Four arrived

Four stood up and stood out

In the courts…shining sharp minds, chiseled in body and forged in mind…

like perfect sabers

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Tens days passed

Ten edicts tossed aside

In the halls…blazing fires of intellect, clear like glass and pure water on consultation, dialed into regal navigation…

like the truest compass or sexton

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Many were called in

One…only one remained

On the dream…reading as though it were burned into the sky, fearless and sure to deliver truth..

like the timing of the tides or crowing of the cock

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Three went in

Three fearlessly faced the fire

In the furnace…walking with titanium boots, tamed flames by hand and embraced searing heat as four were seen…

like the view from above from a watcher’s spire

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One stared

One approached and touched maned ones

In the den…calm and engaged like a brother..,hands on he stroked the sleepy predators and laid with them

like in a bed with the familiarity of home