The Guild Fanucci

Against the Odds
© 2005 Kathryn Kibellus

Against the odds. Belt unlike snow.
Red like the blood he shed for this
Prove his worth upon the list.
Against the odds.

Trembling take the field his clumsy weapon wield.
Whispering encouragements to echo ’round his helm.
He must believe his might for he hopes to win this fight
And make his courage known throughout the realm.

His first fight is a duke, what a sad, unhappy fluke!
One who’d won that shining prize at least three times before.
Sees his opponent’s eyes, his stomach gets butterflies.
Still he’s determined to go down in lore.

Against the odds. Belt unlike snow.
Red like the blood he shed for this
Prove his worth upon the list.
Against the odds.

” Pay hommage to the throne of that middle-land, your home.”
He dips his head and bows unto his mighty dragon king.
” And to that lady who has greatly inspired you.”
He gazes on his lady, his heart sings.

” To your opponent now, do him honor with a bow.
Pay heed unto your marshal and the battle will commense.”
Both fighters took their place, and he his opponent face,
” Lay on”and he went into his defence.

Against the odds. Belt unlike snow.
Red like the blood he shed for this
Prove his worth upon the list.
Against the odds.

Sweat rolled down his brow, could this just be over now?
Blocking and avoiding blows that could have struck him down.
Thirty second span seems a lifetime to the man
Questing with that fight to gain the crown.

One fell unblocked blow and he’s struck down by his foe.
He plays his part and falls onto the padded list-field ground
From his new vantage place he can see his lady’s face.
No matter how he did he knows she’s proud.

Against the odds. Belt unlike snow.
Red like the blood he shed for this
Prove his worth upon the list.
Against the odds. Belt unlike snow.
Red like the blood he shed for this
Knows his worth in lady’s kiss
Against the odds.