Songs of Faerun (4)

[Ladellon]

The Host of Gareth Dragonsbane

The dawn, on Pelauvir’s swift course
And armored troops, shone bright,
Reflecting hopes of Damara
Advancing to the fight.

To conquer the Witch-King’s army,
With banner, sword and shield
They bravely rode through Vaasan Gate
While bells fervently pealed.

Onward, Host of Dragonsbane!
To Perilous we go,
Taking righteous conflict to
Each and every foe.

Before the noble host arrayed
Fled every goblin band,
Their master’s stronghold to attain
And make a final stand.

Demons, orcs, wolves and undead hordes
Gathered in fierce defense
‘Gainst Damaran forces who sought
Swift justice to dispense.

Onward, Host of Dragonsbane!
To Perilous we go,
Taking righteous conflict to
Each and every foe.

The foundations of Perilous,
Amid resounding praise,
Quiver with fear as anthems ring
And gallant swords are raised.

With triumph’s certain, swift approach
The Witch-King’s destiny
Brought him true, everlasting death
And set Damara free.

Onward, Host of Dragonsbane!
To Perilous we go,
Taking righteous conflict to
Each and every foe.


Battle of Keldel’s Gap

Great hordes of brutal, savage orcs
Swept down from on the rise
And tried to drive us from the gorge
With their atrocious cries.

Our hearts held firm, as did our line,
And we prepared to fall.
We’d take a score or more along
With us to Mithral’s Hall.

Our arrows streaked into their ranks
Along with arcane might
And, as the beasts began to fall,
We knew we’d win the fight!

With drawn blades we then boldly strode
Into the teeming pack,
Which reeled and wavered in the face
Of our intense attack.

The last orc, from a fatal blow,
Fell to the valley’s floor.
To our surprise the death toll came
To seven and two score.

Though wounded, all, our mood was light –
We’d quite surpassed our skill.
At Kheldel’s Gap we’d won the day
Through daring and sheer will.


The High Moor’s the Merrier

A seeming tumult woke me from
My long unnatural slumber.
Rusted sword, I wield, and shield,
Though now just rotting lumber.

I rise from murky shallows
And reattach my head.
This intruder would be slain
For I was the undead!

Bemoaning my own wretched state,
I fix upon my foe.
Then lurching stiffly, shuffle forth,
Noxious weeds in tow.

Gnashing teeth, I close to maim,
My visage surely dire.
Yet unmoved he did remain,
Standing in the mire.

I roar and tear a loosened rib
And pitch it at the fellow.
He responds with but a wave,
A proffered hand and, “Hello.”

In the Mere of Dead Men?
Did I hear him right?
Was he trying to befriend me –
A creature of the night?

Collapsing and despondent,
Not knowing where I erred,
I pondered in my fetid pool –
‘He wasn’t even scared.’

“You needn’t be ashamed, old chap,”
He offered with a pat.
“You’re really quite a sight, you see,
Ghastly and all that.”

“But I have been around Faerun,
from Luskan to Skull Crag.
I’ve battled Trolls in Evermoor,
In Cormyr – slew a hag.”

“It’s quite a lovely spot you’ve here
Compared to what I’ve seen.
And fearsome though you seem to be,
You don’t come off as mean.”

He turned and voiced a final thought,
Just so I could hear.
“You see, most of Faerun scares me,
So I holiday in the Mere.”


Onward! On to Arymar!

From underdark crept dark elves by the score -
A vile host indeed that destroyed Myth Drannor.
Pure elves there residing, together fled forth
With Corellon’s blessing to west and to north.
As factious, proud races they took to the hills.
Dark Army pursuing, attempting to kill.
They crossed a wide river - the Tesh it’s now named -
And from the foul shadows, their freedom reclaimed.
Onward! On to Arymar!
That emerald haven isn’t far!
Hear our petition, we implore!
Oh, we’ll defend thee evermore!
The elves dwelt in concord, Corellon they praised,
And within a twelvemonth, a city they raised.
Evoking the arcane, the elves then forged spears
Defenders were armed against oncoming years.
Arrayed now for battle, awaiting the blow,
The vigilant host was prepared for the drow.
But centuries passed - their city well hidden.
Though many attempted, none found them again.
Onward! On to Arymar!
That emerald haven isn’t far!
Hear our petition, we implore!
Oh, we’ll defend thee evermore!