Retribution

The table was running with ale, The wizard was starting his tale. The barley-drunk swordsmen slouched near, And tore at some dry hunks of bread, And scowled as the sorcerer said: “Come close and listen and fear—“ But they only glared at their beer. Their leader unslung his long blade, Said “You’re the one should be afraid,” And severed a head that went thud! The story remained never told, The warriors pushed north in the cold, Next Spring, they’re found frozen in mud, Their hair matted, smeared with black blood.