The King of Djinns

This be a tale of long ago.

Beyond the threads of memory.

Before domin, before nation, before empire.

Before the conflagrations that rent the Earth.

A tale of he who gave and lost.

What he struck, still untouched.

Long ago, when man was beginning to wake.

Casting off the mists of slumber.

Seeing, walking, feeling, touching.

This one rose out of the grey.

Through the forest splinters and the lacerating sands was he forged.

By the might of stone and the searing light strengthened.

But rootless was he.

Wandering the land, going to and fro.

Tarrying never, even when clothed in joy.

Succouring the poor, the helpless.

For the mighty stone and the searing light would brook no wrong.

Great vengeance wrought he against those who preyed.

Feared became his red helm and blade.

Seeming one of the holy ones, out of scripture.

The King of Djinns! The King of Djinns! they all cheered.

Now, Great Serpent, why tell you all this, you ask?

Ah, but what happens to all men came to pass.

For he became overproud, too sure of himself.

Blanketing himself in the faith of others.

Far too great became his reprisals.

Too numerous and terrible are they to mention here.

Even the great annals dare not speak of them.

Alas, in the end, what other course was there?

And so the great hero was overwhelmed.

Pride became his downfall.

Bound and gagged, chained and caged.

Lowered into the clutches of the merciless ice.

To save themselves, they all said.

Over and over, until their hearts said ‘twas true.

As to the hero’s fate, ‘twas not the end.

Ascend did he.

Becoming Commander of the Host of Paradise.

Even after death, ever he battled the dark.

Giving it no peace.

Rightful, many said.

For was he not once the greatest among us?

‘tis said he still watches over all.

A score millennia and more to the day.

Think you not this some tale to scare the truculent.

Insouciance would be ill-conceived, Great Serpent.

Stay to your path, temper your zeal.

Err not and go down the road of hubris.

Lest his fate befall you too.