The Heralding of Violante

Now listen well	to this word-crafter
who brings tidings	of a bright lady –
deep-minded and deft,	daring in blade-strife,
Rose of the West,	regal and wise,
inspiring to all	in harsh spear-clash,
and friend of Viður –	Violante has come!
She brings a horde	of brave hus-carls,
both strong of arm	and able of mind.
Tall Duke Edward	East King three times
and hard of hand --	heavy his blows
Sir Matthew Moraveaous	Avdenmork, swift-footed
Tyr of shield-clash –	Tyger’s thanesman.
Godric hviti inn Ulfr	ferocious as the wolf,
Kennimathor Geirrson	great his sword-skill,
Tofi Jarnhefi	eager in sword-thyng.
She also brings	bold steel-wielders
with bright wound-fire	wind-fast and sharp –
Malcom Bowman	breast-piercing ogre
bold is his voice	but brutal his strikes.
Gregor the Tall	giver of wounds,
Thomas Monroe	tireless fighter,
and this glad word-smith	Grim the Skald.
Last but not least	of this Lady’s thanes
hurlers of flight-swifts	firers of bows –
Kobayashi Yutaka	armored master
deft with yumi	and dread his aim.
Cathain of Carolingia	keen-eyed and brave.
These hus-carls have come	with Countess Violante
to secure victory	for this valiant Rose.
To all who stand	in strife of swords
Against them beware –	your end is nigh!

© 2015 Dan Marsh