Chapter Three
ON THE TOPIC OF KINGDOMS, HOUSES AND PRINCIPALITIES
In this world, there are many types of power schemes. Or, at least as I have come to inform you: schemes of conceptual power. There are kingdoms, like that of the Southern-Gondorians, there are principalities, like that of the Swan-Men of Dol Amroth, and there are many 'Houses'; families whom are given a sense of appreciation and conceptual power for the sole reason that they have the right name.
First, I shall discuss kingdoms - for they are plentiful in our world, and are regarded in the highest of opinions, for reasons concerning good liars and greater-yet schemers. A kingdom is, as one can derive from its namesake, the domain of a king. Although a kingdom may also be in the possession of a Queen directly - for indirectly, a Queen has no power, just as a king has no power, save the simple concept and perception of power - it remains 'Kingdom'. Thus, if a king is wise, he shall make certain that within his domain there is only a single king, with everything and everyone under his rule. There can never be someone whom is of equal status to a king, within his own kingdom, else the king carries no power nor concept of power, and is unwise.
In order to maintain one's power, one must destroy all one's rivals - or treat them well. It is better to destroy them, for while a rival may retract any personal loyalty they hold, a destroyed rival may not. Once the process of removing a rival begins, a wise man will not stop nor hesitate - for while an injured foe may seek vengeance, a dead one may not. There is no sweeter sight than a dead rival, be they dead physically or dead within the realm that we live in; politics.
Principalities are of great similarity to kingdoms, and are managed with the same methods. They are, as the name once again suggests, owned by those with the title of 'Prince', be they of princehood or not. A principality is smaller than a kingdom, with examples found in the Principality of Dol Amroth being smaller than Gondor itself, and is thus often a state, a city, or a small stretch of land.
Houses are of great importance within our world, for men like to believe in that which is conceptual, as discussed, and not physical - all men are fools, and all are drawn to believing in that which is non-existent.
A House is simply a family name - something that is often old, for all names are old. However, it is perceived to be a thing of value and power; a simple man with a name that no one knows, will never be understood, or perceived, in his entirety as a man of 'power' or 'importance'. A less simple man with a name that all know, will be better understood, and perceived to be a man of 'power' or 'importance'. Thus, such things have rooted themselves within our society, and thought.
We perceive the world as it is not: a concept. Everything within it is a concept, and all about it is a concept. In order to rise above names of 'value', one must learn how not to believe in it. Houses are nothing but pawns, pieces in the endless game for power - and family names are worthless.
Only once a man has left behind all lies, may he see the truth -- and only once he has seen the truth, may he ever rise. A name is a word, a concept, which we use to describe, and exaggerate the reality. It is a curtain of gold, hiding behind it a copper coin.
