Codollaeytharis - Origins

Codollaeytharis was born
In an elven forest.
He was born a special child,
During the month of harvest.

"Great things will become of him",
Said the elven sages.
"The world will come to know him well
In the coming ages."

One day his father pulled him near,
Said, "Listen to me closely"
I'm going on a journey, son.
I want you to come with me."

Codo, he was overjoyed,
And ran to pack his own gear.
His mother came to see them off;
She shed more than just one tear.

Father and son traveled far;
Dad told many stories.
Codo, he loved all he learned;
It was never boring.

Codo loved the bardic life,
But 'twas not his calling.
He wished to learn the warrior.s ways;
Dad found this appalling.

Long they talked about this choice,
Dad felt his hold waning.
If Codo was slain in a fight,
Himself he would be blaming.

Codo, steadfast in his ways,
Thought the battle was won.
Truth is, Dad would do anything
For the love of his son.

A skilled warrior was found;
Codo began his training.
He trained with axe, club, sword, and shield;
Enemies he'd soon be maiming.

One night not long afterwards,
Codo's father said, "Son,
I need to leave your side for now;
We'll be in touch before long."

Father and son parted ways,
Each returned to his work:
Dad to singing songs in bars,
Codo wearing a hauberk.

Codo trained for many years,
Studying weapons and war.
His mind was as sharp as his blades;
This was not a "dumb fighter".

Codo spent several more years
Honing his weapon skills.
Goblins had nothing on him,
Evidenced by many kills.

War had come to Codo's home;
The orcs were marching westward.
They numbered at six thousand strong,
And all the banners were called.

Codo and his friends mounted up.
The battle horns were sounding.
They were to march south, double-time;
In excitement, hearts were pounding.

At Port Cole, battle was joined,
With orcs, backed up by ogres.
The blood ran thick and fires burned;
The fields alive with horror.

Codo, mounted, led the charge,
The lines driven asunder,
But still the enemy fought on,
Despite the hooves that thundered.

The battle raged for several days,
The enemies seemed endless.
Experienced as Codo was,
This war was causing much stress.

Eventually the orcs did flee,
But there was no rejoicing;
Thousands lay slain upon the field,
And Port Cole was in ruins.

Codo had lost most all his friends,
And he was deeply saddened.
He had read much about war,
But to be there when it happened...

Codo knelt down on the field,
And paid respects for dead friends.
Then he stood and squared himself,
And went to look for live ones.

Arahad was still alive,
He had met some new friends.
The three of them were heading north,
And asked Codo to join them.

He accepted the offer;
The four left on the next day.
The stories of these companions
Are best left for another date.
-composed 12/16/2004