Next up for Nanny Togglebottom's diary of monsters is the tale of a knight who just didn't find the heroic end he once sought. Not very monstrous, I know, but all monsters need a knight for glorious battle. Sometimes the dragon wins, but what happens after the knight has won so many battles the he is left a lone victor on the field of glory? Some knights live to tell the tale...if they can remember.Sir Xander the Long-LivedOld Alexander Mann, the old snowy-haired man, was once a knight of the realm
Sir Xander they called him then when he quested
with gilded shield and
with golden helm.
He never expected he’d see the days grow long with a rocking chair as his steed.
He’d always only ever wanted to die with reknown
with honorable acts or
with courageous deed.
Long years have passed since he had heard the alarm and answered the call to fight.
Little of the world’s turmoil reached his attention
in lovely Lady Pell’s Home
for a tired retired knight.
Truth be known he could hardly recall the day when he’d strap on buckler and sword
and charge in with a roar of heroic delight
against nasty trolls
or a raging goblin horde.
Little of the days of his valiant youth ever cross his ancient mind;
but on rare days he’ll regale and eager young page
with wild tales of adventure
and it’s tight, hair raising, bind.
Long had it been since he’d heard the alarm and answered the call to fight
Little of the world’s woes were allowed
in Lady Pell’s Home
for a tired retired knight.
