His Lady's Voice

[The Lady Fears]

The spring it is when some to war are bound.
The summer full of fray and battle's din.
I dream of when the leaves first dance the ground,
For autumn heralds home my disparate kin.
As shadows fill the eyes of youths now men,
The winter fills the hall with tales and tears.
Soon war shall see them leave us once again.
I dread the spring; the warmth that fuels my fears.
I swore to spare my heart the pain and grief -
that loving one who wars would doubtless grant.
Yet fate is cruel, and offers no relief.
Deny my love? I youthful vows recant!
Though spring may take my true love far from me,
I pray for winter's grace, most faithfully.

Her Lover's Voice

[The Warrior Loves]

Lo! Hear ye not the call to arms, my friends?
And feel ye not the stirrings in thy heart?!
For want of peace, I make no man amends,
I yearn to hear the horns that sound the start!
To know that each new breath may be my last!
To all my years of toiled efforts test!
To know each day the stars my fate has cast,
And give my all, and have my all be best!
And yet, what new drum beats in me alive,
And shakes the fierce convictions of my soul?
The god of war my prayers I would deny!
For Venus sings! And I her songs extol.
Alas, my love, the melting of the snow...
With spring, war calls, but loath I am to go.

His Lady's Sacrifice
[The Castle is Taken]

I know this path is fraught with peril’s strife,
And yet I know no word will bid thee yield.
Though I for thee would sacrifice my life,
I loath to see thee lain upon thy shield.
Thou sayest, “Trust,” and I can but obey,
For what course other may these shackles chart?
“I come for thee!” thy wraithly vow doth weigh
'tis comfort not to live, and lose my heart.
So fearful each new dawn that I draw breath
My hero will a hero’s end soon see
I tempt no longer thy most valiant death.
Come not for love, my own, and not for me;
Though heaven's gates forthwith may know me not,
My death ends now the risk thy love hath wrought.