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        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