July 14, 2007
by Keith Simerson

Grown Man laid down to rest, fear hounding his thoughts. Why am I afraid? Why am I restless? Gradually sleep overtakes him. Waking with a start, he discovers that he has been bound, blindfolded, and gagged and is being dragged by his feet   by unknown captors. His flesh is being torn from his body. Grown Man's blood spills into the ground leaving a voice that gives direction to his whereabouts for any god that cares to hear.

Suddenly, Grown Man is plunged into the Pit of Defecation where he is swiftly chained. Blindfold is removed as his veiled kidnappers hurriedly exit, laughing and mocking. This is the Valley of Skulls and Bones - as named by Grown Men for what it presently represents. It was once a land where the people ruled but since had been transformed into a desolate region reserved for death and destruction.

Monumental gates straight ahead. Is this a fortress? The ground trembles. Dark clouds gather. Light fades. Gate doors creeping open. Great Dragon emerges bellowing that he is the Keeper of the Fortress Labyrinth. Blazing fiery eyes full of hatred and scorn. Grown Man is so overwhelmed by this fearful creature that he almost faints.

Great Dragon approaches Grown Man.

"Have you any questions for me?" asks Great Dragon.

"Yes I do. Who brought me here?"

"Who do you think it was?" says Great Dragon.

"It had to be an enemy," replied Grown Man, "someone that dislikes me greatly!"

"Twasn't an enemy. Their greatest fear is that you will successfully pass through this hell and become a stronger foe. Your enemy respects your strengths. They are the instruments to your destiny if you only take the time to remember."

"Well, I know that it couldn't have been my most loyal friends."

"You are correct, Grown Man. They love you so much that they are afraid the ordeal would be more than you could endure if you somehow failed. Understand that they have a great deal of confidence in you but their compassion doesn't want to see you suffering."

"Then who put me here!" shouted Grown Man. "Please tell me who wishes this upon me!"

Great Dragon rubs his scaly head; fully enjoying the possession of knowledge that Grown Man desires.

(Article Continues Below)

"Your captors are the Angry Obedient People. They are a somewhat unusual group. They live as prisoners in this Valley of Skulls and Bones assuming that they are free. They come here to chain anyone in the Pit of Defecation that they feel needs to be silenced. They are a collection of lost souls who have abandoned their dreams and work for me without realizing the consequences of that decision. They believe that if they remain quiet and do as they are told they will be rewarded by me and my superiors, The Lawgivers on the Mount.

The Angry Obedient People have been taught their entire lives that to question me or The Lawgivers is as unthinkable as doubting divinity. They believe that you will also abandon your deepest dreams and desires once I rain down the threat of death upon you. They failed in their quest and I ate them, leaving their bones in this land and giving them a ghost body to lug around while they obey every "Thou Shalt Not" that has ever been given to them. They become furious when anyone considers thinking in a different way than they.

When they believe that you have gone too far because you question too much of the things we say, they kidnap you and bring you here so I can devour you. Their sole purpose is to assist me in destroying every remnant of potential that each person possesses before they discover that their unique giftedness could be used to make their own life and the lives of countless others, more meaningful. It is my job to cut the soul from the masses until only a shell of a being remains. Now, you need to close your eyes so I can begin my meal!"

"Why do I have to close my eyes?"

"Because fear reaches it zenith when one is in darkness and when one believes that they are about to die. You will be much tastier with a high level of fear coursing through your veins. Besides, with your eyes closed, you remind me of the symbol of Justice ... a symbol that I love to secretly destroy!"

As Great Dragon leans forward to devour him, Grown Man suddenly understands the source of Great Dragon's power. He realizes that the monster's power lies in one's fear of death! Opening his eyes wide, Grown Man discovers that the fear of death has departed! Immediately Grown Man's chains fall off and now he is wielding large battle swords in each hand. He thrusts the swords into Great Dragon's eyes, instantly blinding him to Grown Man's mission.

Grown Man swiftly emerges from the Pit of Defecation and with the skills and precision of a warrior begins to cut away every scale from the dragon that bears worthless "Thou Shalt Nots". He searches through all the "Thou Shalt Nots" and keeps the few that had benefited him since he was Young Man.

Grown Man knows that to complete his mission he must successfully navigate through the Fortress Labyrinth until he finds the Treasured Papers in the center and then safely returning. Being quick to solve problems, he disembowels Great Dragon and attaches its intestines to his right arm and enters the labyrinth.

After a long and difficult search, he finds the Treasured Papers and follows the string of intestines back to safety. The Treasured Papers are placed into the hands of the most qualified Grown Men that swear a new oath to uphold its ideals as was originally intended ... as best as they possibly can.

Once Grown Man has completed this journey, The Valley of Skulls and Bones, the once vast, darkened wasteland of abandoned dreams and desires, is renamed The Land of Opportunity and once again overflows with lush greenery, sparkling water, and the merry laughter of children at play.

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Keith Simerson [send him email] is a self-employed foundryman and sculptor as well as an Air Force veteran in the security field.  See his website at www.stonereproductionworks.com, and his blog at www.goodnevilguy.blogspot.com.