Witness To Oath lyrics

I carved my name from the frozen dark Not in words, but the way I stand Steel was silent, the night was still Tear resolve took hold of my hand No cheers rang from the broken field Only breath and the weight I chose Every path that a man must walk Is pained in ways the silence knows Not for rage, not for the thrill But for the vow I carry still I crimsoned the axe with a rent I read Steeled my oath as a standing man Raised it high to the thunder's eye Left the sky, no, I did not lie For cruelty, not for show But to mark the line I'll never fold Hammer is what the brave are due Witness made by answer The old ones taught what liery calls That a promise weighs more than fear You don't swing for the love of war You swing so your word stays clear The cloud remembers every step The wind keeps store of the brave What's listed clean in honor's fire Is what the gods decide to say I don't beg the scorn to part Extend and let it read my heart I crimsoned the axe in the proving hour Pound my fate to a higher power Raised it high where the ravens fly Let the thunder pass, judgment die Not for glory, not for gain But for the oath that bears my name Hammer is what the true birds do Witness me, I answer you If I fall, let it be known I stood my ground on what I swore A man is more than breath and bone He's the vow he's willing to pour I crimsoned the axe where courage stands Placed my life in older hands Raised it high to the spawning dew Let the stardust I was true If my name is ever told Let it be said I did not fall Hammer is what the faithful do Witness me, I answer you Oath made, steel lifted Shield