A traditional folk song from [[Gavony]] and [[Kessig Monastery]], recounting [[The Story of Kessig the Wolfteacher]]. ![[The Laughing Death Comes.mp3]] --- Long ago in Kessig's day  at the edge of the Whispering Wood,  lived four orphaned children  in a humble goatherd's cottage.  In the Wood, the Lord of Slaughter reigned.  Those who ventured out of town  were torn apart and never found.  But these four children, they were not afraid.  Oh The Laughing Death comes!  Dead if you fight and dead if you run,  dead by many or dead by one.  Oh The Laughing Death comes!  One day as the eldest brother left their lowly shack,  he went outside with nothing but a staff and the clothes on his back.  As he left, the youngest sister said:  "Brother, won't you take a knife,  or something to protect your life?"  "No," said he, "for can't you see,  the Laughing Death will come for me-  the pack will strike if I do harm to one.  Best die quick, before they have their fun."  Oh The Laughing Death comes!  Dead if you fight and dead if you run,  dead by many or dead by one.  Oh The Laughing Death comes!  That summer as the older sister went to watch their herd  she left behind her carving knife and headed out without a word.  But as she left, the youngest sister said:  "Sister please just take your knife,  or something to protect your life!"  "No," said she, "for can't you see,  the Laughing Death will come for me-  the wounded ones strike back with ungodly might.  I'll suffer less if I don't prolong the fight." Oh The Laughing Death comes!  Dead if you fight and dead if you run,  dead by many or dead by one.  Oh The Laughing Death comes!  One morning as the younger brother ate his morning meal,  his one remaining sister asked if they might make a deal.  "Bring them meat," the youngest sister said.  "If you will not take a knife,  then give up a goat to protect your life."  "No," said he, "for can't you see,  the Laughing Death still comes for me- their hunger is for human flesh and bone.  It's safer for the herd for me to die alone." Oh The Laughing Death comes!  Dead if you fight and dead if you run,  dead by many or dead by one.  Oh The Laughing Death comes!  The youngest sister, all alone, arose to guide the goats.  Beside the door she paused at the sight of her three lost siblings’ coats.  Before she left, the youngest sister said:  "I'll be the one to take the knife!  I've no choice but to protect my life!"  "Yes!" said she, "for can't you see,  the Laughing Death will come for me-  but I'll fight back with all the strength I have."  And with that, she attached her knife to the end of her staff.  Oh, let The Laughing Death come!  Dead if they fight and dead if they run,  dead by many or dead by one.  Oh, let The Laughing Death come!