Grim Old Stone-Eye

grim old stone-eye waited by the ford

for the coming of the outlaw lord

and his riders from the marshlands

intent on raiding from the steads

their fair harvest

with the goodmen in their beds.

the cloud-wracked moon glimmered down

as the stalwarts heard the sound

of iron-shod hooves on frozen ground

and now they see the mounted horde

come riding forward

with spear and sword.

the war bows are bent with arrows notched

as the outlaw lord pauses by the brink

of the border stream

raising his blade to guide his men

on into the sleeping land

defended by stone-eye and his ken

hidden on the bank.

the lord begins to ford the brook

but is by a dozen iron-heads took

down to Hell all at once.

the men of the marsh

see how harsh

is the might of the men of the steads

and turn back from their venture

fleeing away into the deep night

their hearts full of fell fright.