The Tragedy of Cliffsoil, Part 2
From the Spinner's Writ
The wolves of the Children
surrounded the family
and one by one, dragged each person
into the dark to be viciously murdered
Cliffsoil’s wife, three sons and two daughters
were murdered in the dark,
fed to the Wolves of the Children
Only he and his son, Claycloud, remained
Wolves with bloody muzzles
surrounded the two men
and pressed them
in towards their fire
A tall man stepped from the darkness
into the edge of firelight
He flourished his cape and bowed low
Smirking, he said, “I am the Lord of Feasts.”
“You have defied the Mandate.
We Children of the Spinner and the Weaver
have removed our blessing from your home.
Ill luck and tragedy are your recompense.”
Cliffsoil retorted, “Tragedy was paid to me first
when the Children put disease upon
my parents and brother.
They are dead, despite my dutiful worship.”
Lord of Feasts considered this statement.
He said, “What an interesting notion!
I did not expect that the People
would consider us at fault.”
“I have heard your words. I do not care.
Maybe Hand and Knife would care
about the outcome of her work,
But I do not think so.”
“Know that you are wrong.
The Rite of Mandate must be performed.
You will now be put to death,
eaten by the Wolves of the Children.”
“But as you suffer, know that your son will live,
for Claycloud has betrayed you!
Your son has never failed to perform the Rite.
He shall live on, secure with our blessings!”
“Come to me, young man.
You do not need to witness
the execution of an apostate.
Then this home will be yours once more.”
Claycloud walked into the darkened
forest with the Lord of Feasts.
Firelight at his back.
His father’s screams now muffled by trees