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A musical accounting of the brave exploits of the gallant Templar Captain Rolan Vessandril as he bravely traverses

the countryside, protecting the city of Freedom in its time of dark, dire need on his famed adventure known to Gaudiguch merely as...

       

                    Rolan's Ride

 

 

                  - by Breandryn -

 

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 On a dark night in Gaudiguchian streets

A furtive crowd meets as the fair city sleeps

Dark words, dark spells, dark secrets are shared

Before the group vanishes into thin air

 

Alone at the Flame a sole Templar snores

Head (from his mead) filled with a dull roar

Dreams of danger and trouble worry his mind

He tosses and turns and falls onto his armoured behind

 

"Howzat?! Whozit?!" the knight gallantly cries

For darkness absolute meets his poor eyes

"The Flame! Our freedom! Where did it go?!"

All to be seen is a sad dying glow

 

"This injustice can't stand!" The knight declares with a burp

Though neither can he after last night's liquid dessert

Staggering, stumbling, belching, he stands

The city is snoring - the task's in his hands!

"Who-" he wonders

"How-" he frowns

All of these answers he plans to hunt down!

 

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Oh the lasses swoon and the lads all sigh

The bards break into song as he gallops by

For his sword is strong and his shield's held high

Yes, all fears are calmed by brave Rolan's ride

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Through the streets of the city he follows a path

Tracking embers and ashes and fire all splashed

A clumsy trail from clumsier foes

Freedom won't be stolen from under HIS nose!

 

Off into the mountains the trail winds and wends

But our valiant knight tracks to its very end

Finally! A cave's entrance breaks the pitch black of night

As inside a fire sheds a familiar, dazzling light

 

"I've got you, scoundrels!" the knight cries out!

Sword first, he charges, expecting a rout!

Surprised squeaks and screams meet his fierce dash

And everywhere small things dart to avoid his attacks

 

"Don't hurt us, oh please!" come tiny cries

The knight falls to a halt, blinking his eyes

"What- how- who-" he tries to begin

Before he gives up, swigging his flask again

 

For the Flame - it's here! He's found his prey!

But between him and it are mountains of...cake?

"How- why- what-" he tries once more

As sugar fae scurry and spice fae implore

 

"Please Sir Lord Rolan," the fae cry in alarm

"Just Rolan," he answers, "...and I'm not here to harm."

"Yes, Just Rolan!" the creatures agree

"You're here just in time - we finished baking the feast!"

"What-" he begins.

"No time!" they claim, coy

And so the bold knight is made a delivery boy!

 

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Oh the lasses swoon and the lads all sigh

The bards break into song as he gallops by

For his sword is strong and his shield's held high

Yes, all fears are calmed by Rolan's ride

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Back at the pyre, snacks are stacked high

And the flame roars again, banishing the night

"Crumkane says thanks!" one little fae chirps

The knight just shrugs and slakes his new thirst

 

Away down the hatch goes whiskey and wine

Followed by absinthe and a few hours lost from time

When he awakes all seems like a dream

Save for a pile of snacks laid out in some scheme

 

Staggering closer, to his bleary eyes words form:

"Thank you for justice, and the use of your arms!"

"Without you, great knight, our cake would have burnt!

Our pastries all ash and cream puffs sour turn't!

To you, Sir knight, we leave a great gift!

(And not just some berries to shove in your rift)

No to you, Lord Templar, we will send magical nights!

So every dream ever will be sugarspun delights!"

 

"Nil and ash and sobriety," the poor warrior swears

Sweets and snuggles forever? He's nearly in tears!

"This is what I get for protecting the Flame..."

He grumbles and quaffs, crying, "AND ROLAN'S THE NAME!"

"Dreams-" he frowns

"Nightmares!" he sighs

Though the faintest of twinkles can be seen in his eyes.

 

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Oh the lasses swoon and the lads all sigh

The bards break into song as he gallops by

For his sword is strong and his shield's held high

Yes, all fears are calmed by Rolan's ride

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