A Room and a Riddle - Hammers of Misfortune

So: the candle has passed through a portal

Stayed by a sentry as I try to follow

Changing my cloak to a gown to gain entry

There in the center its bearer awaits

In a circular chamber of doors

Guarded by shadowy forms

There in the middle;

a room and a riddle She fades away…

There where she was

A golden bird did appear

Briefly I heard the song of that bird

And then it too disappeared

Traded my cloak for a gown;

look around It’s the same as these guardians wear

Faces obscured, still undisturbed With their doors in this circular lair

The silence eventually broke

In one voice, the guardians spoke

There in the middle;

a room and a riddle Surrounded thus

«An oath to be sworn and a robe to be worn

Now you’re one of us!»

Sentries and doors!

Guard with your life

Behind each door:

A withered child clutching a knife