The Trials of Hallac- Part II: The Dead

Tears streamed down the face
Of King Socestrian and the faces of his good guests.
Sobs filled the chamber,
From peasants and courtiers all.
Hallac gave a questioning look,
Wondering why ev’ryone cried.
“‘Tis the sad fate of those that you saved
That makes my people cry so strongly,”
Gave Socestrian in answer
To his nephew’s look.
“At first, we cried for that frightful fate,
But now we cry for joy, for they’re free.
Have I now a question for thee, Prince,
That I bid you answer truthfully:
What of thy fate, my wand’ring nephew?
Once the city did fade, what of thee?
And of thy goddess, her strange answer
Given whilst thou were lying down parched
So near death. She was whom thou had seen.
What of the riddle, she said you’d need
More than life-giving water and food?”

Said Hallac to his king uncle,
“That is, I fear, an answer for
A time not now, a time later.
Now all thy guests have a great need
For wet cloths to wash tears from eyes
And bright redness from their faces.
There is work to be done, uncle,
In farms and fields and in craft shops.
I ask if there is a place here
Where I may give service or use?
Few skills have I, and none for trade,
But harvesting or tending crops
Is something I might be used for.
Allow me to earn my keep here.”

All eyes stared at the prince and king,
Waiting for reply.
Did say His Highness,
“Rest is due to thee, nephew Hallac,
For you do enough service to us
By telling of thy marvelous deeds.
Take thyself to a chamber and rest.
My people will work with their own strength,
Emboldened and powered by thy tale.
An example have you made for us,
Of how to work and how to live well.
Wish we to follow this path of yours
And do what is right by our own strength.
So take thee rest, prince, and recover.”