“Night Orders, Dark Road”

Verse I – The Map and the Moon Night orders, dark road, lantern low and thin, Three shadows by the village edge, knowing what we’re in. The monk stood quiet, red stones turning slow, A girl in steel, a ranger lean — And a warband we must know. Coordinates in trembling ink, Forest breath like cold wet wool. Wizard said, “Act like an orc… Or the change will take you whole.” Verse II – Becoming Bones grew broad, teeth cut tongue, Green skin under spellfire spun. We spoke their words, we learned their laugh, Felt something dark begin. And every jest, every roar, Pressed the mask into the bone. You can wear a monster’s face too long… And it starts to feel like home. Chorus (low tavern harmony behind) Orc in the blood, drum in the chest, Walk with the pack or fail the test. Hold to your name when the fire burns bright… Or wake one day without your light. Verse III – The Challenge Bonfire cracked, axes rang, Gold was offered for a slave. The monk just spat and pointed slow — “That’s not the orc way.” Didn’t know the smiling brute Was the Axe King of the band. Steel met fist, sparks kissed teeth, Dust and blood in sand. Six hard strikes, bare hands true, Head to jaw and heel to knee. When the king lay in the dirt, The warband looked at him… differently. Chorus Orc in the blood, fire in the lung, Respect is earned but dearly won. Win their cheers and lose your ground… Some victories don’t make a sound. Verse IV – Riot and Ruin Monster city, cages stacked, Chains and whispers in the dark. We cut the locks, we stirred the pot, Left a quiet little spark. Shaman watched with hungry eyes, Spoke of crowns and higher seat. The monk just laughed and stepped aside — Temptation smells like sweetened meat. Then wings tore sky — a drake came low, Another warband smelled the lie. Ruins took us, stone and ash, No more time to hide. He vanished — step between the breaths — Appeared upon the beast. Threw the rider from the sky… And followed down at least. Crater cracked the broken yard, Two heartbeats he lay still. But the girl and ranger held the line — And bent the fight to will. Final Chorus (stronger, still grounded) Orc in the blood, but name in the hand, Walk through fire and still take a stand. We came back scarred, not crowned with gold… Just three more stories, hard and old. Outro (spoken half-sung) So if you drink in some warm inn And hear this tale tonight… Remember — the mask you wear in war May try to stay and fight.