The Mirrored Way

We met below the wall of Koarroch-Dun,
two score riders, with hope flying high.
The women chanted to the rising sun
as we rode out proud to find the Mirrored Way.

The first nine days, harness jingled bright.
Much laughter was heard as we told our tales.
Quiet passed through us as we watched the tenth night
under the granite slope of the Mount Tarczic-Mael

We paid a guide but still it took twelve days.
The path was ice, the toll paid in brave lives.
Unblessed, we had to leave them on our way
weeping, swearing in our hearts to find the prize.

Through dread fell swamp and lifeless Narduls Plain
each man brought low in heart as on we rode.
Ten comrades lost, as raiders and swamp gained,
each to doubt the cost we paid for the fable told.

Then we came, too late, to the Waveless Sea,
sand and sky shimmered with no sight of relief.
Too late for spring rains, but no way back, we
found in that sea of sand nought but death and grief.

Just nine men left to gaze on legends gate.
Mirror smashed, no more to show the Gold Way.
No sleep this night as each soul his peace makes,
each man is still, each face looks both grim and fey.

Weve built the raft, we ate our last poor food.
With thoughts unspoken we turned as one man
and shaved our beards, cleaned swords as best we could,
sat to face the broken gate to wait the dawn.

There is but tomorrow, yesterdays burnt.
The morn can bring only death, or glory won.
So well kneel to sing the Song of No Return
and then while we row, well chant to the rising sun

Three things in human life are important. The first is to be kind. The second is to be kind. And the third is to be kind. - Henry James