Three rings bestowed upon the lion-hearted man, three rings to mirror all he strives for. A ring of black to bend him low, to drive him into shadow’s reach, and bind him for a long, long time. A ring of silver to keep him still, to guide him toward the steady center, and bind him for a long, long time. A ring of gold to make him rise, to lift him toward the radiant sun, and bind him—but only for a while. Three rings bestowed upon the lion-hearted man, three rings to mirror all he strives for. A ring of black to bend him low, to cast him into darkness, with thoughts that poison, binding him for a long, long time. A ring of silver to keep him whole, to hold the middle, to walk as one grown, and bind him for a long, long time. A ring of gold to make him rise, to drive him toward the sun, infinite strength, the lion dressed in white. Three rings of infinite power— to show his weakness, to guard his balance, to let him feel his energy.
