I Called Him a Traitor

I called him a traitor.
Right there to his face.
My hands were clenched.
My knees could only shake.

“You were the best of us,”
I cried in tears.
“The greatest knight to be,
Through all these years.”

He said not a word.
He just gave a blank stare.
Did my words mean anything?
Did he even care?

The city’s in rage.
There’s fire ablaze.
Yet, my heart’s chilled like the ice age.

The king’s order echoes with steel.
Every man turns red.
Like wolves looking for veal,
They want this traitor’s head.

I’m all that stands,
Between him and his freedom.
I’m all that blocks him from leaving the kingdom.

He stares at my tears,
Looking like a ghost.
I can’t tell what he wants most.

Such a heinous crime.
To destroy the future.
And there’s not a scratch on him.
Not even a suture.

“Why’d you do it?” My voice cracked.
“Why’d you betray us all?”
“Was there something you wanted?”
“Is this you standing tall?”

His eyes turn downward,
But his lips stay silent.
“Answer me,” I cried.
“You’re not this violent.”

How many journeys?
And how many quests?
How many times did I see him at his best?

Unfaltering in battle.
Unmatched with skill.
So full of honor.
No one could break his will.

Where was the man I knew so long?
“What changed?” I begged.
“Tell me what’s wrong.”

My heart broke when he lifted his head
“Do what you must,” was all he said.

I drew an arrow,
And raised my bow.
But to aim at him,
I felt so low.

“You’ll face the king’s justice,”
I could barely whisper.
“And pay for what you did to the future.”

He raised his hands.
I’m surprised he surrendered.
“I’m glad it’s you,” he said.
His voice was so tendered.

I bound his hands,
All I feel is disgrace.
For I love the man I called traitor to his face.