[Intro: Twin lead guitars over an uneven training rhythm]

[Verse 1]
You struck my wrist; the blue blade hit the floor.
I lunged again, so you corrected more.
You said, "A rushing river misses stone."
I laughed, "A slower fighter dies alone."
We crossed the ring until the lamps went dim,
Your patient guard against my reckless limb.
Then both lay laughing where our weapons fell,
While morning shook the iron practice bell.

[Pre-Chorus]
You knew the anger hidden in my speed;
I knew the doubt beneath your measured creed.
Before the council, student was my grade.
Alone, you named the bond our weapons made.

[Chorus]
Brother of the blade, stand level at my side,
Steel against the world, no truth denied.
When banners fall and battle lines degrade,
I will know your step, my brother of the blade.
If my hand should shake, recall the vows we made.
If your light goes dark, I will repay the aid.

[Verse 2]
The wars arrived in columns built of smoke,
On fields where metal bodies split and broke.
You held the bridge; I carved across the wire.
I dragged you clear beneath the falling fire.
They praised my speed and printed it as fame,
Then called your caution old, afraid and tame.
I saw your silence harden at the claim
And hated how I hungered for acclaim.

[Pre-Chorus]
You warned that praise could sharpen into need.
I heard rebuke inside your guarded creed.
You called me reckless when the council stayed;
I heard you doubt the bond our weapons made.

[Instrumental Break: Dueling guitars in opposing keys]

[Verse 3]
We shared one shelter under poisoned rain.
You bound my shoulder; I concealed the pain.
You taught that mercy was the harder art,
A wall that power builds inside the heart.
I asked why mercy waited while men died.
You saw the weapon growing at your side.

[Bridge]
I saw a prison standing in your rule.
You saw a blade awakening in your pupil.
Still, under rain, with rank and law delayed,
You named me brother, brother of the blade.

[Final Chorus]
Brother of the blade, come level with my stride.
Do not walk behind me; do not act my guide.
When elders fear the strength their lessons made,
Will you stand beside your brother of the blade?
Two blue lines part, though every debt is paid;
Steel keeps the memory of every mark we made.

[Outro: Twin guitars separate over the three-note motif]