Role

Chapter 5

One day, in the heat of war,
In hate and rage I sought out more
The road it led to fortress tall
Hiding there within that wall
One mage, the slithery one
Hid his face in the sun
A shout of challenge I did roar
Hoped his courage to the fore
Would lead him and from there we'd go
And battle well, blow for blow
Instead in that place I felt
The stink of taint my heart did melt
This mage who before had fought
My challenges came to naught
In his stead a rogue did stand
And uttered magic words quite bland
One scroll, two he did recite
In ire I said "good night"
This at last the mage drew out
And to him too my words came out
But what more could I do?
For the one, stood more than two
Not from fear that stayed my hand
Rather shifting grounds of sand
I woke first one then the next
And stood there quite perplexed
I did not come to fight them all
I know the price would be my soul
Instead I had to leave
Twixt my soul and what I believe
What is right, I cannot say
The twinge I felt that doubtful day
The mage I woke and left him there
Though these thoughts I cannot share
The choice I made that kept me whole
My heart is it now black as coal?
Never more will I show my face
At the gates of that purest place
Though they may ask for aid
This simple choice I have made
No place for me in that light
I give that up without a fight
If mages there should cower and moan
Let others chase them, make them groan
My heart, my soul on this divide
And yet this war I shall abide
Many other wars to fight
Before that one dark night
I shall no longer at those gates stand
And yet, no longer will stay my hand
If magic's bane I'll be
My soul, my heart, we shall see
Which one shall endure til death
I feel it soon, my last breath
I hope and pray when I am dead
And solemn words to all are read
Of my life they'll examine all
And know no choice was left to befall
My love, I dream of end of days
Of kindness, love, your sweetest ways
I wish we had what I dream each night
This dream of mine, love and light
I know this boon is much to ask
Yet, at the end, if I might bask
In the sun, in your caress
Though my guilt, my shame I confess
Your purest heart forgives my sin
That you still love the girl I've been
Soon we'll see what eternity brings
And for that day, my heart still sings
Of joy and hope and days of love
Of peaceful nights we spend above
For this dream I will pray
And hold darkness fast for the day
Heart and soul might reconcile
The pain and hatred I revile
Shall flow and wane and seep away
How I wish, for this day I pray.