1. The Lay of St Grimitus (Part One)

Listen!

In sorrowful Spire are Drow demeaned

By alien Aelfir, that came in conquest

Centuries since.

But below the black boundary hunches the Heart,

Fear-full, Mind’s dark mirror.

Who would dare wander where dark Witches wither?

Daring Delvers, five in friendship,

Summoned to sewers in the City Beneath

By the Sainted Sage. Devout Devora,

Copper-crowned, called noble knights

And crafty comrades to deeply delve

Unto the Red Market, there to release and return

The Spike of St Grimitus to the Vermissian fold.

Grimitus’ gimlet, rail-knight’s ransom,

Brazenly bound to the Incarnadine Carmina.

Strongly strained Devora to divine

Those wondrous words, deftly drawn

From the soaring spirit of Saint Grimitus!

Five, fast in friendship, searched through sewers

For the proven path. Sorrowful Signalman,

Missing memories, forged ever forward

Deeper in darkness. Terrible Tank,

Knight’s companion, onward he walked

Through winding warrens, strong at Signalman’s side.

The muttering Mage, with heartsick Heretic

Gazing grimly forward into the frowzy funnels,

Marked barbarous wards on warren walls

Placed by bandits to mark their mandate,

Their haunts for hunting. Soon came sounds,

Bandits baying, so forward the Vermissian!

Shining shields became a bonded bulwark,

Hammers hefted to fell the foe.

Muttering magick and flintlocks found,

Five stood firm ‘gainst the bawling mob.

Grim was the game of whirling weapons,

Battle-sweat’s bounty flowing freely.

First fell Frater, wearing wounds

Mortal to man. But Tank stood tall,

Vowing vengeance and felling foes.

Doughty delvers, ever forward they forged

Arriving to rest at Sump’s Station.

Then took they their ease, healing their hurt

And proudly boasting as warriors will.

But beat the Heart still, beckoning below,

Ever watchful and welcoming the unwary…