Lead them where the darkness feasts,
And this is what you’ll see:
Just at the mirk and midnight hour
Of thirteen nights but one,
The warriors bear their bronzen stones
Where crooked stands the Mound alone.
There you will win your Fiery One
Or see her then devoured.
First let pass the warrior red,
Then let pass the brown.
But when you see her flaming head,
Then throw your weapon down.
No lance, no spear will save the night, Nor bloodshed on the ground.
This alone will be your fight:
To hold your lady, hold her tight
When once again she’s found.
You would give your heart and life
For she who’ll be your wife.
Her heart will turn within your hold To a red-hot brand of iron,
To melting, molten, lava gold,
And how your hands will burn!
But hold her fast and hold her tight And yet you’ll win this terror night.
In broken sleep upon the ground
The dear one lost now lies.
Yet a kiss in faithful friendship found,
And love opens wide eyes.
Oh, Shadow Hand of Here and There,
Crippled now you bide.
But free and fierce is Fiery Fair
Your own, your hard-won bride!
You gave your own two hands
And saved your ancient lands.
The king returns to home and hall,
To throne and crown and glory.
And ever stands he proud and tall,
The crippled Shadow Hand. Recall
You now my ancient story!
About the Author
Anne Elisabeth Stengl makes her home in Raleigh, North Carolina, where she lives with her husband, Rohan, a passel of cats, and one long-suffering dog. When she’s not writing, she enjoys Shakespeare, opera, and tea, and studies piano, painting, and pastry baking. She studied illustration at Grace College and English literature at Campbell University. She is the author of Heartless, Veiled Rose, Moonblood, and Starflower. Heartless and Veiled Rose have each been honored with a Christy Award, and Starflower was voted winner of the 2013 Clive Staples Award.