By the hearth where the embers slept, I dreamed beneath the woven red. The sea wind sighed beyond the wall, And moonlight rested over all. My love had crossed the western foam, His shield and oar far from our home. I kept his ring beside my bed, And heard the quiet of the dead. But under floorboards, black and thin, A crawling breath began within. The fire climbed through timber seams, And poured its poison through my dreams. No blade was raised, no horn was blown, No watchman saw the danger grown. Then through the dark, a warning cried— A fierce bright voice that would not hide. Thorsec! Thorsec! Wake the hall! Smoke was rising through the wall! Thorsec! Thorsec! Guarded me, Called me back from drowning sleep. Neighbors came with buckets bright, And drove the hungry flames to night. Thorsec stood where breath grew thin— And brought the living morning in. I woke beneath a choking veil, With burning eyes and trembling mail. The alarm tore open night’s disguise, And pulled the darkness from my eyes. I reached the door, I cried for aid, The village heard, the fear obeyed. From every roof and every lane, Kind hands arrived through ash and rain. The rafters groaned, the red tongues spread, The wolf-fire clawed above my head. I thought my saga ended there, Until brave hearts filled the air. Water struck the burning beams, Cold as fjords and winter streams. The final coal gave up its breath, And love outshone the jaws of death. Thorsec! Thorsec! Wake the hall! Smoke was rising through the wall! Thorsec! Thorsec! Guarded me, Called me back from drowning sleep. Thorsec sounded, neighbors came, Together we defeated flame. Thorsec kept the doorway clear— And brought my wandering warrior near. When my man returned from overseas, He found me safe among the trees. He took my hands, the dawn burned gold, And heard the tale the neighbors told. Our home was scarred, but hearts were strong, The rescued breath became our song. For while we live and love anew, Thorsec keeps its watch for two.
