My Liege, spoke the noble Baron, two moons have passed since the harvest was gathered, and since that season, I have laboured to pen a movie script. A script worthy of my noble birth and of a work to praise the splendor and glory of the kingdom.

Yet, my labours are not crowned with success. This work robs me of all my joy in living. It hangs over me like a shadow. I fear it shall shatter my wit and lay waste to the harmony of my soul.

My days have grown dark, my nights bitter.

No longer doth my quill obey my command. No longer will word follow word, like unto the gleaming pearls of a necklace, to weave tales of adventure and manifold stories of joy and sorrow.

I have begged the mighty sorcerers for their hidden draught of creativity.

I have pleaded with the enlightened priests for divine succor.

I have even sought the counsel of the mysterious alchemist who dwells within the Tower of Winds—that seeker of forbidden lore, who communes with the demons of the night, that they may reveal to him the secret of transmutation, so that he might achieve his aim of turning base metals into gold.

All my striving and my entreaties were in vain. What then, shall I do? Canst thou, the most noble and wisest of all kings, not light my way with thy wisdom?

The Reply of the Wise King

The King spoke: “Three eternal laws of the script writing I shall name unto thee. Three building blocks to raise the mighty edifice of thy tale. Three paths upon which the heroes of thy story shall tread. A threefold wisdom, three sayings filled with power, wrapped in simple, plain words.

This is the first saying of wisdom:
Interesting folk do something interesting in an interesting manner.

The second saying of wisdom is as follows:
A person hath a goal, but obstacles upon their path make it difficult for them to reach that goal.

The third saying of wisdom shall herewith be revealed:
A person hath a plan, but then something occurs that alters their plans entirely.

This, and only this, be thy three threads from which thou shalt weave thy plots and thy adventures a thousand-fold. Verily, these three treasures hold an endless variety of tales. Innumerable heroes, unknown lands, and wondrous adventures beyond number.”

“Noble King,” the Baron then asked, “why precisely these three sayings?”

“Because I am the King,” the King replied simply.

The Royal Court Rejoices

Deeply moved by the wisdom of the King’s words, the courtiers, the princes, and the many envoys from far-off lands applauded. The court ladies rose, spread their colorful fans, and began the ceremonial courtly line dance. The court musicians began to play their music.

Even the assembled folk before the castle began to dance and rejoice. The entire kingdom was united in praise and gratitude. Happiness flowed even into the humblest huts of the peasants and serfs.