The Loss – Part 6

The Loss

THE TALE OF A SHE-ELF’S RISE TO WARRIOR

          6

She, Nimgalliel, the She-Elf, commanded,

             “Take the bodies and burn them

             except for the King

            and her regrettable son.

Our Lady will mourn both of them,

             though she knows what happened in truth.

 The Queen will keep face, and keep up appearance,

             for the public,

            in mourning,

            will cease any rumors.”

Nimgalliel thought aloud, “Make sure soldiers speak highly

            of our King’s valiant fight.

He died for the Kingdom, his blood for our right

            to live peacefully free. This truth is our bond.”

The soldier obeyed her and spoke on the move.

             “My Captain, brave Lady, they will understand.”

He turned away, and

             ordered the others to take up the bodies

            and burn them

             save the King and his heir.

The Queen came back.

Nimgalliel tried to stop her

            but she wouldn’t allow it.

“I have to be here. I would  look weak to the kingdom

             if I stayed away.”

She walked all the way

            to the stone bloodied dark.

            She saw her son’s corpse

            lying close to her husband’s.

 “Who slew him?”

Her eyes searched the room, searched her heart, found her soul,

            and before Nimgalliel, could speak,

            the Queen raised her hand to silence all speaking.

She sighed and

            straightened her head, looking proud, “Very well, then.

             It’s done. I have burials to plan, a kingdom to heal.”

 “I lament your loss, my Queen,”

            and the She-Elf kneeled.

“Arise! Thank you! Tell no one yet.

             I need to prepare remembrances

            for the King and his heir.”

She sighed and turned

             to leave, then spoke to Nimgalliel:

“I need your valor, your courage and strength.

            Be my Captain, Nimgalliel, and the Kingdom will

            prosper.

Let no man offend you, let no man pretend

            to give you his honor, but lie in his throat.

Be my Captain, strong warrior, our defender and hope

            for the Kingdom is blessed with your

            dagger and legend. How say you?”

She smiled. The She-Elf confirmed.

Looking back at the queen she worried not,

             about the future of the Kingdom.

She, Nimgalliel, walked into the garden, Captain of the Royal Guard,

             and pulled the dagger from the sheath

            to honor it.

Chorus– in unison:

She was the Captain like her father: of the Royal Guard. This day, the She-Elf Warrior rose to her fate to save the Kingdom, while losing a King.  She had killed the Prince who was too petty to lead.  But, her Queen was saved. Her father had fought till he could stand no more. His murderers left them all for dead, but Nimgalliel faked death no more. As her Kingdom beckoned, she fulfilled her fate; the gods placed a  dagger into her hands, and without remorse, she lived her destiny. She prevailed, for when any man gloats that he will enjoy killing a woman, it heralds his moment of death.