Hero Time

Time-related superpowers are seriously underrated.

There's no denying it. Ask just about anyone what superpower they'd most like to have; not many will say something time-related. Few superheroes have powers that have to do with time, and those that do generally aren't very well-known. It's not hard to guess why. Time-related powers don't appear as exciting as things like flight, lightning, or telekinesis, nor are they as easily applied in a fight scene like super strength, invisibility, or the aforementioned powers. However, if given my pick of superpowers, I would definitely take something time-related over any of those things.

Why? Quite simply: no matter what variety, time-related superpowers are the best possible blend of coolness and practicality. A few examples:

• Time Travel. This is probably what most people think of when someone says "time-related powers". The awesomeness factor is pretty obvious: who wouldn't want to travel back and forth through time? It's not quite as practical as other powers, since trying to change things in the past is likely to cause paradoxes and trying to avert disasters you learn about by going to the future is likely to make those calamities occur (for the same reason that trying to avoid a prophesied death is likely to bring it about). However, being able to visit any period of history you want would definitely make up for any non-practicalities.
• Slowing down or speeding up time. These two aren't quite as exciting as time travel, but they're still cool and useful. Speeding up time for yourself (or slowing it down for others) gives you a little extra time to think in stressful situations, to give yourself a few extra minutes to get ready when you're running late, or, if you happen to be a legit crime-fighting superhero, to  get out of  your enemy's way or catch him off-guard. Slowing down time for yourself (speeding it up for others) is slightly less applicable, but it would be helpful in situations where you're waiting for something. For example, if you were anticipating a test, an audition, or anything else you were nervous about, slowing down time for yourself would actually make what you're anticipating get there faster. For a superhero application, need to detain the baddie until backup arrives? Slow down time for both yourself and him! (Also, giving credit where credit is due: I got several of my ideas for applying these powers from The Alloy of Law by Brandon Sanderson. Like most of Sanderson's work, it's pretty awesome, and you should definitely read it.)
• Stopping time or stepping outside of time. This is actually the time-related ability I'd most like to have. Despite having quite a bit of free time, I never seem to get everything done that I want to do. By stopping time, or better yet, stepping out of it, I could get extra time on busy days for things like writing, reading, and possibly schoolwork. Obviously, the internet and similar things wouldn't work until I'd gone back to real time, but if I'm trying to get stuff done, that's probably for the best. And, of course, the applications for a superhero are endless: freezing time to escape if you're caught, stepping outside time to go over clues and strategies without the pressure of a ticking clock, pausing time to assess the situation if you're attacked, and more. 

You can probably tell by now why I like time-related powers so much, and how they can be useful not only for the fantastical life of a superhero but for the everyday life of a normal person. I'd like to see more characters in both books and movies with these kinds of powers- not just in time-travel or superhero stories, but in fantasy in general.

What about you? What superpower would you most like to have, and if you had it, how would you use it? Are there any superpowers (or special powers in general) that you think are underrated? Please tell me in the comments!

Thanks for reading!
-Sarah (Leilani Sunblade)

Family Ties

Recently, I've noticed two things about my writing that, although I was technically aware of them, hadn't really hit me before:

1. I have a lot of families in my novels. By that I mean: any given POV or otherwise major character probably has at least one sibling or other close relative who's also a POV or otherwise major character. In all my novels, there's only five characters, tops, who don't fit this.
2. The more important the family is to the plot, the larger the family is. This one is most noticeable with the Alyron family from my Berstru Tales novels. For those of you who aren't on the Underground: the Alyron family is extremely large, and probably contains between a third and half of all the characters in the novels.

 As an example of what I'm saying, here's a rundown of the major characters in Berstru Tales according to families:

Alyron:

Gwen, Dea, Jake, Jared, Emma, Abbie, and Nightshade.

Firhirt
Dustin, Hunter, and Rachelle

Nernathon
Ariana and Alastair

Other
Bianca, Aleta, and Makara.

As you can see, only three of the fifteen major characters have no family ties to any of the others. (And that number may go down to two, depending what I decide about a certain minor plot twist.) Also, in line with what I noted before, the Alyron family makes up about half the major characters.

Having realized all this, I started wondering: why do I have so many families in my novels, particularly large ones? Having so many related main characters is hardly the norm in most fantasy and sci-fi (at least that I've read). Also, though I do know a very large family, my own family is quite small (and I like it that way!). After some thought, I came up with several reasons.

1. Family conflict makes things very interesting. This comes into play a lot with the Alyron family. Quick overview: Dea resents being forever in the shadow of Gwen and Nightshade and deals with it by creating a family-within-a-family of the Alyron outcasts. Emma considers herself generally inadequate, partially because she was bullied by some of her siblings (particularly Jared) and partially because she constantly compares herself to Gwen and Dea. This leads to a rocky relationship between Emma and Gwen, who is well aware of Emma's awe and isn't sure how to deal with it. And, of course, Nightshade wants Gwen dead, which is part of what sets off the entire series.
2. Having random family members pop up is ridiculously fun. Like when that nick-of-time rescuer turns out to be the brother your main characters have been searching for. Or when a seemingly random tavern in the middle of nowhere is owned by a characters' aunt. I'm not talking about big "Luke I am your father"-type revelations, just times when a family member shows up unexpectedly. It makes for some very amusing scenes.
3. Families make the characters feel more real. Almost everyone has some kind of family, and everyone is shaped by their family in some way. When I read, finding out about a character's family and his relationship with them makes the character feel more alive, and the same is true when I write. Actually meeting the family and having them play a role in the story increases the effect.
4. One word: leverage. If you want my characters to do something and they don't agree, put their family members in danger. It works every time. In all seriousness, though, family does provide a pretty big motivation for my characters, both in my Berstru Tales and my fairy-tale remakes. In the latter, in fact, the plots are largely driven by my characters' desire to protect or help family. 
5. It's something different. Like I said earlier, large numbers of related characters aren't exactly the norm in fantasy and sci-fi. I feel like my tendency towards having almost all my characters be related helps make my stories unique.

What about you? Do you like including characters' families in your stories? Or do your characters tend to be off on their own? Please tell me in the comments!
Thanks for reading!
-Sarah (Leilani Sunblade)

Random Fridays: Books I Wanted to Throw Against a Wall

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Hullo, everyone! I'm sure everyone's read at least one of those books, the sort that make even the gentlest soul want to hurl them against the nearest wall. Maybe the main character annoys you, a plot twist nearly drove you mad, or your favorite character died, or maybe your motivation is something else completely different. It might not be a bad book- it might even be one of your favorites- but the desire is still there. This week's Random Friday is about the books that do it for me.

1. Eragon and Eldest by Christopher Paolini.

 I mostly blame Eragon (the character) for this. He annoyed me for a very long time. I don't remember specific reasons (I haven't read the books in a while), but I do recall thinking that he made a lot of idiotic decisions . . . particularly concerning Arya in book two. I mean, yes, I shipped them, but I still thought that Eragon could've gone about things a little better. Thankfully, he shaped up a bit in time for Brisingr.

2. The Star Wars novelizations

Episodes II and Episode III were the worst . . . Anakin is in my top five favorite Star Wars characters because he has some pretty good lines (particularly in Episode III) and because you can't help feeling sorry for him in some ways, but I also want to smack him across the face and talk some sense into him. The original trilogy was somewhat better, but Luke still bugged me. And then there's Episode V, in which everyone bugs me. And there's Yoda, who I kind of don't like. Call me weird, but I don't.

3. The Elite by Kiera Cass

 If your romantic relationship is forbidden on pain of death, end said romantic relationship. Do not continue it in secret, especially not when you're staying in the royal castle, and especially especially not when you're a much better match for the other guy in the love triangle. It will end in trouble and heartbreak and all sorts of messiness.

Now for some books which contained entirely too much angst (but are otherwise pretty awesome):

4. Insurgent by Veronica Roth

5. The Well of Ascension by Brandon Sanderson

Vin. Elend. Seriously. You fell in love with each other because of who you are. Stop freaking out about it.

6. To Darkness Fled (and the first half of From Darkness Won) by Jill Williamson.

Achen, stop complaining about being king and having to get married to someone who's not Gren or Tara. Done? Thank you. Vrell, stop being in denial. You and Achen are made for each other and you know it. Your stubbornness is not amusing.

7. Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins

 Everyone knows how I feel about Mockingjay by now, probably. I won't repeat it. (If you actually don't know and you want to, ask me and I'll tell you in the comments.) 

Not all these books are bad- in fact, I really like most of them. But that doesn't stop me from getting aggravated- usually because of characters and their bad decisions. Or their angst. (Maybe this post should've been about characters I'd like to talk some sense into instead.) 

What about you? What books give you an urge to introduce them to the nearest wall? Please tell me in the comments!

Tschau!

-Sarah (Leilani Sunblade)

Want to join in the Random Fridays fun? Feel free to make a post of your own on the week's topic! Please just be sure to use the Random Fridays banner, link back to Awkwordly Emma, and post the link to your post on the Awkwordly Emma blog so other participants can check out your post. For a list of future Random Friday topics, click here. 

Talk Like a Pirate Day

Ahoy, me hearties! If ye didn't know, today be National Talk Like a Pirate Day! Bein' a landlubber, me pirate-ese be  frankly terrible. Ye might be surprised t' learn, though, how many o' our common sayin's came from pirates an' other sailors. Here b' five o' me favorites:

1. Above Board. Many a crafty capt'n used this trick t' gain the upper hand o' their opponent: they'd hide most o' their men belowdecks t' fool approachin' enemies into thinkin' they be but a peaceful, unthreatenin' merchantship. Now, if somethin' be open and honest, we say 'tis "above board".
2. Turn a Blind Eye. Many o' ye have probably heard tell o' the Battle of Copenhagen. If ye haven't, 'twas a fierce battle 'tween the English and Danish-Norwegian fleets, fought off the shore o' Copenhagen. Stories tell that Vice Admiral Horatio Nelson, leader o' the main English attack, ignored his commander's signal t' retreat by lookin' through the telescope with his blind eye. The story be exaggerated; Nelson's commander gave him permission t' retreat, but didn't order it. But it be from that tale that we get the sayin' "to turn a blind eye", or t' intentionally ignore somethin'.
3. Cut and Run. Even the bravest o' captains and crews sometimes had t' make a quick getaway when a larger enemy came upon them. If there was no time t' weigh anchor- or haul the anchor in- they'd cut the anchor line so they could make a run for it. Another possible origin b' the practice o' securin' sails with rope yarns that could easily b' cut t' run b'fore the wind from the 'forementioned foe. Either way, if ye "cut and run" t'day, ye b' gettin' out in a hurry, even if it means ye take a loss or two.
4. Long Shot. Firin' a muzzle-loaded cannon be a mighty tricky business, and the guns b' accurate for only so far. So, if a pirate fired a "long shot", he might jsut b' wastin' his powder an' cannonballs, as the shot would b' unlikely t' hit true. T'day, we use "long shot" t' mean somethin' equally unlikely.
5. At loose ends/At a loose end. Few capt'ns would tolerate idle hands aboard their ships. If they caught one o' their crew wi' nothin' t' do, they'd set him a task right quick. Often enough, that task would be t' check that the riggin' be secure, with no loose ends. This led to the sayin' "at loose ends" t' mean someone had nothin' to do.
6. Shake a Leg. On some ships, the sailors would be allowed t' bring their wives (or other ladies) along on voyages. The woman, not bein' part o' the crew, had no duties, an' so they had no reason t' get up when the boatswain called the men t' rise an' shine. T' identify herself an' avoid punishment, a woman would throw a leg over the side o' her hammock. T'day, of course, lyin' about when someone calls ye t' shake a leg b' a bad idea, since they b' tellin' ye t' get t' work!
7. Stern Lecture. Surprisin'ly, the "stern" part o' this phrase, which means a stiff reprimand, has nothin' t' do with the attitude o' the lecturer. Instead, it refers t' the stern (or rear) o' the ship, particularly the quarterdeck. The common crewmen were t' stay off this particular deck unless they had work t' do there- or unless an officer called them there to be disciplined!

I hope ye enjoyed me list, and that ye have a first-rate "Talk Like a Pirate Day"! Thank ye all for readin', an' fair winds t' ye!
-Sarah (Leilani Sunblade)

Random Fridays: Favorite Places to Read/Write

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For a writer and bookworm like me, there's nothing quite like losing myself in a good book or penning a thrilling, dramatic scene. I'm lucky in that I can do either of these things pretty much anywhere- but both happen more readily (and more enjoyably) in certain places. That's what this week's Random Friday is about: Favorite Places to Curl up and Read/Write.

Since last November, this has been one of my favorite spots for early morning reading and writing- or writing any time I don't want to risk the myriad distractions in my room:

It's pretty much my favorite chair in the whole house: big enough to kind of curl up in if I want and just the right balance between comfy and firm, the latter being essential for writing. (It's weird, but the comfier the chair, the harder it is to actually write anything.)

Outside is another of my favorite places to read or write, especially the latter.

This is not me.

Getting out of the house and away from most of my distractions can really help me focus on my writing, even if I don't go any further than my back deck. Breezy, cool days are the absolute best, especially when there's a storm moving in. There's this feeling in the air of Something About To Happen and it's so inspiring- more inspiring than sunshine, believe it or not. If I can, I'll stay out until there's no doubt that the rain's actually here.

Once the rain arrives, though, it's time to move inside- assuming I don't decide to ditch the book and notebook and go for a walk. (I love walking in the rain, possibly more than I like walking on sunny days.) If it's a proper storm with lightning and thunder, though, the best place to be is, of course, curled up in bed with a good book. (Or on the bed, if I've already made my bed and don't feel like undoing it. Which is pretty much anytime between breakfast and bedtime.) Alternately, I'll move to the aforementioned chair or my desk to write some more. The chair is more convenient, though I do like my desk. It's awesome, though a mess. Picture for proof:

Despite the comforts of my favorite chair, my desk is probably my favorite writing spot in the house. It's quiet- with the exception of my writing music- and safe within the privacy of my room, with books and notebooks close at hand for reference if I need them or if I need a break. 

What are your favorite reading/writing spots? Please tell me in the comments, or make your own Random Friday blog post! Thanks for reading! 

-Sarah (Leilani Sunblade)

Want to join in the Random Fridays fun? Feel free to make a post of your own on the week's topic! Please just be sure to use the Random Fridays banner, link back to Awkwordly Emma, and post the link to your post on the Awkwordly Emma blog so other participants can check out your post. For a list of future Random Friday topics, click here.  

Random Fridays: Fall 2014 Reads

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Hello! It's that time again: time to talk about the new books releasing soon. And there are some very exciting releases coming up. Like . . .
  
1. The Mirror of Souls by Wayne Thomas Batson. Also known as Dark Sea Annals #3. Also known as the book I have been (im)patiently waiting approximately three years for. Sir Batson has not yet given a release date, but I have heard that it's supposed to come out some time this fall. If it does not, I will be most put out. (And I need Alastair to come back. Like, now. He was awesome and what happened to him was not allowed.)

2. Golden Daughter by Anne Elisabeth Stengl. I'm always excited about a new Tales of Goldstone Wood book, and this one sounds as awesome as ever. Apparently we'll get the story of how the Dragon was bound to the Golden Stone, though that's honestly not what I'm most excited about. I want to learn more of Sunan (from Goddess Tithe), and it seems like he's going to play a major-ish role in Golden Daughter. Yay!

3. Viral Execution by Amanda Davis. Like The Mirror of Souls, I've been waiting for this one for a few years now and it's finally releasing next month! Huzzah! I had no idea until I looked it up to write this blog post- Amanda Davis has been very silent on the blogging front- so it's a very nice surprise! I can't wait to finally find out what happens to Monica and her friends. 

4. The Princess Spy by Melanie Dickerson. These historical fairy tale remakes are a nice shift from what I normally read, and this one sounds especially promising. Spies! Intrigue! Romance! Plus, remade fairy tales based on "The Frog Prince" seem rather rare (I can think of only two, besides this one), so I'm looking forward to seeing how Melanie handles the story.

5. Scorpion Mountain by John Flanagan. It sounds like the cast of the Brotherband Chronicles might potentially meet up with that of Ranger's Apprentice. If it actually happens, there's no way it won't be awesome. Even just Gilan (who's a given), Will, and Maddie (and maybe Halt too- is he retired yet?) would be great. Of course, the Brotherband Chronicles are pretty cool; I'm sure this one will be awesome even without those old friends.

6. Heir of Fire by Sarah J. Maas. Crown of Midnight dragged me into the story and left me in emotional turmoil. I've mostly recovered by now, but I still need to find out what happens next! And since Crown of Midnight was even better than Throne of Glass, here's hoping that Heir of Fire will be the best yet!

What fall releases are you looking forward to? Please tell me in the comments! Thanks for reading!
-Sarah (Leilani Sunblade)

Want to join in the Random Fridays fun? Feel free to make a post of your own on the week's topic! Please just be sure to use the Random Fridays banner, link back to Awkwordly Emma, and post the link to your post on the Awkwordly Emma blog so other participants can check out your post. For a list of future Random Friday topics, click here.  

Top Ten Tuesdays: Books I Want to Read (But Don't Own Yet)

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As a rule, I don't buy books I've never read unless I'm very familiar with the author and/or series. This usually doesn't inhibit my reading much; my local library has a lot of the books I might want to try, and what I can't find at the library, I can often borrow from my friends. Unfortunately, my system doesn't work all the time, especially when the books I want to read are recent debuts, self-published, or both. So, here are all the books I want (sometimes terribly) to read but can't. Yet.

1. The Word Changers by Ashlee Willis

Girl reads book. Girl gets stuck in book. Book characters are rebelling against the Author and the Plot. Can I just say: ridiculously awesome idea?

2. Resistance by Jaye L. Knight

3. One Realm Beyond by Donita K. Paul

For a while, my library had all of Donita K. Paul's books. Then they stopped buying her new books. I was not happy.

4. The River of Time series by Lisa T. Bergen

 

5. The Revised Life of Ellie Sweet by Stephanie Morrill 

As a rule, I do not read contemporary fiction. But as an author who has, on multiple occasions, threatened to put annoying people into her stories, reading about someone who actually does that sounds pretty fun. 

 

 6. Kestrel's Midnight Song by J.R. Parker

 

7. Quest for the Ivory Sword by Emmarayn Redding

Several of my friends have written and self-published books through CreateSpace or other self-publishing programs. Quest for the Ivory Sword is one of these, and it's one of the ones I most want to buy, since Emmarayn hadn't posted the story online beforehand, as some people had.

 

8. Stasis by J. Tobias Buller

Another self-published book by a friend. It just came out for Kindle a few days ago, and it looks awesome.

9. Tattered Heart by Annie Jackson

 

10. Relic by Heather Terrell

11. The Ryn and The Remedy by Serena Chase

I keep hearing so many good things about these books, but I just can't seem to get my hands on them.

12. Five Glass Slippers by multiple authors

 

There you have my list! What about you? What are some books you'd like to read but can't (yet)? Please tell me in the comments!

-Sarah (Leilani Sunblade)

Sarah's Must-Reads

There are many books I like. There are more than a few books I love. And then there are books that I obsess over and recommend heartily to anyone who'll listen. What are these books?

I'm glad you asked.

The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien

I don't care if you don't like fantasy; you have to read these, or at least read The Hobbit. I know they're long and they can be hard to get through, but they are so incredibly worth it! Besides, they're classics.

The Tales of Goldstone Wood by Anne Elisabeth Stengl

I could (and have) write an entire post about why I obsess over the Tales of Goldstone Wood. They're beautiful, amazing, and most of all, inspiring like no other books I've read. Though they're fantasy, the Tales remind me of the truth: there's more to life than what we see, and that each person is meant for more than just this world.

The Mistborn Trilogy by Brandon Sanderson.

These books are absolutely mind-blowing. Mystery upon mystery builds up- and the answer to each mystery brings a new plot twist that makes you think "Oh my goodness; did that really just happen?" Even the smallest details can turn out to be incredibly important later on. They are a bit on the dark side, particularly the second and third books, so I'd recommend them for older or more mature readers. 

 

The Lunar Chronicles by Marissa Meyer

 Sci-fi and fairy tale remakes, when done right, are both pretty awesome on their own. Put them together and it just gets better. The Lunar Chronicles are very exciting, fun to read, and take a really unique twist on stories I love.

Dragons In Our Midst, Oracles of Fire, and The Children of the Bard series by Bryan Davis

You cannot read just one of these series. You can't. They just get better as they go on. From the first book to the last, each of these masterfully mixes awesome adventures with powerful faith-building themes. King Arthur legends are woven through the first series, and of course, there's the dragons (who are awesome). As a note, that's my personal collection in the picture, which is why The Seventh Door is an ARC instead of the pretty final version.

The Sky Riders by Christopher Hopper

Christopher Hopper is an amazing author, and this is my favorite of his books. The twists and turns of the plot keep you on the edge of your seat, but don't distract from the deeper themes. I also love the steampunk setting; it really sets this book apart from others I've read. 

Howl's Moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones

This book is super fun. It has a nice fairy-tale feel, and I can't help laughing whenever I read it. 

So, have you read everything on my list? What are your must-read books? Please tell me in the comments! 

Thanks for reading!

-Sarah (Leilani Sunblade)

The Lay of the Nightblade

I love reading legends, myths, and folktales of all kinds. So, it shouldn't be surprising that my favorite part of creating a fantasy world is coming up with the history and legends of that world. One of the best-developed of these legends comes from the world of Berstru. It's called "The Lay of the Nightblade", and tells the story of one of Berstru's best-known heroes. It was originally written for a scene in my NaNoWriMo 2011 novel to be recited by a bardess, who'd later become a much more important character than she was meant to be. I recently dug the poem back up so I could write a related piece in my current WiP, and I thought that I'd share the original with all of you.
-------

"The Lay of the Nightblade"

The moon was white,

The stars were bright,

The night was cold and dim.

Alone and fearless,

A warrior peerless,

The Nightblade it was him!

Tall and dark,

His armor, mark.

So strong of heart and limb.

His shining blade

Of star-metal made

Is known as much as him.

Long he sought

And battles fought

To find his stolen love.

His heart’s desire,

Though he could not find her,

Aranna, gift from above.

But in mountains far,

Beneath the stars,

The sorcerer is seen.

Cruel and cold,

Ages old,

The crafty Curulín.

‘Twas he who stole

With heart so cold

Aranna, true and fair.

And locked her away

From light of day

In dark fortress, oh, beware!

The Nightblade knows

The fate of those

Whom Curulín has grasped.

Wraiths and shades,

Themselves unmade,

Even Aranna fair can’t last.

To save his love

From the fate of

What all prisoners be,

The Nightblade goes,

For he knows

That in peril now is she.

Crafty Curulín

This has foreseen.

But he is undaunted still.

Monsters he sends

To make an end

And the Nightblade kill.

But none can stand

In all the land

Against the Nightblade’s sword.

Against him they fall,

One and all,

Without a single word.

And so, one day,

So the legends say,

To Curulín’s fortress he comes.

He stands before

The sorcerer’s door

And says, at the top of his lungs,

‘Foul sorcerer dark,

To my words hark!

This is the day you die!

By my blade,

You’ll be unmade,

This, today, say I!’

Curulín leered

And at him sneered.

‘Fool, you are, to dare.

Of defeating me

So you see,

You haven’t even a prayer.

You come to save

Aranna brave,

But you will fail, say I!

For you, I’ll slay

This very day,

Before the lady’s eyes.’

Aranna was brought,

And the two fought

In the courtyard then and there.

Dark and light,

In this battle, fight,

Oh Nightblade brave, beware!

The Nightblade brave

His very best gave

But against the sorcerer it was not enough!

Curulín’s art

The magic dark,

Was much more than a bluff.

Each brave attack

At front or at back

Was blocked by Curulín’s spell.

Hope faded away

As night turns to day,

And it seemed the hero’d be felled.

Then suddenly

Too quick to see

The Nightblade fell to the ground.

Curulín raised

His dark, jagged blade

And laughed a cruel and harsh sound.

Then from nearby

Both heard a cry

Of anguish at the sight.

Aranna had come free

Only to see

Her love facing death that night.

Towards sorcerer dark

She dashed, now hark!

She would not stand by on this day.

Aranna’s attack

Was quick enough that

The sorcerer could not move away.

Before her he fell

But he muttered a spell

So the moment he died, so would she.

But she did not hear

And so without fear,

She looked to destroy Curulín.

The Nightblade rose

And it seemed to those

Who watched the battle that day,

That he’d become

A deadlier one

Than any of them could then say.

Then through the heart

Of the sorcerer dark

The Nightblade drove his sword.

But alas, alas,

What came to pass

Was from the sorcerer’s word.

Though Aranna was safe

From life as a wraith,

She fell and took her last breath.

He saw it too late

To stop her fate,

And from him she was taken by death.

The Nightblade wept,

Then from Berstru he left.

Never to return again.

He laid down his sword

And with these parting words

His tale must come to an end.

‘If there comes a day

When hope is taken away

Another will rise in my stead.

Undefeated they’ll be,

Like you said of me,

And by them many will be led.

So watch for my heir

When evil does dare

To rear its ugly head.

The hero will come

And rise like the sun

And the Nightblade will shine once again.

----

On a side note, the nature of this poem has changed since I first wrote it. Originally, it was meant to be a complete work, but I've since decided that the actual lay is considerably longer- too long to be recited in a single evening. This is simply the most famous portion. I'm not sure whether or not I'll write the rest, though I'd like to sometime.

What do you think of "The Lay of the Nightblade"? Have you created any legends or such for your own stories? Please tell me in the comments!

Thanks for reading!

-Sarah (Leilani Sunblade)