HUNTER'S WARNING - I have a tale, all grim forbode of one who sought the night. He mounted, then in darkness rode to work upon the height. - Control and power over all, the essence of his quest. The people he would hold in thrall. Ill omen was his crest. - He found a cliff beside the sea. A glowing circle cast, with magic burnt the Sacred Tree and drawing sword, stood fast. - The ocean swelled, and gale winds cried- a storm of ice and chill. Bright lightnings slashed and burned the sky imposed by dark'ning will. - A gateway through the Other World was opened by his hand, For from the clouds a funnel swirled and Bifrost's road did stand. - A raucous army then came down and rode upon that coast. Weird hoofbeats rang upon the ground from steeds who were as ghosts. - Just from the Hunt they had returned to challenge fox, and deer. And from the leader, one eye burned and sighted down his spear. - 'What magus honors not my name?', a booming voice then cried. 'What fool does play this ill wrought game? Best answer quick - or die.' - 'My title matters not, O Lord.', the sly tongued one did speak. 'We share the spirit of the sword- your wisdom I would seek.' - 'My secrets will I gladly give to all who share my way- but test ye must, to die or live- one chance to go or stay.' - 'Though death is not the thing I crave, your questions will I bear. And favour lacking, to the grave and thralldom will I swear.' - 'But I am learn'ed, wise and strong so if your test surpassed you must then swear before your throng your power you will pass.' - The Hunt Lord scowled, and it was done, then said with frosty breath: 'Unto me you will answer one- what purpose does serve death?' - 'My foes have often met their end. I glory in the kill. My way will use the death to bend the people to my will.' - The Goddess Freyja then impart: 'What say you of the dove? What use to you are things of heart? Regard ye what of love?' - 'I scorn all love, I favour wrath, tis best left for the meek. And peaceful ways cross not my path, tis only for the weak.' - 'War is my art, so answer this:', spoke grim one handed Tyr. 'Affairs of state, when go amiss- is honor in your sphere?' - 'All honor I return to friends and other Lords deserved. I say again, foes meet their ends when wrath has been incurred.' - 'Unto us now, one more reply before you hear our will. of spells and power - magic high, of what does this fulfill? - 'To honor you, I would enshrine, the world then I would take. To snare, all shiftless peoples bind with forces I would wake.' - All Asgard's dwellers, looking grim, then nodded to this king. Triumphant mein came over him- his darkened soul did ring. - But Odin set his rage filled face- the mages blood ran cold. 'Ye think that thou hast won our grace with naked evil bold?' - 'All death is but the way to birth and peace is men's desire. Our way is to renew the Earth- despoiling not in ire.' - 'This and the magics meant to heal and guide on wisdom's path. So this is why the powers wield- you have incurred our wrath.' - 'But go in sorrow - life we give, along with this one curse- That ever long as you shall live your life now is reversed.' - 'Harm with your magic, and you die a death forever long. Hurt with your guile, and you shall cry- your way is twisted, wrong.' - They rode like leaves upon the wind. Ensorcelled mage grew mad. He wanders - never trust or friends. Just woe, dark soul, nomad. - Pay heed, all seekers on the path to shadow's knowledge earned. To evil go, you gain the wrath of Powers great and stern. - - J.A. Bordeaux 8 Mar 89