As the Lord laughs even the walls of the castle seem to rumble with mirth. “I’ve ruled longer than you’ve lived. What makes you think that someone like me would help someone like you?”
“Because, I don’t want to live in a world where one human cannot or will not help another.” Replies his soft-spoken, clear-voiced companion.
The fine-robed gentleman observes the traveller as if he has never seen anyone quite like him before. “Just because I reject you now does not mean everyone shall. Why not ask somebody else, why me? I am a Lord, I have no time for this.”
“Precisely. You are a Lord. Whatever you want will appear at your mere command.”
“Traveller, you act as if I am the only one who can help you with what you ask. When I say no, it does not mean everyone will. Ask the maid! Ask the farmer! Ask one of my neighbour-lords! My kingdom is kind – nine in ten will help you, I’m sure.” Disregards the Lord.
“Well, I’ve asked nine already. You, Lord, are the tenth person I’ve appealed to– will you be another denial or will you be the opposite one-in-ten to what you believe you should be?”
“Surely-“ The Lord splutters indignantly, avoiding the eyes of his audience, but he is interrupted.
“Lord, how many people in your kingdom are kind? One in ten, or none?”
A few beats pass, during which the Lord appears to ponder the traveller’s words.
When at last he speaks, he proclaims in a quiet voice, “One,” and raises his kind eyes to meet a pair of the same.
“No, Lord. None are kind. I have asked many of your people, and none have enough for themselves, let alone a stranger; they do not help because they cannot. As I have said, I do not wish to live in a world where a human cannot help another. You, Lord, were the only one to offer me help because you are the only one who can afford it.”
The Lord furrows his brow in surprise, but does not interrupt.
“Yet, you starve your people of it. Why, Lord? Why do you never leave this castle? Do you fear the hunger that pays your fine robes, for your plentiful meals? Why do you not offer the kindness you have shown me today to those who need it?”
The wise man looks questioningly at the powerful man, who appears uneasy.
“Traveller, you know not of this kingdom. This is the way things are done! My father and his before him have all spent their entire lives within the walls of this castle – it’s sacred tradition! The kingdom would fall apart if it was broken!”
“Lord, I know this kingdom. It is like every other.”
“My kingdom? Like every other? No, no, good sir, we do things differently here! Just a few hundred miles that way is a kingdom where the people starve and the children work for mere pennies! Oh, just think of it – that would never be allowed here.”
“Lord, I know this kingdom. It is like every other.”
“Now look here, traveller, I have granted you an audience with no appointment! I have shown you great kindness today!”
“Indeed, my Lord. Indeed. Should you bid me go, I shall.” The wise man bows.
The Lord stutters, “You act as if I cause these hardships! I have done nothing!”
The traveller makes his way to the grand wood door. Before he slips through, he looks directly at the Lord and says in such a tone that demands all to listen, “Precisely.”
ns 15.158.61.54da2
