The Defeat of the Witches Three

A bard's song, as performed by Primrose Hazelwish. Ardrest, 1491.

Gather oh people
and you shall see
the black blooded tale
of witches three.

In the time long long past,
three evil queens did rule.
Dark were their magics,
and for the people, most cruel.
Each year ten and four,
for the village young they did call.
The fair and young and beautious
go one by one, and return not at all.

A lass so fair, young, and pure,
her beauty did draw forth queens' ire.
They called for her heart,
but it was already claimed by a squire.
Tearfully the young lovers did meet,
with the dawn she left him only a token
under the watch of Ciuna's grace.
Away to the witches lair she was taken.

Rode then the squire to the dread castle,
and with his sword held love at his side.
Monsters came. All fell to might
the black hearted witches could not bide.
Twice did his love-blessed blade fall,
and took the witches heads, black and red.
Green, weakest of the three,
did flee before the hero left her dead.

With twisted breath, these words did speak:
"Dance cattle and cheer and breed. Free you are not!
On your fear and suffer are we fed,
and in our bellies will your children rot!"
With his fair love saved did the hero return,
to cheers, home, and the lovers' wedding.
Fear not the dark, for power is given,
cheer the Squire and Lass and their happy ending!

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The tale, derived from an older source, appears to describe the tale of Bergatha, the Hag quite accurately. Although it does leave out the witch's defeat at the hands of the Frostyear Guardians.