"I'll stay with you through today, to let you get accustomed to the job," said Maturity.
They were back again at the bridge where Seth had first crossed into the Kingdom. The current, outgoing bridge keeper had just shown him the small cottage where Seth would stay during his tenure as new bridge keeper.
"I feel a little like Settled," said Seth, for indeed they were only a short distance from her house, and closer to the chasm than she was.
Maturity laughed. "I see your point, but remember that you are only here for a little while, and you are here on business! She is here because she never got any farther into the Kingdom."
"I know, but I was just thinking how it might look to her."
"Don't you worry about her. We know why you're here."
"I suppose I do," said Seth, "But precisely what are my duties?"
"One job is to encourage those who come to the bridge. You know that the bridge is safe, but it looks frightening. You know that it is different over here, but it looks much the same. As bridge keeper, you must point out the differences."
"Can I do that? Do I know enough?"
"Oh, yes. Anyway, you aren't entirely alone here. In your cottage, you have a direct line to the King's Personal Assistant. If you have any questions or problems, don't hesitate to call him. He's there, any time of the night or day."
"That's great!" said Seth. Then, with a twinkle in his eye, he went on. "So, I am to act like our 'friend' on the other side of the chasm, the way he acts when he entices people to come back out of the Kingdom."
Maturity laughed. "Yes, I suppose, but your methods and intentions will be quite different. You'll find that you don't have to argue or exaggerate or insult to get people to come in."
"Okay, what are my other jobs?"
"One is to keep certain people out of the Kingdom."
"Out!" exclaimed Seth. "I can't believe that. Why would we want to keep anyone out?"
"Philosophically, the King doesn't want to keep anyone out. But as it turns out, there are some who are not ready. They can't see that the Kingdom demands a whole new way of living - not a hard one, but - as you are seeing - a very different one. If they started over now, they would only leave again. Or, they might find they were too shaky to cross the bridge, and might fall into the chasm. You must be sure that they really understand what it is like in the Kingdom. You should make sure that everyone starts with a proper impression."
"What things should I point out?"
"For instance, you should anticipate the arguments of your 'friend' across the chasm. Many come into the Kingdom confused, thinking that citizenship is based on something that it is not. Remember that the people outside the Kingdom have learning stops, and read The King's Handbook just like we do. You must be sure to explain that those are not in themselves the differences between the old life and the new. If you distort their importance, or give a wrong impression about how they relate to Kingdom living, you may be contributing to confusion and dissatisfaction, later."
"Anything else?" asked Seth.
"Yes, as a matter of fact, there is. Just as you can confuse people about how Kingdom life operates, you can give them a wrong impression about how it actually is. Do you understand what I mean? Some bridge keepers are such zealous sales people that they give potential citizens the impression that absolutely everything here is rosy, and absolutely nothing is wrong inside the Kingdom. I think you have seen already that this isn't true."
"Of course. There are problems because our 'body' isn't complete."
"Good for you! So, you can see what a disservice you might do to someone - how discouraged they might get - if you oversold or misrepresented your 'product'."
"Yes, I can. Someone very confused or disappointed would be easy prey for my 'friend' across the chasm."
"Exactly. Now, there is one other job that the bridge keeper takes care of. Can you think of it?"
Seth pondered a moment, but couldn't think of anything.
"It's that part you missed out on, at first," said Maturity. "It's the passing out of travel kits."
"But my bridge keeper didn't offer me one."
"I know, and in your case I don't know why. Sometimes bridge keepers get busy, and forget. Sometimes, they aren't properly instructed. Sometimes, an experienced bridge keeper can sense that giving a kit without adequate instruction would only confuse a new citizen. For all those reasons (and probably some others, as well), the King has set up a number of places where people can obtain their travel kits after they enter the Kingdom."
"How do I handle talking about the travel kit?"
"Just let each arrival know that it is available. If they want special instruction, give as little or as much as they request. Of course, don't force a kit on anyone."
Seth sighed. "There are so many things to remember and consider, I'm sure I'm going to forget something, or do something wrong."
"Don't you worry about that," said Maturity. "Things will sort out in your mind as you get a little more practical experience. Remember, I'll be with you the rest of today, and of course the King's Personal Assistant is as near as your phone."
Seth still had many questions, but Maturity pointed off across the chasm. There, with one foot on the bridge, was a young woman.
"Oh, no!" gasped Seth.
"Shhh! It will be all right. Say, hello."
Seth gulped twice, took a deep breath, and launched out. "Hello," he called (much too loudly, considering how narrow is the chasm). The woman stepped back, startled, then smiled warmly but a little hesitantly.
"I'm sorry to frighten you," said Seth. "I'm new, here. Do you want to cross the chasm?"
The woman smiled again, still uncertainly, but she put her foot back on the bridge. "I think so. I've been wandering for some time, but this last path I followed seemed right to me. But honestly, I don't know much about your side."
"Well..." Seth hesitated, at a loss for words. He looked at Maturity, who only smiled back at him. Seth smiled his own sincere but uncomfortable little smile. "Well, it's nice over here."
"I'm sure it is," she responded. They looked at one another, but no more words came. The woman moved her foot back off the bridge.
"It's pretty and green over here," Seth ventured, afraid she would leave.
She smiled, again. "I can see that," she said. "But it's pretty and green over here, right now. Are there any real differences?"
Seth tried to say all the things he knew about the King, and the Kingdom, and the body of citizens, but nothing came out of his mouth. He felt panic taking over, but then he felt Maturity's hand on his shoulder.
"I'll take this one, " Maturity whispered, and then said aloud, "Yes, indeed, Miss, there are some very real, very important differences. This chasm doesn't look very impressive but, believe me, it is! Coming across is really a matter of life or death."
"Life or death! In what way could it be so significant?"
"Let me give you a little history lesson - not enough to bore or confuse you, but enough so you can understand a little better. Once, our King reigned over the whole world, and a very worthwhile world it was. Unfortunately, his right hand man became jealous of the King's authority - for no good reason, for the King had always been extremely just and generous. This prince led a rebellion against the King, and by craftiness and trickery won over some of the King's subjects."
"How could he?" interrupted the woman.
"He could because he was handsome, dynamic, and an extremely persuasive talker. He promised the people fabulous gifts and honors if they would follow him. The people, even though they had been content under the King, were led away by the prince's manner and promises."
"What did the King do?" It was Seth who asked the question.
"He warned the people that they were making a mistake, and predicted that they would be dissatisfied. But he felt very strongly that he wanted only willing subjects in his Kingdom, so he did not physically attempt to win them back. Instead, he took a section of the world and set it apart from the rest by creating this chasm where you now stand. He invited all his former subjects to come back, decreeing that their rebellion would be completely forgotten and not counted against them in any way. The only requirement he placed on them was that they had to come to the chasm and ask his permission to become citizens of the new Kingdom. That original decree is still in effect."
"Obviously," mused the woman, "People came back, or there wouldn't be a kingdom, now. But, why? Did they find the prince's world different than what he promised?"
"I think you know the answer to that, already," said Maturity. "Otherwise, you wouldn't be where you are right now. People were dissatisfied from the start, and as the years passed the prince became a real tyrant. He still rules your world today, and you can see his hand in the violence, inequality, loneliness, and confusion around you."
The woman was silent, and she lowered her head so as not to look across the bridge.
"You can see that, can't you?" asked Maturity.
She looked up, and there were tears in her eyes. "Yes, I can see it, and I want so badly to be in a happier place - a more meaningful place!"
Maturity held out his hand. "Then, come across," he said. Without further thought, the young woman ran across the narrow bridge and flung herself into Maturity's arms, so that the breath was almost knocked out of him.
"I'm sorry," she apologized, as she regained her composure.
"Think nothing of it," said Maturity, straightening his coat. "It's a natural reaction."
She smiled at Seth, and took hold of his hand. "Thank you," she said. "I still have questions, but I know I did the right thing."
Maturity patted her on the shoulder. "We have time to answer some of those questions, now. Come with us to the cottage."
Just then, they heard a call from the bridge, and looked back to see an old man standing there. "More customers!" exclaimed Maturity. "You handle him, Seth. Young lady, you come with me."
With that, he took the woman by the arm and they both walked toward the cottage. Seth looked after them, then back to the bridge. He was on his own.
"Hallo!" cried the man, who was old and also dignified-looking. "Is it safe to cross this bridge?"
Seth walked to the edge of the bridge and looked across to the man, who had both feet on the bridge and was looking down into the chasm.
"Do you know where you are?" asked Seth.
"I'm just traveling around," rejoined the man. "That looks like fine land over there. It might make good investment property."
"It is good land," said Seth, and was pleased that his tongue had loosened enough for him to speak. "But in order to invest here, you have to give up all your capital and property over there."
"Give it up! I could hardly do that; I have millions. No land is worth that."
"This land is. The King guarantees that whatever you exchange for a place in the Kingdom, you will improve your situation."
"I can't believe that," said the man.
"Nevertheless, it's true. Won't you take the King's word?"
"Not on your life, boy! I'm a speculator, but I'm not a gambler or a fool. I'll stick with a sure thing."
And with that, the man turned and walked back into the woods. Seth was stunned. What had he done wrong? What could he have done differently? He looked toward the cottage, and saw Maturity and the young woman talking animatedly. Maturity looked up and smiled at him, but continued talking. No help there, thought Seth.
Then, for the third time, he saw someone approaching the bridge. Confused by his previous failure, but now determined not to miss an opportunity, he spoke immediately. "Are you looking for the way to the Kingdom?"
The newcomer, a young man, had been intent on reading some poster on a stake near the bridge, and he now looked up, expectantly. "I'm looking for somewhere," he said. "But this sign says your bridge is not the way."
Seth had seen that sign on his way across, but he couldn't remember now what it said. "It is the way, if you are looking for an escape from that problem world in which you are living." And then he went on to tell him the story that Maturity told about the King and the rebellion of the prince. He had reached the point of telling about the King's original policy still being in effect, when the man interrupted him.
"Very interesting, but it sounds rather like a fairy tale."
"Yes," acknowledged Seth, and again was pleased that he had a response, "It does sound somewhat like one. But then, I suspect that all fairy tales - and all other writings, for that matter - have some basis in truth. We invent from experience."
"Well said!" replied the man, excitedly. "I too am somewhat of a philosopher, and I liked your rejoinder."
"Thank you. But I don't want merely to talk about history. I want to show you how important it is that you come into the Kingdom. It is in fact a matter of life or death."
"Come now!" snorted the man. "I am a philosopher, and I enjoy a good fairy tale. But I am also a scientist, and I fear our conversation is drifting into metaphysics."
Seth was about to protest, but Maturity had come up behind him, and now spoke. "Yes, it is metaphysical, in the sense that it goes beyond so-called scientific thought. But, believe it or not, entry into the Kingdom not only takes you out of the problems of today, but also guarantees that you will live at peace forever."
"Oh, come now! You have gone too far."
"No," replied Maturity, "I have not gone far enough. Because we are not merely talking about an eternal good life on this side of the chasm. We are also talking about an eternal bad life on that side. That's the part that many travelers never understand, and that many citizens fail to stress in their discussions with travelers. You think you will endure life, then die, and it will be all over. That is not true, because the prince of your world really is magic, and anyone staying on that side of the chasm will be in his power forever. Forever. Do you understand that? And though you think his wickedness is intolerable now, it is nothing compared to what it will be when the King closes this land to further entry, and all escape is cut off."
"I can't believe that," repeated the man.
"I'm sorry," replied Maturity. "Please try."
"I am a scientist. I cannot." With that, he turned and walked off.
"Two failures in one day!" exclaimed Seth. "What are we doing wrong?"
"We are doing as well as we can, under the circumstances. It is only that we have come face to face with two of the World Prince's favorite and most powerful deceptions - greed and intellect, both mixed liberally with fear, confusion, and other wrong ideas and attitudes. The man with possessions may speculate them all away on an attractive gamble, but he can't consider sacrificing anything for an intangible. Similarly, the one who prides himself on being 'wise in the ways of the world', as the saying goes, can't release his hold on the so-called facts that the prince so liberally teaches."
"What does the sign across the chasm say?" asked Seth. "I can't remember."
"It says, don't be deceived by what the bridge keeper tells you. He is either planning to swindle you out of all your money, or wants to ridicule you into believing fairy tales."
"That's strange. I remember the sign, but I didn't remember that it said anything like that."
"No, only those who are not really intent on reaching the Kingdom read the sign. The pull of the new life is much too strong in those who are ready to come in."
Seth heard footsteps again, but to his surprise found that the new arrival was already on their side of the chasm.
"Hello," cried Seth. "Have you come back to help us?"
"Help you? You must be kidding! I'm on my way out."
"Out? You mean, out of the Kingdom?"
"I do, indeed, and the quicker the better."
"But why? How can you consider leaving?"
"I am not considering leaving. I am leaving! As for my reason, this Kingdom is not as it was represented to me."
"In what way?" asked Maturity.
"It's too hard. I was told that life is easy here, that there were no problems, and that I would never have to make another hard decision. Why, I have to make decisions all the time. And I have many problems!"
"Who told you that there were no problems in the Kingdom?" asked Maturity.
"Someone who stood right on the spot where you are standing now, someone who enticed me across the bridge with promises that haven't come true."
Maturity looked at Seth, who nodded as he recalled their earlier conversation. Maturity continued. "Has life been harder for you here than it was outside the Kingdom?"
"No."
"But you still want to leave?"
"Yes."
"Why?"
"Because I was lied to!"
"But if life really is better... "
"But I was lied to!" interrupted the man.
Maturity tried to put his hand on the man's shoulder, but the man moved away. "I'm sorry," said Maturity. "I know how hard it can be when things turn out differently than we were led to believe. But can't we help to straighten things out?"
"No," said the man, but he appeared to have softened, somewhat. "I know you just want to help, but I have been deceived, and I can't forget that. Goodbye."
"Wait!" shouted Seth, but the man had already started back across the bridge. Maturity caught Seth's arm.
"It's no use. We've already lost him."
"But won't he come back when he remembers what the world out there is really like?"
"No, I don't think so. He is a foolish man, and he'll soon forget what it was like over here."
"That bridge keeper should have been wiser."
"Yes, he should have been wiser. This is obviously a case of over-selling. But I suspect that the man would have had troubles even if the bridge keeper had been less zealous. He is probably one who should have been discouraged from coming into the Kingdom, at all - at that particular time, I mean. He was too easily turned aside."
"Are there many like that?"
"More than I like to think about. You will probably meet more during your tenure here at the bridge. Do what you can for them. Some just need a little help and reassurance, but some cannot be reached, at all. Like our last case."
"It's been a disappointing day," mused Seth, more to himself than to Maturity.
"No, don't think of it that way. We have one new citizen on her way, and I think she will make it with very little trouble. Tomorrow is another day."
"Yes, I suppose so. Still, it must be very discouraging to the King."
"It is, but only partially. He is sad and disappointed when people won't come in, or when they go out, again. But he knows what problems must be overcome for someone to enter the Kingdom, so his happiness for the new citizen is one hundred times greater than his sadness for the one who doesn't come in."
Seth was silent.
"Don't worry," said Maturity. "You're where you should be, and you're doing a good job. Just remember your lessons and, above all, remember your contact with the King's Personal Assistant. I'll leave you now, but we'll be seeing each other, again. Keep up the good work."
With that, he shook Seth's hand, patted him on the back, and in an instant was gone.
Seth stood alone by the bridge, looking out into the gathering dusk.
***
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