the sea

When the gathering was made for a last meal

Before into the woods the 4 would steal

And then to their sundry tasks would go

The 43 with gusto

One last evening they had on the strip of sand

That bordered the water and tree filled land

A final night of rest for the forty-three

Ere they would scatter across the sea

A table was quickly laid

Lorrien’s skills did not fade

Though long since he cooked with open flame

That talent within still remained

An 47 were delighted with his skills

A dinner producing many new thrills

A taste for each to savor

And for each palate a new flavor

Never afraid to use his magic when he sautéed

His improvements there were not betrayed

When he cooked, people were known to cry

When forced to bid the table good-bye

In some circles it is even said

That 3 are now counted dead

For they would rather eat until the last

Rather than from the table be cast

Toasts were offered through the night

To Lara and her wise insight

To Sari wherever his wisdom now held

To the luck in the sea that tossed and swelled

To each of the forty three

And more so to Drasa who alone saw the golden sea

Of the number that first set to seek

The lady in brown both fierce and meek

To all the gathered number

They sang songs and never did slumber

And in time the night had grown old

And ere long dawn would soon unfold

Yet before the number was to scatter

There remained at least one matter

And Delenleha again spoke to the 43

That she held them not to their destiny

And if any would fear that task she had laid

They were free to choose to evade

If in their heart they felt weak

No pardon need they seek

Rather simply return from whence they came

And for her it would be the same

For among her requests were none of ease

Requiring luck and much expertise

So she spoke to each alone

That they could make to her known

Their intention without fear

Of the companions that were near

A final chance offered to decline

In private so the others would not malign

But in her heart she already knew

That the number that withdrew

Would be less than one

That each would see death or her task done

And death many would first find

This weighed now heavy on her mind

But in that far sight given to but few

There seemed nothing else to do

If the growing fear in her heart

Were ever now to depart

For sense her long unwaking dream

She felt the danger growing it did seam

And soon would come a first test

That if Arsed was to be stopped she must best

Yet at once it felt the first page

Of a book whose length would be tough to gauge

There stood Draven the Bold

Who would perish as the rear guard he did hold

Many moons from this passing day

Earning great renown along the way

Ethan Alexander stout and daring

No fear ever was his heart seen wearing

And many fell before him along his path

For few could stand before his wrath

Elijah Quinn wise and cunning

Before him his foes seen running

Fearing what clever device he might unleash

For his cleverness grew to never cease

Maxwell whose knowledge of the elvin skill

Gave even the greats much thrill

When he dared but a slight reveal

Of that power that he did oft conceal

Elizabeth whose first name was hidden

To speak it before her forbidden

For great was the power within that name

And an equal match would be her fame

Jocelynn Marie whose knowedge ran deep

She sat awake without sleep

So that her eyes might see truth from afar

Knowing both the sane and bizarre

Andrew Isaac who’s quiet did belie

Strength that foe could not deny

Weaknesses were counted too few

To stand against him when he did pursue

Gamblin whose looks did belie

That he was clever and sly

DaWhitney who cleverly had hidden

His path that to follow was forbidden

Adrian from the south that gently did go

Into dark places where none could know

Keschelle whose horn did bray

And feared not to enter the fray

Pickiton whose wisdom stretched far

As he listened while playing his guitar

Joshold whose eyes hid his youth

So keen they were to the truth

The McConate whose mind was razor edge

When to Delenleha he made his pledge

And Swilson she lost her fear

Coming both brave and austere

Daasacs uncertain his course

Soon to choose it with no remorse

Kylebes with talent immense

Lacking always in pretense

Christina friend so caring

Ever clever and daring

Trenton who too soon would be taken

In the end his spirit shaken

Krhalin the wanderer beloved by all

Hard would be the news of his fall

Jondolini elder and wise

Hidden lay his power in this guise

Hammonto who traveled far only to return

So close to that home for which he did yearn

Pauldoc whose many travels over the sea

Gave him much knowledge of this land of tree

Doofonto at whose falling the tears did stream

But for a while longer her eyes still gleam

Titanofer small in stature but loud in voice

Whose coming caused to all to rejoice

Prettannia elder and gray though quick as cat

Ferocious and astute in all combat

Bensonent whose voice still sang

Whose joy echoed with great harangue

Davashely lady from western plains

Who broke free of the Gestem chains

Bendain her companion who knew well war

Together they traveled across many a shore

Holqsuz she who fared not the cold north

Her foes did tremble when she rode forth

Rahaym whose ancient wit had yet to dull

Had alone corssed the sea with self made hull

Linus Redhatted who offered much aid

And freely so such was his crusade

Fermant whose long walk is still known

As he chased the sun to where she was blown

Rachah far from the east had he sailed

In a direction that most had failed

Korrien who up the shore did wade

Long would it be ere did she fade

Bebel eager and young

Strong was the song she has sung

Vingo sheer brilliance

Matched by his resilience

Yitzhon whose mighty mirth

Was but a small part of his worth

Einivity who seemed to know that known by none

Left behind no hard task undone

Tuxan whose eyes seemed to smile

Whose feet walked many a mile

Michlay who seemed to have many lives

Though much turmoil she survives

Voagnon whose brooding did not stain

His love of the arcane

The last offered no name

Yet found the greatest of fame

And now away would this number go

To what ends they could not know

But one final delight would their journey bring

The rare chance to hear Murrien sing

And tell the wonders of Tremolawn’s way

Which she would seek at break of day

Along with the survivors of the sea

When they bid farewell to the forty-three

End CANTO 1