Gringlock the Schlee

There once was a man

aptly named Gringlock the Schlee—

a great warrior.

He was blind in his left eye,

with blue war paint on his face.

When the High King's call

echoed over the mountains

Gringlock answered him,

but the King was unimpressed

and called on his advisor.

The King's advisor

wore a bear pelt for a hood

and spoke to Gringlock,

"Prove that you have what it takes

to serve among the King's men.

A phantom of ice

slithers on the northern hills,

haunting our winters.

Brave the cold and slay that ghost.

Return here should you succeed."

So, Gringlock set off

to slay the phantom of ice

in the northern hills.

A river ran in between

the mainland and the mountain.

Gringlock stripped himself

to avoid drenching his clothes

and crossed the river.

It felt as if shards of glass

tore into his flesh and bones.

On the other side,

a horse prevented Gringlock

from reaching dry land.

Its hair was dark like charcoal

with a mane as bright as snow.

The horse tried trotting

down on Gringlock's cold fingers.

Gringlock threw his clothes

to distract the stubborn horse

long enough for him to stand.

Nothing but trousers

shielded Gringlock from the cold—

greatsword on his back.

The hill went up a long way,

but the horse's legs were strong.

The horse ate his clothes,

but finding Gringlock worthy,

let the man mount him.

Up the northern hill they climbed,

the phantom's chilling shrieks rang.

Soon they reached the peak

where the phantom, like an eel,

slithered through the air.

Gringlock raised up his greatsword

atop his courageous steed.

Gringlock struck a blow

through the phantom's frozen shape,

and its corpse withered.

Gringlock rode, victorious,

returning to the High King.

Richard Auriga