The Raven’s Bargain

In winter’s court the Old Tsar waited While clans defied his crown of bone. He walked alone to the deadwood forest To claim a power not his own. Within a hollow lightning-stricken Oak that groaned with ancient pain Sat a bird of watching shadow — And thus was spoken the Raven’s bargain. “Price for power… power for price…” Black wings turning — crowns will fall. Sharp eyes watching over all. Hide in forest, field, or track — Still the Raven finds you back. Mind of shadow, cold and keen, Knows the plot before it’s seen. Run through night or mountain black — Still the Raven hunts your track. Now the clans kneel cold and silent, Now the banners never sway. Every whisper feeds the darkness Where the watching ravens stay. Plots are ashes, blades are useless, Secrets rot before they grow — For the Raven rules with cunning More than any sword could know. “Every whisper… reaches me…” Black wings turning — crowns will fall. Sharp eyes watching over all. Hide in forest, field, or track — Still the Raven finds you back. Mind of shadow, cold and keen, Knows the plot before it’s seen. Run through night or mountain black — Still the Raven hunts your track. We have fled through snow and darkness, Burned our banners, changed our names. Still the ravens circle slowly Over forests, fields, and plains. Kill the king and burn the fortress — Still the whisper rides the wind. For the mind behind the feathers Waits for every game to end. “Soon or late… wings return…” Black wings rising — thrones will break. Every path a trail you make. Hide in shadow, flee the black — Still the Raven takes you back. Guile of darkness, sharp and vast, Sees the future through the past. Run through storm or midnight track — Still the Raven finds you back.