The Battle I have walked amongst you for many years Observed the way that man has grown I have shared your laughter shed your tears Seen the day of your death, the day you were born I walked among you at the dawn of time When they say that the Gods walked on the earth I was but a youth a young man in his prime When dark shadows of evil came ‘cross my hearth. An Army of evil came down from the North They had plundered and burned all that lay in their path Dark smoke hid the sun when they rallied forth To all they encountered brought horror and death. At their head rode a General a Demons black soul On the back of a stallion spawned out of hell His voice was like thunder, eyes glowing red coals From his mighty great axe brave men died where they fell. He came to the south with his great evil horde Though mountains and valleys he slaughtered and raged He did not take captives all fell to the sword He unleashed his demons and Hellhounds uncaged. He came to our Kingdom to the valley below His black armies spread like rivers in flood He called on our warriors their courage to show He promised by nightfall fields covered with blood. We gathered our Army just three thousand all We took up our arms sharpened axes and swords From towns and villages they answered the call Deep in their hearts, they feared his words. We faced his army come morning sun Three thousand peasants stood against ten Proudly we marched to the beat of the drum We’d never surrender we would fight to the end. The Evil came forward on his great demon Stallion His black amour seemed to eat up the light Behind him a roar from his great Demon Battalions Shouting and screaming, eager to fight. As they came forward banging their shields. The earth seemed to shudder beneath our feet It shook and it heaved crops swayed in the fields From deep underground came a different drumbeat. As the enemy charged across wide open space A scream did arise from within the ground A deep chasm widening spread across that place They charged into that hole with a terrible sound. Then with great roar as a great slamming door The canyon it closed over their graves. We lay there in fear our minds filled with awe As we realized today we would not be slaves. We returned to our homes our families and friends. A great feast in the Mead hall ‘til rising sun None could explain how the battle did end Defeat turned to Victory in the bright morning sun. At dawn I was leaving, the mead spun my head I saw in a corner held back from the crowd An old man dressed in white, a cowl covered his head Ancient but, straight-backed, standing so proud. He smiled as he saw me staring his way He raised up his staff, the crystal it glowed The light was so blinding I felt myself sway. The Ancient said, “Peace”, he was gone nothing showed. At the dawning of time, when Gods walked among men When Magic, and wonder all men could see. A great Demon Lord, was brought to his doom A wizened old Wizard brought freedom and peace. Robin A Spicer © June 1, 2004