Gunnar and Eimear

Gunnar and Eimear
by Lanier Thomas

It was the time of the flow’ring greenwood.
The winter just past the world had withstood.
Tending my herds and flocks with no other
Than my faithful war hound named Grosvenor.
The sky above us was the deepest blue.
It carried a slightly violet hue.
Sailing slowly past were white ships of cloud.
Through blue oceans of sky they gently plowed.
To their Creator the birds sang their tunes
And butterflies danced in their gay costumes.

On this pleasant, warm, and sunny spring day
I walked and thanked God for making my way.
God predestined me to life in great love;
Not whim or portion, but grace from above.
He gave what I could never myself gain
And that freely through His own dreadful pain.
My sins, though many, He richly forgave
Only of my faith and love did He crave.
I, Gunnar the Axe, was no more for war.
I tended my flocks with true Grosvenor.

As I walked happily across my field
I heard Grosvenor barking without yield.
He was looking at something in the grass.
It was something he would not that I pass.
Crossing the pasture as quick as I could
Soon beside faithful Grosvenor I stood.
It was a lass lying dead in the grass.
Her head was nothing but a bloody mass.
She was too finely dressed for a mere maid.
Her collar and sleeves all had fine brocade.

From underneath her I heard a small cry,
And to it good Grosvenor did reply.
Turning her fair body gently over,
It was a babe lying in the clover.
I most gently picked up the tiny child.
It looked up at my face and kindly smiled.
I quickly found out the child was a he.
On each tiny wrist was tattooed a tree.
He was the heir of Liam Crann Darach,
That mighty oak, the king of all Connact.

Catching up the child to the town I ran
Down to the home of the chief of the clan.
Faithful Grosvenor stood watch o’er the lass.
He would not let anything evil pass.
Said Dahl Bowbender, chief of all these lands.
‘Tween the rivers all obeyed his commands.
“This is a very serious matter.
That king may blame us and our blood splatter.
He commands a vast horsed and armored host
And many battle vict’ries he can boast.”

This and more on the matter said old Dahl.
He gave quick orders to strengthen the wall.
Then, we went back to where the poor lass lay;
Back to where she lay in her disarray.
“Now there is no doubt about the wee child.
You must take him back home across the wild.”
So said old Dahl as he grinned hard at me.
To that I said from that life I was free.
“I found the Lord and am no more for war.
I have herds and can’t be gone anymore.”

The priest arrived and to me he did say,
“You’re the only one who can go the way.
We’ll care for your herds and flocks while you’re gone.
There’s no one else for us to look thereon.
This you may do in defense of a child.
For this deed your soul will not be defiled.
I’ll send for Eimear the mysterious;
She of Elven blood so imperious.
Knows the way to Crann Darach does she
And she is a good fighter, we agree.”

The day next we buried the boy’s brave maid.
Into the verdant rich ground she was laid.
No one attended but the priest and I;
And good ol’ Grosvenor stood steadfast by.
Afterward old Dahl Bowbender came by
And brought village food, a goodly supply.
“The way is past great ogres of the hills
And all who go there a hairy one kills.
You must go through the land of the giants
Those immense red haired towering tyrants.”

Said I, “I’ve fought their brutish kinds before;
Me and my ever faithful Grosvenor.”
Replied he, “Aye, ’tis likely true enough,
But the going will be even more tough.
You must go through the Mountains of the Night
And what awaits you there will be a fright.
There the lair of the awful dragon waits
That has brought many grim men to their fates.
With all that and more are the ones hunting;
After the wee boy’s life they are wanting.”

I gathered my gear upon my pack horse
And saddled Alrik horse of war, of course.
At the midnight hour we left quietly.
About spies I had real anxiety.
The sliver moon had set and through ink dark
On our dangerous way we did embark.
There was no sound, not click of hoof on stone.
We moved as ghosts in a night world alone.
We had miles to go before we could rest.
This was giv’n by God as my holy quest.

All the next day we moved stealthily on
Hoping unseen to reach that kingdom yon.
The sky was clear and the land greenest green.
I traveled ways that were not often seen.
I avoided villages and sight of men.
A time I would be safe I knew not when.
Finally, I stopped in a hidden place.
With forest round in a secluded space.
I made my fire low to avoid men’s sight.
With a babe in my arms I ducked a fight.

My horses and child, I need nothing more
Those and the always faithful Grosvenor.
Sitting by the fire under burning stars
I thought of what life brought to me in scars.
I realized in the flickering glow
All events life brought have helped me to grow.
Though oft painful these have brought true delight
And it was thus God made my soul aright.
Through them I have passed life’s toughest exam
And finally became that which I am.

In the morning we avoided the town
Sitting by the river called Digger Down.
As we crossed a wooded hill I could see
Someone on a horse waiting there for me.
The sun behind seemed to set her aflame
And magnified her tall, lithe, and strong frame.
I knew ’twas Eimear the Mysterious.
She sat on horse looking imperious.
I had seen her of old on battle field
Where her ferocity was unconcealed.

No word did she of Elven blood utter.
She fell in beside without a mutter.
As the miles fell behind I heard her say,
“We need to stop for the end of the day.
I hear thunder sounding in the distance.”
We looked for a place at her insistence.
In a rock overhang we made our camp.
Already the air was feeling quite damp.
With faithful Grosvenor to keep the guard
I built a fire which against dampness warred.

I saw her petting my faithful war hound.
So surprised was I that he made no sound.
“He’s a fine Elvish war dog that you’ve got.
Let humans near they usually will not.”
This she said with a slight wondering look.
“Yes, other’s touch he’ll not usually brook.
I found him besieged on the battle field
And put him behind my battle worn shield.
He’s been with me ever constant since then.
It has been just we two, just me and him.”

I looked at her with an admiring eye.
She was lovely, I could easily spy.
Tall as I, and shapely, hard as old oak,
Yet I could tell she would be soft to stroke.
I quickly turned away my longing gaze.
Who was I to have a family to raise?
She shyly smiled and said, “Who’s your mother?”
“My father was Gunnar the Swordbearer.
My mother was Aerona Shieldwearer.
She was lovely too, no one was fairer.”

“I thought you might be of her noble blood.
She was heir to the powerful Gryffud.
Your mother was of the Wood Elven race.
I can see her cast all about your face.
She was my dearest cousin once removed
And married a human and then she moved.”
It made me feel odd to know I had kin,
Thinking it was just me, as it had been.
There was fiercesome Alrik my black war horse,
And there was faithful Grosvenor, of course.

Sitting by the campfire drinking my tea
It’s as if a gray drape was drawn about me.
Watching the rain falling from dull leaden skies
And I no longer heard the crow as it cries.
It was peaceful and t’was nothing to see
Because the rain closed in about we three.
But I was comfortable and dry inside.
I watched the rain and simply did abide.
It was just Eimear and I on the moor.
We two, and my friend faithful Grosvenor.

Just before dawn I heard Grosvenor growl.
We slid outside to see what was afoul.
Eimear, with her bow, quick melted away,
Me waiting with axe to see who were they.
They rushed before the light was very good.
Magically in one throat an arrow stood.
I lopped off the arm of the nearest man
And Grosvenor’s attack ruined their plan.
Alrik trampled two into gory death.
Eimear’s black arrows nonstop stole their breath.

My axe hummed death as I joined in the fray.
It sang men’s death songs with each bloody play.
Grosvenor came back with his jaws gory.
Alrik’s crimson hooves told the grim story.
Eight men had come to kill us and the child.
None would return for their bodies we piled.
Eimear collected arrows and we ate.
A hungry baby simply would not wait.
We mounted and changed our route of travel.
Eimear did not even raise a cavil.

Sundown found us near the village of Bree,
Renowned as a safe place where men were free.
We camped on the hill above the hamlet
By the fire we fixed the baby’s pallet.
I went to the stream to wash for the night.
Pulling off my shirt Eimear got a sight.
At the sight of my chest she had a look
That there was no way I could have mistook.
All the wanting feelings of those alone
Beat in our hearts and in our faces shone.

Sometimes, even the strongest need a touch.
Little things between lovers mean so much.
I felt the ache in her heart as my own
And then and there something lovely was sown.
Just a quick glance, just a fleeting look shared
Was enough to know something was declared.
Still, nothing was said, things were only felt.
In our hearts adoration came and dwelt.
We would never be alone anymore.
We had each other and good Grosvenor.

We went to the tavern in the morning
Where a better breakfast was aborning.
The owner was a kindly rotund man
And around him his rotund children ran.
His full bodied wife brought us meat and bread.
“Don’t go through the black hills just now,” she said.
“The ogres are out, hungry and unfed.
They found a farm yesterday, all were dead.
The news about it fills all with great dread.
You should go round by Bitter’s End, instead.”

Just as I was going to make reply
The door was banged open by a big guy.
“Gunnar!” he said as he strongly strode in.
“We hear you need help,” he said with a grin.
“Bear Bonecrusher, no one I’d rather see.
You are mean enough, that I guarantee.
Who are those with you? Come in, eat and drink.
Why it’s Wolffgar Kingslayer, I do think,
And Bran Mak Brionne, all my faithful friends.
To all of you my gratitude extends.”

“Come, sit down and eat. Let us our plans make.
You might not like the route we have to take.
We must first pass through the ogres’ black hills.
Everyone who goes there, an ogre kills.
Then, we must pass through lonely Blencoe Moor
And beyond the giants we must endure.
Our way leads through the Mountains of the Night.
The dragons there are a terrible fright.
If any of you want to bow out now
You need not worry about any vow.”

“Why not go round through Cullen Notch,” said Bran.
“That or Bitter’s End be a better plan.”
“Aye,” I said, “and take many months to do.
By then cold weather would itself renew.
It would take us a year and a bit more.
By then the king would be in bloody war.”
“Sure, with no heir and the Duke gets the throne,”
Said friend Wolffgar with worry in his tone.
“There’s word in Lindmòr there be dark riders
Searching for the lad like hunting spiders.”

†††

The next morning our band arrived unseen
To the dark hills of spruce and evergreen.
We made our cautious and near soundless way
Sleeping in fireless nights, moving by day.
For three days we moved through the land like ghosts,
Sometimes seeing grinning skulls nailed to posts.
It was good Grosvenor who well warned us.
There were tracks as big as two of ours plus.
A terrible smell lingered in the air.
We swiftly and quietly moved from there.

That we had been spotted we were certain.
The quiet closed about like a curtain.
There was an eerie feeling in the air.
Danger was nearing, we knew not from where.
We smelled them before we saw anything.
Suddenly, Eimear’s bow started to sing.
Large rocks were hurled at our desperate band.
There in the woods we turned to make our stand.
Then, we saw them, great hairy pre-humans.
These were they of our worst superstitions.

Half again taller than the tallest man,
Their race was old before our race began.
Still more apelike than the human being,
They came charging at us without speaking.
Eimear’s bow softly sang its deadly song.
Soon a number of them were in our throng.
My axe chopped off a huge leg at the knee.
Grosvenor ran at them like a banshee.
Bear quickly ran one through with his great spear.
Bran’s sword stopped a charging giant’s career.

As quickly as they came they broke and ran.
We were bitten, clawed, and scratched, to a man.
That night we built up the fire very high
And kept a watch lest one of them get nigh.
Eimear spoke and said, “Doesn’t it seem odd
Those creatures were already on the prod?
It was as if they knew we were coming.
Behind this was sure someone with cunning.”
We were quiet a while as we each thought
That our pains to be unseen were for naught.

I said, “Don’t believe in coincidence?
Neither do I in these two incidents.
One I could believe was mere happenstance.
Two such is surely more than simple chance.
And as I now think, how did you three know
What place to meet me and where I would go?
That was surely no simple circumstance.
Who brought to you the word from a distance?
I think we should change our route of travel
And mayhap their plan we can unravel.”

We turned southwest at the first break of day
And through the still dark hills we made our way.
On the morning of the second day hence
We came out of the hills and their offense.
Before us stretched a broad and grassy plain.
At its sight our dark fears did not remain.
In bright sun we rode in the chest deep grass
Skirting past the wretched Crosmere morass.
We made our camp on the shore of a lake,
So completely tired none could stay awake.

We travelled across verdant Blencoe Moor
Where Brennandan fought good Sir Clayton Moore.
We passed the place where boldly Fossey died.
At last Graham’s drear stone castle we spied.
Erected by him some thousand years past,
Now a ruin, his kingdom did not last.
We camped within its crumbling grey stone walls
And human walked again its haunted halls.
Eimear shot a deer that came to the spring.
Her arrow unerring as it took wing.

We stayed in the outcast pile for a week
Bathing our sore wounds in the healing creek.
At night the playful bats danced overhead.
By day the gay swallows flew in their stead.
We kept watch to the rear and to the fore.
On the sixth day we saw smoke and I swore.
“Someone’s behind, at the edge of the hills.
We must be gone before daylight distills.”
In the inky darkness we packed our gear
And in silence we sought to disappear.

With good Grosvenor ranging far ahead,
Before our dogged pursuers we fled.
Like leaves before a storm we flew all day.
For the child’s sake we sought to get away.
A line of green trees showed on the skyline.
“Yonder tree line the border does define
Of the land of the giants I do fear.”
We raced onward at the words of Eimear.
Hour after hour we moved until sunset
Trying to stay ahead of the dark threat.

The trees were old when man first came to be.
The green monkey birds raced from tree to tree.
We made our camp in a secluded spot.
‘Twas just we few in a tight little knot.
“The rock above is where with Graham met
The Giant king and the boundaries set.
Here we should be safe in this sacred site.
We should sleep sound and have a peaceful night.”
So said Bran Mak Brionne. He said no more.
I went to sleep, and so did Grosvenor.

†††

In the morn, I heard the sound of fairies,
Like colorful, delicate canaries.
In the listening dark I stood without sound.
Fairies danced around me in the compound.
As the others awoke, the spell was broke.
Of the fairies dancing, I never spoke.
Eimear knew something magical happened.
O’er Grosvenor and me something glistened.
She only said that the fairies did dance
When giving their musical blessing chants.

For two days, we moved through the gloaming green.
Around us, the trees made a cryptic scene.
We heard their secrets as they whispered soft
When we walked on level or up a toft.
All seemed peaceful. The forest bade us stay.
This, it said, as we made our furtive way.
The lanes that ran through the forest were arched
As a cathedral where something large marched.
High overhead the limbs formed a trefoil
Made by something with love and constant toil.

Suddenly, Grosvenor gave forth his strain.
He sensed something ahead, and that was plain.
Then I saw part of the forest detach
The giant figure perfectly did match.
The sage haired giant moved without a sound,
Gray bark clothing blending with the background.
Alrik gave forth a startled snort of fear.
I heard it speak with the forest voice clear.
“Those whom the fairies bless I dare not touch.
It's a rare one they bless, I'll say that much.”

“I see your plans for harm are abeyant.
By what name art thou called, noble giant?”
So said I as the others gathered round.
He spoke with the voice of the forest sound.
“As near as you could say I am Oakwood.”
Fully twice the height of a man he stood.
“Follow me to the grassy forest glen.
There you may camp without fear of those men.
Those that hunt you are still behind a day.
My kith and kin will keep them far away.”

We followed through the wooded cathedral
The very air felt as though primeval.
The glen opened gratefully before us.
That tranquil place was so harmonious.
We heard the sound of water from a fall.
The hills around it made a guarding wall.
The giant left and returned with a deer.
He had brought it down with his giant spear.
We roasted the deer and ate and then slept.
Grosvenor stood guard and he was adept.

The next morning, our giant guide was there.
For our journey, we gathered to repair.
“Good friend Oakwood, why don't with us you go?
We undergo too many perils, though.
The heir of King Liam we will return
And the why of his kidnapping discern.
Our band would then be giant, elf, and man.”
So I said and he considered my plan.
Though no giant had ever been away
He joined in our grave quest that very day.

All through the day we fled before our foes.
Behind we heard fighting and sounds of woes.
“This way lies past the tower of the Black;
The lair of the dark wizard Cronon Dac.
He will cause trouble and cast a dark spell
Unless we unseen pass where he doth dwell.”
So said the good giant Oakwood to us.
He led in secret ways without much fuss.
The next day we camped by a bubbling brook
That ran cold and clean in a hidden nook.

Said Eimear, “I know of this hidden place.
It was once the home of a long dead race.
Tomorrow night’s camp will be with their ghosts
And stay with them as our unhallowed hosts.
I have heard their ruined fortress doth sit
At the mountain foot where the trees submit.”
We spent a secluded uneasy night.
That gave us a needed welcome respite.
On the second day just before first light
We quietly left, hoping for no fight.

Oakwood led us along a furtive way
Until we reached a safer place to stay.
It was a cave beside the river Styx.
Staying there would keep us out of conflicts.
The forest gathered around us close by.
So dense it was that us no one could spy.
I took my turn feeding the small baby
And I thought once more of what may be.
Eimear felt it too and her hand in mine
As we sat together was the sure sign.

For two weeks we had built a wooden ark
And after mounting sail we did embark.
We traveled far up the dark river Styx
Our dim candle flames wouldn’t burn their wicks.
Past vine choked forest shrouded in grey mists,
All around we heard when the serpents hissed.
Ahead was the waste city of their dead.
There on its old cracked walls could still be read
The markings of their queer magical runes
And their monkey gods howled their dark tunes.

Oblivion had taken the grim place
For chaos was something they couldn't face.
Though it was the very thing they employed,
It carried them screaming into the void.
Their bright glory had been all too fleeting.
They forgot Who it was they were cheating.
Murder, madness, and decay seized the day
And in their bleak end they were forced to pay.
Their deeds were so shameful one must not tell
Of how they acted on their road to hell.

We landed and moved through the darkened wood
And entered the old fortress that still stood.
We decided to camp inside that night.
Something happened that gave us a great fright.
We sat in the hall in the waning light
Hearing voices that our fears did excite.
Later, something threw a log on the floor.
There was a chopping sound, we stood no more.
We raced quickly ‘way from that spooky place.
That pile was sure haunted, that was the case.

The land about us was dark and dreary
And the Mountains of the Night rose eerie.
In their shadow it was like a bad dream
From which one awakened stifling a scream.
The land was like hell with the fires out.
It was barren, burned, and blackened throughout.
“Tis the work of a dragon, this here be.
On this fact I think we can all agree
We must watch ahead, behind, and above,
For our sweet lives the dragons do not love.”

“We must kill the dragon,” said I to all.
“Otherwise, our burned bodies it will maul.
Do not fear the beast’s terrible facade.
Man’s greatest weapon is his faith God.
Because of that faith we take great courage
And the forces of hell will disparage.
Monsters can never stand up to our faith,
Nor dragon, black wizard, demon, or wraith.
Under the power of the Cross we stand
And trust in God’s guiding, protecting hand.”

†††

The foggy mountain trail we climbed that night.
Our brave hearts trembled with unholy fright.
We were supposed to be brave, we had said.
We were afraid we’d end up burnt instead.
Like a bullock to the slaughter we went,
Under a burden for the child we bent.
The dragon had burned and killed more and more,
And the mountains and the land were vexed sore.
These cried out under their awful burden.
With no choice we answered of a certain.

The joyless mountains draped in pallid shrouds,
Peaked above the gray vesuvian clouds.
The barren, unexplored, rocky ground moaned
Shrouded in mystery for we that roamed.
The dark rocks were scorched and dripping with rain.
A sense of unease lent its eerie strain.
The mountains seemed tense with expectation,
Like a day of evil desolation.
No sound was heard but the raven’s bleak caw
That sounded from its hoarsely rasping maw.

Many before had climbed the twisted heights
Before our van had followed the brave knights.
One and all they had burned and they had died.
By the fire of the dragon’s breath they fried.
From her pack Eimear produced a spear head.
It looked like something a dragon would dread.
The long oaken shaft wrapped in dragon’s hides
Ended in the sharp spearhead with three sides.
The dragon was only vulnerable
In one place. Once pierced ’twas destructible.

Well knew we the handed down ancient lore
From people long dead who lived once before.
’Twas said, were born ev’ry two thousand years
Dragons, those creatures of nightmares and fears.
No children’s cute fantasy pets were these.
These were real monsters to make one’s blood freeze.
The great balaur, as the locals them called
Left the green countryside burned and appalled.
Death and misery were dragons’ dark boon
As they smote the land in fiery typhoon.

“Take this stout spear and my good Elven shield,
These two to kill the dragon you must wield.”
This said Eimear with worry in her eyes,
But what was in her heart she did disguise.
I could think of nothing else but the deed
If I were to have a chance to succeed.
As the morning light grew I took my leave
And did my best to help them all believe.
Inside I was quaking like a blown leaf,
Wanting to run away and find relief.

I climbed hard and reached the victory peak
Towering far above the land so meek.
There a cave, like a great grinning giant
Holding sway as a harsh fiercesome tyrant.
In the cave there was something in the air
Like a warning of menace ev’rywhere.
Strewn about the floor were bits of armor
Of burned knights and pages and a farmer.
The sight was never meant for human eyes
And within me fear began to arise.

A choking vapor crept across the floor
And my heart turned to ice at the dread roar.
The rocks seemed to suddenly come alive
As the monster to arouse did contrive.
The beast lumbered forward in the dark cave
Like a giant fire demon from the grave.
Towering upwards was a fearsome sight,
Through its teeth flashed a little fire light.
Its near impenetrable scaly hide
Did not a place for a wounding provide.

With teeth gnashing the beast tried to bite me.
It sought to rend my flesh and tear limbs free.
With shield raised, out of the cave I moved back,
Thrusting with my spear looking for a crack.
Once in the open the dragon unfurled
Its stout wings and a snort of fire it hurled.
The scaly head towered thrice mine own height.
The beast, indeed, was a terrible sight.
The monster swelled its neck to breathe its fire
And showed swelling glands where it made hellfire.

With nowhere to run I savagely charged
And went under the flame as it discharged.
The dragon tore ‘way my shield with a toss.
Revealed clutched in my hand was a large cross.
At the dread sight the ancient dragon reared
And I with my sharp lance the neck gland speared.
The dragon burst into flames that mounted high
And did singe me because I was too nigh.
The dragon was drowned in a flaming ball
And I from the fierce fire began to crawl.

The heat was intense and melted the rock.
I quickly looked back in a state of shock.
Of the evil dragon little remained;
Only the rock where it had stood was stained.
Below my love and companions watched and stood
And would bear the tale of my deed so good.
They carried me down and tended my hurts,
Assuring I would get my just deserts.
The last dragon was dead, the way secure.
Because of my bravery all was sure.

For three weeks we rested as I mended.
Eimear my wounds most gently she tended.
Wolfgar Kingslayer composed a bold song
About my dragon fight righting the wrong.
Grosvenor the faithful was always near;
His head on my lap, his love was sincere.
Alrik, that fearsome beast, nuzzled me soft
And would in his saddle I was aloft.
My love for Eimear continued to grow
And I could tell she truly loved me so.

†††

Eimear’s Elven salve had proved a great boon.
I was ready to go and none too soon.
We again saw signs of our pursuers.
We didn't want our heads on their skewers.
From the mount, we spied far across the plain,
Scattered smoke from their fires in the domain.
We left that night, no more riding by day.
We had to move, no more time for delay.
The way lay past the Tower of the Black;
The lair of the dark wizard Cronon Dac.

We passed land mournful, twisted, and deformed,
It prayed for the day it would be reformed.
The road was the only safe place to be.
The mountains were filled with monstrosities.
We went our way slowly and quietly.
Our hearts were filled with great anxiety.
As we rounded a bend in the dirt road
In our path we spied a gigantic toad.
Its evil eye shown with alien mind
And on all of us it planned to have dined.

Evil formed an aura round about it.
For this world ’twas unholy and unfit.
As large as an elephant in our way
That we must get around without delay.
Eimear’s Elf bow began its deadly song.
Oakwood threw large boulders, he was that strong.
Bran, Wolfgar, and Bear ran into the fray.
Good Grosvenor also had his own say.
The perversion suddenly took a hop.
Its tongue flashed and its mouth closed with a pop.

Standing behind holding the wee baby
I witnessed Bran go through lips most flabby.
While my friends and my love held off the beast
Carrying the child I passed by to the east.
As I rode I caught up Oakwood’s huge spear
And threw it as he mounted the beast’s rear.
Catching it out of the air he stabbed down
And into the beast’s head right through the crown.
Its small brain pierced the great beast simply dropped.
By its bulk the road through the pass was stopped.

Cutting open the great hulking beast’s side
We retrieved our dear friend Bran as we cried.
No truer friend had anyone than he.
A great hole in our hearts would ever be.
As I held the babe I leaned over Bran
And the baby put out his tiny hand.
As he touched the dead body of dear Bran
Life through his cold body suddenly ran.
He let out a big gasp and sat upright.
We who saw it couldn’t believe our sight.

†††

For two days we scouted a way around.
Finally, one evening a way was found.
It was simply an eyebrow of a trail.
Going that way made our faces turn pale.
It was far to the canyon floor below.
How we did manage it I’ll never know.
Back to the trace we made our careful way.
What more had the wizard for our dismay?
In the haunted darkness we dared not stop.
By full daylight we were ready to drop.

With Grosvenor and Alrik on the watch
We stopped and made a meal in a small notch.
Sleeping two hours we rose and moved on.
We would reach the wizard’s tower anon.
We heard weird noises from the mountains ‘round
As the road’s dreadful way twisted and wound.
Grosvenor gave a low growl and stopped still
His hackles stood and fear lent us a chill.
Ahead we could see a broad squat tower
And the road went underneath the lower.

The tower that spanned the road was not high.
We guessed forty feet as we stood hard by.
It was a bit broader than it was tall
And o’er its visage seemed a darkly pall.
From a distance the tower looked blackish.
Up close its stones were dried blood reddish.
“How will we pass that hindrance in the road?
I do not like its looks, less than the toad.”
So said Bear Bonecrusher and we agreed.
We needed to solve the problem with speed.

As we surreptitiously rode forward
I quickly dismounted and slipped sideward.
Scrabbling around the rocks on the right flank
I spied a hidden door in the rock bank.
At that moment, a voice came from above
And spoke to my friends, my hound, and my love.
“Thank you all for bringing the child to me.
Leave him below and you all may go free.”
I entered the door, quiet as a dream.
Upward I went, though the incline extreme.

I burst into the open at the top
And what I witnessed there caused me to stop.
He was an ancient man in black cassock
And the sight of him there gave me a shock.
Around his neck he wore a large gold cross.
He talked while o’er the wall he leaned across.
“You’re no wizard!” I said in amazement.
“I’m no wizard,” he said in restatement.
“I’m a Christian monk, as yourself can see.
Of all that were here there are only three.”

“Men say we are wizards for they do not
Understand we seek to pray and whatnot.
The child with you is a danger to all.
His own father sought to kill him though small.”
I looked at him as though he were barmy.
“There is no way that the child can harm me.”
He said, “Oh no? Tell me about your friend.
I saw him as I prayed there at the end.
Have you not noticed that he is not right?”
Thinking on this my heart quivered in fright.

We went down to the road where we were met
By my companions who started to fret.
“No wizards they, just monks and so humble.
’Twas a rumor, for their faith some grumbled.
Cronon Doc died these many years agone.
All that are left are Braleck, Brill, and Sean.”
Braleck spoke, “Yonder child is dangerous.
‘Cause of him our lives are precarious.
The child’s father sent us a messenger
Who said the child poses us great danger.”

Continued Braleck of the dark tower,
“Where is the one who felt the child’s power?”
I led him where Bran stood beside his horse,
He who was dead and given new life force.
Asked Braleck, “How are you feeling then, Bran?”
Spoke Bran, “Better. I feel like a new man.”
“Seems the child has Asclepian power,”
Said Braleck with his face almost sour.
“Why would the King his father speak evil
And label his own son a black devil?”

“You speak truth, but I wonder more,” said I,
“How our pursuers knew our route and why?”
“Someone told them your way and how you’d go,”
Said Braleck, and Eimear said it was so.
“Someone told me and told the rest of them,
So I think we need a new stratagem.”
To her I nodded and called a meeting.
Did we have a spy with us unweeting?
Beside me sat Eimear and Grosvenor
And we watched for any odd demeanor.

“The Giants know not this land where we go,
But onward we must travel even so.”
So Oakwood the Giant did speak that day.
“And Bran Mak Brionne must remain and stay.”
We looked at him and I finally said,
“Why must he stay? He’s alive and not dead.”
“Aye, but he watches butterflies, not war,
And since he came back he’s not as before.”
So observed to us Wolfgar Kingslayer.
Of such hard news he was the conveyor.

I was silent for a while lost in thought.
Then, saintly Braleck us some comfort brought.
“He can stay here with us under our care.
He’ll have a home here in this good clean air.
Mayhap he’ll recover the man he was
While dwelling among the pipsissewas.
No one will harm him as the wizard’s pets
On everyone who ventures here besets.”
“That settled I think we need a new plan,”
Said Eimear. “We will do without poor Bran.”

I said, “I know why they press us so hard.
On this child there must be a large reward.
Someone wants to control his great power
And through this small child themselves empower.”
Braleck looked up from under aged brows.
“We must pray now and see what God allows.”
Therefore, into the chapel we all trooped,
But Oakwood’s head was too high for the roof.
On bended knees we offered our prayers
Interceding with God for our affairs.

†††

We stayed a week in the blood red tower.
We knew in that place we could not cower.
Braleck knew of an unused ancient path
And this we took braving the monsters’ wrath.
The pathway was just the thinnest eyebrow,
But it was the only way for us now.
Off to the east and south we made our way
Hoping our pursuers’ efforts to stay.
Oft the drop off was a thousand feet down,
But this was a way of much less renown.

One thing: Why would a father kill his son?
A father’s love in the end would have won.
Something didn’t make sense in all of this.
I had a concern I could not dismiss.
We found a sheltered area to camp
Just as the sun was turning out his lamp.
Watching Eimear gently holding the child
I couldn’t keep my mind from going wild.
“Why would a father kill his only son?
If he did his lineage would be done.”

“Yes, what would happen then? Who would be king?
On whom would the crown they be conferring?”
So wondered Eimear, who went on to say,
“Wouldn’t it be the Black Duke, if today?
Gunnar, we could keep the child, you and I,
And raise him as our own and keep him nigh.”
I drew her close and we watched the fire dance.
I hoped to marry her, given the chance.
“With thee and the child I am sore tempted
But this quest I have willf’ly accepted.”

Long ago, ‘fore even the ages began
And God created the earth and then man,
There was truth and love, for He is these things.
It is from these all other virtue springs.
For a man to speak true and right all wrongs
Shows certain to his Maker he belongs.
By the virtues he joins the angels’ hymns
And in God’s bountiful grace freely swims.
For our part we would hold true to the Christ
And believe that God’s grace will have sufficed.

The next day we started our way by dawn.
Before the sun had come up we were gone.
As we traveled it seemed foggy above,
But as I looked I sure thought it was wove.
In alarm I yelled, “Everybody back!”
Alrik swapped ends on a different tack!
As we charged to safety I heard a yell.
It sounded like torment right out of hell!
As I looked up above I saw dear Bear
Being wrapped in silk by a spider there!

The spider’s body was big as a horse.
As I watched it bit Bear without remorse.
I could see the pain and fear in his face.
He was covered by the monster’s embrace.
I heard Eimear’s bow twang in rapid fire.
’Twas too late; he was the monster’s desire.
“Get brush, grass, limbs, anything that will burn!”
So I ordered. My voice was hard and stern.
We piled it under the monster’s webbed lair.
Eimear shot a flaming arrow in there.

As the flames mounted higher and higher
The monster screamed because of the hot fire.
The smoke might mark our way, but I did not care.
I wanted Bear’s killer to die right there.
Spider and victim fell into the blaze.
Over Bear a mournful pyre we did raise.
A hero was gone, his death so tragic.
We had no time to be sympathetic.
We moved on quickly with the greatest care
Hoping our hunters would not soon be there.

†††

For four days we traveled, our nerves on edge,
And finally we came down off the ridge.
Before us was a verdant grassy plain.
We were out of the dark mountain domain.
We at last made camp by a bubbling spring.
Eimear called a bird that went by on wing.
She whispered something in its tiny ear.
It flew away. I watched it disappear.
“We need help and I hope she gets there soon.
An army would not be too big a boon.”

I said, “Who did you contact through the bird?”
I thought such a thing patently absurd.
“I sent word to Gryffud the Elven King.
He is the grandfather you’ve never seen.”
So said Eimear, hope plain in her soft voice.
I secretly hoped she made the right choice.
We camped under the stars in the clean air
And there in the grass our beds did prepare.
Oakwood took the early watch of the night,
For at any time we might have to fight.

I sat near Eimear and she stroked my head.
“I had another name,” I slowly said.
“It was my name before I went to war.
That was when I took the war name Gunnar.
My parents were killed in the village raid
And I made sure the price of blood was paid.
Though only fourteen young summers of age
With my father’s axe I showed them my rage.
I was taken in by fam’ly Cahill
But my birth name was given as Ailil.”

She sat quiet and then with her voice low,
“Your parents named you thus so you would know.
Ailil means Elf in the ancient ones’ tongue.
They gave you connection while you were young.
You are the true grandson of King Gryffud
And heir to his throne by reason of blood.
This I sent word to him by the wee bird.
I think his army will come at my word.
They move faster than the armies of men.
Pray they arrive before fighting begin.”

I was quiet and thoughtful and then said,
“Eimear, I want to speak of this instead:
I have loved you from the moment we met.
I want you to know so there’s no regret.
I know what it is like to be alone
Wanting, hoping, for someone of your own.
We may not live to see another day
So I ask you to marry me without delay.
I think about you sleeping and waking.
For you my heart is constantly aching.”

She was in my arms and we were kissing
And I knew the good I had been missing.
“I wish we could marry right now, today,”
Her body quivered with love to convey.
Barely I could speak, “There might be a way.
Oakwood is king of his people they say.
Let us ask him to do the holy rite.
If so, we will be married in God’s sight.”
With love in her eyes she called out his name.
“Dear Oakwood, on your friendship we make claim.”

The tow’ring giant was by in two strides.
He grinned as he listened to the glad tides.
“I have been wond’ring how long it would take
Before your wedding vows you both would make.
As king of my kind I’ll gladly perform.
This certainly makes my giant heart warm.”
The hill where we camped had a small wallow.
There we built a cabin in the hollow.
This was for our first night as newlyweds.
It gave us a place for our blanket spreads.

The cabin was made of sticks, limbs, and grass.
It was privacy for me and my lass.
Nestled in the little hollow it was
And screened by some blooming pink Altheas.
Wolffgar red faced gave Eimear a bouquet
And she did admire their lovely display.
We stood before Oakwood our giant friend.
Words of matrimony we did extend.
He said the fine immemorial words
Of every race, tribe, making family cords.

We spent the night in love’s burning embrace.
Our passion was given a fiery pace.
Finally, we knew our love’s finest hour.
We made sweet love with increasing power.
At last spent and exhausted we two slept
And Grosvenor over us his watch kept.
In the morning bathing in the cool spring
Our passionate love again took its wing.
Over us Grosvenor kept loving guard
As we made our love on the verdant sward.

†††

The next morning we heard Oakwood’s warning
Like a wind up high before the storming.
Oakwood was taller and could see farther.
“From the southeast an army comes hither.”
We began to build a wall of logs and
great rocks behind which to make our bold stand.
Oakwood’s strength was prodigious and stunning.
He built very quickly and with cunning.
We sharpened stakes and made many caltrops.
Our foes would sell their blood to the last drops.

Eimear went and retrieved her saddle pack
And pulled out something that was gold and black.
When it was unfurled I then understood
For it was the flag of the House of Gryffud.
Whoever bore the flag was Gryffud’s kin
And over my face came a Cheshire grin.
“When they see that they will soil themselves.
And just maybe we will have saved ourselves.”
There was one way in the wallow on top
And there we made our stand, the foe to stop.

Eimear returned with two golden surcoats.
“Cover your mail, your status it denotes.
This is my spare. We are of House Gryffud.
We stand as husband and wife unruffled.”
“What if my grandfather will not have me?
Maybe I ought to just let this hope be.”
I said this, though hope yet lived in my heart.
I so missed family to be a part.
Eimear squeezed my hand, “He has looked high and
Low for his daughter, children, and husband.”

“Will your mother’s father get here in time?”
Asked Wolffgar looking ahead to wartime.
“Elves march faster than any normal men.
I have seen them cover the ground of ten.”
This I knew from my past war fighting days
When with the Elves I had helped in swordplays.
I earned my name The Axe in one such war
When my body count continued to soar.
I had hoped blood never again to spill,
Yet for this baby I was on this hill.

We heard again Oakwood’s deep forest call.
“I see at least a thousand men in all.
Their armor glints in the sun’s morning light.
Their banners fly and they spoil for a fight.”
We took positions at the barricade
Hoping against hope for some kind of aid.
Three riders came under flag of parlay.
“Give us the child and we’ll be on our way.”
I knew they would kill us no matter what.
Between us there would be no concordat.

Then, one of them spied our gold battle flag.
I almost laughed as I saw his face sag.
“You there, are you of the House of Gryffud?”
I replied, “Aye, and that bodes you no good.”
They argued amongst themselves, turned and went.
One yelled back, “We will see the Duke’s intent.”
We erected our shield wall, for arrows
Would soon fly like clouds of deadly sparrows.
“Eimear, can you hit yonder Duke from here?”
“I can try, but it is far,” said Eimear.

We could see the evil Duke was enraged
And berating his knights he was engaged.
He had them all formed up for a massed charge
Which would be surprised by our caltrop marge.
I got out my elven horn and let go
a defiant sound and I meant it so.
We would not go gentle into the night.
We would sell our lives dearly in the fight.
There would be many knights and warriors that
Would not go home today after combat.

I heard Eimear’s Elven bow sing its song
And the black arrow flew over the throng.
The wind pushed it aside so that it stuck
into the Duke’s commander as it struck.
The grey knights charged with the sound of thunder,
All intent on rending us asunder.
Their silver scale flashed as they boldly rode.
To smash only we four onward they flowed.
Five hundred silver knights the caltrops hit
And the sharpened stakes each stuck in a pit.

With a smallish tree as his giant mace
Oakwood gave them to death’s gory embrace.
We ran out with glittering swords and axe
And dispatched even more with our attacks.
We ran back to our shields in the redoubt
Just as the archers let go with a shout.
The Duke’s arrogance in sending his knights
Had stopped their effectiveness in the fights.
Now, archers and foot soldiers were our care.
We hid behind shields as arrows rained there.

Oakwood was limping, three arrows in leg
Stood in the gap, no quarter did he beg.
The foot soldiers gave up their fierce war cries,
And cursed when they met our caltrop surprise.
The stakes and caltrops crippled not a few,
But their sheer numbers helped some to get through.
At our barricade we made our bold stand.
It was just us four with me in command.
The fighting was fierce. My axe sang death songs.
The last cries of many came from the throngs.

I saw Eimear’s swift sword flash like lightning
And Oakwood’s ferocity was fright’ning.
My axe, called Death Song, described bloody arcs.
It did my talking and made my remarks.
I sheared through the neck of one and then turned
And the sword arm of another I spurned.
I shoved the spike into another’s face,
Then gave another to Death Song’s embrace.
I sang my war cry with ferocity,
And made my blows with animosity.

Grosvenor leapt over the wall to war
And into the battle Alrik did soar.
Together, on the foe they wrecked havoc
And the two of them proved quite a great shock.
In their area the stunned foe fell back
So fierce was their devastating attack.
I was able to get them back inside
Behind the shelter our wall did provide.
Still, they stood with us defending the wall
And many fierce attackers they did maul.

Into a breech ran good Wolffgar the bold.
He bravely sought our defenses to hold.
Someone on his flank stabbed him with a spear.
I cried out as to me he was so dear.
My axe slashed and slew. I fought to his side.
I was much too late; in my arms he died.
Someone stabbed me in the side with a knife.
I came that near to losing my own life.
My Elven blood gave me abnormal strength
And helped me to go to a greater length.

Just as all seemed lost the host gave a cry.
They pulled back from us and we wondered why.
“Your grandfather made it, raise high the flag.
Hold it up proudly and don’t let it sag.”
So said Oakwood, who could see much farther.
We could see the horde of my grandfather.
They came like a swift flashing golden sword.
We could feel the ground shake right through the sward.
We raised up high the banner of my house.
Our affiliation we did espouse.

The fighting was short and swiftly over.
A regal man rode into our cover.
That he was king of all elves we could see.
“Ho, Eimear, I got the message sent me.
Is this the young man, my daughter’s own son?
At last my long search is finally done”
“That is him, Your Majesty, as I said.
We are husband and wife, recently wed.”
Said Eimear as she helped hold me upright.
“And the noble giant who helped the fight.”

“This is King Oakwood of the Giant race.
He is a good friend we could not replace.
Grandfather, at last I see your dear face.
I have waited so long for your sweet embrace.”
At these words my knees buckled under me.
Someone yelled, “Get the physician, quickly!”
I saw my dear beloved Eimear’s sweet face
And then my own grandfather took her place.
I faded slowly into the darkness
And I knew no more of their sweet caress.

†††

The sun was out when I opened my eyes
That I was in a tent was a surprise.
I saw Eimear sitting near and praying
Though I could not hear what she was saying.
I tried to rise and let out a slight moan.
She rushed to me, her love was fully shown.
“Praise the good Lord you are awake, Ailil.
Lie down for you are surely hurting still.”
She called a guard and whispered a swift word
He was gone in a flash as it was heard.

Into the pavilion King Gryffud came,
On the way in he kept calling my name.
“My grandson! Ailil! Ailil! My grandson!
I have searched for you in every season.
Here is my dearest daughter’s child at last.
I can see her face all about your cast.”
Very unking-like he did hug me hard
And I could no longer keep up my guard.
We both wept freely tears of grief and joy,
And neither of us felt it was too cloy.

I motioned my bride Eimear to draw near.
“Grandfather, she’s my wife I love so dear.
She has brought us together at this time
And I think she was sent by God Divine.”
Before he could speak Grosvenor came up
And laid his head on me as though a pup.
He gave a whine and wanted some petting.
He was happy at my feet a setting.
We laughed and felt the love all that much more
Me, my wife, grandfather, and Grosvenor.

“King Oakwood has gone back to his own kind.
Our races now have peace, which you defined.
He saw you this morning and said you’re well,
And went home, his brave adventures to tell.
We buried Wolfgar on the battle hill
Up there where all is now peaceful and still.”
So informed Eimear to my listening ear.
She took me out in the sun sitting near.
Grandfather, King Gryffud was also there
Making sure I got the best of healthcare.

“I want you to live with me and my wife
Where you both will have a much better life.
Your child soon to be born will have things good.
You will all be there with those of your blood.”
To us both said Gryffud the Elven King.
“How do you know a child I will soon bring?”
Eimear said with a surprise in her voice.
I was too shocked for myself to rejoice.
“Call it a gift we Elf kings are given,
So that all of our people are thriven.”

Four days later I was trying to ride
Faithful Alrik, who was prancing with pride.
Suddenly and clearly the warning blared.
Soon to our camp another host repaired.
It was King Liam Crann Darach and host.
So regal were they that I was engrossed.
His child I and Eimear laid in his arms
And he lavished on the child all his charms.
Who did I see riding in the king’s van?
It was my dear friend, faithful and true Bran.

King Liam gave us both his heartfelt thanks.
We forged an alliance on the creek banks.
Good men had spilled their blood and some had died.
For them Liam bowed his head and he cried.
Then, Eimear and I pulled Bran to one side.
He stood with me against the evil tide.
He was in his right mind, again, we saw.
He had that determined set to his jaw.
I spoke and said, “Bran, I thought you were dead
But at seeing you my heartache has fled.”

“Wolffgar is buried behind on the hill.
We burned Bear while we were on the trail still.
I thought all of my old friends were now gone.
Seeing you is to my heart a new dawn.
We two go to live with my grandparents.
No longer must you fight belligerents.
I have large herds and large flocks and much land
They are now yours by my royal command.”
Bran somehow had something in his brave eye.
I turned my head as I surely knew why.

They led the Duke in chains to the Kings camp.
There and then they quickly snuffed out his lamp.
No more innocent people would need die
As for the throne he could no longer vie.
We broke camp and did an elven march home
And home was a thought I found most welcome.
Those who have lost their homes and families
Know how dreams of them fill their fantasies.
Eimear riding beside me I loved more;
Her, and of course, my faithful Grosvenor.

I got a word from dear Bran Mak Brionne:
Dahl the Vile was eaten by a lion.
How that had happened he did not then say.
I had my suspicions, knowing Bran’s way.
The following year our baby was born
Early on one bright and shining spring morn.
My uncles and cousins I never knew
Came to visit us, and them not a few.
We laughed and felt the love all that much more
My wife and me, and good ole Grosvenor.

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