Secret of the Forest

THE SECRET OF THE FOREST The truth was concealed with many branches Well cushioned with intertwining vines In the dark forest at the foothills It lay hidden since ancient times After the demise of the reigning emperor The enemies broke into the fort Scouting every nook and corner For the rumoured treasure of yore Within the palace and outside The quest continued far and wide Empire combed for a fortnight the elusive cache lay out of sight Exhausted to their very bones The soldiers gave up the fight After looting and plundering Melted into horizon,horses astride Unknown to all the loyal guard Sat still over it throughout The retreating army trampled over him His blood spilled ruthlessly over the boughs Centuries later, this very ground Was visited by an excavation squad Within weeks of digging around The rarest truest gem was found! Resubmitting for Brian Strands any theme any form max 26 lines Date Dec 26 2016