Once upon a time there was a marvelous band of merry men (and woman) who acted as defenders of the universe. On every occasion they fought off the challenge of their mortal enemies, shrugging off their collection of toxic weaponry and laying claim to enormous supplies of gold.
Some of their members fought with wild abandon, others with stinging attacks. They could often be seen climbing on each others’ shoulders to reach heights that had never been seen before. One of their number chose to hose all-comers with fire, whether friend or foe. The most aggressive members had an unusual style of attack taking advantage of their magnetic personalities; others were not a patch on them. Others wondered at their cunning and dominance and they were admired by all who saw them.
One day the merry band grew tired, and sat back basking in their glory and to admire the monuments they had built.
Then the new challengers emerged – arriving suddenly and bringing gold acquired in foreign lands. They were determined to prove their strength against the old defenders and any other contenders.
Three of the challengers in particular stood out as 21st century warriors. The perilous traveler and his charge flowed through their enemies like water, and they worked together at electrifying speeds. Indeed some said that they worked so closely that they appeared as one, impossible to distinguish. They liked to fight in private rather than in public, darkening the doors of their enemies, and bringing their own guards. Some frowned on this new approach.
The challengers were successful, claiming victories and reaching new heights that had not been seen before. But the public were suspicious of these outsiders, disbelieving and they were not feted or admired. Led by some of the old defenders, the public shunned the newcomers and their families. Whether it be jealousy, distrust or fear, the outcome was the same - but the challengers cared not.
People urged King William for a public execution of the newcomers, perhaps to be frozen by ice, or buried alive in boxes. King William conferred with his government and his three philosophers and their greater knowledge, but took no action. Neither the new challengers nor the King needed to explain themselves, and this led to further civil unrest. A few citizens grew increasingly frustreated and threatened to withhold their taxes.
To be continued…….
All characters appearing in this work are fictitious. Any resemblance to real persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.
