King Arkryd’s realm was once immense, it’s armies, undefeated,
Its castle walls took years to build, but once they were completed,
It encompassed half the kingdom, with towers all around,
And a man could ride a horse for day,s across the castle grounds.

Alas, that was in King Arkryd’s father’s day, King Mickleroy “The Just”,
Who had won his right to sit the throne, at the battle of Dunrush
But King Arkryd was a lazy king who enjoyed his food and wine,
Both of which had taken toll of his body and his mind.

Thus he became obese and paranoid and hardly left his rooms at all,
Save to watch an execution, or to host a lavish ball.
Hence the castle walls had crumpled and their towers barely stood,
And the soldiers that the realm retained, were not terribly good.

His advisors took advantage, to line their purses well,
And fed his paranoia with the stories they would tell.
Prince Raynard tried to change things, but all to no avail,
For the advisors shouted treason, and the prince was thrown in jail.

To await his brothers pleasure, and the mockery of a trial,
That would end in execution or the very least exile.
Six months Prince Raynard languished in the dungeons, and by then,
He had changed from loyal brother, to a man determined for revenge.

By the time his trial started, the prince had made his plans,
He knew the realm would perish if left in his brothers hands,
When King Arkryd’s court assembled, in the throne room, someone said,
That prince Raynard would be lucky, if he leaves here with his head.

For Prince Raynard stood before the King bedecked with chains and shackles,
His royal clothes were torn and frayed, his whole appearance so ramshackle,
But he spoke with such a passion of his plight and everything,
That everybody listened, especially the king,

He said, “Why hast thou forsaken me, my king, my liege, my lord,
I who hast defended thee so often by my sword,
I who holds thy personage so much higher than my own,
Could thou believe that I’d perceive to robe thee of thy throne?

How dare my brother lend an ear to those who’d put me down,
These pale and cowardly miscreants that dare advise the crown,
Tis true I did raise arms and men and call them to my need,
And bade a courtier make good haste and bring them here at speed.

But to rally ‘Neath your banner sire, not usurp your right to rule,
You are the king by Gods decree, all knows that bar a fool,
Bring forth then my accusers, bring forth these rodent liars,
Allow them to accuse me here if that be their desire,

We have enemies before us brother, invaders at the rear,
Whilst our castle stands in ruins, because these liars have your ear”,
It was clear the king believed him now, for he commanded he be freed,
And the advisors faces whitened, as they heard the kings decree.

Then across the room a dagger flew, Raynard caught it in his hand,
And stabbed the king between the ribs, the way that he had planned,
Saying, “Please forgive me brother, for I have loved you as we’ve grown,
But it’s better for the kingdom if you die and I should sit the throne”,

Then he turned to his accusers, the tears still streaming down his cheeks,
He paused for but a moment, unable yet to speak,
Then said, “Swear fealty to me my lords, or I swear upon my soul,
Before I sleep again this night, each of thy heads will roll”.

Their knees all bent together, as though they all were one,
Each begging his forgiveness for the evil they had done,
And forgiveness they were granted, hopefully their lesson learnt,
Though they were banished from the kingdom, never to return.
Told leave this kingdom by the morrow, take your children and your wives,
But leave all the wealth that you have stolen, and be grateful for your lives,

From then on the kingdom prospered, the castle was rebuilt,
King Raynard wed a homely girl, but was always wracked with guilt,
Then when king Raynards son had turned eighteen, king Raynard passed away,
And his son had such adventures, but they’re tales for another day.


By
S.E.Ralph

23-1-2017