Fortune’s Island

For those who love amusement park thrill rides, there is nothing that can beat a turn on Fortune’s Wheel. Dizzying highs, stomach-dropping lows, turns, twists and sudden stops all await the adventurous thrill-seeker.

No, not this one.

The line for the ride forms on the beach of this conical island, and winds up the gentle slope. First, you pass through the beautiful forest, surrounded by bird-song and the scent of wild flowers. The path then leads into Fortune’s Castle where the sounds of burbling fountains fill the air.

The wheel sits at the very center of the castle’s Great Hall, tended by Lady Fortune herself. She wears a blindfold and spins the wheel at her own whim. If you are lucky enough to catch the wheel on an upward swing fame, wealth, power and success will be yours beyond your wildest imaginings.

Wheeeeeeeee! Allegory is fun!

The wheel can spin downward at any time, throwing the rider of the wheel into poverty, loneliness, poor health and despair. Hang on, though, because it may turn you upward again—who knows? It all depends on the will of Lady Fortune.

Anybody who has taken a ride on Fortune’s Wheel and wants to recount the experience, is encouraged to do so in the comments.