A ballad credited to a Joorio Opal of Dragonspire has started being heard in taverns and inns, detailing a supposedly true story of some would-be students that were rescued from slavers. It was apparently originally set to guitar, but has since been heard on lute and harp as well...
The wind blew hard, the snow did fall
on a dark and lonely night
But lonelier still were the hearts that all
did struggle against their fright
For a canvas sheet and a wooden pole
did their only shelter make
while within plain view their captors' role
was to drive their limbs to quake.
But the captors tired and turned their thoughts
to warm wagons and a warm bed
Leaving one sole guard to drink his draughts
and rest his weary head.
As night did fall, so fell the hopes
of the freezing captured souls
Who a moon before had pinned those hopes
on entering the university's rolls
But driven by greed and grown far too bold,
The slavers had lain in wait
To fill the demand that more bodies be sold
They cared not who met this fate
So lax were the laws and the guards of the lands
they knew they had little to fear
For if a few lone travellers fall at their hands
Few would notice when they disappear
So as a carriage came with a joyous brood
And nary a guard to be seen
The slavers attacked and quickly subdued
Even those that had been the most keen
Stolen were books and tools and gold
that was meant for the university fee
and bound were the students, five all told
who were told they would never be free
Taking their time and moving with care
North the slave caravan turned
leaving the carriage empty and bare
which among the foothills burned
But villians and bandits can still come to bad ends
Even when barons all look away
For those who love justice have strength to lend
to bring justice at the end of the day!
The evidence burning burned not fast enough
And the smoke drew the eyes of a scout
Who ran to his leader, voice angry and gruff;
Within moments, a band did set out
Led by a woman whos eyes flashed in rage
That such bandits could be so bold
they followed the wagons and let their weapons presage
blood in the northern cold
Her beauty compelling, her words stronger still
she inspired her fellows to ride
"By the blood in my body, I swear that we will
a rescue for these people provide!"
Ere nightfall the rescuers closed on their goal
And followed closely behind
Hidden in shadow, among trees they did stroll
To leave the bandits blind
But the slavers, no tyros, a trap they did lay
To forestall any thoughts of escape
And at nightfall placed boxes, and to their slaves they did say
that if touched a great fire they would shape
The scout overheard this and went back to the band
And quickly a plan was made
Under cover of darkness two crossed frozen land
While the rest kept the horses and stayed
A knife in the darkness through canvas did slide
Came a whisper, "Move quietly and fast!"
And as the captives escaped, the first face they spied
Belonged to the beautiful lass.
Her comrade directed the captives to flee
And turned his eyes to his friend
Her grim smile gave his order, but he turned back to see
That she came to no harm at the end.
She ignited a torch and held it up high
And called out, "Fools! Come awake!"
And slavers awoke with great hue and cry
To teach their new foe her mistake.
With bow and with sword they came at a run
In contempt, she hurled her torch high
Drawing her sword as an army of one
Her steel was her only reply.
But aiming their bows, they forgot where they stood
As the torch arced down from the sky
Grinning with glee, she dove for the wood
as the torch to their bombs did fly
The explosion did thunder, and lit up the night
And set their camp afire
With the survivors knocked over, their quarry took flight
Safety their only desire
*after a few moments of quieter fingering*
Poorer but living, the students escaped
To study another day
And told of this beauty, who's courage had shaped
Their futures and joy at the day.
*finale, finished with a flourish*
The villains and bandits had come to bad ends
Even though barons had looked away
For those that love justice had courage to spend
And brought justice ere coming of day!
Copyright © 2003-2005 by Zed Pobre. All rights reserved. This text is NOT available under a Creative Commons license.
