When assembling the first round of Black Gate bloggers one of the few rules I laid down was that we keep our personal politics and religion out of our posts. John and I both wanted to create a safe and welcoming space where people of all stripes could come together to discuss the genres we love.

Over the last week I’ve never found that admonition more of a challenge. You see, I’ve been grieving. Not for any one person’s loss, or even because the side I backed lost, but because it feels to me that an ideal has vanished. That ideal may not have been flawless, but I shudder at the manner in which the leading proponent of a replacement movement conducts himself. And for the first time in my life I’m not just disheartened by an election result contrary to my own wishes, I’m a little frightened.

I believe I’m in the letter of my own law still because I’m not here to proselytize. The preceding paragraph is solely for context so you’ll understand what it is that’s upset me. If, like me, the depth of your own grief and your anger and fear surprise you, you’ve probably been wondering how to cope. I wish I could give you a good answer. I can tell you that one of the things I’ve done is distract myself with the genres I love. The other was to create some art. That is one (and not the only) way I mean to act.

In the hope that it brings you just a little solace, I’ve decided to share that art. It needs more instrumentation and backing vocals, and quite frankly requires a better singer and guitarist besides. Alas, all you get is me. Here, then, is the first and only video I’ve ever recorded for the world wide interweb. I don’t mean it to be taken literally, but it’s about the end of a shining city and the fear for what may come.

Lead Me Down
(Words and music copyright 2016 by Howard Andrew Jones)

Look up from your table and put down your wine.
Quiet the minstrels at play.
Ask why I weep? Well I bear you the news
that Avalon’s fallen today.

The high rising spires that gleamed in the sun
lie broken and charred by the shore.
Hundreds of people were taken in chains
but most of them lie by their swords.

Lead me down;
Lead me down to the river.
Wash what I’ve seen from my eyes.
I would weep by the water
for Avalon’s fallen,
fallen to nevermore rise.

The painters and sculptors were smashed with their works,
the libraries burned by the score.
They cried out for mercy, for reason, for aid
but all of their pleas were ignored.

Lead me down;
Lead me down to the river.
Wash what I’ve seen from my eyes.
I would weep by the water
for Avalon’s fallen,
fallen to nevermore rise.

What do I say to the children who ask?
Can I tell them it’s still safe to play?
What do I say to the people who fear
that someone will take them away?

Unfurl your banners and sharpen your swords
but be sure you know what you intend.
The Earth has soaked up too much innocent blood
and vengeance will burn at both ends.

Lead me down;
Lead me down to the river.
Wash what I’ve seen from my eyes.
I would weep by the water
for Avalon’s fallen,
fallen to nevermore rise.

---

Howard Andrew Jones is the author of the upcoming St. Martin’s fantasy novel, For the Killing of Kings, the historical fantasy novels The Desert of Souls, and the The Bones of the Old Ones, as well as the related short story collection The Waters of Eternity, and three Paizo Pathfinder novels. You can keep up with him at his website, www.howardandrewjones.com, and follow him on Twitter or follow his occasional meanderings on Facebook.