kolbrinapocrypha
The Book of Books
Part 15
Salvaged from the Great Book of the Sons of Fire, this fragment preserves a catechetical exchange from an initiation ceremony — a structured interrogation of the soul concerning its own agency, accountability, and growth. The candidate answers each question with the first person: it is he who rewards, punishes, guides, burdens, and shields — or fails to. No external deliverer is promised for temptation, sorrow, or pain. The frame is stark: suffering and tribulation yield benefit to the initiate only if he is wise enough to receive their instruction. The ceremony locates sovereignty squarely in the will and wisdom of the man standing before the order.
1
Salvaged from the Great Book of The Sons of Fire this is all that remains of some sixteen damaged pages relating to an initiation ceremony.
2
Who will reward or punish me? I will.
3
Who besets my path with sorrow? I do.
4
Who can grant me a life of everlasting glory? I can.
5
Who must save me from the horror of malformation? I must.
6
Who will guide my footsteps through life? I will.
7
Who brings joy into my life and gladdens my heart? I do.
8
Who brings peace and contentment to my spirit? I do.
9
Who lightens the burdens of my labour? None but myself.
10
Whose courage will protect me from the workers of evil? My courage.
11
Whose wisdom will guide me and enlighten my heart? My wisdom.
12
Whose will rules my destiny? My will.
13
Whose duty is it to attend to my wants? My duty.
14
Who is responsible for my future state of being? I alone am responsible.
15
Who shields me from temptation? No one.
16
Who shields me from sorrow and suffering? No one.
17
Who shields me from pain and affliction? No one.
18
Who benefits from my toil and tribulation, my sorrow and suffering? Myself, if wise.
19
Who benefits from my temptations and afflictions, my sacrifices and austerities? Myself, if wise.
