The Token
I
The horns of war had sounded their call
Tis’ was a bright day in the midst of fall
The battalion of Valencia rode out at lead
With Ingrad the Valliant on his white stead
These were dark days of the empire’s rule
With headens and barbarians and tyrannic fools
Their eye was set upon its seat
To rape its glory and cause defeat
And as the Majestic trotted through the city
To defend its fame and spirit so holy
The masses all gathered at the gate
To bless the Defendants against their apprehensive fate
Ingrad the Brave brandished his sword
“Lord be with You”, was every mouth’s word
His eyes strolled the crowds, and stopped upon a maiden
Whose beauty was of the angels of heaven
II
She was clad in a white silken gown
Her hair a golden cascade, rippling down
Her lips were the parted petals of rose
Her eyes were deep and spoke a romantic prose
Their glance met and time stood still
Their hearts to the brim with love did fill
An unspoken promise with gaze was made
Never to part till the end of days
And as the magic filled the air
She plucked a rose from her hair
And tossing it to him ,blew a kiss
A token of affection, the Hero did not miss
And riding away he did turn and smile
A gesture saying , “I will always be thine”
The beauty stared and her eyes turned wet
“For You I will wait”, her rolling tears said
III
Days faded and nights rolled on
A year had passed since the Knights were gone
Moments of hope, and pangs of defeat
A battle so bloody history would not repeat
The Army of Good marched ahead
By Ingrad the Mighty were they lead
The fiends and foes came charging still
But unshakable was the Brigade’s strong will
They cut them up and broke them down
Maligned blood did flood the ground
And as the evil was swiftly killed
With shouts of joy was the battlefield filled
And every eve when the sun did shroud
The Hero thought of theLady in the crowd
Her floral token had he pinned to his armour
A symbol of protection and love’s intense ardour
IV
The damsel at home was in deep unrest
Her promise and affection was put to test
And with every sound of the horse’s feet
Did she question “Will we ever meet ?”
But her belief was strong and her heart was bold
And her love was pure as molten gold
His name she uttered in every prayer
And hoped her beloved was safe and fair
She knew his duty and the dangers therein
His code of conduct and death so akin
Still she hoped that he would return
For the sight of his face did she ever yearn
His momentary memories so alive did she keep
Every day she would make a wreath
To garland her lover when he comes back
The Gallant Ingrad on his white horse back
V
The conflict was nearing its final time
Over are almost the days of crime
Alone was standing Ingrad the Sturdy
Faced by the last vile enemy
With God in soul and love in his heart
He ran ahead to rend the ghoul apart
He crashed against his terrible foe
And slowly did the struggle grow
They lashed towards, and clashed and fought
From sweat and blood did the earth rot
A combat so deadly was never before seen
But a win of the righteous would the heavens even deem
With a sudden maneuver did Ingrad strike
His sword went through , to end the his adversary’s plight
But the rival was quick, and vicious too
Plunged his dagger in ; Ingrad’s heart torn in two
VI
The brave warrior fell dully alow
Beside lay his victim, his breath going shallow
Content in his quest he turned about
His eyes at the sky, spoke his heart out
His warm blood felt like the maiden’s tears
His dying breath fanned away all known fears
The clouds and the sun marked out her face
His heavy body received her tender embrace
Shuddering lips he parted in bliss
Met her’s to feel her sweet , soft kiss
Her fragrant breath rushed into him
Filled his last air with love to the brim
He clasped the rose with trembling hands
The symbol of affection, eternal devotion of man
With this he spoke his final word
“We will meet again, in this or the next world”
VII
The news of triumph spread across towns and states
Gallantry of the knights and their bravery was praised
But the sad note of Ingrad’s end
To a mournful state did the maiden send
She held the wreath to her breast
And felt the warmth of his sturdy chest
A light and cool breeze swept through the blocks
And she felt his fingers playing in her locks
But in heaven and God did she believe
And felt a blessing ; to her relief
Her love and devotion for the enduring martyr
Will unite her with her beloved in the life after
So she lives on, in a land far away
Waiting and eager to see her final day
A soul so loyal and so affectionate
With love alone will their story consummate