Ballad Of Every Ranger
BALLAD OF EVERY RANGER
A miner alone in the hills,
looked up when the hoofbeats drew near.
Three sinister riders surrounded.
Three bright blades reflected his fear.
Then, out of nowhere, the Ranger-
One slain and the other two fled.
The miner hailed the Ranger departing:
"Your name?" but the Ranger just said:
"I am Bud and I'm Questor and Brandy:
every ranger that was and will be:
good Ana and Corwin of Amber
ride the patrols within me."
The murderer hid near the crossroads:
his victims he counted in scores.
Laden with loot he crept stealth'ly-
dodging justice twixt houses and stores.
Then, out of nowhere, the Ranger-
his cold and just sword-steel loud rang.
Dying, the killer: "Who does this?"
A soft answer the Ranger then sang:
"I am Gil and I'm Arroflyte and I'm Random:
every Ranger that will be and was,
Blake and L.J. and Bren Firefist
steer me true to our cause."
Alone in the dark is the Ranger.
The pains of his wounds close his eyes:
but his passing will seal the King's justice-
so he smiles and sings as he dies:
"Hail Talon Strongarm and Blake,
and every Ranger the world is to know.
Hail Matthew Pale and Bienemy:
I'll ride with you wherever you go."
