The Errant Eorlingas - Chapter 1

Gathered a company one fair day in Bree
in days when hobbits, elves, and dwarves were all free,
yet men lay in bondage to a long journey home
and here the glory begins for Rohirrim to own.

Mustered they forth on the twenty-fifth day:
armorers, horsemen, even sellswords some say,
not all even of Rohan, Eorlingas bold
though all with a duty, be it adventure or gold.

From village and hamlet, from the wilds of earth,
from fortress and keep they have now been called forth
to muster, to train, and (between you and me) laugh
‘fore shadows and darkness become soon their path.

They hear tell, you see, of an evil a-growing
'cross Eastmet and Westfold with nary much slowing,
and a king growing old to the ways of his world
awaiting silent horns blown and empty banners unfurled.

"Too long have we waited and done nary a thing
for our king and our homeland now webbed in the sting
of deceit and of slaughter, come now all ye brave
we'll train up and march forth - our Rohan to save!"

Spoke our Captain, Lord Aueryll, a tall man and fair
who to slay an orc, some say, he had only to glare.
He leads the full eored with wisdom and grace
and knows how to put each’s talent in place.

Beside him was Eorran, the leader of swords
who too inspired the host with elegant words
and whose skill in the saddle will be hard to surpass
when the company musters in formation at last.

And beside him, Eorland, a hunter of wit
whose scouting is unmatched, and keen eye is fit.
Just mind well his pack full of ales in great flasks
for he is unmatched to out-drink any who asks!

And last but not least came this minstrel bold
who again you shall hear from when there is more to be told.
She leads forth the healers, directing their aid
to mend and encourage those whose lifeblood is paid.

Who next shall appear when these heroes depart
from Hengstacer farms in Breeland? Take heart!
For mayhap your name will appear here as well
as this minstrel wanders, finding your tale to tell!