          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

