8- ❂❂ -VI

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Our Preacher lies upon his bed with Doll—

the only friend whom now he doth possess,

who watches what his conflict does to him,

embracing him to keep his heart as one

whilst he imbibes his drink to numb the soul.

By candlelight in nakedness they lie

not carnally, but rather to be close

beneath the blankets, sharing care and warmth

to comfort one another of their woes.

But Preacher's mind's preoccupied with thoughts                10

of what he's heard these passing sev'ral weeks

and th'evil Marshal set to lead the charge,

and breaks the silence twixt the two of them:


"I've heard the Chancellor's declar'd a date

a week from now—that's when they'll launch th'attack.

Or rather start the march of mountain's path

to circumnavigate and come upon

its southern face, where they'll descend the slopes

along the shipping route of th'other town

they use t'acquire ice from on the peaks.                20

This path is more the treacherous of both

that one could take to go from here to there

(I took the other road arriving here).

Consider, though, th'advantage that this gives;

by this, I would assume, they'll hope to starve

the town toward surrender, since they'll cut

their access to th'refrigerant they use

to keep their produce edible for long."


The Doll doth shiver at the horrid thought

and says: "What cruelty our troops possess                30

and Chancellor as well, endorsing this.

There must exist a way to stop th'attack,

or somehow warn the town what's coming up."


Our Preacher bites his lips, considers this

suggestion given out, but also what

would happen should he show his face within

the southern town upon the island's coast.

The Doll takes notice, speaking up at this:

"What troubles thee, my dearest friend? Did I

say something to upset thee only now?                40

Apologies, I'm not so privy to

these politics and oft am like to spew

offensive things, not understanding why."


He shakes his head and holds her tighter now.

With sighing breath he tells her what is up:

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