The Peddler and the Prince

“Coffee, please…black. Thank you, kind prince,” and thus the rhetoric began, “I am a weary wanderer who travels to and fro throughout the earth offering man the finest goods at the cheapest prices. I also present them with the opportunity to journey with me on a quest for great wealth and knowledge. For I am not only a merchant. I am also a prince like yourself, and I give people the chance of a lifetime to join a kingdom which is like no other.”

(Diabolus, at this point, failed to mention that the name of his kingdom was the Land of Want, and it was an empire filled with great pain, suffering, sorrow, and hopelessness. Many people were poor and starving, the economy was in significant decline, disease ran rampant, and death was all around.)

The peddler’s speech fascinated the prince, and when the peddler pulled out his new, shiny treasure box made from the finest wood Saul was already very tempted. Diabolos informed him that there was only one stipulation to the deal; he must rid himself of the chest he already owned before he could open the peddler’s trunk.

“But my Father,” the prince stammered after hearing the peddler’s proposition, “My Father gave me this one.”
“Ah, decisions, decisions,” the peddler taunted. “This is a once in a lifetime opportunity, and I’m afraid if you don’t take it now you will never have this chance again.” For fear of missing out, Saul quickly grabbed his money pouch.