Dernhelm's Ride

A dead man's helm. A dead man's horse. A dead man's shield and cloak and sword.

I will ride with my Lord, my King, to death and the world's ending.

He can order me stay, and knit by the fire -- hah!

-- and watch over the dogs as they roll on the floor with the brats -- so he orders me, stay.

Though I may not walk the Paths of the Dead, following flickering torches, my heart rides there...

A dead man's helm. A dead man's horse. A dead man's shield and cloak and sword.

I am dead also.