Death of a Hero

In a village near the wood,
Two gallant brothers proudly stood.
One of wit, shadows concealed,
The other bold, brandishing steel.

Together strong, they kept the peace,
Stalking down many a beast.
Warriors they came to be,
As they protected selflessly.

The Earl from the mountains black,
Heard word of brothers unsurpassed,
And sent an offer most appealing,
In hopes to send the brothers reeling.

A prophecy of legends written,
Lavish riches, all unbidden.
Yet, only one would win the prize,
While by his hand the other dies.

The wiser of the brothers two,
Could see the truth behind the ruse.
Without the other, each was weak,
Their village left to the Earl's keep.

Unconvinced, the brother bold,
Of the words the other told.
Thinking, this time, that he was wise,
Accused his flesh and blood of lies.

At the dawn of the morrow,
The brothers met 'neath skies of sorrow,
And as the rain fell all around,
Their crimson blood did stain the ground.

As the wiser brother stilled,
The prophecy, though false, was filled.
High above the Earl smiled,
To know his plan had been worthwhile.

That eve, sounded a warning bell,
And in a blaze the village fell,
As the bolder brother grieved,
The Earl's plot he'd not conceived.

When the ash and smoke did clear,
His anger born of death and fear,
The warrior would rise again.
His fallen brother he'd avenge.