Canto III

Canto III

Among the guest at the sorcerer’s table was from Firplice a young man,
Regal faced, and with hair like sable, he was of the mighty duke’s clan.
And also present was the Great King, Son of Emperors and Queen Alcision,
So the great King turned to the young duke and gave him his commission.
“Make haste now lad, take the fastest rout. For greatness awaits you there,
Across the oceans in Tara’s woods go seek the dragon’s lair.”
And so the youth, in full knight’s dress, upon his steed set forth.
His road was wrought with dangers fierce as he trekked ever north.
And once he reached the wooded glade, he found the wicked place
The cold stone alter, the bones of victims, and there he saw evil’s face,
The dragon came out of the shadow his glorious fury now stirred,
The smoke and the stench of his nostrils made the duke’s vision blurred,
With a mighty breath of brimstone, he blew forth his fire like rain,
But the mighty beast, did not see the sword, until he felt the biting pain.
The ancient beast, roared one last time, poison blood staining the glade,
Then the young duke went in search of Perlise, and finally found the maid.
Freeing her of the woodsman’s bonds, and leading her away from that place,
They journey back across the sea, and returned her to the sorcerer’s face.
And after the two returned to Carolman, that place of mighty grandeur,
All hailed the brave youth’s return, the Duke of Firplice named Brandur.