The Sonnets of Ilon (fantasy work in progress)

The shores of Ilon shimmered neath the moon;1

their sands of coral spread to ocean's kiss2

and midnight winds caressed the coves of dunes3

where lovers laid entwined in passion's bliss.4

The serenade of waves against the cliffs 5

became their song, the clouds of amber framed6

their ecstasy. The raven's call was swift7

unheard beneath the vows that they proclaimed.8

The blaze of cannons ceased their tender tryst9

as ships descended on the peaceful shore.10

The lover's disappeared into the mist11

together, hand in hand forevermore.12

By light of morning Ilon was in ruins13

and corpses laid across the Lover's Dunes.14

-------15

The corpses laid across the Lover's Dunes16

and scarlet waters buoyed the empty hulls.17

The battle that had raged beneath the moon18

had silenced to a cold and hollow lull.19

King Pahx, in a location undisclosed,20

was planning out his moves with greatest care,21

insuring that no borders were exposed22

he ordered out his fleet; no time to spare.23

"Revenge will come," he pledged, "and Kniil will pay;24

their leader, Sol, will bow before the court.25

I swear, the kniilonites will rue the day26

they saw the lighted piers of Ilon's port."27

"To arms, to arms!" the King of Ilon said.28

"I will not rest until I have Sol's head!"29

--------30

"I will not rest until I have Sol's head!"31

The proclamation rang throughout the land.32

"Deliv'rance of his men (alive or dead)33

shall yield reward unto the captor's hand."34

The Ilon fleets prepared to set a sail35

afar to Kniil on wings of godly ire.36

With sturdy ships of war they could not fail;37

the calling to avenge their loss was dire.38

The Princess Leavyana watched in silence,39

she knew her father's will would always win.40

And so she fell in fear that growing vi'lence41

would take her lover, Captain RisOrin.42

The men were ready, ships were fully armed;43

the Princess prayed that Ris would not be harmed.44

---------45

The Princess prayed that Ris would not be harmed,46

his smile had cast a spell that held her heart.47

His golden eyes entranced, his laughter charmed.48

He'd won her love completely from the start.49

They'd planned to wed upon the Lover's Dunes50

beneath the flames of dusk on summer's breath.51

But RisOrin's departure would come soon52

and Leavyana feared his early death.53

She begged the King's consent that they might marry54

but he refused, the battle was at hand.55

To keep her pure he ordered that they tarry56

'til war was won and peace fell o'er the land.57

The Princess wept as RisOrin prepared58

to lead the fleet, for war had been declared.59

----------------------------------60

He led the fleet, for war had been declared;61

his bravery was hailed both far and wide.62

His men were strong, he prayed they would be spared 63

but RisOrin knew some would surely die.64

The purple ocean tossed the ship, Orci,65

but, at the helm, Commander Coridon66

was standing strong. The sails, neath silver sky, 67

were blowing to the salty winds of dawn.68

The course ahead was treacherous and long,69

the mossy quarries peeked from foamy waves70

like crooked fingers beckoning them on71

to foreign waters wrought with murky graves.72

The light of dawn gave way to clouds of gray,73

a storm was brewing. Ris began to pray. 74

---------------------------------75

A storm was brewing, Ris began to pray,76

he clutched the holy orb around his neck.77

The hand of Leit would surely guide their way,78

he thought, as pounding rains tore at the deck.79

Then lightning struck and cracked the starboard bow 80

the men all swiftly hurried to the scene.81

They worked as fast as whipping winds allowed82

repairing as the vessel's crew careened. 83

All at once, up from the ocean's angry bed84

rose a serpent stretching higher than the mast85

with the redest eyes and horns upon his head;86

lunging forth, he dared the cannon's fatal blast.87

Then Coridon, he fired, the serpent fell88

below into the deepest bowels of hell.89

-----------------------------------------90

Below into the deepest bowels of hell91

the serpent sank. The storm had fin'lly passed;92

the crew and ship withstood the battle well93

and silver sunlight broke the clouds at last.94

They journeyed twenty days and twenty nights95

until they reached the island, Elaman,96

where Phin, the Oracle, and monks of Leit97

had bided since the world of Bllon began.98

The men were welcomed, fed and given rest99

while RisOrin set out to meet with Phin.100

He sought to gain his blessing on their quest101

and prophecies that Ilon's fleet would win.102

Up through the Haunted Cliffs went RisOrin103

on Windor Road to find the cave of Phin.104

---------------------------------------105

On Windor Road to find the cave of Phin106

he traveled, climbing up by morning's light.107

The weeping of the Lost upon the wind108

in echoes rang thoughout the harrowed night.109

The moonlight danced on dampened willow strands.110

The lips of lifeless lovers brushed his face;111

he felt the icy touch of ghostly hands112

that pulled him as he hastened in his pace.113

As dawn arose he came upon the cave114

where Phin awaited, silent, by a fire.115

He told the Oracle his quest was grave116

and begged his blessing, for the need was dire.117

The Oracle said, "War is soul's defeat!118

Dear RisOrin, I cannot bless your fleet."119

------------------------------------120

"Dear RisOrin, I cannot bless your fleet,"121

said Phin, "for taking life cannot be blest.122

Revenge is cold, its taste is never sweet,123

I bid you would abandon Pahx's quest."124

"Our city lies in ruins, our young are dead!"125

cried Ris. "Our shores are crimson, temples burned.126

By Leit, I swear, my fleet will forge ahead127

and with the head of Sol we will return!"128

Then Phin said, "Ris, your quest shall end in death;129

the innocent will fall and hate will reign.130

The ocean will be blood to depth and breadth131

and none will win. No honor will be gained.132

I offer prayers of peace and nothing more;133

I bless your soul but do not bless you war!"134

---------------------------------------135

"I bless your soul but do not bless your war;136

this evil is not wrought by foriegn hand.137

I'll say no more, be well, our home is yours,"138

said Phin the Oracle of Elaman139