[Stanza]

Two souls do battle atop a skeletal dragon of yore — scattering stars betwixt the violet of the night's sky. One seeks the other's pledge and is rebuffed. After proving himself the stronger, the Archlich banishes his disciple unto the world below. And so she wanders, drunk on wine and braggadocio.

A song is sung in blithe undertones.

The Bird of Hermes is my name,
Eating my wings to make me tame,

I'll kill you next, Johannes.