Filan's Ride

I was the lowland Wolf
Among the highland boar
The golden son of a law giver
Years ago fostered to Loch Awe
The growing power of the north

Through the rain and darkness
I ride for my life
Keeping to the densest forest
To foil my pursuers
My lathering horse, tiring

My oath to the McLelland Chief
I have killed in defense of my honor
And in consequence taken my own life
Unless I can make the borders
The secure arms of my own clan

All these years I served The Campbell
And fought beside my foster-brother
Taught by the same master
Paired we were unbeatable
By either Douglas or Donald

Occasionally I told your secrets
When you slipped away with your father's sword
Breaking it with a careless swing
How I sweat over the forge that night
But Old John never suspected the repair

How did we come to be
On opposing sides of The Bruce?
How can my hand, my sword
Have taken your life, your blood?
You whom I've always fought next to?

How I will miss your reckless presence
How I will curse fate’s sadistic humor
For handing me this turn of events
I will never again to be welcome
In my highland family's hall.

Cynthia Philippi
Story ideas and characters based on the work of Richard Brown and Mitchell MacLelland