THE KING’S BLADE

THE KING’S BLADE, by Aidan Redwing, art by Lilith Graves

I am your blade
bloodied and broken.
I am your word
harsh and unspoken.

I am your angel of mercy,
your hand outstretched.
Spilling all in your name
I am a bloodstained wretch.

I am your servant
blessed and unholy.
Making kings into gods
I sin yet I’m saintly.

Forged by your hate,
fueling your rage
I am the flame that you stoke
and the beast that you cage.

From dusk until dawn
I am the shadow that creeps,
I am the dagger that’s drawn,
the last breath in their sleep.

I am your servant
blessed and unholy.
Making kings into Gods
I sin and I pray they forgive me.

I am your dishonour
and I am your shame.
I could be your undoing
for crimes yet unclaimed.

I am your discretion,
your lies and deceit.
In a graveyard of silence
I am the secret you keep.

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Aidan Redwing can be found telling tales of elves, pirates and other fantastical beings to any willing to lend an ear. They are happily Nova-Scotian, and acknowledge that they live on the traditional territory of the Mi’kmaq. When not telling stories, they can be found having their own adventures at LARP or around the TTRPG table with friends. Ravens can reach them at a.redwing.writing@gmail.com or you can find them on Facebook and join the crew

Lilith Graves is an alumni from the University of New Mexico with a Bachelor’s in studio arts. She currently enjoys doing freelance illustration in various media, from 3D digital sculpting to charcoal and watercolor.