By: Ardeghon Dalgren
The Reluctant Heroes
As a child I would often watch the outriders set out on their early morning patrols. Such envy I felt then, wishing I was one of them. Though by noon's sound of the horn, not all returned. Those who did return were battered and bruised, physically and mentally. However, they protected whom they cared for. Nobody wants to die. Reluctantly they bled the field in service of another. They were the Reluctant Heroes.
Rise before winter's morn
Blow a soft kiss,
To the still closed eyes of those they love
Step once, step twice
They are waiting for you
Rise to the horn's deep call
Sent out to safeguard the lands before they fall
Mount up, brave rider
Return in the evening, to a cup of hard cider
Rise to the side of your peers
Ride together, dismantle each other's fears
Onwards they went
Heads held high, pride perseveres
No sight of their backs being broken or bent
Few have returned
From the fields where battle burned
Still the children's eyes glisten
To their mother's reason they will not listen
A young, shallow grave awaits them on that path
The children care little, the children sing
Sing the song for the Reluctant Heroes
Song for the Reluctant Heroes
Give them your strength, for their lives are too short
Song for the Reluctant Heroes
I want to be brave
Like you
(Inspired by 'The Reluctant Heroes')
