Witness To Oath

I carved my name from the frozen dark
Not in words, but the way I stand
Steel was silent, the night was still
Tear resolve took hold of my hand

No cheers rang from the broken field
Only breath and the weight I chose
Every path that a man must walk
Is pained in ways the silence knows

Not for rage, not for the thrill
But for the vow I carry still
I crimsoned the axe with a rent I read
Steeled my oath as a standing man

Raised it high to the thunder's eye
Left the sky, no, I did not lie
For cruelty, not for show
But to mark the line I'll never fold

Hammer is what the brave are due
Witness made by answer
The old ones taught what liery calls
That a promise weighs more than fear

You don't swing for the love of war
You swing so your word stays clear
The cloud remembers every step
The wind keeps store of the brave

What's listed clean in honor's fire
Is what the gods decide to say
I don't beg the scorn to part
Extend and let it read my heart

I crimsoned the axe in the proving hour
Pound my fate to a higher power
Raised it high where the ravens fly
Let the thunder pass, judgment die

Not for glory, not for gain
But for the oath that bears my name
Hammer is what the true birds do
Witness me, I answer you

If I fall, let it be known
I stood my ground on what I swore
A man is more than breath and bone
He's the vow he's willing to pour

I crimsoned the axe where courage stands
Placed my life in older hands
Raised it high to the spawning dew
Let the stardust I was true

If my name is ever told
Let it be said I did not fall
Hammer is what the faithful do
Witness me, I answer you

Oath made, steel lifted
Shield