Oswyn's Escort

Agon 010

The words resound as rings of light from waves
Disturbed. By oculus, sun spills below.
The Sol-blessed bath casts lightning on the stone.
Two figures, absent pulse of thunder, aglow.
“Dear Lucia, fairest friend; Pearltooth,
Whose severed shackle-chain unites thine Sol with mine:

The hero Coalfur died today. His deeds
Were needed to survive this. He believed
Thine drop of Truth could nourish Darkland sands, 
Enliven rivers, calm the skies. A friend 
Of gard’ners ken to verdancy. A friend
Whose arid putrefaction makes for mockery.”

The Helm of Hounds repents: “To save Her li-
Quid word incited dogs as him to try.
What musical massacre affords my rescue…”

Distended Pearltooth, Her word’s protect-
Or, bristling silver, heard his brethren die.
Whose sunken gore, whose halted gift, yet sang?

This wolf has weathered shame of sacrifice
As king. The tune of torment came to him
From far beyond his cell - yet prayers,
For hope of love in master’s veins, for him!
His pack is punished thoroughly. Paid full,
Dear silver-hide’s release is nigh. “Let us depart.”

O Lucid of us,
This morn is nearly blessed now.
She speaks: “I fear, dear Oswyn, interception
     Is near. Posthaste, we follow you now.

Under and out and away from this City I call home.
Where her walls have sheltered, her people have stifled.”

The aqueduct is blessed by Sol priests
Who sing of crystal lakes untouched by dread.
Be mindful to the song of death composed
Of quartz-black blood set free this blooming day.
The structure climbs above the Bay, her coast
A stair to giants. From thence we strike adventure.

The battle ceases. Day ignites the sand.
Ascend with me beyond the gate unopened;
Climb quickly, disappear up the black-slick steps!
There, streams from skyward Sanctuary flow
Unselfish toward wants of mortal-kind.
The path’s lost key is thine to covet. Now we go.