Adam Fireoak fearless warrior giant in size graceful in form; in northern lands where kings made war to sell his skill in service to the Western keep, but not with sword steel tipped spears his skill is true to send swift death valiant fell all Western warriors guard the tower Adam in turret honors all-father spears fly free fields run red Valkyries toast in shieldmen's blood. Adam looks out a spear driven next to a man in AnTir's wake clothed in blood from friend and foe. Ravens cry to claim their feast. But he is whole. Adam cries out "Stand! Live to fight!" Nothing stirs. From tower steals to find this one 'ere cowards' death disgrace his name. Reaching, wakes him stands him upright ready for war then pauses, sees the lion's head for AnTir men. Shieldmen salute; the way is part to tower's gate. Adam still lives for honor served and second chance for Valhall's gate: Hail Longshot's fame.
This piece was written for the Mists Bardic Competition, and was the entry for 'Bard's Choice'.
"I had to do this one. Adam is one of the best javelineers in the West Kingdom, and he has a very kind heart. One West-An Tir War he was up in the tower, throwing javelins, when one struck an An Tiran heavy with the shaft of the javelin, rather than the point, which is not considered a killing blow. But the fighter took it as good, as he probably didn't see it coming. Adam noticed this, left the tower, went outside the wall, met up with the fighter, and explained to him that the shot was not good, and he should continue fighting; and then returned to the tower (miraculously not getting killed in the process!) I used a "bastardized" half-line form, and changed the plot slightly to make a better story, and added blood guts and gore for those who need it." -- Margrethe Astrid Ravn
The West Kingdom History Website was created by and is maintained by Hirsch von Henford (mka Ken Mayer).