Sonnets on the Fall of the Castle of Twelve

By: Gnaash Posted on: February 23, 2009

I.

Shafts of light in yellow columns fall

From windows high above a bloody scene,

Illuminating all that lies between

The shafts of pine - white feathers fletched withal.

Most noble dead upon the stony floor:

The Knights of Seleucar newly deposed.

Not very long before a sound arose,

The brigand Lucaine knocking at the door,

Lord Kephry hastened to the Road of Snows

To turn aside the march of Grandier.

Through alleys dark and narrow city streets

Of windows barred and doorways locked and closed,

Lord Kephry to the Castle rode. And there

The Knights were standing, dead upon their feet.

II.

Pyramides was not like other men.

Not very long the garrison could stand

To fight against that demon, hand-to-hand.

He drew with every stroke then sheathed again

His blade, Three Moons, to pierce his victim's heart.

Unnaturally enchanted by his will,

The sword itself possessed the urge to kill -

Woven in the ways of his Two Arts.

From what affliction came this tragic ill

That forced the Guild of Twelve upon its knees?

Did malcontent contribute to the fall,

Amidst the rumour of Lord Drago's bill?

Or was the spread of rancour and disease

Infernal dross from dark Lord Rani's call?

III.

In Seleucar, the Avenue of Swords,

Knee-deep in blood from errant wounds received,

A half a hundred knights-errant deceived

Did fall in service to their noble Lords.

For Prince Mycale, for Catarin the fair,

For the Empire in its time of need,

For Castomira's unrelenting greed,

For fate, for honour, for the rightful heir,

For the Code, for lack of other creed;

May history accord their sacrifice

A place amongst the legends of the day.

Lest it not be said of noble deeds

That intention justifies the price,

And we may reach accord along the way.