Chapter 43.1: The Ballad of Skelly and Skully

That fateful day our tale did end untold

A flower plucked before it bore sweet fruit

When mages called upon the land’s most brave

In search of unknown depths and wealth beneath.

Emil and I, our blades and wits honed sharp

Upon arrival were unruffled still

Our partnership had weathered endless strife

That drove us toward the tomb’s dark mystery.

Within I was astonished, finding whole

Such tales hitherto lost of nations past.

Lacking riches of cut gems and relics

Such histories were treasures far beyond.

But as our merry pair slunk ever down

Unwelcome and discouraged was our delve

Though far beyond our foes in strength above,

The legion of bleached bone and steel prevailed.

We battled till our arms did tremble weakly

Emil cleaved swathes through plate and rib alike

Soon tides of foes did swallow my friend whole

And close behind I was myself so slain.

The pain ceased as my thoughts stilled their advance

Abandoned of sensation and of light

A sweet release of peace, belying fear

For what did I have now but time eternal?

Onwards the hours or ages kept their march

When all at once my eyes did once more see.

My flesh had failed, yet from this chest did come

Cold breath of death undone by evil means.

Nefarious an omen as unlife

Was still a blessing unto my regrets

Donning once more my cloak, though dim in hue

I sought the fate of my dear friend in death.

Reunited once more in twisted fate,

Our merry pair tread now unsavory ground

We sought the souls of those who shared our folly

To sate the endless hunger felt within.

We named ourselves anew, to fit our role

Trading defeat with those that sought our home

Yet still, new bodies suffered without pain

Only to be repaired relentlessly.

At last the hourglass hath run empty

The strike of one young girl may be our last

For now our fragments, though they bind and fuse

Themselves are found within a void once more.

Though soon enough whole we shall likely be,

I know not where our journey next shall lead.

Perhaps to black and cold, but above all,

Comrades shall we remain until the end.