T’was in my fifty ninth year of age, when I began counseling the young Prince Dyzander, on the rites of his passage into Priesthood. He was only seventeen.

  The manual was called, The Everlasting Doctrine, and in order for him to be king one day, it was requisite that he join the Priesthood Authority. In order to join the Priesthood Authority, one must ardently study the scriptures, and the textbooks, and the manuals. He must understand the material, he must understand why we fast, what is abstinence and why it is a sacred practice. He must study, and learn and demonstrate his knowledge and ability. And such has been the case with Dyzander, a remarkable student.

  It had been three days since we commenced our journey to Dweller’s Inn, a hidden treasure for priesthood training. Dweller’s Inn is a lonesome cottage hidden deep in the Westward Woods. There I would be educating the young prince, a determined, dignified, naturally talented individual. Keen in the doctrine, and eager to embark upon his maiden quest.

  The forest was thick, with an ethereal glow, and it buzzed and hummed with delicate creatures as we followed the beaten trail. I rode horseback on my black stallion at a strolling pace, and Dizzy walked beside me leading his ass, carrying supplies.

  “Obedience, Dyzander.” I lectured him, “Why is it so critical to the cohesion of our faith, and the vitality of our tradition?”

  “I know this is rhetorical, yet I speak.” He said.

  “According to the laws of the phenomenal world, boundaries are a fundamental force of nature. Just as the fundamental forces of persisting in time, or duration, and the nature of change. Observed, they are the actions of the Spirit, and its manifestations are found everywhere in the phenomenal world… but what are these boundaries? And how many are there? Why must we live within these boundaries? In this bondage?”

  “Bondage?”

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  “Bound. Restricted. Damned.” I listed off these terrifying synonyms.

  “Damned?”

  “Boundaries.” I inserted, “To be damned is to be blocked from progress. To be blocked from progress is to be damned. Therefore, it is easy for one to see how boundaries, the very notion of, can be construed as a negative. When a learned man of authority instructs another to obey, for their own benefit, one’s natural response is to do the opposite. They revolt! When the authority lays down the law and the unjust shudder, the order has been upheld, and all is well. This phenomena occurs because authority is a good thing, as long as it subscribes to the order of natural law.”

  “I understand, Abram, certainly. It takes a greater man to submit to authority. A man of humility, and grace. However, the word itself ‘obey’ inherently suggests that of being dominated. So, I can understand why proud men revolt, and resist.”

  “Dizzy, you continue to impress. Not only do you comprehend the principles of the doctrine. You have an ear for the words I speak to you. Now, I want to spend a moment discussing your succession to the throne.”

  “Abram, I do not want to talk politics with you right now. I embark in only twelve weeks. What I need to focus on is The Everlasting Doctrine.”

  “Dyzander, by all my power, you will be more than prepared for your journey. What concern I have, is your attitude regarding your royal inheritance upon your return. You are an only child, Dizzy. It is necessary that you receive your birth right.”

  “And, what if I choose instead to wear the robes of a monk?”

  “That is exactly why I am concerned for you.”

  “Abram, you’ve taught me well. Perhaps too well. My desire is to serve the order of natural law.”

  “And you will. By serving the kingdom as a fine and noble ruler.”

  “My father is perfectly capable of ruling his kingdom.”

  “Do not be a stubborn mule, Dyzander. The day will come when your father’s vitality will no longer serve him, and rest and the type of contemplation that comes with old age, will be what is best for him and his subjects. Therefore upon your return, in due time, we will resume your studies, focusing not on natural law, but the law as it pertains to the kingdom.”

  “Alright, then. Agreed.”