It is well known that heroes' tales
will always pass the lips of men,
and bards, no matter whence they hail
delight in telling them again.
Forgotten are the aiding hands
who helped the great realise their plans,
the ones who chose, instead, to serve
another's cause without reserve.
Remembering those who were eclipsed
but gave their lives without resentment,
so I strive to represent
these great men who are oft-dismissed.
Now hear these names from times long past,
whose deeds so few have yet surpassed.

From Tancred's work, the tale is known
of Travian Shea, who gave his life
to grief over his fallen wife.
For Anna, in her halls of stone,
the Serpentlord named Ralston moved
as Zarathustra did approve
the use of subterfuge to save
the lover of his knight most brave.
Was honour lacking in these men,
or do the bonds of loyalty
oft overcome propriety?
These instances in mortal ken
where hope would not survive the light
ensured that some embraced the night.

See Lucius Errikale, the duke
who made it more acceptable
to see a snake as credible.
Possessing rank above rebuke,
he had the clout to change the way
that snakes were treated in those days.
Despite the biases of men,
a few strokes taken with his pen
gave many Serpents liberty.
Though Castomira's influence
changed Lucius' place in history,
his wondrous skill and brilliance
shone through quite clearly, and in death
his legacy bore marvelous breadth.

If we will speak of moral men,
let's not forget Prime Minister
Lord Grandier, who was a friend
to Errikale and similarly
limited atrocities
of war. The upright qualities
that Grandier exhibited
would pass on uninhibited
to Catarin, the greatest queen
that Seleucar would ever know.
His teachings helped the Empire grow
to heights the world had not yet seen.
Despite a death that came too soon,
to greater cause he was a boon.

Though these are not the men whose tales
are told by bards in great detail,
these men had their own points of pride
to which their talents were applied.
Supporting others is a dream
that many strive for, few can reach,
requiring talent rarely seen
and fiery passion none can teach.
These people are a rarity
that should be honoured when they're found.
And though their names may not resound
through history with clarity,
let their lives' lessons not go wasted
else our culture be debased.

Penned by my hand on the 11th of Daedalan, in the year 666 AF.