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Stark figure poised in face of death

Broad shouldered

Stern amd calm of breath

Legend told of mighty battles yore

Scars tell the tale

Prestigious medals worn

Pain weathered - calloused hide

Aching of bones

Quiver replenished

Laboured blades be honed

The drums and horns resound

Grin lifts across jaw

Rekindled embers dim

Enticed by waking war

Flames gleam in eye 'neath shadow of cowl

Press on with strength of back and sweat of brow

No backward step nor turn of heel

Unto death we'll march before we'll yield

Doubters scorn hacked phlegm of ill

Never to be doused the fire instilled

Victory shunned yet death defied

Emblazoned soul thwart flame denied

Into battle march

Flailing weapons of dread

Cleaving skulls

Triumph borne of bloodshed

Into the unknown

Mind transfixed - untethered

Battles may cease

But war is forever