Protect the Innocent (part 5)
Two birds of prey gyrating through the morning light
we dive plummeting towards a small clearing
suns first rays appearing
smell the incensing oak and pine burning
landing we transform into human form
cloak hood and amulets worn
open my hand and whisper the incantation
horn bow and arrows appearing
strap them beneath swishing clothing
you draw a long sword
thin blade sharp as diamond honed
without a word we move in stealth
follow the stream until we meet an edge
village and small boy drawing water from a ledge
we kneel in the shadows and greenery
you step out into the dawns light
a tranquil expression soothes
"Hello young one. Be not afraid."
we only seek information relayed
pull a gold coin from your pouch
the boys mouth turns agape
runs over and begins to beg
you pat his head and smile to calm
cast a healing balm
a glow emits from your palm
the boy relaxes and expounds
tells of skulduggery and authoritarian clowns
they pillage the village proper
each family must exact a penance
come to collect from their hard work tenants
a dark brute rules the band
viscous coercion enforcing the land
says their lives worth only whats owed
the labor they expend and produce sown
no humanity no use for life
no emotions remain
life like blowing sand
every joy and love is banned
kept in perpetual starvation
too hungry for the bland
on the brink of death
love only an appropriation
designated by the totalitarian
young ladies used for pleasure alone
marriage only if approved by crones
and in an evil night love's union desecrated
dark tale related
then the boy's tears flow
look in his eyes lost innocence and woe
grit my teeth
feel the indignation
burbling and broiling
melting reason
like magmatic chambers funneling upheaval
preparing for a violent release
calm myself with a few out-breaths
craft the sentence waiting on the tongue
send the thoughts into your mind sung
"Ask where is the abode of these evil foes."
you question the boy with even tone
nearby a dog gnaws on a bone
the boy holding back a wail
melancholy mask of sadness trails
he points off into the distance
it's half a days walk
follow the road called 'Treason'
you flip the coin high into the air
hovers just above his brown disheveled hair
and drops with light grace into his hand
the boys airs regain
smile leveled and a grin of revelry attains
give him a hug and a little hope commiserate
then you state with clarity from heaven
"Keep it secret and spend with wisdom
don't let those who question listen
know your possible action
true positions
prevent the unforeseen evil missions
remain like thunder before the lightning breaks
decentralize a premonition
convictions hold until the time for bravery
patience, strength and swift ends knavery."
you dash back toward the forestry hiding me
nestled within the ivy
covered leaves
I call the Raven and send it flying
a dark cloud filled sky beckoning
raven feels its hunger drive
swooping low above the trees and mellow tones
along the road of cobblestones
another invocation and it becomes translucent
can't spot it's flight trajectory
smell the smoke from cooking fires
see a walled fortification defenses admire
circling around a pattern of glimmering wards
Call out to the sky a dire warning CREEE!
recall to human form within me again
essence shimmering within amulet adorned
turn to you and mark the coords
with chants and transfiguration cast
we move through the mystical portal
and step out into dense forest hearts forecast
move toward the walls in ghostly silence.