The Ballad of the Rogar-mahn

This song is performed for Jared's Sindar-mahn by Rogar-mahn Caeron Coldlake and his son, Cairbre, in chapter one of "A Blade In The Storm."

"With battered sword in a fisted hand
A death song rang, a final stand.
A lad alone, so young,
Outnumbered and no where near a friend,
If this battle, his life should end.

The soldiers against were more than many
And the young man only one,
A Rogar-mahn with the time to die
'Cause a rear guard never runs.
No, a rearguard never runs.

He'd lived to the full a too short life,
Not seen the child of youthful wife
For after all is said, it's all a game;
And the matter is how you play.
Sworn was he, from that horrid host
To reap his Guard, show death's hand lame.
Oh! How he played!

Blood pounding, nostrils flared.
He waited head held high;
And they faltered 'fore the ringing notes
In his screaming battle cry.
And all those scores against him
Heard him laugh aloud,
While he stood apart, awaiting;
Alone before their crowds.
Sword hued red and shield worn high
He met them as they came;
And as he gave back slowly,
He left them dead or maimed.

The soldiers against were more than many
And the young man only one.
A Rogar-mahn with the time to die
'Cause the rear guard never runs.
No, a rear guard never runs!

Still, in their countless numbers
The host pressed ever on.
Soon, they knew, would the swordsman weary,
No will could last for long.
Yet valiant, still he fought,
Though bleeding, still he slew;
His blade, alive, danced swiftly
And deadly patterns drew.

The now the loss was telling
He fought on through the day;
He cut their ranks like Death himself,
For none could stave his way.

But with the sun, those arms grew worn,
And he, too, went to ground;
The bridge he held still sings his song,
No corpse was ever found.
No corpse was ever found.
Nevermore was seen his face
'Round drinking tables fey;
Though stories told in a reverent hush
End that the host did turn away.

The soldiers against were more than many
And the young man only one.
A Rogar-mahn with the time to die,
'Cause the rearguard never runs.
Rogar-mahn with the time to die
'Cause the rear guard cannot run.
A warrior brave with the time to die;
For the Rogar-mahn don't run."

-Kevin Higgins

© Copyright 2003, Kevin Higgins.