All time begins with a sigh
for what's begun must soon die.
All life begins with a grin;
how quick to follow is sin.
I was laughing when the port was poured, and trying not to show my face under the smile, my hot and angry face. The old man, though, caught my eye, and his frown deepened. He knew, I knew, and we knew. When we were all drunk and weary with the feast, he and I were sober and strong.
He meant to stop me. We neither spoke but drew swords. I slew him quickly, for I was young, strong, sly. The others, weak, slow, they did not get away. The last one was blubbering for his life when my sword went through his heart.
The old man’s life was the only one I regret taking that night, but he was of them. Whether he condoned or knew what beasts and fools he harbored in his hall, I cannot say. Had he not defended them, I would have spared his life.
Tale Told 