Tale is the appropriate word here. This work of literature is very short. The story is related by a great follower to his master after a successful voyage.
The follower recounts the story of a previous shipwreck and how he alone survived after washing ashore on an island. The island had everything the shipwrecked sailor needed to survive. However as he started to explore the island he is confronted by a giant snake. The snake tells him how long he will stay on the island and that he will return home in safety. The snake also sends him off with great riches when he leaves the island.
There were two parts of this tale that stuck out. First the eyes of the snake were made of lapis lazuli. This is the third piece of ancient literature I have read recently and all three included lapis lazuli. I don’t recall ever hearing about lapis lazuli prior to this. How could I forget about something with a name like lapis lazuli? It was clearly something valuable in the past and desired as a status of wealth. And yet today I don’t hear any mention of it.
The second part of the tale that stood out to me was when the snake related the tragedy of losing his family. He ends by saying “you will embrace your children, You will kiss your wife, you will see your house. It is more beautiful than anything.” Surviving tragedy and being able to return home to your family is the most beautiful thing.
Overall this is a very quick read, but there is still a valuable lesson that can be learned.
Paris Grimm stepped out of his Rolls Royce Black Badge Cullinan and pulled his sunglasses over his eyes. His personally customized $1,350,000 SUV, his sunglasses, and his suit matched in a perfect shade of jet black. As he stepped toward the nondescript building ahead of him his entourage of four body guards flanked him on both sides.
As they approached the building they were greeted by a single man also dressed in a black suit.
“State your business.”
“I am here to see the Master.”
“State the oath. All of you in unison.”
“Is that necessary?”
“Do you wish to see his eminence? Are you prepared to walk down the dark corridor? If so you must state the oath now or I will ask you to leave.”
Paris Grimm stared at the weasel of a man blocking his admittance and imagined him strapped to a board while his flesh was peeled from his skin. A door man for the Master had no right to issue orders to the most powerful lieutenant in the organization. Especially not today. Today Paris Grimm was going to become the Master.
Several seconds passed in silence before the weasel spoke again. “I will inform ...
