The Emperor of the Dark Woods

The Emperor of the Dark Woods,

Lord of fae and fair.

He rules over tree and bush

And all the creatures there.

Within the shadows of the trees,

Beneath the mountains tall,

He watches in wicked repose,

Plotting in his hall.

His streams and rivers as they run

Their course to oceans far,

Keep well the creatures of his land

But flood when rains there are.

The bear stalks the forest depths,

The stag, alone, bugles a lonely cry.

The wolves hunt on mount and hill,

And birds, through branches, fly.

The sprites reside on fungus heads, 

The nymphs bathe by shore.

The dryads dance beneath the moon

While the satyr plays the horn.

But beware those who enter here

For intruders are unwelcome.

The Emperor of the Dark Woods

Entertains none within his home.