Verse 1 — Coming to Turmus I came to Turmus carrying The names of homes I’d lost, With scrolls among my belongings And roads too long to count. Beside the Vosk, I paused awhile, Unsure how long I’d stay; Then someone stopped to speak with me, And brightened up the day. Chorus Oh, Turmus, by the river, Let your lanterns greet the night. There’s a window where I’m writing, And I’ve left a candle bright. I have wandered many cities, I have watched their towers fall; Now my footsteps know your pathways, And my voice is in your halls. Verse 2 — A Familiar Face While walking past the houses, I saw a face I knew— A man I’d mourned and searched for, Whom I could scarcely trust was true. Kael stood there before me, And the years seemed very small; I’d come to find a city, And found more than that at all. Chorus Oh, Turmus, by the river, Let your lanterns greet the night. There’s a window where I’m writing, And I’ve left a candle bright. I have wandered many cities, I have watched their towers fall; Now my footsteps know your pathways, And my voice is in your halls. Verse 3 — The Teacher’s Door Now in the Educational Hall, I lay the lessons out— The cities, castes, and customs We gather to talk about. Some arrive with ready answers, Some sit quietly and wait; There is time to ask a question, There is room to join us late. Verse 4 — The Clerk’s Quill Within the Magistrate Office, There are records to prepare, A form to set in order, And a message waiting there. I bring my years of judgment To the work beneath my hand; Though now I serve as Legal Clerk, Those years still help me understand. Chorus Oh, Turmus, by the river, Let your lanterns greet the night. There’s a window where I’m writing, And I’ve left a candle bright. I have wandered many cities, I have watched their towers fall; Now my footsteps know your pathways, And my voice is in your halls. Verse 5 — Before the Court I stood beside Lady Nadia And spoke before the Court, With testimony, questions, And a woman to support. I weighed the words before me, And gave the plea my care; When the crowded room grew quiet, I found my voice was there. Verse 6 — The Everyday Hours There’s blackwine and conversation, There are footsteps at my door, And Ink about her errands While I write a little more. There are evenings near the campfire, There is news to carry home; In these small, familiar moments, I feel less inclined to roam. Chorus Oh, Turmus, by the river, Let your lanterns greet the night. There’s a window where I’m writing, And I’ve left a candle bright. I have wandered many cities, I have watched their towers fall; Now my footsteps know your pathways, And my voice is in your halls. Verse 7 — My Time Here, Still Unfolding Now the Big River Festival Brings laughter to the quay; There are races, games, and dancing, And so much yet to see. With Kael, there’s talk of promises We hope to make anew; And when I set tomorrow’s page, There is work I want to do. Final Chorus Oh, Turmus, by the river, Let your lanterns greet the night. There’s a window where I’m writing, And I’ve left a candle bright. I cannot tell tomorrow, But tonight this much is true: I have lessons for your people, And another page for you. Outro — Softly The river moves beyond my door, My quill rests where I lay it. Tomorrow, someone’s sure to ask— And I’ll be here to answer.
