By Nils Fechner
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Once upon a time, there were three kings. Their names were Cher I, Cher II, and Cher III. They shared not only the same name but also the same mother and not only that: they shared a kingdom, a castle, and all their wealth. Only their beds were their own.
They lived a prosperous life as kings, even though they shared everything. But discontent grew in their realm. The citizens complained more loudly and more often. The three kings did not know what to do. They shared their wealth with the people, but nothing changed. Most of their citizens were uneducated peasants. The kings grew frustrated, for their riches dwindled with every passing day.
At last, they had an idea: they would seek out the most powerful ruler of all and ask him to share his wisdom. The mighty king welcomed the three brothers into his realm, eager to teach them what he knew.
Cher, Cher, and Cher were received warmly. They walked through his kingdom, and the farther they went, the greater their astonishment grew.
Many citizens sat idly in the streets, basking in the sunlight, talking and playing together. The three kings were puzzled. The people were far poorer than their own, yet they seemed happier. They asked the mighty king how he managed such peace. He replied, “Give your people knowledge, but not too much. Give your people work, but not too much. Give your people money, but not too much.”
The kings exchanged questioning glances. This was nothing like the way they ruled. They had given their citizens everything they possessed. Frowning, they followed their host into his palace. Once more they were given a tour. The palace was vast, adorned in gold, glittering with opulence. They entered the treasury and saw endless wealth jewels, paintings, gold, and precious ornaments beyond measure. The kings stared, dazzled by the bright reflections dancing across the walls. They asked him how he could possess so much.
He answered, “I take what I desire from my people.”
The three kings looked at one another, no longer just curious but doubtful. With every word the mighty king spoke, they questioned their own way of life more deeply. Inside them stirred feelings they had never known before greed and envy.
They moved on to the great hall. In its center stood a large oval table, and on it lay a glowing map that showed every kingdom, including their own. They marveled at the vastness of their host’s domain. Soon, the three brothers began to argue. Their sense of humanity was nearly shattered, and they swore to live for themselves from that day on.
Meanwhile, a single goblet was filled for them. One was enough, for they still shared. The mighty king received his own cup, poured from the same golden carafe. Each of the three took a small sip, and their goblet was empty. They asked the powerful ruler how he could command such a vast land.
He replied, “I take what I desire from other kingdoms.”
At that moment, the three understood everything. They ordered two more goblets for themselves.
The mighty ruler continued, “And now it is your kingdom’s turn.” He raised his cup triumphantly and drank it with a victorious smile. The three kings froze in fear.
Moments later, the once mighty king collapsed.
The three kings returned home together, carrying within them something far more precious than land or gold.
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