The art of wordplay

Power, is many things, and is seen in all things. It is shown in the flex of strength of a lion's courage to not yield in the midst of a challenge, it is revealed in the wisdom and knowledge of a generals capability to gain victory over his adversary. It is shown in the power that music has over those whom would give an ear, and in a story's capability to captivate its listener with both intrigue and astonishment. It is shown in the dedication two lovers have in their partnership, and the way a man loves his wife, with discipline and restraint. Power, does not reside where men merely believe or see it to be. It is both seen and perceived, recognized and understood for what it is and where its power is displayed, and applicable in every circumstance.

“A shadow lurks upon the eastern horizon. Deep within the realm of the ancient of places, the very earth trembles as an evil takes its residence in an abandoned fortress. A relic of the past, now resurfaces to take what it waged war against us for long ago. It lingers, licking its wounds and understanding its past mistakes. The storm is nigh incoming, and its clouds have yet to cast a veil of terror over the heavens. While the sunlight remains in our midst, we must prepare accordingly. The light will only last us for a short time. We should put it to good use,” A King stated upon his throne. “The light goes with us regardless of what does or does not dwell within the sky. The very spirit is fire, it burns brightly despite the shadows. Regardless if by rain or storm, daylight or the moons allotted time within the sky, our fire will burn brightly despite the chaos that surrounds us,” a Wiseman to the king's right side declared.

The King smiled at his counselor's boldness. “Indeed. Storms do indeed come and go, conflict arises from prolonged times of uneasy peace, and warfare is all but inevitable. How we endure the darkness of the nightfall that surrounds our hearts, is to sustain the fire within us. And yet, such a flame only lasts for so long. Armies only have so much strength to draw upon, and our resources are not infinite in measure. Even a lamplighter must draw from the last reserves of oil before the flame runs out and he is, inevitably, forced to find a new source of oil from without,” the King noted. “Or from within, my Lord. Inspiration tends to be fuel for flames all on its own. How we spur its flame and increase its length to inspire, is dependent on the quality of the oil we provide. And yet, a king's declaration to his army. What better inspiration for valor, bravery, courage, and strength than a king’s proclamation as he leads his men in combat? What's better in its stride? Even a lion dare not advance against such a steadfast force,” Another Wiseman stated.

The King smiled. “And so it is, that a king's word is both life and death, and how we approach in both word and deed, is likened to choosing weapons and armor in the midst of the battlefield, is it not? Our prudence and understanding of the terrain and, ‘The enemy,’ if you would have me, is dependent on our knowledge of conquest, and the wisdom to apply the appropriate solution, in our strategy. The tongue. Indeed a restless evil, and a gracious tree of life. The inspiration towards anothers pursuits, and the scourge of the disheartened and those who linger in despair. A restless evil, a deadly poison, a refreshing renewal of life giving waters in the midst of the barren desert, and the proper encouragement to, the drive towards our pursuits,” the King smiled back at his counselors. A slight pause as the wise men’s face gave an impression that they were impressed.

The wiseman smiled at each other, and their king. “Our pupil grows more powerful by the day, and each day he adds to his own strength. So long as he continues to keep a listening ear, and a patient mind and heart, he will continue adding to his power and strength all the days of his life. You’ve done well today, my lord. We will continue these lessons of wisdom and understanding the moment you deem it necessary to continue your studies. May you continue to prosper with great success and prosperity, and may peace continue to be carried throughout your days! We will inform your father of your progress, and how much you have grown! May the king live forever!” a Wiseman boldly declared. The wiseman bowed their heads and respect, then left the king's presence.

The sound of the wiseman shutting the creaking door prolonged itself, as the young prince looked happily at his progress. “Though I grow in both power and strength each day, and my wisdom and knowledge increase, better to be humble and not think more highly of myself then I ought to. Better for me to not regard my own being too highly, then to fall into the pit itself due to lack of clarity. Pride has a way of hindering vision. There’s no need to cloud my judgment,” the Prince considered to himself silently.

…

“Your son grows stronger by the day. He is becoming more adverse with our teachings and more capable as a leader, your highness. So long as he continues to keep a level head, a humble heart, and maintains a listening ear, he will be strong,” a Wiseman declared. The King smiled at his counselors, his delight shown in the progress of his son. “My son is turning into a fine you man indeed it would seem! Given your excellent tutelage and his receptive ear, he has become much more adept in all manner of wisdom and understanding and every aspect of learning. You’ve done well, counselors! I’m pleased at such news,” the King commended the wisemen. The wisemen merely bowed in humility, their eyes not meeting with him. “We are but mere humble servants doing what the king has ordered us to do. And to the best of our capability and potential, we will continue doing so as both the King and his young prince deem necessary!” the other Wiseman stated. The King smiled. “That will be all for now, counselors,” the King waved off.

One of the wise men cleared his throat. “Your highness, with all due respect, there is one discussion left on the matter of proper payment due for our labors. Such work scattering certain seeds is both wearisome and tiring, and your son has become quite capable under our tutelage. We would gratefully request, by your good graces, to discuss such matters,” the Wiseman stated. The King became attentive to their request. “Ah yes, your labors have been most invaluable to my kingdom. Tell me, what do you see fit as a proper payment for your efforts?” the King requested. The two wise men looked at each other and thought for a brief moment. Their heads finally lifted up. “Your highness, we both enjoy and take great pleasure in instructing and guiding your son, and aiding your kingdom in any way we can. By your good graces, we would request to continue furthering your pursuits within the kingdom, and both the resources and positioning to do so in a broader way. To continue to be pleasing in your sight, and to find favor serving you to the best of our capabilities! All the while continuing to instruct your son in every manner that which we are capable of,” A wiseman asked.

The king smiled at their request. “You find great pleasure in delighting in my kingdom, and aiding in my pursuits. Helping me pursue my desires with wisdom and knowledge, and aiding my kingdom to the best of your abilities, has been a valuable asset to my kingdom. I will gladly grant your request to further advance my kingdom, and grant you the resources and the livelihood to continue doing so. Continue serving with honor and distinction, integrity and ultimately humility, and I will personally advance you even further,” the King responded. The two Wise Men bowed with a humble courtesy. “Your highness, we are both humbled and honored by your generosity and promises. We would gladly continue doing as you have requested and in a way that pleases you. We would request to take our leave,'' the first Wiseman noted. The King gave a wave of his right hand, as the two wise men bowed, then left the king's presence.

The two wisemen slowly strided outside of the king's chambers, slowly reflecting upon their new position. One of them lifted his head and turned, gazing at the other. “Do you think it strategic in merely pursuing an advancement within the kingdom itself? While we have the king's provision and his outreach as a blessing upon our work, we still have to remain within the perimeter of the kingdom. Surely you have considered the outside world and the opportunities they hold? Do you think it wise to settle on such a wide variety of potential? Such a multitude of ventures?” the First Wiseman suggested. The second Wiseman smiled at his fellow counselor. “I deem it wise to consider the authority that has granted me his good pleasure, and the opportunity to build up what is both his and mine, for the time being. Patience will suffice. Indeed, you speak truly that there are many different ventures we could pursue hypothetically. But, why strain on achieving them when we can amass our resources right here? If the king delights in our counseling of his son, and we do so with extraordinary efficiency, what better way to build a name throughout the land, and the ability to maintain that name? The art of wordplay is a strategic thing, you know this as well as I do. Every sword has its form and purpose, and every blade has some manner of skill to use it. Though ingenuity and creativity can, at times, prove the rest of the world wrong, there is a manner of approach when using such disciplines and artforms! So it is with our approach towards our physical and financial positioning. Humility, patience, and hard work for the time being, will suffice!” the Second Wiseman explained. The First Wiseman gave a slight nod, as they continued their stride forward towards the future.

Thank you so much for taking the time to read my content. If you like my work, then please give my pieces on here and my pieces on Instagram a like, follow me here and on Instagram @cccreativewriter, then read and rate my work on Inkitt so I can potentially receive a publishing contract, and consider donating to my support my efforts! Also, if you enjoy my work and want to help grow the ministry, please show your support by leaving a donation here on vocal if you want to support my work! With every donation or piece you read, you can help grow my ministry! Keep your head held high, and smile! ;)

https://www.instagram.com/cccreativewriter/

https://vocal.media/fiction/the-warrior-dwelling-in-the-twilight

https://www.inkitt.com/stories/fantasy/610198/chapters/4

https://vocal.media/geeks/a-new-adventure-rbbdt50ec0

https://vocal.media/criminal/the-treading-of-the-winepress

https://vocal.media/poets/through-it-all-and-despite-it-all

https://vocal.media/poets/refined-and-approved

https://vocal.media/poets/regardless-of-what-i-will-still

https://vocal.media/fiction/what-was-what-is-and-what-is-yet-to-be

https://vocal.media/petlife/all-suffering-will-be-equal