And in front of my eyes a change,

  Occurring out of sanity's range,

  Did unleash.

  Hair of a lion, gills of a fish,

  Wings of an eagle, eyes round as a dish,

  Hoof turned to claw, tooth to fang,

  Transformation accompanied by a loud bang,

  Eerie song no one ever sang,

  This is why others refused this mission.

  So began a battle of annihilation,

  Evil's final destination,

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  I drew Word.

  With my shiny sword,

  I drew first blood,

  With much to follow.

  The Minister's words rang hollow,

  As I jumped high and ducked low,

  "Be careful with the monsters."

  Dear Madams and Sirs,

  My glorious readers,

  Hear my tale!

  I grabbed the goat-chimera by tail,

  The Blood God did I hail,

  And stuck Word through its throat.

  So ended the tale of the chimera-goat,

  Hidden as a donkey, evil I smote,

  With great exhilaration.

  I had thus finished emancipation,

  Of the Red Plateau region,

  My first task was done.

  It certainly had not been fun,

  Yet was necessary for my place in the sun,

  So I persevered.

  The Plateau's far slope neared,

  Where shoddy sheep are reared,

  Giving wool for the common folk,

  Those who live under a golden yoke,

  Of the Painter of Thousand Strokes,

  Our Imperator most divine.