Nothing To Fear But Fear Itself [FICTOID]

There will be no fear in this duchy,” said Fernae, Duke of Alberger.

“How can you outlaw fear?” Bowlegs, his jester, asked.

“By punishing those who display fear,” said the duke.

“So you would make them afraid of being afraid?” asked Bowlegs.  “You see the paradox in that, don’t you?”

“There is no paradox,” said the duke.  “Show no fear, suffer no consequences.”

“But should they show no fear, they can’t obey your law.  They would be required to be afraid to demonstrate no fear of the law.”

“They dare not defy me!” shouted the duke.  “I will chastise them without fail, without mercy.”

“So if they fear you, they will obey you, true?”

The duke started to answer, then realized Bowlegs painted him into a corner.  “They…they can obey me out of love,” he said at last.

“How can they love someone who threatens to chastise them for being afraid?”

“Stop!” shouted the duke.  “I will entertain no further discussion on this topic!  None!”

“Why?” asked Bowlegs.  “What are you afraid of?”

He was dead before his head hit the floor, his body following a split second later.

“I am not afraid,” the duke whispered with a tremble.  “I am not!”

© Buzz Dixon