rewop777

For those that enjoy poetry and reading, I present my newest epic poem

The Empress and the Great Fool

The once was a land lost to time, filled with joy and wonder
The was very little to no crime, such unity couldnt be torn asunder
The sky was always bright, and the people were always cheery
There was never any fight, or anything to make the living dreary
There were endless fields of green, and the clearest skies of deep blue
Prosperity everywhere could be seen, and everyone acted right and true
The cows were happy and fat, and the fields were filled with grain
Every dog got along with every cat, every day was a happy gain
The sea bordered most of the land, spraying the realm with a cool breeze
The beaches were all white sand, and not even in winter did the land freeze
For the sun loved this land so dearly, that it kept it warm and happy all year round
So the country grew bigger yearly, and room for them all could always be found.

The castle stood at the center of it all, it had 18 great towers built in ancient time
Wall built sturdy in order to never fall, with deep, deep dungeons to punish crime
The windows were real rose windows of precious stone, and the windows were massive indeed
Inside the temperature warmed down to the bone, displaying little need for royal greed
Though made of stone, the floors were barely cool, and the breeze inside was very relaxing
The castle was a masterpiece carved by master tool, and its beauty extremely entrancing
The hall of the throne was the grandest of all, were stood the throne of six of historic fame
It was said that he who sat in it would never fall, yet no one knew from whence it came

The lands beauty was only rivaled by one, their gracious leader, a beautiful queen
Never had a fairer maiden been born under the sun, nor one as kinda gentle be seen
She ruled with great kindness and generosity, for all could come to her for counsel and aid
No one showed her an ounce of animosity, though any who faced her would face a lethal blade
Legendary where her exploits when she was young, she rode the countryside with the knights
When a battle or tourney came up she would join the throng, and she participated in many, many fights
But war was not living in her heart and mind; she enjoyed merriment and peace so much more
That is why her wisdom didnt allow any bin, and many would say life in the kingdom was a bore

But in this land an Empress ruled, her heart much wounded indeed
For her heart had often been fooled, by men with endless greed
And so it was that a dark cloud rolled in, blanketing her heart with ice
Nothing and none could draw the smallest grin, no matter how funny or nice
And so the kingdom grew sad and weary, and the sun was ever rarely seen
So as the darkness came on the realm, for her heart closed off and turned cold
And the Prime Minister took the helm, his ways and ideas were mostly old
And so the kingdom decayed, and unrest grew with each passing day
Worries grew and were not allayed, and for her pain they all would pay
The other advisors rose in the wake, they needed something to stop the shadow
They needed to intercede in the lands stake, and the solution could not be shallow
Yet no idea to solve it all came up to mind, except to somehow heal the Empresss heart
And to this end they tried many thinks of a kind, only to have them fail and be torn apart
Flowers, suitors, and candy galore, but nothing would cheer her up, nothing at all
And as they tried more and more, they watched the kingdom plunge and fall

Then one day a knight returned from far, he bore a vain hope upon his heart
He had found a man who knew no par, he who could tear all sadness apart
Who is this savior? they all came to ask, great hopes at finding such a great tool
He hides behind a simple mask he replied, So he is only known as the Great Fool
And so all looked at him with great dismay, what could one buffoon do for their great land?
That was until there game a plain and regular day, when suddenly the man came and took a stand

He said out loud, Hello people, how do you do? Why so glum and deathly pale?
I have come from afar just because I heard your blue, so gather round and grab an ale
No sooner had the words left his lips, that all gathered round to see the man that appeared
A mystery man, with a joyous sway to his hips, yet some glum folk quickly rose and jeered
Now now, is that how you greet a friend? he said as suddenly barrels were put to their eyes
And each was opened on its top end, and mug after mug of sweet golden mead did rise
And so the crowd stilled and collected their mug, and gathered round the mysterious fellow
And he danced as he lay down a gigantic rug, its colors, green, orange, purple and yellow
He wore a mask to hide his face, yet a smiling mask it was, and his clothes were colorful not plain
He seemed to slow and race, his dance a myriad flips and spins, and to it all he showed no pain
Come now children, sit on the rug; he called as the children in giggles gathered at his feet
Sorry, youre not old enough for a mug, but I do have a treat for you indeed. Merry meat
He yelled and from thin air candy burst and rained, the children raised their hand and caught the shower
And soon the faces all around were no longer glum and strained, but were getting brighter by the hour
Now then since I got you smiling, let the introductions start he said with the greatest of merriment
I am the Great Fool. But though fool I do have some smart he said to avoid himself detriment
I have come from afar to put a smile on all your faces, seems like I am off to a rather good start
He said as he looked around and saw men of many races, all gathering around his single cart
You see I heard a story of the greatest of lands, and then another of it fall to a great gloom
At this many agreed and start to claim with their hands, for that they feared was their doom
Well in the darkest of times it is time for a Fool, so here I am so prepare to laugh it all away
I shall be your new laugh, and here is my tool he said as he took out his lire and began to play
He sung and danced as he told stories of lands long gone, and of festivals that were yet to be
And all listened in with great intent, and when he was done, they cheered with the greatest of glee

And night and day, and day and night, he played, sung, joked and danced his heart away
The land was paralyzed, yet there was no plight, not for any of the many days of his stay
But as all the land had stood still for his play, time cannot be stopped for that long
So finally, the knights came down to see one day, and were caught in wonder at his song
It was then that the knight that had summoned him shouted, Greetings Great Fool, we find you well
I know you dont like to be moved or rerouted, and you are weaving quite the wondrous spell
But would you come with us up to the castle above, and work your magic for a fair ruler in her woe?

Well, well, well, to put smiles on faces is what I love, and it for her that I have put on a great show
He people have been entertained for many a day, but now on we ride to fix the sorrow at the root
I am sorry my friends, but I can no longer stay the fool said to the crowd but his words were moot

For all the crowd rose in the strongest of cheers, and the roar of their enthusiasm was loud
For he had come and banished sorrow, woe, and fears, and now he was worshiped by the crowd
They knew that the Empress needed him more than they, and her joy was that of all the land
So they picked up the Great Fool from where he lay, and carried him to the castle along with his stand

The knights followed closely in awe, and they all looked to the fellow that had found him in good cheer
The effect that the fool had they all saw, and now they looked at the man with hope instead of jeer

Trust me my fellows, you aint seen nothing yet, this man is a magic worker like none of you have seen
Said the man with such pride as if he had won a bet, for he knew the fool was wise and very keen

And so the fool was brought before her highness, and she stared him down with an icy stare
So this is the man whos known for his brightness? she said for she didnt seem to care
Like all men, he looks like an idiot and a dunce she added in the rudest of tones

Indeed your highness, it has been said more than once, that I am a fool down to my bones
But as I fool I have my task, and that is to make all laugh, no matter the idiocy I will always achieve
For on the road to merriment and joy, I trace quite a path, and to all woe and sadness I bring reprieve
I might not look like much, an idiot at best, but through every land I am known as the Great Fool
More idiotic and far more foolish than all the rest he said laughing, not breaking his cool.

Indeed, that is plain to see from your blunt form of speech, so I shall not debate the claim you make
For the level of idiocy you show leaves it well in your reach, and such foolishness you cannot fake
If you think your foolish folly will entertain my time, then you are the greatest fool I have ever seen
For me to waste my time anymore on you would be a crime, and to this my patience is not as keen
So stay out of my way, and do beware. I will have none of your foolishness interrupt my work
In other words stay out of my hair she commanded, but a few could see she barely hid a quick smirk

Indeed your highness, I will comply, I will make sure my merriment does not interrupt you daily life
He said giving an exaggerated sigh, I only try to bring some cheer to your daily toil and strife
But fear not, or better said fret not in the slightest, for I am not fool enough to hinder your majesty
I will keep the idiocy around you to its very lightest, and not from I will come such a travesty
As to hinder the business of the crown, so now, if it is ok with your majesty, I shall retire
He said with an overzealous bow and a funny frown. Smiles and low chuckles this did inspire
He spun and danced his way out of the hall, and others bowed and followed him as well
As he reached the door he tumbled and took a fall, and the loudest of laughs began to swell
None could escape it as it was like a wave, a tsunami of merriment crashed in the room
And as it grew to gut bustingly grave, only two faces remained with a trace of dark gloom
That of the Empress and her Prime Minister, though both held back another quick smirk
The first out of gloom, the second most sinister, did so for he was quite the dark jerk

And so the days progressed, and weeks became a month. And from death to half life the castle rose
As if it were possessed. The Great Fool began to show how big of a threat he would pose
As the Empress stayed sullen, but the rest of the palace began to grow excessively cheery
And none but a few of the fallen, would walk around with sour faces and be dark and leery
The Empress locked in her dark thought, and the rest locked in the darkest of plots
For few knew the trouble it had brought, and the danger of every single one of their lots
For the business of the realm had been left in ones hands, and they were quite terrible to behold
He was making a shadow of misery, pain, and famine take the lands, and he grew ever more bold
The Prime Minister had taken the reigns of it all, for the Empress so decreed it in her sorrow
Not knowing how the first so desired her fall, and impatient he had waited for that morrow
Where she would abdicate or vanish from the land, and he would rise and take the crown
Rule with the tightest and most tyrannical hand, and do so with his old, grave, sullen frown
To him the fool was a hindrance, a minor one though, his idiocy a tiny annoyance at most
That was until one day he entered the throne room, and was met by quite a sight
The was an incredibly loud, earth shaking boom, that gave him quite the fright
There stood the Great Fool before a plain table, a broken bottle in his hand
And everyone was laughing at how he was able, though hurt, to smile and stand
The fool opened his mouth and let out a cough, and then a puff of black smoke came out
Surely the man had to be very tough, for to it all he did not even let out a shout
I am afraid your highness that I have failed, my potion for smiles has blown up on me
I guess I should be wiped and flailed, for all here are smiling except for the
And so I am off, to the dungeons I say he blurted out and took a large to leave the room
Only to slip on the wet ground on his way, and dropped the contents of the table and caused a boom
The blast this time had been twice as loud, and when her rose he was black as night
That will hurt in the morning he said to the crowd, and then passed out from his plight
The laugh now was as loud as a thunderstorm, and to all their surprises one sounded louder than all
One that used to ring through the castle as a norm, the Empress was laughing and having a ball
Such was the melody of her laugh and their shock, that they contemplated her in awe
That as the fool got up quietly; none took stock, except for one that locked his jaw
The Prime Minister was annoyed and surprised, but soon he was worried as well
As he found himself very compromised, as if he had in fact entered the gates of hell
For between laughs, the Empress dried her eye, and called the court and her advisors to the ready
Today I feel like giving ruling another try, she said in a cheerful voice that was strong and steady
But my Empress, you have been ill at rest for so long, the Prime Minister said in a fluster
Now, now, I am still the Empress, or am I wrong? she said with all the seriousness she could muster
Yet her smile cracked once again and she began to chuckle, as the Great Fool slipped and fell once more
He quietly tried to exit away from his great debacle, only to cause a greater riot as he reached the door
From that moment on he was an enemy of the Prime Minister, and he would either obey or die
And with such thoughts and some even more dark and sinister; he went out to give the first a try

Well done Great Fool, well done indeed he said in a voice fake and kind, sounding like a friend
It seems that you are just what we need. The Empress has finally cheered up and is ruling again
Though I must wonder, who you really are. We know nothing about you, yet you have hear ear
You come to us from very, very far. And you could very well be friend, just as much as foe I fear
I would recommend to you my friend, that you watch around and fall in line with those in power
Unless you desire a rather tragic end, and I would decide soon, for suspicions are born every hour
Finished the Prime Minister with a grave tone, he knew it would do its job.

Yet, he was wrong, as the fool laughed to the bone, Your joke, I so love
For one would have to be insane, to think that a lowly fool could do anything that grand
What you say is beyond inane, I can only laugh, and take it as if it were a joke where I stand
For starters the ones in power is the Empress my friend, and she seems to be quite merry
So I dont think that she will decree me a horrible end he said as he blew a raspberry
Lifted a large package he always carried on his back, and a giant colorful fan he did reveal
And he spread it out and soon he began an attack, blowing a gust with great zeal
The wind knocked the Prime Minister on his ass, and even further back with its power
The Fool laughed as it was all hilarious and a gas, blowing back a man so dark and sour
Beware Prime Minister, for I bring the winds of change, and more than one surprise
What you lust for is very much outside of your range, as far as I can surmise
So hold your tongue, you evil leech, for the walls may have ears he whispered gravely to the man
I hope that helped to ease your mind and allay your fears he said cheerfully as he stowed his fan

The Great fool turned around and merrily went on his way, leaving the stunned man behind
The Prime Minister was in shock and couldnt find what to say, wondering if he was out of his mind
For in that brief second, under the Fools dark threat, he felt the deepest of fears course his being
Never had his suspicious been so utterly upset, as at that moment when he felt like fleeing
That Fool was more than a simple threat, he was the darkest of dangers, that much he felt to the bone
He slowly wiped away fears cold sweat, and then go up and coughed and let out a dark groan
The question was who the Fool was a threat to, and what was his dark little plan
He would have to think hard on what to do, and meanwhile closely watch the man

A few days passed and one fine morning, the Empress was walking in her garden alone
She had often walked that path in her mourning, often the cold winds wound chill to the bone
What made the cold was not the temperature outside, but the lack of someone to warm her heart
But on that day the was a person laughing by her side, making her smile, doing his proper part
The Great Fool had taken to talking to her of many things, for despite his foolishness he seem most wise
What can I say? I have been around many wise kings, so I have much knowledge behind my guise

That I am beginning to see my kindhearted fool, so tell me how is it that you come to be one?
She asked as she rubbed her arms to dispel the cool, though she was still have a lot of fun

You once said that all men are fools, and that is true. But the greatest fools think themselves wise
They are truly the ones that havent a simple clue. The wisest men can see beyond all lies
But they will say they are the Greatest Fools indeed, and furthermore that they nothing at all
He said as he flipped, and danced as he took the lead, he danced and danced till he took a fall

The Empress laughed heartily at his merry jest, but at the same time realized his words were true
Routine set, and to her mornings were the best, everyday walking with him and she was never blue
And every afternoon and evening, to a fews displeasure, she would take her place and rule
And slowly her heart began to warm in greater measure, all because of the Great Fool
And so it was that one merry day, she took a rare walk through the maze garden at night
And she saw him while at play, or at least she thought until she saw his still and fixed sight
He looked to be in very deep meditation, his sight seeing a world beyond her garden wall
Her presence shook him from his contemplation, as did so without her voices call

I am sorry fool did I disturb your thoughts? she asked in a rare show of humble contrite

No, no I was just thinking of a jest involving pots he said in order to give her respite

Now, now, no need to be so merry and kind, I know you were deep in concentration
Do you do that in order to clear your mind? If so I could you some of that meditation
In truth I seldom know if what I am doing is right, the pressures of rule are quite strong

There are no wrong decision as long as you fight, then you shall find the right is there all along
He replied in a rare bout of sage advice, he got up and took her hands and led her next to him
Now let us try to think of something nice, try to fill yourself with peace all the way up to the brim
He explained as he massaged her neck and then each arm, followed by her back and then her side

She felt at peace then, under his touch, far away from harm, his presence she now took in stride
As if he was always there, or meant to be there, she felt a warmth for him she had long forgot
Her hand went up to his face and then his hair, and in an instant her heart was finally caught
She pulled him down over her and took his face, and with closed eyes locked her lips with his
As she felt her heart begin to speed and race, and how he soon responded to her savage kiss
She lost herself in the fire of the moment, and though part of her screamed for her to break free
The rest of her, had finally reached atonement, her heart was now content again and filled with glee
And then the moment passed and she quickly ran away, it felt so right and it felt so wrong
Most of her heart wanted her to keep going and stay, but she knew she needed to be strong
She was the Empress, and she could not be with a fool, she was just glad she hadnt been seen

But there was a witness there, one who wanted to rule, and unfortunately his eyes were most keen
In the coming days she had expected things to be weird; awkwardness would be a natural reaction
But the interaction between them was not as she feared; the Great Fool was back to the action
He kept joking and playing as if nothing had occurred, and she did the same and ceased to fret
Even if the lines between them had been blurred, both were as calm and as normal as one could get
The Empress had started to take on more and more, as her heart seemed to have healed completely
She seemed to be back to herself, felt renewed to the core, and she thanked the heavens discreetly
No ill had come at all from that kiss that night; instead all was back as it should be after thanks to him
But not everyone felt that all was right, for the Prime Minister considered the situation quite grim
With each day the Empress would discover more and more, of the dark things he had done till now
And her reaction would be anger down to her very core, he reasoned with a grim, heavy brow
Though a dark smile did illuminate his face, as the darkest of ideas came to his mind
So he walked towards her at his own pace, he would start the threat in a form most kind
It was nightfall and the Empress had retired for the night, she settled in to dream of a certain Fool
My Empress he said causing her quite a terrible fright, though outwardly she kept her absolute cool

Prime Minister this is most obscene, what pray tell are you doing in my quarters at this time of night?

Worry not Empress, I was unseen. I come now to discuss private matters, I do apologize for the fright

What matter could be so private and so grave, to have to enter the rulers bedchamber to discuss?
Explain yourself, for my honor I must save, and it is most vexed by your presence here thus

I fear your honor has worst enemies than my being here, and that is the darkest of fact
For that night I did see a dishonor of that I am clear, I caught you and that Fool in the act

The Empress paled as she heard his speech, and so her lips were silent as she was lost in the past
Your extreme discretion I do beseech, for that time was the first and most definitely the last
It was a mistake that was made by my part; as such I have resolved it and lets leave it there

I am afraid that I do not come in order to take heart, but I come in order to resolve this affair
I feel that it is in the kingdoms best interest to reach an accord, so that we can forget and move on
He said with all the niceness he could manage to afford, but he knew it sounded like he had none

The visage of the Empress switch to that of wrath, for the threat in the statement was easy to find
If I werent so upset I would swear I would laugh, and sort of accord did you have in mind?
She asked as she rose from the bed and fastened her robe, her beauty dazzling even in dark rage
Her eyes bore holes into him almost as if they were a probe; she circled like a lion in his cage

The Prime Minister shook away the fear on his face, and cleared his throat to regain his cool
Simple my Empress, you let me rule in your place, and I will keep the secret of you and the fool

Her face, if possible looked more regal and grim, she slowly circled the room and stood up to his face
You words fill me with rage to the very brim. I suspected that your ruling of my land was a disgrace
Report after report I received hinted at treachery, yet my faith in my people made me incredibly blind
Blind to how you made a giant ugly mockery, a farce that has tarnished my name as far as I can find
My people sank into darkness along with me, but they did so because of you villainous command
So spread the truth all over for all to come and see, for letting you rule another day, I will not stand
My error and sin now are bearable if brought to light, but accept your blackmail would be unbearable
So do your worst, but prepare for a bitter fight, and know that your punishment will be most terrible

The Prime Minister was extremely enraged as well; his plan had failed, so he had no choice
Well then I will have to drag this country into hell, if you will not hear reason in my voice
Part of your army and your guard are now at my call, with them I shall take the land!
But for my plan to work I am afraid that you must fall, and you will do so by my hand!
He yelled as he drew his sword from his side, and he aimed it to her throat
That is unless you wish to be my bride he said almost as if to gloat

She had little fear in her, she was a warrior at heart, she flipped backwards and jumped outside
She would not surrender, shed rather be torn apart, above all else she had a knights pride
Yet she was unarmed, and though austere, the Prime Minister was well trained to fright
In his youth he was definitely one to fear, and he chased her very closely in her flight
It was then she tripped and rolled violently on the ground, her enemy bringing down his blade in glee
But the throat the edge sought was not to be found; for someone else was there that they didnt see
A giant fan now stood holding the enemys blade above her head, and the one holding it just chuckled
He pushed the enemy back with a force and skill that was to dread, as his offence had now buckled
From the fan the Great Fool drew out a mighty giant blade, it was seven feet long and dark as night
And a sense of fear and dread rose and did not fade, as both sides prepared to truly fight

My, my, my what are you my most noble sire, bringing down the blade on the Empress of the land
Such a treacherous act would make any inquire; one would acquire a most undesirable brand
I feel that it is best that you prepare to be repelled, for I shall protect you both from such a fate
The from being branded traitor and expelled, and her from the death under your blade of hate
Best we all be jolly and you but your blade away, tis no good my sir to continue in this folly
You can reform and take your debt to honestly pay, and then we can just be merry and jolly
The Great Fool said with ill placed yet open humor, but yet a very sharp wit and a healthy guile
His giant blade reminded the other two of a rumor, yet all was hidden behind the masks smile

You greatest of fools I thank you for saving me, but you should leave, for he is a mighty foe
Just leave my land and run far away to be free, he is beyond any danger you should know

Indeed you worthless fool, I am a master at the blade, to face me you will face certain doom
A former champion of the court, my skills did not fade, so move away and make me room
I will now end this poor girls life and take the crown, then you may leave and be a merry fool
He said with a diabolical smile as he brought his blade down, but again he was stopped by a mighty tool

The Fools blade delivered its retort; its vicious blows blew the Prime Minister back with deadly force
He had never seen skill of that sort, the fool was masterful with that giant blade instead of coarse
Whats more his moves, flips, spins and strikes were precise, his skill for the blade was clear
The Great Fools mastery only grew more concise, and the Prime Minister began to feel fear
Finally, the Prime Minister saw an opening in the fight, and lunged forward expecting a blood shower
But the Fool had drawn him in and turned to the right, then brought his blade down with deadly power
The Prime Ministers blade shattered at the strike, he fell on his ass and looked up at the face of death
He tried to hide his surprise, never had he seen the like, a man that so overpowered him in a breath
The jolly figure of the Great Fool looked down on him, his cheery smile now look evil in the moonlight
My, my, my doesnt your outlook now look very grim; you never did expect to lose this fight?
The Fool said with an eerie yet merry tone, as he backed away and put his blade away
Still the enemy felt a chill down to the bone; something told him his life wouldnt stay
Do you know my dear Prime Minister the fate of a traitor? Do you know your whats in store?
Do you know what she did to those that dared bait her? Do you know of that terrible gore?

The Prime Minister was in shock yet he tried to understand, tried to analyze the words of that man
The Empress beat them to death with only her clenched hand he added as he reassembled the fan
It was then he took notice that the Empress was on her feet, and with rage in her eyes walked to him

For treason, only death is the penalty that he can possibly meet, she said in a voice deadly grim

Empress, he is your pray to do with as you will please, my job was only to make it a fair fight
Now I am afraid that you will kill him with much ease, though the gore of it all will last all night
He took a bow and backed away into the night, Goodnight my dear Empress, have a happy hunt

Thank you Great Fool for saving me in my plight she replied and chuckled as both were blunt

The Fool bowed again and turned away once more, then started to singing his happiest song
That song was all that covered the screams of gore, as she beat the life out of him all night long
By morn the Empress had pleasantly retired, and all that was left was a bloody mass on the lawn
The servants wondered what had transpired, but the Empress only answered with a lazy yawn
Just clean it up and make it know in all the land, that a new Prime Minister shall have to be found
That was enough for all to know he had died by her hand, and that he now lay beaten into the ground

When she awoke from her rest, her mind was resolute, and she walked to the throne room
Her solution to the situation at hand had to be absolute, before any rumors began to loom
The Great Fool was called forth to stand before her majesty, and as always he did so with a grin
She knew what had to be done would be a small travesty; unfortunately it was a necessary sin
My dear Great Fool, I am very sad this lonely day, for I will have to ask you to leave the land
For what reasons I do this, I will never dare to day, for you have lent us a most heroic hand
Thanks to you the kingdom laughs once more, and whats more, my heart is finally happy and free
So now I will walk you personally to my door, and know I do so with a great sadness mixed with glee
Know that I only do this out of love for the land, but if it were for me you would always be at my side

Now, now Empress, I completely understand, and do not let this trouble you or harm your stride
I came to complete a mission, and that has been done, and what surprises I had were most pleasant
I have found it most rewarding and a barrel of fun. So I will leave you with my final present
A bit of sage advice that I received long ago, follow your heart, for it will guide you to the prize
It is by far, much, much wiser than you know, and in the end you must see through its eyes
For a life without doing so is a sad tragedy, for you will not learn the greatest lesson of all
And I wish you not such a terrible travesty, so be weary, and do all to avoid that terrible fall

And with those words, he took a bow and kissed her hand, he turned around and walked away
On his back, his trusty fan and all its mystery, and his stand, and even with that weight he didnt sway
The cheer in his voice had never faded, just like his masks smile, the Empress turned sadly inside
Others kept watch as he left, some even walked with him for a mile, but he even slowed his stride
His wisdom and cheerfulness knew more than all, and so he walked homeward bound
He would wait, wait till she answered their hearts call, to where he would be found

That night her sleep was fitful and rough, and by morning she had not gotten much rest
And her day would soon turn very tough; she sorely needed a bright morning jest
Yet her fool was gone and far away. She took her seat and started to handle affairs
But the calm was banished from the day, and her knight burst in in ranks and pairs

My Empress we bring news most dire, a good portion of our nobles and troops have rebelled
It seems they were party to that liar, apparently at treachery and battle planning he excelled
They gather and prepare to march to battle, our troops are gathering but morale is low
The odds are grave, and we are like cattle, unprepared, unaware, and our reaction is slow

She rose from her seat in silent and deadly wrath; she drew her sword and walked forth with speed
Then we march under my lead, and I will lay the path, we shall punish them all for their greed
Bring me my armor and tell the troops to rally, there shall be blood this day, of that I am sure
At the end I have doubts what will be the tally, but if we go, we go with our warrior heart pure

And so her quickly gathered troops stormed out, and prepared to battle a well prepared foe
They stared them down and let out a battle shout; if they died they would at least make it a show
Alright my men, know that we are on the side of right, and though we are sorely outmatched
We must put out hearts and courage into the fight, and from there victory shall be snatched
So they started their charge across the great field, but then rose and unforgettable sight
Darkness emerged from all around like a shield, as a massive dark army joined the fight
From both their flanks rider after speedy rider raced, and in their hands they bore death in steel
At the lead rode one that made it know who they faced, seeing his giant black blade all would reel
The King of Shadows and his Army of Death rode forth, and all at his feet was laid to nothingness
His was the greatest kingdom found to the far North, in a land that was never in the slightest distress
For they had plentiful fields, and countless wealth, and their rulers were incredibly strong and wise
Yet their army was not known for its care or stealth, but for being the very Grim Reaper in human guise
They slaughtered all who stood against them with speed, and so they did again that day without fail
All those that had united to fight and gain from greed, they all saw what came and could only pale
Not one dark warrior fell that dreadful day, but all the enemy were reduced to carrion and manure
For their allegiance all of them did pay, for their pointless resistance was only met with the final cure
And when the last warrior had fallen to a bloody fate, the army turned and rode back into their land
One dark warrior split off and approached at a gait, and delivered a scroll to Empresss very hand

My Dear Empress, I hope I find you very well, a friend of mine has returned to my court
He asked of me to open the very gates of Hell, which was a request of the strangest sort
So I asked him whatever for my dear Great Fool, to which he replied that you were in need
That while you had vanquished a wicked tool, there were still some that remained with greed
The Prime Minister you had must have been an ass, so I gladly reduced his flunkies to this fate
You have always been a good warrior and a fine lass, so rule well and dont stay up to late
Truly yours and bringing the warmest of regard, The King of Shadows, envoy of the Great Fool

To this she turned and looked around at her guard, and tried to hold on to her composure and cool
Her friend had come through for her one last time, and so the pain in her heart only grew that day
She knew that betraying her heart was her crime, but for her kingdom, no price was too high to pay

And the days and the moons passed by, yet her happiness and joy did not last for very long
She found out that she was living a lie, as much as she tried; she missed his merriment and song
The land now back under her command prospered again, but her heart was withering more by the day
She missed her Fool; he was her confidant and friend, in her life he had been a sunny ray
Her court noticed the steady decline in her mood, and looked on in concern as her health declined
Soon she became moody and began to brood, and the bags under the bags under her eyes more defined
Until her court had finally had enough, they gathered and debated all that had occurred
They agreed that she had it too rough, and after the discussion they all solemnly concurred
The next day as the court council ended, the Prime Minister stood and called one more order
My Empress we have comprehended. We have seen how your longing eyes follow the North border

Prime Minister what is this you wish to discuss? I t is beyond me what you bring before this noble court
She asked since it had never been done thus, for she always knew beforehand what matters they would sort

In truth, we admire your resolve to serve your land, but the Fools departure has hit you way to hard
Your health has grown so bad that you can barely stand, and its easy to see the cause is the missing bard
If your heart is so set on that of the Great Fool, for the good of the land we demand you follow your heart
He said holding back a grin but keeping his cool. She on the other hand was smiling widely for her part
Go my Empress as you can fulfill two duties at a time. The first bringing your love back to your land
The second to thank he who stopped that great crime, he who stopped a rebellion with the swiftest of hand
Go to the North and face the King of Shadows with our gratitude, and make our allegiance strong

To this she cringed for she had never liked that mans superior attitude, for she had know him for very long
Still if it would get her her fool back, she would go, even thank that petulant man in person if necessary
And so the next day they put on the pomp and show, and she rode with her men as her lands emissary
They rode for nearly a day till they reached their mark, the Dark Castle home to the Black King
She was filled with glee as she walked through the dark; she was so excited she could almost sing
Finally they reached the final massive door, and entered the kings giant gloomy throne room

Well this is a surprise to my very core exclaimed a voice that with a deep and loud boom
There he sat, on a large black throne of stone, her childhood playmate, a witty, charming ass
Thought it warms me down to the bone, I wonder at the reasons for your visit my little lass

He always did that, with petulant wit, pretend he was older, when their ages were only a year apart
I would say that the years have made grow ever bolder, but that would be a lie deep down at heart
You have always been this blatant and obtuse. I come to thank you for your great assist
And thought it is mighty close to an abuse, I wish to speak to my friend that is sorely missed

Ah, and so we have reached the matter at hand, I had a feeling that there was more to this visitation
To have the Empress herself ride out of her land, and come thank the Lord of another nation
But alas my young Empress, youre out of luck, for the Fool in question shall not fool evermore
For he has suffered just as you and is quite stuck, his foolish days ended when he crossed my dark door
His heart so broken as to never again cheer, and his mask burnt in my fire to never again be worn
So the Great Fool you know is dead I fear, and from the ashes he was changed and completely reborn
His final act of bringing joy was for his lost love; when he called my forces to battle and saved you land
You call as Empress sitting on your throne above, and banishing him from court with your very hand
Such an act brought him great sorrow that he did hide, but in my court, when the mask was finally gone
Then his bitter tears of betrayal on my very shoulder he cried, so I say now that your mission is done
Leave him be, leave him to grieve and move on with his life, leave him here with his oldest friend
Maybe here hell find one of his class to be a suitable wife, and finally have his merry and happy end

The Kings words bore holes into her heart like a knife, the sins she committed for her land now haunting
His words resolve her hearts bitter doubt and long strife. Indeed forgetting her actions was quite daunting
But with tears in her eyes she lifted her face quite resolute, she looked at her arrogant, yet wise old friend
Then I challenge you to battle in this land were force is absolute, to meet him again is my only goal and end
If I defeat you by the laws of your own land, then you must bring him back no matter the cost
For all know that by you own dark noble hand, you have regained what was consider forever lost
So with that prize in mind I lay down my pride, and I bow to you and beg you to accept my bet

The Black King now looked at her as he stopped his stride; he was impressed she hadnt given up yet
My you have grown Empress, both in body as well as mind, and your courage does quite astound
Alright then, I shall repay you thus in the same kind. It is true that with me your hope can be found
I will without fail deliver what you have asked if you win, but if you lose your hand in marriage is my prize
For a wager has to balance both ways, or it be a sin. And for a while now your beauty has caught my eyes
He replied with a confident grin as the crowd made way. The spread apart and delineated a ring for the fight

She was in shock, but it was a price she was willing to pay, she would do anything to regain her foolish knight
The Black King was a mighty warrior and a man of his word, also a miracle worker to boot
Therefore fear and fear of defeat were things she could not afford; otherwise her skill would be moot
So be it, if those are you terms I graciously accept. I will defeat you and then claim my Fool
And so with those words the battle was finally set, and to decide the winner, the blade was the tool

She took the lead and tried to strike first with all her might, yet her strikes met air instead of steel
The King brought down his blade with force igniting the fight. His blows had a dreadful feel
They rattled her body down to the very soul; his strength, speed, and skill were at their best
How far away she now felt he lovely goal, as the Kings giant black blade aimed for her chest
She dodged the blow with only an inch to spare, only to have her feet be swept from under her in a flash
In her mind she now saw her past laid bare, the men that had lead her to her hearts dark crash
How they had betrayed her and left her cold, and how the one that healed it, was the one she betrayed
The Kings strikes slowly became more bold, and she soon realized not all his skill was yet displayed
She would need to end this fast or she would lose the fight, for soon he would overpower her with his skill
This would be her penance she thought as she dove right, and he reacted appropriately aiming for the kill
It was the gravest of gambles, but she had guessed true, she dodged the blow and rose to claim the win
But no such luck as in a move that came out of the blue, he vanished leaving nothing where hed been
She suddenly felt a hand on her shoulder and the blade across the chest, the King behind her had won
Stabbing his blade on the ground, he jumped overhead; indeed he was the best, now her heart weighed a ton

My great Black King, I do concede. I thank you for you gave me a great chance this day
Alas, I succumbed to my hearts greed. Now with my honor, my hand is yours as your pay

My, my, my Empress, you find yourself in quite a pickle, but you have shown me love within your fight
And you have proven to me that your heart is not fickle. For these reasons I shall show you your knight
But alas, like I said he is no longer your Great Fool. And you are now to become my wife
I do this because I will treasure your heart like a jewel, so this gift I give you to allay its strife
Say your farewells to what is left of the man. Then turn and take my hand as you leave him behind
Say whatever you wish now that you can, for afterwards our fate, kingdoms, and lives we shall bind

Her heart brimmed with a tearful joy, she would get to apologize and say goodbye to her savior
Whats more she neednt be reserved or coy, for the King for only today, would forgive her behavior
I thank you again for your kindness my King, though prideful, you have always wise and just
Though you know what my morrow must bring; now you mercifully let my heart do what it must
Tomorrow I will be your faithful Queen, for today you let me say my peace with my past

He smiled, no greater grace had he ever seen, of all his performances this would be his best and last
And with wicked smile he parted his lips and spoke, Now Empress turn and meet your Fool

She turned with speed, and frowned at his cruel joke, You wound me to use that as your tool
She screamed as she turned away in rears of pain. The King now wore the mask of her love.

Then she heard what she feared to never hear again, the laughter of the Fool came from above
She turned again and saw quite an impressive sight, for the Kings blade was nailed to the ground,
And to her incomprehensible and odd delight, standing on the hilt her true love could now be found

Now, now Empress, dry your tears and give me a smile. Cant you figure out yet this little ploy?
Cant you see now the plot I laid down with all my guile? Or cant you see who is behind this toy?
His voice was that of her love, her Great Fool. But for all to see, the man behind the mask was the King

You unbelievable, pretentious and dastardly tool, between your finger and neck which should I ring
Here I come with my heart on my sleeve, and all along, the one that I sought was this Greatest of Fools
Why ever should I grant you such a reprieve, even if you were to give me the world and all of its jewels?
None of it would compensate for the trial you put me through, Indeed, cruel sir I think I hate you
She screamed at him as her temper exploded and flew, she now question what was jest and what was true

The King took of the mask and came down from his place, he took her in arms and kissed her with love
A fire ignited on her lips and soon spread to all her face, as her mind went blank and flew high above
This kiss was all the truth that her heart required, and now her arms were around him as kissed him back
It took a while but her mind caught up with what transpired, she broke away and gave him a strong slap

Damn you, you bastard for reducing me like this, all my anger is gone and not to be found
You have spoken to me in volumes with just a kiss, now my bloody feet cant touch the damn ground
She screamed exasperated and what he had done, the man was infuriating to the extreme.
His smile so wicked showed he was having fun, watching her with eyes with loving gleam
She couldnt stop what happened next, for her body launched forward and their lips locked once more
She surrendered for her mind was vexed; all that remained was the fiery love that burned down to her core

When the kiss had passed, he let out a laugh; he took at step back and looked deep in her eyes
Well now I believe to speak on my behalf, and try to explain all the truths and the lies
Now for some time now I have been in a bind, you see the object of my love seemed to despise me
Whats more, as I enquired I came to find, she had the worst taste in men one could see
Foolish idiot after foolish bastard she would court, and soon they all would break her heart and die
For their true intentions always would fall short, and would betray her, cheat on her, or just go and lie
So there came a day when I received the gravest of news, she now lay in shadows with no hope in sight
I knew she would reject any of my advice, wit, or views, so I pondered and pondered till I saw a light
I thought to myself, Every man is a fool, and she has dated some of the greatest I have seen
So I focused on that phrase as a tool, and began to form a great plan most witty and keen
The wisest of men would openly say, that he is the Greatest of Fools. So I went and became that man
I went out and brought cheer every day, and my legend spread to all lands. None can do what I can
And so I entered your court seeking only to heal your heart, for my love for you was most grand
And so I slowly repaired what other fools had torn apart, and I brought joy back to my loves land
Still, there was much more in store for us than what I foresaw, for you fell in love with the lowly Fool
But I also knew that you would never go against what is law, for some would use him as a tool
To throw you from your rightful place and take your crown, and then plunge your land into shadow
So I knew the day would come that with a heavy frown, you would protect what you hold hallow
So with heavy heart I returned to my land, I also knew I had one last duty to complete
To protect your sacrifice with my own hand, I knew that shadows were not so easily beat
So I called my army forth to defend your realm, and then I prayed to hear again from you
So when I saw your party and you at the helm, all that remained was to see if your love was true
For love and fancy are very close friends, but only one would go to great lengths like you did today
I hoped the means would justify the ends. Otherwise, I am truly sorry, is all I can think to say

She looked at him, with a critical eye, her countenance most grim and unreadable
I find that you have no reason to lie, yet your tale is one extremely unbelievable
You are the Greatest of Fools indeed, to do all you have done just to help the one you love
Not even propelled by self interest or greed, but to truly sacrifice and bow as if I was above
Above you who control a land without pair, above you whose wisdom is plain for all to see
You who have given all for those you care, and even more you give for your love of me

I am not that wise, I do declare!!! For my love for you I declared through folly
As kinds I would teas and pull your hair, and now act like the Fool most jolly
Until this very moment I never declared, the love I hold you is above any I hold
Words that I held back because I was scared, and could only act as if I was bold

He never got to continue his raving, for he lips locked again with his and her arms held him tight
She finally had what her heart was craving, and she never again let it go without a proper fight
You are indeed the Greatest of all Fools I have met, but do not lose any of your cool
Fear not my soon to be husband, there is hope for you yet, because you are MY FOOL

And that is the story of the Wise Foolish Kings that we hold true, my kind reader and new friend
And so it is my sad solemn final duty and without a further ado, to announce and declare this is

The End