A Tale of Master Norf

Once, there was a time when masters helped those in great need. One of the most famous was Master Norf. Each day, he would arise before dawn, drink two cups of strong tea, and then step out of his dwelling to meet those traveling far and wide to seek his wisdom. “Welcome, my child. What troubles brings you to my door,” asked the master. Each would tell of some great hardship, and Norf instructed them through a story or task to overcome their adversity. One day, a small Grumpton named Cargan came to beg for a way to bring back his child, who had passed over the day before.

“Please, Master Norf, I can not live without my child. The pain of his death is too great,” said Grumpton. The master thought for a moment, then began speaking.

“There is a cure for this problem, a potion that can give you what you wish, but it requires mustard seed from a home that has not know death. I shall be able to help you if you can procure it,” spoke the master.

“I shall do as you asked,” said Cargan, leaving to seek the mustard seed. The first home he came to did have the seed, but unfortunately, a family elder had recently passed and so did not meet the requirements set by Master Norf. The Grumpton traveled on and asked for the mustard seed when he came to the next home. They had the seed, but several days before, they had lost their horse after years of faithful service. Onward, Cargan traveled only to find that home after home had the seed but also had experienced death.

“Have you procured the seed?” asked the master.

“No, I am afraid death has visited everyone in some fashion, be it family, friend, or servant,” replied Grumpton. Master Norf told Cargan that while we embrace life and the living, death is always near to guide those who pass to the sunless lands.

“I understand now that the pain is not mine alone, and that allows me to bear it as have so many before,” said Cargan.

“Go home now and attend to your child, and remember in your heart that death is a friend who aids us in passing,” said Master Norf.

“Thank you, master,” said Cargan, bowing deeply.

And so it was in olden times when the masters helped those in great need find the answers they already had.