The next day, as the prince requested, he gave one last speech

explaining that since victory was now within their reach

he would leave the battle there in the new heroes’ hands

while he led a secret mission out in far off lands

A festival was held in honour of their first hero

who with his words alone had helped a generation grow

no one feared his absence anymore, and some were glad

now they’d have the chance to shine like few knights ever had

The hero’s eyes were empty though as he said his goodbyes

he spoke the words to heroes’ songs but all his words were lies

he’d wondered in the past how such a moment ought to feel

but he felt nothing now that this surreal moment was real

The prince replaced his armour with the armour soldiers wore

it was clear to see he was no hero anymore

he sat before the prince alone in secret far away

the prince looked on in pity and he couldn’t help but say

“You always spoke of fate like it was something you controlled

you boasted of your luck and friends in half the tales you told

your reckless way of life has cost the lives of many more

but we’ve seen many victories together in this war

You’ve done enough to earn a chance to earn the fate you seek

you may be no hero but you are by no means weak

fight for me as we continue through the gates of hell

you may be a hero once again if you fight well”

The hero didn’t understand the prince’s gentle tone

he had the chance to fight but now the choice was not his own

he didn’t speak a word, he simply nodded in reply

trying to recall how wars felt back when he could die

Maybe it was for the best that he should fade away

he had no reason not to fight this battle anyway

win or lose, the war would end, and peace would settle in

and then a war against the truest evil would begin

And so he found himself among a humble group of men

going forth to fight the northern army once again

they spoke of all the evils they would face and soon destroy

singing of the victories which they would soon enjoy

The unit was composed of men who still had yet to fight

their captain had a passion in his eyes that made them bright

they all sang of revenge against the northern demon horde

burning with excitement for the fight they marched toward

Their newest member didn’t join them in their joyful song

and it was rare for any soldier not to sing along

“what’s the matter with you, don’t you want to end this war

don’t you fight to give our empire lasting peace once more”

“I’m here to fight, so sing your songs as often as you please

I’ve no reason not to fight the empire’s enemies”

he envied their enthusiasm but his time had passed

he’d seen their kind a thousand times before, they wouldn’t last

The captain was the most offended by what he had heard

his comrades looked at him as if his comments were absurd

“where were you when all those demons poured across the land

taking more from us than anyone can understand

You better not mind killing those disgusting evil things

death is all that showing mercy to a demon brings”

the hero then recalled the vow he’d made just recently

the prince would kill him if he spoke of things he knew freely

“Yes, I know our enemies are putting up a fight

but I would not think killing should fill heroes with delight”

the hero realized the words he’d said, but far too late

and he could not quite understand the reason for their weight

~