Once upon a time, in a land very near, there lived a beautiful Princess. Like most princesses, she lived in a castle built of stone turrets, high walls and a moat full of angry fish. (To learn how the castle came to be, you'll have to read the prequel to this story.)
The Princess longed to leave the walls of her castle, but she was guarded fiercely by a horrific dragon, known only as the "E". The "E" dedicated itself to keeping the royal beauty trapped in the highest turret, alone and seemingly forgotten. Whenever she tried to break free, the "E" confounded her escape by launching a series of attacks that pierced her very soul. Though the "E" had first come to her as a darling, baby dragon with friendly promises of security and wellbeing, it was now a very powerful creature, able to breathe fire and leave the Princess feeling "burned".
The "E" thought the Princess was happy now that she was successfully removed from the threats of emotional pain and suffering outside the castle walls. For this reason, the "E" guarded her, unaware that its fiery breath had stolen the Princess's freedom. Also of interest, at one time the Princess loved the "E" very much for the protection it provided; but as the years had passed, the protection had turned to bondage, and the Princess longed for liberty. Leaning against the cold iron bar in the window opening, she whispered a desperate prayer.
Soon after, the Princess heard the sound of a trumpet in the distance. She looked out the stone window and saw someone approaching. Since this is a fable, you've probably guessed that the visitor was a handsome knight on a white horse. Approaching the castle, he glimpsed the lovely Princess in the tower window. Donning his mask, and blazing a sword, the knight readied himself for the impending battle with the "E".
The white knight proved to be a worthy adversary, and the "E" lay bleeding beside the moat. The castle door was lowered, and the knight proceeded into the courtyard to meet the princess.
The jubilant Princess ran to stand beside his steed as the knight dismounted. Smiling, she introduced herself. "I am Authentic Self, heir to the Kingdom." The knight dutifly removed his helmet and lowered himself to one knee as he said, "And I am TRUTH. I have come to free you from the "E"."
The Princess Authentic Self was amazed at how swiftly her captor had fallen to Truth, and asked to know the secret. "There is no secret, Princess," began the knight. "The 'E' is always defeated by Truth. I was dispatched by the King when finally you whispered a prayer for help. While claiming to keep you safe from pain and suffering, the 'E' also kept you from the full joy and peace of the Kingdom. As the dragon grew, it developed patterns of behavior that didn't protect you, but pierced you. What you didn't realize is that the 'E' is your Ego. "
"But, why didn't you come sooner?" Authentic Self cried.
"I can only come when you are willing to face me," replied the Truth. "And when the awareness of your separation from Life became unbearable, you called out for help, and I was dispatched. I am always only a whisper away."
And the Princess lived authentically every after.
