Alone have I been – cold, lost and afraid,
Those dear to me gone – to war or the grave;
And he who to me like a father had been
Was lost to me also, become but a shade.
One haunted my footsteps both daylight and night,
His words like a poison seeped through me as ice.
I looked for a hero to rescue this maid;
I looked for a shelter to banish my fright.

But I’m a shieldmaiden, a daughter of kings.
My destiny calls me to loftier things.
No longer shall I in my bower take flight,
For I have been called to defend what is right.
I take up the sword and I carry the shield,
For I have a purpose, a power to wield.
I look for no hero, a hero am I,
For I’m a shieldmaiden and daughter of kings.

In that fateful hour as I fought with my fear,
My future arrived as three strangers drew near.
A new wind was blowing and pierced through my soul,
Emotions ripped through me; my choice seemed so clear.
Awakened at last to a longing like fire
My heart beat in time to the song of desire.
I followed my Lord and I followed my King;
I followed my heart, but my heart was a liar.

But I’m a shieldmaiden, a daughter of kings.
My destiny calls me to loftier things.
No longer shall I in my bower take flight,
For I have been called to defend what is right.
I take up the sword and I carry the shield,
For I have a purpose, a power to wield.
I look for no hero, a hero am I,
For I’m a shieldmaiden and daughter of kings.

Deserted again, left alone, left behind,
I heeded no man; I made this battle mine.
Donning helm, mail and arms, I rode out with the host;
My war cry echoing the pain in my mind.
I took up the sword and I became the shield;
I rode into battle, my heart cold as steel.
I slew the fell WitchKing to rescue my Lord,
For I was a warrior with power to wield.

I am a shieldmaiden, a daughter of kings.
My destiny calls me to loftier things.
No longer shall I in my bower take flight,
For I have been called to defend what is right.
I take up my sword and I carry my shield,
For I have a purpose and power to wield.
I look for no hero, a hero am I,
For I’m a shieldmaiden and daughter of kings.

The dark breath consumed me; in darkness I dreamed.
Awakened at last by the touch of the King.
Deserted again as the forces rode South,
But this time I was not alone as it seemed.
The kindness of one who was wounded like me,
A gentle companion, yet noble was he.
He taught me to look past the darkness to hope,
And gave of himself and his love selflessly.

I am a shieldmaiden and daughter of kings.
My destiny drew me to more noble dreams.
No longer afraid in my bower to hide,
No more to be bound to my anger and pride.
I put down my sword and I lay down my shield,
The bright blade of love – this new power I wield.
A hero’s heart finally granted to me;
I am a shieldmaiden, and love set me free.

© 2005