For Their Serene Highnesses Roak II and Tarkwyn II

The starlight now is fading, the winter moon has set
A sleepy peace has settled deep upon the throng, and yet
I cannot close my tired eyes, nor now relax my hand.
I reach out for my scabbard, and I know that I should stand
And feel the trembling land;

For thunder shakes the morning like the North-storm whips the trees,
There's glory in the sunrise and there's smoke upon the breeze.
The sunlight flashes on bright blades as they from scabbards glide;
There's thunder in the horses' hooves; the Northern raiders ride.
There's thunder in the horses' hooves; the Northern raiders ride.

There, on the far horizon, I can see the banner bold,
The sight that either gives you hope or makes your blood run cold.
The shadows of the morning stretch into the foeman's heart
Just as the summer sunlight bids each Northman do his part
Whenever battles start;

For thunder shakes the morning ...

Your reason says you mustn't but your heart decides you must
So seek out sword and saddle and leave reason in the dust.
The raiders rode right past us with their eyes on distant lands,
Their voices crying out for brave and eager Northern hands,
Swords which a King commands;

For thunder shakes the morning...

Our houses are left far behind, without us crops will grow;
The summer is upon us and to Southern lands we go.
We ride beside our friends and kin, as ever was our way.
Take up the sword and draw the bow so foeman soon shall say,
Upon the break of day;

That thunder shakes the morning like the North-storm whips the trees,
There's glory in the sunrise and there's smoke upon the breeze.
The sunlight flashes on bright blades as they from scabbards glide;
There's thunder in the horses' hooves; the Northern raiders ride.
There's thunder in the horses' hooves; the Northern raiders ride.