The Knight in Rusty Armor: A Journey of Self-Discovery
Chapter V: The Castle of Knowledge
Entering the Castle
They reached the Castle of Knowledge and entered. The darkness was so dense that they could see nothing. Squirrel noticed an inscription that read, “Knowledge is the light that will illuminate your path.” Then, they saw another inscription: “Have you ever confused need with love?”
The Gentleman’s Realization
The gentleman admitted that he had not had time for love. Rebecca countered that all he had left was time. This made him realize that he had needed the love of his family but had not loved himself. The pain of this realization was so intense that he began to weep. Suddenly, a bright light enveloped them.
Rebecca’s Discovery
Rebecca Knight found a mirror placed before the gentleman. In it, he saw a kind, generous, and loving man with eyes full of warmth. She told Sam that this was the true gentleman, hidden beneath the armor.
The Path to Transformation
The gentleman understood that to regain these qualities, he had to grieve for their loss. He began to mourn, but Sam reminded him that self-pity would not help. They continued to a courtyard and found an apple tree with an inscription: “This fruit does not impose conditions, but now learn about ambition.”
Understanding Ambition
He realized that a tree has no ambitions; instead, it gives back as it grows. Human ambitions, he observed, are often material. Only the ambitions of the heart can bring true happiness. He vowed to embrace ambitions of the heart and found himself back on the path of truth. He discovered a stream, and when he tried to drink from it, he realized that the armor covering his arms and legs had rusted. He continued his journey to the Castle of Will and Daring.
Chapter VI: The Castle of Will and Daring
Facing the Dragon
Upon reaching the castle, the gentleman encountered a fearsome dragon, embodying his own fear and doubt. He searched for his sword but couldn’t find it. He tried to escape twice, but Sam reminded him, “The truth is better than any sword.” Rebecca added that the dragon was an illusion.
Confronting Fear
He gathered his courage and confronted the dragon. As he did, the dragon shrank until it vanished. The door opened, revealing the mountaintop. Convinced that nothing could stop him now, he decided to climb.
Chapter VII: The Top of the Truth
The Final Challenge
Near the summit, he found a rock inscribed with the words: “Although this universe I have, nothing I own, because I cannot know the unknown if I cling to the familiar.” He realized that he had to throw himself into the abyss. At first, he resisted, but Sam urged him to trust in life, in God, or whatever he chose to call it.
Accepting Responsibility
As he fell, he blamed his mother, father, wife, son, teachers, and others for his misfortunes. Then, for the first time, he accepted responsibility for his own life. As he continued to fall, he felt a connection to the depths and found himself standing on the mountaintop.
Embracing the Universe
He understood the inscription’s meaning. An overwhelming sense of well-being washed over him. His heart overflowed with love for himself, Juliet, his son Merlin, Squirrel, Rebecca, life, and the entire world.
Transformation and Unity
Squirrel and Rebecca watched as the gentleman knelt, tears streaming down his face. The armor seemed to melt away. The knight wept with joy. He no longer saw a reflection in the steel because he had become the stream, the moon, the sun, and everything at once. He was one with the Universe. He was love.
Characters
The Knight
The protagonist, trapped in the armor of his fears and frustrations. Through a challenging journey, he understands his true self, confronts reality, and finds happiness.
Juliet
The Knight’s wife. A faithful and tolerant woman who writes beautiful poetry and speaks with wisdom. Frustrated by her inability to connect with her husband, she confronts him, leading him to make a life-altering decision.
Christopher
The Knight’s son. A golden-haired young man unable to communicate with his father due to the armor. He loses sight of his father’s true nature.
Herrero (Blacksmith)
The Knight’s employee. He attempts to rob the armored Knight but fails, despite being the strongest man in the kingdom.
Bolsalegre (Merrypocket)
The kingdom’s fool, who tells the Knight about Merlin.
Merlin
A magician who guides the Knight on his journey, helping him shed his armor and find his true self and happiness.
Squirrel
A squirrel who initially helps the Knight by crushing food for him. He accompanies the Knight to the end of his journey.
Rebecca
A dove who carries a message to the Knight’s son and accompanies the Knight on his journey.