CHAPTER 3: THE DISAPPEARANCE OF DR. PHEARE

 

              In lands far and wide the tale of Dr. Pheare was passed down through generations. Still he remained in a quaint home in the countryside full of all his essential needs so that he may fulfill his duties. Timeless is seemed. Ageless in his features. A striking man. Tall, with thick dark hair and a beard to match. His purpose. He would travel in his youth but now everyone traveled from across the lands and seas just to seek the guidance of Dr. Pheare. His knowledge was boundless and his specialty was FEAR. Fear of the unknown, government, death, God, ect. He would see no rest until his duty was fulfilled. It felt the need for him would never fade. Regardless, he loved what he did because it was for a higher purpose he was told. As visitors came and went, he would prescribe the necessary tinctures, herbs, and other remedies to rid his patients of there symptoms.

              Fear was a big part of everyday life. Kings ruled from fear. Scholars taught fear but most of all Religion reigned by fear. So much so that fear became a physical ailment with no cure in sight except for that of Dr. Pheare. The spirits knew of mankind’s new mechanism and placed Dr. Pheare here with the wisdom to combat the evils of the world. With every solution the Dr. came upon, it seemed as though society would find new avenues and ways to invoke fear. This was a sure way to win obedience.

 

              Through centuries many Rulers tried to destroy Dr. Pheare. He once had a family. A wife and son who were taken on one cold dark night by an angry King. He would never truly recover but the power of the Divine was on his side so his faith remained strong. Unshaken. So endlessly he worked to provide cures day after day until finally the great Dr. succumb to a fear of his own.

A new curious circumstance had appeared. Lately when he would provide help it seemed as though he would lose a bit of himself.  It started with an old man. He came from the desert. In the Persian barren moonscapes, the old man was threatened by thieves. They would appear every night threatening to take his wife and children if he didn’t provide them with his treasure. He was confused. “I know not of the treasure you seek.” He spoke. Not knowing his treasure was his faith in something greater that helped him survive the ruthless desert.

Dr. Pheare noticed after providing the old man with council he started to age. It started with a few grey hairs. He had lived for centuries, never to age so he pushed it to the back of his man. Then next there was a young man. He feared he would never find love so the great Dr. helped him with a bag of herbs to give to the next women he felt inexplicably drawn to on his next travels. Shortly after that he lost his ability to smell.

With each passing client he seemed to be losing a piece of himself. “This is my life Oh God! But I fear I am fading away! How will I be of service. I am bound to this. Why?!” he exclaimed. Doubt overwhelmed him. He was aging rapidly now. “What if my work is in vain?” he thought. Yes, he had helped many people but was he bound to this life, stuck on repeat endlessly. Doubt overwhelmed him. Every night he would get down on his knees, “Please God! Is what I do not enough. It seems as if they continually find new ways to invoke fear on your people. Will there be no end!”. “Continue your work!” he was answered. “Do not ever question your purpose!” and so he continued.

Blind and barely able to walk he could still provide the necessary help. So his work continued. Months passed by and it seemed as if his following continued to grow rapidly. Seemingly growing overnight so much so he no longer could take patients individually but in groups. Making tinctures by the batch, “It seems the need for me is great. My purpose is true! But it seems that I will not survive longer in my current state” he exclaimed. At this point he had lost the ability to speak. He was a mere shell of himself. He could not move without assistance. Months ago he had elicited the help of a young begging boy on the streets. Instead of giving him coin, he gave him a job. Dr. Pheare took him in and taught him everything he knew. The young boy was like a sponge. Eager to learn. The boy had no family due to famine. He was a great help to the Dr. Heaven sent and he learned almost rapidly.

“Your duty is fulfilled. It is your time to rest.” A voice said. Shocked, Dr. Pheare proclaimed “But there is still a need! Are you sure I have fulfilled my destiny? For centuries this is all I’ve known.” “Your legacy is great! You have given the people the tools they need to succeed. You have found a successor. Now you may rest.” Said the voice.

 Dr. Pheare fell into a slumber for 40 days and 40 nights and when he awakened he found he was stripped of his knowledge. No books nor tinctures remained. A voice spoke, “ You are now free. Live your days with your new purpose Mr. Pheare. Your work lives on. Reap the benefits of the seeds you’ve sown.” With that Mr. Pheare stepped outside to a perfectly beautiful day. The sun shone with great brilliance in the sky. As the wind blew a cool crisp breeze and the trees swayed. The grass dance to the sounds of the wind. What a beautiful site. Wild animals played with children. Thew smell of lavender and freshly baked bread penetrated his senses. Everyone at peace. No fear in site.

Mr. Pheare could hear a familiar laugh in the distance. A brilliant smile seen through even the brightest of suns. His wife and child! At last he exhaled. My work was not in vain. Finally! There is Peace.