The Value of Loyalty

By: Ellodin Posted on: September 29, 2014

It is well known that heroes' tales

will always pass the lips of men,

and bards, no matter whence they hail

delight in telling them again.

Forgotten are the aiding hands

who helped the great realise their plans,

the ones who chose, instead, to serve

another's cause without reserve.

Remembering those who were eclipsed

but gave their lives without resentment,

so I strive to represent

these great men who are oft-dismissed.

Now hear these names from times long past,

whose deeds so few have yet surpassed.

From Tancred's work, the tale is known

of Travian Shea, who gave his life

to grief over his fallen wife.

For Anna, in her halls of stone,

the Serpentlord named Ralston moved

as Zarathustra did approve

the use of subterfuge to save

the lover of his knight most brave.

Was honour lacking in these men,

or do the bonds of loyalty

oft overcome propriety?

These instances in mortal ken

where hope would not survive the light

ensured that some embraced the night.

See Lucius Errikale, the duke

who made it more acceptable

to see a snake as credible.

Possessing rank above rebuke,

he had the clout to change the way

that snakes were treated in those days.

Despite the biases of men,

a few strokes taken with his pen

gave many Serpents liberty.

Though Castomira's influence

changed Lucius' place in history,

his wondrous skill and brilliance

shone through quite clearly, and in death

his legacy bore marvelous breadth.

If we will speak of moral men,

let's not forget Prime Minister

Lord Grandier, who was a friend

to Errikale and similarly

limited atrocities

of war. The upright qualities

that Grandier exhibited

would pass on uninhibited

to Catarin, the greatest queen

that Seleucar would ever know.

His teachings helped the Empire grow

to heights the world had not yet seen.

Despite a death that came too soon,

to greater cause he was a boon.

Though these are not the men whose tales

are told by bards in great detail,

these men had their own points of pride

to which their talents were applied.

Supporting others is a dream

that many strive for, few can reach,

requiring talent rarely seen

and fiery passion none can teach.

These people are a rarity

that should be honoured when they're found.

And though their names may not resound

through history with clarity,

let their lives' lessons not go wasted

else our culture be debased.