the fall of pendrafen (in progress)

the vile smoke that billowing curls throughout the choked and blackened sky
in triumph stands a testament to evil deeds and vengeance nigh
all bloody, soaked and fire-charred bedizened garb and castles lie
'round sodden wrecks that bodies were of those who chose to stand and die

the sun broke bright that morning as glad tidings for the merry day
and at the feast the wine was drunk 'til even staunch young men did sway
when war did come all unprepared fair Pendrafen's defenders lay
on downy pillows, soft and sweet, in trust that darkness was at bay

alas for watchmen, brave and cold, who not a drop of warmth did drink
their temperance was all for naught as not a one could shout or blink
when eerie lights belit the woods and hell belched out a brimstone stink
of poison gas that burned and killed before the men could even think

the rumbling things all laden down with weapons devil-made at best
came crashing through the ancient trees to bring an evil wedding guest:
the prince's younger brother who had failed compassion's smallest test
at birth when he his elder stabbed to suckle first at mother's breast

and at the van of his fell force a rolling fortress did appear:
a metal beast with holes for eyes and rivets front to armored rear
whose mouth spat flame, as did its eyes; whose tread ate game that died of fear;
who laughed at all resistance 'til its master's path was rendered clear.

the noises were cacophonous, the walls of stone seemed paper-thin;