Page 5

Every day the prince would spend many hours with his teacher. Some days his fingers hurt from hours of shooting the bow. His hands grew blisters. His arms grew sore. Master Dorje was a tough teacher, but he was also kind and patient. They spent many days walking through the forest and learning from the world around them. Sometimes they sat and didn’t move at all.

For twelve years Vajra studied with his teacher. Each year he became a better warrior. His hands grew calloused. His arms became strong. Day by day he came to master each of the four forms. Finally the time had come when Master Dorje had nothing else to teach him.

On a warm night after meditation he pulled the prince aside. “I want you to have this,” he said, placing a woven headband into his hands. “The time has come for you to find your fifth weapon.” He pointed toward the majestic peaks crowding the horizon. “Travel over those mountains. When you know your true strength, you will be ready to be a great king.”

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