Member-only story
On Seeing Clearly
A story about patience, wisdom, and adapting to the available light
Once upon a time there was a wise and benevolent King who knew his time was coming to an end. Wanting to ensure that his Kingdom continued to thrive after his death, he called his three sons to his side.
“Blood of my blood,” he began, “I know my loyal subjects are expecting me to pass my crown on to my first born, but I do not want my legacy ruled by assumptions and so I am inviting the three of you to enter into a contest to determine who the next King will be.
I have designed this contest not to test your strength because I already know you are strong. Nor have I designed it to test your loyalty. I already know that, too. I have designed the contest to test your ability to see that which is not immediately apparent, since seeing clearly will be one of the most important skills you will need to rule wisely.”
And with that the King had his Grand Vizier escort the three boys down several long hallways and through a hidden doorway none of them had ever seen before.
“Wait here,” he said. “Your father will arrive…
