READ,WRITE & LIVE YOUR TRUTH

Month: September 2025

  • Fantasy Heroes and Their Magical Powers: PART IV

    E.G. Kardos

    handsome black male , man sorceress casting a fireball spell, fantasy

    Maybe you’re like me, but I’ve always wanted magical powers. I’m just glad that there are great stories out their for folks like us to read or view.

    This is Part IV of my seires about fantasy heroes and their magical powers.

    I listed my eight favorite ways writers introduce the magical powers of their fantasy heroes. Most of these eight if not all, to my way of thinking, are ways we uncover our own superpowers as we navagate our lives. When you think about it we do some pretty extraordinary things when we are pressed and many time, not unlike our favorite fantasy hero.

    The hero and their magical powers

    In Parts I-III I go into more depth about uncovering magical powers, but here’s the list. Please take a look at Ways Our Fantasy Heroes Find Their Magical Powers: Part I. But here’s the quick Look:

    Some are born with it. 

    Characters might find their powers from someplace within them.

    Heroes that we love are sometimes the children of a divine or cosmic power or god. 

    How about the characters who have access to information, and they learn magic? 

    Then come the characters who find someone else with magic, and they cut a deal to access this power for themselves. 

    Magic can be found in our natural world if we only know where to look. 

    What about the wands, swords, and other artifacts that somehow possess the powers that our hero wants or needs? 

    The hero uncovers powers from within, but it has nothing to do with birthright, but all to do about their own will. 

    Yes, fantasy heroes may have magical powers but…

    …how they uncover them and, then, how they use them tells us a EVERYTHING about who they are. This is the moment we either relate to them or we don’t. Their story is usually a very human story much like our own.

    And what do fantasy readers/viewers like the most?

    In Part III I shared some thoughts on the most popular ways readers and viewers like their fantasy heroes to uncover their powers. This is more opinion than scientific as I could not find sources, but it’s interesting.

    • through some cool magical artifacts,
    • inherited abilities from their magical ancestors,
    • or from divine or supernatural forces that grant them magical or superpowers.

    My personal favorite is when the hero has to earn or learn about their powers. What’s your favorite way? Let me know in the commnets below.

    When and How the Hero find their Magic Powers

    Like anything worthwhile, sometimes our hero goes through a process before they can truly use their powers. In the trilogy, The Elias Chronicles, I devoted four chapters on how Elias uncovereed his powers. I shared the first three of those chapters in each post and the fourth appears at the end of this article. ENJOY!

    But first…

    Elias learns from a mentor, is tasked with many steps and finally uncovers and learns about his magical powers. Most importantly, he learns the gravity of his pwers and when to use them AND not.

    Below is chapter 7 from The Rings: Journey Beneath Sirok. This is Book III in The Elias Chronicles. The hero, Elias, uncovers his powers in chapters 5, 6, 7 and 8 with the help of his mentor, Tas (perhaps pictured above).

    The chapters are:

    8

    Dancing Souls

    The sun was still low and new in the sky when Elias woke up. He could see Tas as he stood high upon a rock in the middle of the lake. Elias swam to where Tas was standing.

    “Tas, tell me who you are—and don’t tell me ‘in due time.’ Oh, sorry….”

    Tas let out a loud and long laugh that filled the air around them. “You are quite persistent—that is good. If you must know…my father was black, and my mother was white. My grandmother was Japanese, and her mother was Dutch. My grandfather was from Brazil, and my grandmother was Jewish. My father was Catholic, and my mother was Buddhist. My great-grandmother was Lutheran, and her father was Muslim. My other grandfather was Hindu. I have lived on every continent. Ah, I think that covers everything…oh, I tried to be a vegetarian, but it didn’t last. Does that do it for you?”

    Surprised by the answer, Elias said, “Ah, yep, that does it.”

    “Good. Elias, let’s talk more about you. You have asked me about this place many times. I told you that it doesn’t exist.”

    “Yes, that’s right. Funny thing is, I believe you.”

    “You asked me how I communicate with the Turul, and I said?”

    “In due time,” Elias said.

    “That is correct,” Tas laughed. “You asked how I flung that stone with great speed, and I said?”

    “In due time, Elias.”       

    “Yes, and you asked me how I got the fish to jump into my hands, and I said?”

    “In due time.”

    “And the Donum…”

    “IN DUE TIME,” Elias said.

    “Well, Elias, your time has come.”

    “I hope you don’t mind me saying, but it’s about time,” Elias said with laughter.

    Tas laughed, too, as he began to climb higher on the rocks until he reached a landing. He motioned for Elias to join him. Elias climbed up, and they sat cross-legged and faced each other.

    “I wish to share with you a power of the Endless Within called Cigam.”

    “Cigam? I have never heard of that before,” Elias said.

    “Of course not, Elias, as it comes from here, and as we both know, this place does not exist. I am not sure how strong this power is outside of this place, but it may help you on the next leg of your journey.”

    “So it might not work outside of here—this place that doesn’t exist?” Elias asked.

    “Yes, that is what I said, but I think you are in luck as the place you are going is not of your world. It is not of this time. It may be the past, or it might be the future, but it isn’t the present,” Tas said.

    “What? Okay, okay. I should expect all this by now. What do I have to do?”

    “First, you must listen to me. Are you with me?” Tas asked.

    “Yes, go ahead.”

     “I told you of the Earth and how she manages to keep things in balance.”

    “Yeah…I understand,” Elias said.

    “That is, until she is faced with The Two Powers – good and evil, which are manifested in man and only man.”

    “Right.”            

    “This good and evil comes out in man because of his playing around with The Truths. Because he wants more than his fair share. We look to those with the Donum—the gift—to help.”

    “Supposedly, I have this, this—Donum?”

    “Yes, you are correct. You have the Donum. You must use it,” Tas said.

    “Alright…so what does this have to do with Cigam?”

    “EVERYTHING. Last night you saw the brilliant and colorful lights radiating from all the stone pillars just like the one we are sitting atop.”

    “They were amazing. Like nothing I’ve seen before…like my palette full of colors but a million times brighter.”

    “Elias, these lights are a rainbow of light, an aurora known as the Dancing Souls. They are here with us as we speak. We may not always see them, but they are ALWAYS present. We see them, especially in the darkest hours. They are always here.”

    “We’re sitting on Dancing Souls?” Elias asked.

    With a roar of laughter, Tas answered, “As a matter of fact, we are Elias…as a matter of fact, we are.” 

    Elias straightened up and leaned forward. His eyes widened as he asked, “How do I use this power—this Cigam?”

    “You must believe…you must focus…you must have faith…you must have hope…and you must have love. Without these, you have nothing. You have no power to do anything. This is why a person with compassion will provide the balance. Remember, Cigam only works for good. The Dancing Souls are forever looking—always searching for balance.”

    “So, how do I use it? I don’t get it.”         

    “It is simple, Elias. When you need Cigam, think about all we talked about. Focus it in your mind. Acknowledge it in your heart, feel it—and then act on it. Stand up.”

    They stood together, and Tas handed Elias a stone. “See our camp over there?”

    Elias squinted his eyes, “Barely, but yes, I see it.”

    “Send that stone that direction and have it land on our campfire.”

    “What?”

    “You heard me,” Tas said with a raised, stern voice. 

    Elias looked at Tas and then at the target. He raised his hand with an open palm. Tas gently placed the stone in his hand. Elias cocked his arm and threw the stone, but it went no further than thirty yards and landed in the lake below with a plop.

    Tas said nothing but scratched his head and then looked at Elias.

    “Okay. There is a little more that goes into this, and let me think what that could be.” Tas raised a few fingers to his chin and thought for a moment. He scratched his forehead and shifted his body weight to his left hip. He filled his cheeks with air as if he was about to play a trumpet.

    “Ah, yes. Of course—you must do this as a positive force and not a negative force.”

    Puzzled, Elias said, “Tas, I’m throwing a stone. I’m not thinking of whether it is positive or negative.”

    “That’s it…but you must—you must! You are not throwing anything, my boy. You are sending, you are transporting, you are moving something…and you are doing so to create the change that is needed. You must visualize what it is you wish to accomplish and then do it. It may appear you are ‘throwing’ a stone, but, indeed, you are not. You are the stone,” Tas said with a fluster.

    “I still don’t follow. There’s got to be more than that.” 

    Tas rubbed the palms of his hands together as he thought. He brought them to his chin. He looked to the side and then up to the sky. “Trust, believe, love, and then focus all your good into what you are doing—no anger, no frustration, no anxiety—just the good. Bring the light of the Dancing Souls into yours. Look for the Dancing Souls in all you do. If you remember this, you will always see the light. You will see what it is you need to see. Choose another stone.” 

    Elias picked up a stone and examined it. He looked at Tas. Tas smiled, nodded his head, and whispered, “Trust, believe, and love.” Elias focused on the site, cocked his arm, and followed through. The stone zipped off his fingers before he knew what was happening. It soared with an energy that Elias had never before felt. The stone whizzed five feet beyond his target and buried itself deep into the sand. Elias and Tas turned to each other. Tas grabbed Elias, picked him up, and spun him around. They both fell to the ground as they laughed and celebrated his accomplishment.

    Out of breath and with a rich and deep tone in his voice that Elias had not yet heard, Tas said, “Very good, Elias, very good. You must work on your focus. That is something we must all work on.”

    Elias sat up and thought for a moment and then asked, “But Tas, could a man of compassion use this power to endanger others?”

    Tas remained on the ground as he looked to the sky and answered, “Ah. That is a very good question. My answer is yes—you use this power only as a last resort. The power is only effective against what is evil. If you use this to be boastful, you will not get the results you want. Cigam will help you in the Under World. What happens there is later imitated in your world. Your work is that important.” 

    His mind was flooded with many thoughts, and Elias only halfway listened to his answer.

    ________________

    That evening was a mirror image of the night before. All was calm, and the moonlight was bright and clear. Elias sat on the ground alone on top of a stone pillar. He wrapped his arms around his knees and folded up to his chest. The colors of the Dancing Souls emerged in grand style as the light began to swallow the darkness. The colorful glow shone on his skin and illuminated all around him. He looked at the many colors that blended and moved with the grace of a ballerina. He felt a jumble of emotions. He felt confident from all he had learned. He knew he was now part of the Dancing Souls. He was, however, scared at all that was before him. Who will I meet along the way? What am I supposed to do? He thought. He had many questions but no answers. He was confounded as to why he was the one with the Donum. All was quiet. Like magic, Elias turned his head and saw Tas sitting close by.

    “I didn’t hear you come,” Elias said.

    “Oh, I’ve been here for some time.”

    The two sat in silence as they gazed into the brilliant rainbow of lights. After a few moments, Tas stood, walked to where Elias sat, and joined him. Tas sat directly in front of Elias. 

    “Look at me. Trust me, Elias. Hold the amulet between your thumb and index finger and look at me.” Tas leaned forward and looked directly into his eyes. Tas’ face tightened up, and his pupils became very large. Elias could only see the reflection of the Dancing Souls in his eyes. Elias opened wide. “Elias, you must leave at dawn. You will start your journey atop of Sirok.”

    “Sirok?”

    “Yes, Sirok, but this time you will not leave Sirok. You will go into its belly.”

    “What? Its belly. What do you mean?” Elias asked.

    “To go deep inside, you will find another land. This land is of another realm. It needs you.”

    “Why, what’s there?”

    “Do not interrupt me…I’m on a roll. I do not know how long I will be able to interpret all that is entering my consciousness. Be still and hold your tongue. Okay, where was I? You will go into the ruins, and you will find a passageway that will lead you to an opening.”

    “An opening…ah, sorry, I’ll stay quiet.”

    “Yes, a tiny hole, a crack, a crevice of some kind. It is an opening, nonetheless. I see it as small as the eye of a needle. You will pass through the eye.”

    “What? A hole the size of a needle?” 

    “Elias, you must think in new ways. Remember what you have experienced here. You will meet many beings along the way. At some time, you will meet a beautiful woman. You will also come face to face with evils. Some you will recognize, some you will not. You will see the Kingdom of Gold high on a rocky hill. Rain? This is interesting…you will make it rain. Ah, yes. This is very interesting; I cannot tell if you will do this metaphorically or literally to make it rain. Hmmm… sorry, but I see no more. I have nothing else to tell you.”

    “What? Just like that? Tas, you are not giving me much to go on…how will rain solve anything?

    “Perhaps it is what the rain brings,” Tas explained.

    “Like little flowers?” Elias said in frustration.

    Tas burst into laughter and said, “Questions are good, but please…Elias, you will figure it out.”

    “This is like a jigsaw puzzle, and, Tas, I hate puzzles. Tell me more.”

    “I cannot. I can tell you that you are entering another time and one that no longer exists in the physical world. Cigam will work.”

    “I don’t even know what to do with Cigam. Is this other world like this world?”

    “No, Elias. It is not like this one—but it could be.”

    They both sat in silence. Elias peered off to the horizon and squirmed. He stood and walked to the edge of the pillar and then sat facing the only darkened area in the distance. “I don’t know about all this. I could stay here with you.”

    “I need no more company. The Dancing Souls are plenty. You have the Donum. You have the gift. I will tell you that Zoltan is in danger. You must deliver him and all good people from their peril.”

    “How will I defend myself? I wouldn’t be here today without a sword I used to protect myself. I wish I had that sword.”          

    “Understand this, Elias. You have Cigam—the Dancing Souls—the Endless Within! How many times must I tell you? You need not worry about what you don’t have but rejoice in what you do have. Don’t forget you have the wisdom and power of the Dancing Souls. You became aware of it here, but you have always had it—the Donum. I became aware of that the moment I saw you.”

    Elias turned to Tas and said, “What do you mean?”

    “The amulet. The amulet around your neck. You may not see it, but I do. It has all the glow and radiance that is all around us. I’m sure Nattymama had something to do with that,” Tas let out a thunderous laugh.

    “I bet it was that rainbow she was conjuring up.”

    “Oh, I don’t doubt it,” Tas said with a tone just above a whisper. “I must visit her again someday….”

    As he shook his head and slumped back, Elias said, “Tas, I don’t know about all this. This amulet seems to get me into a lot of trouble. Maybe I should leave it with you.”    

    “Elias, when will you learn—I thought you might say something like that. It is yours. Some things you just can’t and should not give away. It is you. That’s all I can say.”

    “I know, I know. I was starting to really like this place.”

    Tas boomed with laughter and said, “Why yes, Elias, this is a very wonderful place to get used to. Of course, one day you will be back as all who are good return, but you are special—you are called to something else.”

    Embarrassed, Elias nodded with a faint smile and said, “So, I leave at dawn?”

    “Not so fast. I must give you something else.”

    Tas reached into his pocket and pulled out a ring covered with flecks of colorful gems. In the very center was the image of the Turul.

    “Take this ring and give it to Zoltan. It is his ring that possesses power beyond reason. Oh, and yes…” Tas pulled out the remnants of the scraggly green beard that Elias had around his ankle when he first arrived.

    “Why do I need this?”

    “You must travel past the Vodnasters when you leave. If you tie this around your wrists, they will leave you alone. You were so smart to save a good size clump,” Tas said with a grin. “I must leave you now.”

    Tas stood and began to walk away. He paused, turned to Elias, and said, “It is so simple—compassion balances the world. Use the Endless Within. But, Elias, you will know when it is time to leave that world, and if you do not, you may never return to your world.”

    If you enjoyed this post, you may like these: Hero’s Journey Monomyth;Why Fantasy is a Good Read; YA Fantasy Trilogy: Saving the World One Book at a Time; Fantasy Fiction and Real Life are the Same; Storytelling Within a Story, What Mentors Do Best.

    About E.G. Kardos

    I am a fiction writer and the author of five books. My writing draws inspiration from the beauty surrounding us all—both in nature and in each other. Spirituality, friendship, love, and our connection to the universe inspire me to write.  Here’s more about me and my books.

    Okay, okay…for this article, I just had to do it.

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  • How Fantasy Heroes Find Their Magical Powers: PART III

    E.G. Kardos

    What’s your favorite way for fantasy heroes to find their magical powers? 

    In my previous posts (Parts I and II), I shared eight ways fantasy heroes find their magical or superhero powers. Thinking more about it, I wonderded of those eight, what do readers/viewers of fantasy feel are the most popular ways heroes find their powers?

    how fantasy heroes obtain their magic or super powers

    Since I don’t really know how anyone could honestly be sure about this answer, I decided to check it out on the internet…so ’ve read on that the most popular way that readers/viewers like their heroes to find their powers in the following way:

    • through some cool magical artifacts,
    • inherited abilities from their magical ancestors,
    • or from divine or supernatural forces that grant them magical or superpowers.

    …and the internet MUST be right…

    Well, that’s for another post. But if these three ways for heroes to obtain their powers are the most popular, then readers/viewers tend to prefer characters who are given their powers.

    I can see that, we all like gifts.

    In other words, it’s desirable for many readers/viewers of fantasy for the hero to be in the right place at the right time and gains incredible powers without much effort. It’s like winning the lottery. Great gig if you can get it.

    But what about this?

    I enjoy these heroes and their journeys as well, but I truly love stories where the hero has to act or work hard to earn their powers. Because if they have the drive to work toward something, their journey will be more compelling, and they’ll become a truly heroic figure in a different, more inspiring way.

    Maybe it’s just me.

    Consider it: if you’re lucky enough to win the lottery, sure, you might do something cool with the money. But say if you don’t win the lottery like 99.99% of everyone, and if you work hard at something you love and good fortune comes your way, you’ll more likely act differently—more thoughtfully, perhaps. Well, maybe.

    Heroes like this are underdogs and you gotta love the underdog.

    In my way of thinking, this describes most of us, or the 99.99% that don’t win the lottery. It makes me feel a connection to hero as maybe–just maybe–that could be me.

    How do you like the hero to find their magical powers?

    Think about your favorite heroes. How did they gind their magical powers? Let me know in the comments section below.

    In my last two posts, The Ways Our Fantasy Heroes Find Their Powers: Part I and Our Fantasy Heroes Find Their Powers: PART II, I listed the eight ways that I felt were popular ways for the fantasy hero to obtain their magical powers. Take a look.

    As promised, here is the third chapter of The Rings: Journey Beneath Sirok…

    …where Elias is one step closer to discovering his magical powers. This is the second of three books in the fantasy series, THE ELIAS CHRONICLES.

    ENJOY, and stay tuned—the fourth chapter is coming soon.

    Below is chapter 6 from The Rings: Journey Beneath Sirok. This is Book III in The Elias Chronicles. The hero, Elias, uncovers his powers in chapters 5, 6, 7 and 8 with the help of his mentor, Tas.

    Each of these chapters Elias learns more about his powers as his mentor, guides him to uncovering his powers and magic within and how they are part of a greater source. Like I said last time, pretty cool, huh?

    The chapters are:

    … the next chapter is coming soon.

    7

    The Truths

    The next day, Elias awoke to Tas standing knee-deep in the lake. He clapped his hands a number of times in a particular rhythm, and a fish jumped up where he could catch it. He did this two more times and walked to shore, where he started a fire. 

    “Let us start the day with brain food, Elias.”

    “How—how did you do that?”

     “Do what?

    “Catch fish like that.”

    “I merely opened my hands, and when the fish was near, I caught it. That was the easy part.”

    “No, no, no. I mean, how did you get the fish to willingly leap up out of the water?”

    “In due time, Elias. Let’s eat.”

    Tas began to clean the fish with a knife and then skewer them. Finally, he laid them on a red-hot stone surrounded by blazing embers. Elias looked on with interest.

    “Elias, the fish will be sacrificed for our nourishment. Appreciation and gratitude for all living creatures is important, and we must never forget to respect all life.”

    Tas flipped the fish and sat cross-legged while Elias sat on his knees. They both faced the lake. A cool breeze filtered in and out of the trees and sent small waves onto the shore. A few minutes later, they ate.

    Tas looked intently at the fire, and with the rhythm of a poem, he spoke.

    “Wood feeds fire,

    Fire created Earth,

    Earth bears metal,

    Metal enriches water,

    Water nourishes wood,

    and then again, wood feeds fire and so on.

    Tas stood and walked to the lake and stood in the water. Elias sat and thought about the words he had just heard. He then joined Tas.

     “I get it. Everything is connected. Everything needs everything else,” Elias said.

     “This rock is the home of every inhabitant from the ant to the antelope. The snail to the sperm whale. Every tree is sacred, and every life enriches another from what we think is the smallest to what we believe is the biggest.” Tas cupped his hands into the water and splashed his face. He took a drink of the fresh, clean water. Tas continued and said, “Come with open hands and drink your fill.”

    Elias jogged to where Tas stood, cupped his hands, and drank. He felt the coolness of the liquid as it streamed down his chin and dripped down his neck. He used the back of his hand to wipe his mouth.

    Tas looked at Elias and said, “Ah, water—it becomes you, my boy.”

    Elias smiled at his friendly remark. Tas nodded his head and began to walk to the edge of the water. He waved his hand, and Elias followed. “Let us sit, Elias.” The two sat on the wet beach and stared out over the water and the stone pillars that stood tall. A breeze rushed in and gave Elias a chill.

    “There is a balance to everything, but when the balance is disturbed, we have chaos and destruction. Sometimes this chaos and destruction are easily seen, and other times it is hidden in the hearts and souls of man.”

     Without warning, Tas sprung up and swiftly walked into the lake, dove in, and swam to the stone pillar that was closest. He pulled himself up and sat gazing off to the horizon. Elias followed.

    “I call this balance The Truths. Alone, the world balances itself. With man, the world falls victim to human desire. What a man wants, a man tries to get.” 

    “Our history books at school are filled with battles and one country overthrowing this country or that—of wars. I think you’re right. Man sees something he wants and goes for it right or wrong,” Elias said as he picked up a stone and tossed it over the cliff.

    “That is troubling if that, indeed, is what man is,” Tas said as he shook his head.

    “I agree—it doesn’t sound good,” Elias said.

    “Only a man with compassion knows the importance of The Truths, and his compassion shows the way.”

    “Compassion? What do you mean?”

    “All humans SHOULD have concern for the suffering of others.”

     “I don’t know…I think you need more than that,” said Elias.

    “Yes, but compassion is where it starts. You can also call it your conscience. Without it, rules mean nothing. This is where the imbalance begins.”

     “Hmmm. I think I see what you mean,” Elias looked at Tas, and Tas looked back at him. “I don’t think this way of thinking crosses their minds,” said Elias.

    “Even when it crosses a mind or two, man sometimes doesn’t try to understand a person’s struggles and disappointments. Man, many times, does not care. Oh, it is too often that man loses sight of what’s in him—how he can make a difference. This is when a man does nothing,” Tas turned and looked into Elias’ eyes.

    “I would never do that.” 

    “I believe you, Elias, but sometimes we are tempted as we are not perfect. Sometimes it is easy to do nothing, to give up. When more and more souls are tempted, give up, or give in, The Truths go out of whack. The two great powers must be in balance—easy as that.”

     “We are all part of the bigger world,” said Elias. 

     “I would say—the bigger cosmos and the larger dream…but you know, it is rather ironic that even as weak as man is, he still has the ability and responsibility to balance the two great powers. This is just how it is.”

    Tas looked at Elias until Elias began to squirm.

    “Why are you looking at me that way?” Elias asked.

    “Elias, you have the Donum.”

    “The what?”

    “The Donum is the gift. It’s been given to you—this gift.”

    “What gift? And what does this have to do with me and my journey? How does this save Zoltan?”

    Tas stood and brushed off his pant legs. He walked a little way from where they sat. He placed his hand over his eyes to shield the sun’s rays.

    “Well, aren’t you going to tell me about this gift I supposedly have?” 

     “In due time, my boy. In due time.” Tas turned to him. “It has a great deal to do with you, but let me first tell you more about The Truths.”

    Elias grew more and more impatient but kept his feelings to himself as Tas continued.      

    “First, Earth. It is stubborn and patient. It has been here for millions of years, taking considerable abuse, but it is steady. It brings life and brings metals, minerals, and beauty. The Earth has volatile powers. It has explosive energy, but in the end, it balances itself. The Earth is special. We only have one, and from it comes all life. This is why we call her Mother.”

    “Ah, Mother Earth,” Elias said with a smile.

    “Trees bring us wood. Wood may be very sturdy but also may be very flexible. Trees give us what we need to breathe. Trees and the wood from the trees give us shelter and fuel. I could go on and on. Trees are generous.”

    “So it is sacred.”

     “Yes, Elias, trees are sacred. As far as metal, it is also sacred as it enriches our lives—in our water and food, as well as provides tools for our homes. It is also precious and highly prized. It turns into tools or weapons. The Truths must always stay in balance.” 

    “I bet my paintings have something to do with this imbalance, I’m sure.”

     “You have finally brought up your paintings. I was waiting for that as I have heard of your paintings. Yes, I think you are right—your paintings have much to do with this imbalance.”

    “Did you hear this from the Turul too?” Elias asked.

     “Of course, Elias, who else?” Tas roared with laughter. Elias couldn’t help but laugh too.

     “What about water?” Elias asked

     “Ah, water. It is so very precious. We must all have it. It must be clean. It must be abundant. It nourishes trees. It nourishes everything, including our souls. As it is vital to life, it may be very destructive, and its force should always be respected.”

     “Tas, I know about fire. I learned this from…”

      “…Gaspar! My dear friend. How is he?”

      “You know Gaspar?”

     “Absolutely. EVERYONE knows Gaspar. He is the goldsmith of goldsmiths. He is peculiar but a very good man. What did you learn from him?” Tas asked. 

    “How hot and how long. When something is precious, he said, one must know how close and how long to expose it to what could destroy it. He said you don’t think it—you feel it. Fire changes things—for good and for bad.”

    “I couldn’t have said it as eloquently as that. Elias. I am telling you something so simple—no secret about it, but to balance The Truths, we must be kind and compassionate souls. Just as catching the fish is the easy part, what gets the fish in the air is different altogether. Tomorrow. More tomorrow.”

    Look for the next chapter when Elias learns about “The Dancing Souls”.

    If you enjoyed this post, you may like these: Hero’s Journey Monomyth;Why Fantasy is a Good Read; YA Fantasy Trilogy: Saving the World One Book at a Time; Fantasy Fiction and Real Life are the Same; Storytelling Within a Story, What Mentors Do Best.

    About E.G. Kardos

    I am a fiction writer and the author of five books. My writing draws inspiration from the beauty surrounding us all—both in nature and in each other. Spirituality, friendship, love, and our connection to the universe inspire me to write.  Here’s more about me and my books.

    Okay, okay…for this article, I just had to do it.

    Latest Posts

    Most Viewed Posts

    All Posts

    Please notify me when you publish a new blog post.

  • Ways Fantasy Heroes Find Their Magical Powers: PART II

    E.G. Kardos

    Ways fantasy Heroes Find Their Powers

    Have you ever wondered how fantasy heroes find their powers? In my last post, The Ways Our Fantasy Heroes Find Their Powers, I shared some ways how the hero finds their powers. Not all fantasy heroes are cut from the same cloth, AND that means their powers come to them in very unique ways.

    Eight Ways a Fantasy Hero Find their Powers

    In my last post, I shared my favorite ways a fantasy hero uncovers their powers. Here they are again:

    Some are born with it. That’s the easiest way. Although I love these characters, I feel like I did when I was hanging around with the “cool” kids growing up. Why them? I would ask. I think there are many other ways our hero can become “the chosen one”…

    Characters might find their powers from someplace within them. Some event or situation in their lives triggers an emotion, and they begin to use their powers without even knowing it. They realize they have it—they have powers. This is a favorite of mine as I always think that maybe some event in my life with spark my unique power.

    Heroes that we love are sometimes the children of a divine or cosmic power or god. These heroes are great, and I love them as well. Unfortunately for me, I won’t be getting any suprpowers this way.

    How about the characters who have access to information, and they learn magic? This is an awesome way, as maybe I can find an old book, thumb to the correct page, and learn how to harness the powers that only a few possess. You never know.

    Then come the characters who find someone else with magic, and they cut a deal to access this power for themselves. I don’t know many folks who have these answers, but that would be kind of cool.

    Magic can be found in our natural world if we only know where to look. Sometimes heroes connect with someone who can guide them to help them find this special place, the spirit or force where these powers flow.

    What about the wands, swords, and other artifacts that somehow possess the powers that our hero wants or needs? These heroes are powerless without them, but wouldn’t we all want something like this? I would!

    My favorite is when the hero uncovers powers from within, but it has nothing to do with birthright, but all to do about their own will. They are guided by a mentor who helps them by opening a place deep within them. I feel we all possess this kind of magic and can do wonderful things we never thought we could do. It’s up to us.

    There are so many great ways our fantasy heroes find their powers

    As promised in my last post, I am including chapter 6 from The Rings: Journey Beneath Sirok. This is Book III in The Elias Chronicles. The hero, Elias, uncovers his powers in chapters 5, 6, 7 and 8 with the help of his mentor, Tas.

    Each of these chapters Elias learns more about his powers as his mentor, guides him to uncovering his powers and magic within and how they are part of a greater source. Like I said last time, pretty cool, huh?

    The chapters are:

    • 5 – Tas (last post)
    • 6 – The Endless Within
    • 7 – The Truths
    • 8 – Dancing Souls

    So here’s the next chapter… the next two are coming soon.

    6

    The Endless Within

    First, Tas taught him rhythmic breathing. “In slow…and even…out slow…easy. “You are not your mind, but you need to ‘see’ your mind. You need to see how it works, Elias,” Tas told him. “Cast no judgment, Elias—welcome no criticism, Elias—stand apart, away from your world.” Tas moved his hands together up and down. “You are like a stone pillar. You must stand alone—nothing can get you or get into you unless you let it.” Tas placed his hand over Elias’ heart. “You see peace. You feel peace. You are free from evil, and you want to share this bliss with everyone.”

    With hours left in the day, Tas asked Elias to meditate and not to utter one word until the sun sunk beneath the green hills. Tas asked him to spend the day and watch him and his actions. 

    Tas dove into the water and swam to a tall stone pillar that protruded high into the sky. He climbed to the top. Elias followed and climbed with confidence to the top. With energy and strength that matched Tas’, though a little slower. They stood in silence and viewed the world from its pinnacle as the Turul flew close by.            

    Again, Tas dove into the water, swam to the shore, sat on a slab of limestone, and meditated. Elias stood still and watched Tas until he sat in his familiar pose. Elias twisted his waist from side to side, inhaled, and dove into the crisp, clear water below. He swam to where Tas was sitting. 

    As he looked for a place to rest, Elias chose to sit on the warm sand and closed his eyes. He concentrated on his breathing as he took in the air slowly and evenly and out easy and even. As Tas taught him, he wiped clean all the thoughts that bounced in his head. It was difficult to do, but he continued to focus. Like the stone pillar, he saw himself as tall and strong. He was formidable. As he felt he was part of the Earth, he felt warmth move through him like a wave of strength. Is this what peace feels like? He thought.

    Moments later, Tas stood and walked to the edge of the water. A foamy wave gently washed up on his feet. Elias opened his eyes with a few blinks, got up, and walked near where Tas stood. Squatting, Tas picked up a stone that could fit in the palm of his hand. He slowly stood and brought his arm back and behind him in one motion. He tilted his head and closed one eye. His arm snapped forward, and he flung the stone with super speed. Elias was shocked. The stone hit the perch where they had stood earlier in the day.

    “Wow. How’d you do that? I mean, it really took off. I didn’t think it would ever come down. Will you show me?”

    “In due time, Elias. Now I asked you to say nothing until the sun has sunk beneath the hills.”

    “You’re right—sorry.”

    Tas said nothing but looked away, so Elias did not see the smile that took over his face.

    _______________________

    Night came, and a half-moon shone in the sky. Tas and Elias sat by a fire on the shore. Elias dared not to say anything even though his curfew was over. They heard nothing but the gentle rush of the water that flowed close to their feet and then back out. Without warning, beams of colorful light appeared from all of the stone pillars in the water and glimmered upward. Elias looked around and did not believe what he saw.

    “Those lights, Tas, what are they? They seem to be shooting up from those rocks.” 

    “Those lights are special. Every color known to man comes together and pierces the vast nothingness—the dark. It is brilliant, yes?”

    “How, how…”

    “In due time. In due time you will learn about the lights.

    So Elias, what did you learn today?” 

    “Huh?” he answered as he continued to stare at the lights. “Um…well … I must always start with what’s inside of me before I can expect to know where I’m going and what I’m going to do there.”

    Tas turned to Elias. With pursed lips, he slowly nodded. “Yes, of course, Elias—you knew that was going to be on the test. But I told you that. Tell me what came from you.”

    As he leaned back on his elbows and looked directly at Tas, Elias asked, “You don’t make any of this easy, do you?”

    Tas leaned back on his elbows as well and let out a laugh so loud it echoed from pillar to pillar.

    “Okay, let me think for a moment.” Elias looked up to the brilliance and energy of the lights that split the night. He could not stop staring at this mystery. He then gazed at the outline of the half-moon. He looked at Tas. “Okay, okay, I got it. This place—this place can be real. Yes, it can exist. I mean, what’s holding us back? Water, sun, air, trees—life; nothing here is complicated. It seems so simple, and everything seems so rich.”

    “Yes, Elias, it is a man who makes things complicated. It is a man who wants more than his fair share. It is a man who makes the decisions. He wants power.”

    “Why is that, do you suppose?” asked Elias as he looked back at the lights.

    “Because of The Two Powers.”

    “The Two Powers? What?” Elias asked.   

    “Because of the contrasts. Of the many contrasts, The Two Powers make all the difference, and One Power sometimes overshadows the other.” Tas stood up, stretched his long arms on either side and looked upward. He inhaled the fragrant, clean air and then exhaled. He looked at Elias, squatted in front of him, and said, “The Two Powers I am talking about are simply known as good and evil.’’

    “Everyone knows about good and evil. So Tas, what

    does this have to do with me, and where am I headed?” 

    “You will learn more, Elias—in due time.” Tas walked

    toward the lights.

    Elias rolled his eyes and said, “Tas, don’t get me wrong, but I didn’t come here to spend time and just hang out. I’ve got to get what I need and find Zoltan. He needs help.”

    Tas turned back to Elias and said, “Impetuous Elias, that’s what you are. Let me tell you how you will get what you need. First, you will spend more time with me. Then I will ask you to leave. At that time, you will discover where you must go from here.”

    “Okay—I got it so far,” Elias said as he sat up and wrapped his arms around his knees.

    “Good—I will learn just like you.”

    “Huh?” Elias stood, stretched, and walked toward Tas. 

    Tas turned to Elias. “You heard me. I don’t have all the answers, but they will come to us somehow. But this is what I do know. You will seize a power that you will find in your soul. A power all man has but seldom uses. Call it intuition, call it a sixth sense, or call it a message from the creator of the cosmos. Whatever you call it, you will understand what this power is saying to you. It is the connection between thought and heart. It’s the Endless Within.”

    He looked puzzled and said, “Endless Within?”

    “Of course—the Endless Within!”

    “So this Endless Within…does it have something to do with these lights? 

    “Oh, it very well might.” Tas stood and walked to a smooth slab of stone. He lay down and became silent like the night. Elias looked over at him and expected him to say or do something, but he lay motionless. Elias held his open palms out to either side and shook his head.

    “Really? Hey, Tas, what are you doing?”

    “I’m trying to sleep.”

    “What? We’re in the middle of something here,” Elias blurted.

    The palette of lights that emanated from the pillars mesmerized Elias. Frustrated, he looked back at a sleeping Tas and shook his head. As he felt the strain of a long day, Elias tried to hold back a yawn, but another one followed. He rubbed his eyes and scratched the back of his neck. He nestled up near a stone ledge to his side, and, light or no light, he fell asleep.

    Look for the next chapter when Elias learns about “The Truths”.

    If you enjoyed this post, you may like these: Hero’s Journey Monomyth;Why Fantasy is a Good Read; YA Fantasy Trilogy: Saving the World One Book at a Time; Fantasy Fiction and Real Life are the Same; Storytelling Within a Story, What Mentors Do Best.

    About E.G. Kardos

    I am a fiction writer and the author of five books. My writing draws inspiration from the beauty surrounding us all—both in nature and in each other. Spirituality, friendship, love, and our connection to the universe inspire me to write.  Here’s more about me and my books.

    Okay, okay…for this article, I just had to do it.

    Latest Posts

    Most Viewed Posts

    All Posts

    Please notify me when you publish a new blog post.

  • Ways Our Fantasy Heroes Find Their Magical Powers: Part I

    E.G. Kardos

    Our Fantasy Heroes Find Their Powers

    Our fantasy heroes find their magical powers in many ways. But it’s not so different than how we find our own superpowers as we navigate the uncharted paths of our own lives.

    Photo by Keitma 

    Yep, we all have magical or superpowers if we only take the time and look inside.

    Read on and you will see what I mean.

    Reading, watching, and writing fantasy has been a pleasure of mine for my entire life. My imagination has run wild, and I am still searching for my superpowers. However, when I began writing my series, The Elias Chronicles, I knew exactly how Elias might find, uncover, and use his powers. It was fun to see it unfold. I felt they were my powers too. I’m not the only one who has felt this way– readers too tell me they felt the powers along with Elias.

    With intentionality and seriousness, every fantasy writer grapples with how their hero is unique and how best to show this uniqueness. How fantasy heroes find their powers is central to their being as well as crucial to the entire story. Many times it is in how the hero finds their powers or their magic that influences their use of them as well. These actions help to flesh out and define who the hero is and what they stand for.

    Here are Some Ways Our Fantasy Heroes Find Their Magical Powers

    Some are born with it. That’s the easiest way. Although I love these characters, I feel like I did when I was hanging around with the “cool” kids growing up. Why them? I would ask. I think there are many other ways our hero can become “the chosen one”…

    …so here are more ways.

    Characters might find their powers from someplace within them. Some event or situation in their lives triggers an emotion, and they begin to use their powers without even knowing it. They realize they have it—they have powers. This is a favorite of mine as I always think that maybe some event in my life with spark my unique power.

    Heroes that we love are sometimes the children of a divine or cosmic power or god. These heroes are great, and I love them as well. Unfortunately for me, I won’t be getting any suprpowers this way.

    How about the characters who have access to information, and they learn magic? This is an awesome way, as maybe I can find an old book, thumb to the correct page, and learn how to harness the powers that only a few possess. You never know.

    Then come the characters who find someone else with magic, and they cut a deal to access this power for themselves. I don’t know many folks who have these answers, but that would be kind of cool.

    Magic can be found in our natural world if we only know where to look. Sometimes heroes connect with someone who can guide them to help them find this special place, the spirit or force where these powers flow.

    What about the wands, swords, and other artifacts that somehow possess the powers that our hero wants or needs? These heroes are powerless without them, but wouldn’t we all want something like this? I would!

    My favorite is when the hero uncovers powers from within, but it has nothing to do with birthright, but all to do about their own will. They are guided by a mentor who helps them by opening a place deep within them. I feel we all possess this kind of magic and can do wonderful things we never thought we could do. It’s up to us.

    There are so many great ways our fantasy heroes find their powers

    In this post and my next three, I am sharing four chapters from The Rings: Journey Beneath Sirok. This is Book III in The Elias Chronicles. Each of these chapters Elias learns more about his powers as his mentor, Tas, guides him to uncovering the powers within and how they are part of a greater source. Pretty cool, huh?

    He pulls it together so that he is ready to continue his quest.

    The chapters are:

    • 5 – Tas
    • 6 – The Endless Within
    • 7 – The Truths
    • 8 – Dancing Souls

    Yep, we all have superpowers if we only take the time and look inside. Read on and you will see what I mean. Look for the next three chapters coming soon.

    5

    Tas

    Exhausted and out of breath, Elias tread water in the crystal clear and calm waters around him. He looked around the cavern. It was enormous, with high curved walls like the inside of a seashell. It was fragrant like the lavender in Nattymama’s herb garden. A glow came from different points under the surface of the water and threw colors onto the walls and ceiling. Elias spun in a circle as he tried to make sense of it all. 

     He kicked his weary legs to power himself onto a large flat rock. With his last ounce of energy, he hoisted himself up and laid back so he could rest. He still had scraggly tufts and long strands of coarse green hair wrapped around both ankles, and some clung to his waist. After a moment, he sat up and began to pull the gunky strands from his legs. He looked at it in disgust and tossed it to the other side of the stone slab. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw a lone man that sat on the other side of the cave. The man was very still. 

    That must be him, he thought. Tas had very long black hair, which he had pulled back behind his head. Tall and lean, he wore only red baggy pants that hung from his small waist. He had colorful tattoos that covered his muscular brown arms and back. His eyes were wide and enchanting. They were perhaps his most remarkable characteristic. They were the color of dark shiny gems. 

    Tas sat undisturbed. His legs were crossed, and his back was straight. He rested his hands on his knees. He held his hands so his thumb and index finger connected and formed a perfect “O.” He pointed his chin upward toward the ceiling. 

    Not moving a muscle, Elias sat still so he could watch him. He did not know whether to call out to Tas or wait for Tas to call him. Elias was still exhausted and knew he wasn’t thinking clearly. The fight he braved had finally caught up with him. He rubbed his arms and legs as his head throbbed. Things began to look fuzzy, so he laid back. His eyelids began to close as the thoughts in his head started to make no sense. He drifted off to sleep.

    Whether it was for a few minutes or hours, Elias woke to find Tas standing over him. With one foot on either side of Elias’ chest, he stared down at him. Elias’s eyelids fluttered open, and he tried to focus on the figure above him. His body automatically tensed as he remembered when he had met the Sarkany the very same way. Only the Sarkany had his sword and pointed the tip to the amulet on his chest. At that moment, Elias became fully awake and began to wonder what would happen next. Tas’ face was stern, and he gritted his teeth, but then he let out a guttural, echoing laugh. Elias relaxed and sensed everything was fine—he was in no danger. Tas stepped aside and held out his hand to help pull Elias up. Tas crouched next to him and peered into his eyes.

    “So you must be the Elias I’ve heard so much about.”

    “Yes, and you must be the Tas I’ve heard so much about, too.

    “Why yes. That is who I am to you—today.”

    “Today? What do you mean?” 

    “I am known differently and by many names to different souls. My Earth mother knows me differently than you, as do my many sisters and brothers. Yet, all seem to choose to call me whatever they want. I despise labels…and names are only labels.”

    “I get what you’re saying. People judge, and they shouldn’t, but we all have to have a name.” 

    “I suppose you are correct. Tas is as good as any other”.

    So tell me…how is Nattymama? Oh, Nattymama—I do love that precious soul. For some reason, she holds me in such high regard. Perhaps that is a label my ego likes. I suppose there is a great deal of truth to the idea that a prophet holds no regard among those who know him or her best—perhaps that is why she sent you to me.”

    “Prophet? Are you…”

    “Ooooohhhh, please do not get me wrong. I am not a prophet. I would say I am a compassionate soul. I nourish, I connect, I challenge, and I may even inspire… I love, I have faith, and above all, I have hope for our kind—but I’m not a prophet. Perhaps, I am a teacher,” he said as he wagged his finger and laughed. “I say all this to emphasize that we often overlook the value of what is or who is directly in front of each of us at any given time. All of us can do all these things I have said—we just need to listen to one another.”

    “I suppose you are right,” Elias answered and said what he thought he should say.

    “Labels do us no good,” Tas said as he sat down. All became quiet before Tas went on to say, “But, I will tell you. Nattymama is special.”

    “How did Nattymama send word to you about me?” Elias asked. “She couldn’t have made a trip like this to tell you about me.”

    “Don’t sell Nattymama short. She doesn’t have a chain holding her to her cottage, although it is quite a lovely place,” Tas said as he looked away fondly and then continued, “But, yes, you are correct, Elias. She did not come here, but she has her ways. If you must know, the Turul told me.” “First Zoltan and then Nattymama and now you…can everyone communicate with that bird but me?”

    “In due time, Elias. In due time you will see and hear things you have never witnessed before,” Tas said with outstretched arms. “Now, tell me, have you been meditating?”

    “Huh…what do you mean?”

    “Meditation—meditation. It refreshes the mind, body, and soul. To understand the world, we must understand the world in each of us. All of our thoughts, feelings, what we do, and why. What’s in each of us is as vast as the universe. Humans would do themselves a great service if they attempted to learn the world inside them before seizing the world beyond them.”             

    “WHAT? I don’t understand why you are telling me this. I need to get answers and be on my way. I don’t have time for a philosophy lesson,” Elias said as he shook his head and grew more confused.

    Tas boomed with laughter. “My, my…you do have the temperament of an artist now, don’t you? Yes, I was told you might say something like that…in due time, Elias. I remember being young and impetuous like you.”

    “What do you mean? You can’t be much older than me. What are you twenty—twenty-five?”

    “Let’s leave it at that. Don’t worry about such things. Now, the reason that we must start with meditation is because you will learn how to concentrate and focus. Little things in life that distract will bead away like water on a duck’s back. You must learn to focus. Where you will go, you must know your purpose, and learning about yourself will make this purpose come alive. Alive! Do you follow?”

    “Really? Meditate?”

    “Oh yes—really,” Tas answered with a big nod and a tight smile. “Yeeeeesssss, you must meditate. Your brain will connect with your heart, and that feeling will always save you.”

     “Okay, okay. I’m not so sure I understood you but let’s get this over with. I’m ready. Show me how,” he grumbled.

    “Slow down, Elias. Let us take a walk outside this carved out rock, and let me show you what the world could look like—how it could look, sound, feel, smell, and taste.”         

    “I just came in from the world. I saw what it looked like. It wasn’t pretty. I don’t get what this has to do with where I’m headed. Can you give me what I need and point me in the right direction, and I will be on my way?”

    As he paid little attention to Elias’ impatient demand, Tas continued, “Bear with me. What exists only exists in your mind. Others tell us things, and we believe them. We even look for it since it has become so ingrained in our thinking. But it doesn’t have to be this way. It, however, has been the way of man for thousands of years. I’ll let you in on a secret—this place, where we stand right now, doesn’t, well, exist.”

    “Huh?”

    “It’s better to show you what doesn’t exist than to tell you. Please, follow me.”

    Tas started to walk toward a waterfall that poured from the ceiling of the chamber. Elias looked up and scratched his head. He looked over his shoulder at Elias, then calmly nodded and continued toward the cascade of white water that flowed down the glistening solid wall. Elias caught up with Tas, and they walked side by side.

    With a hiccup, Elias asked, “Hey, Tas, is there an opening up there where that waterfall begins?”

    “But, of course, there is an opening—there is always an opening. There is always a way, although it may be so slight and no one sees it.”

    They approached the waterfall, stood in front of the pounding water, and felt its cool spray. It felt good on Elias’ worn muscles and bruised skin. Elias looked to Tas, who stood with his eyes shut. 

    “Okay, Tas, now what?” 

    Tas opened his eyes and looked at Elias. As he did, he extended his arm through the powerful flow of water. Like a proscenium arch, the falling flow of water separated like a curtain, and a blinding blue and white light shone through the opening. Tas stepped forward, as did Elias. They took another step together and were now in a world that didn’t exist. 

    Before them was a body of water so still and blue that Elias was surprised. Jutting upward from the surface of the water, and scattered about were countless natural stone pillars many stories high. Wispy trees and other plants grew haphazardly on its uneven surfaces. In the distance, lush green hills separated the sky from the water. The air stirred with energy and lifted scents of lilac and other flowers and bushes. The sun shone brightly in the sky and tingled over Elias’ skin. There were no buildings, houses, or cottages. No other living creature showed themselves, with the exception of the Turul, who, with ease, glided high above on a current. Tas looked at Elias with a grin that stretched across his face. 

    “This, Elias, is the world we could live in. This place is good, and it brings joy to me. There is nothing mystical about this place—this that does not exist. Look around. There is nothing here that is not in the world—well, other than man. Here, however, is a balance—a harmony. It is the way of nature.”

    “This looks nothing like where I’ve been. I mean, my home is beautiful, but this place is, well, it’s different. It definitely doesn’t look like the path that led me here.”

    “The path getting here, or there, is the path. Here is here. They do not have to be the same,” Tas said. “And you, too, live in beauty, but it is an island if you know what I mean,” 

    “An island?”

    “Why yes. The world is full of islands of beauty—could be a place…or people, but nevertheless, they are islands that could be joined.” 

    Elias walked to the edge of the water, knelt down, cupped the water, and drank. “So this isn’t real?” Not waiting for an answer, Elias turned, looked behind him, and continued. “And just right there,” Elias pointed to the direction, he presumed, where he came, “beyond that rock is where I came from, and it was real. This is all very bizarre. What is this place, and why did Nattymama send me here?” 

    “In due time, Elias. In due time you will learn about the powers of this nonexistent place, this matrix, and why Nattymama sent you here.” Elias stood and walked to where Tas was now sitting. Elias’ stomach felt heavy, and his mind clouded over. He looked from side to side and then folded his arms across his chest.

    “Who are you? Better yet, what are you?” Elias asked. 

    “I’m Tas! Simple as that, but I’ve been described in so many ways. Some call me a dabbler in magic, a sorcerer, a magician, and some have called me a mystic. I am none of those or perhaps all of those. I hope I am more. I am a man.”

    “Okay, TAS—a man. That’s your answer to my question? I mean, really…” 

    Tas bounced up and spun around one time with his arms outstretched, “Okay, okay, Elias, you deserve more. I am a man who works to uncover what could be. I am a man who finds balance. I am a man who learns to come closer to the creator of the universe. I am a man who finds kindness and compassion should drive our actions. I am a man who works for good.”

    “So you are a holy man? A priest or rabbi or someone like that?”

    “Again, those are mere labels. Ah, ah, you are quite inquisitive. You are a curious soul, and I see you are ready for much more. I will let you in on a secret. Scientists, and the like, know that we humans use a tiny percent of our brains on any good day. You’ve heard that?”

    “Yes, I’ve heard something like that.”       

    “Well, I have uncovered the truths that allow us to use more than a small percent of what we have upstairs. It is when we connect our thoughts with the most powerful energy in our own bodies—our heart—that moves us closer to realizing what our power really looks like.”

    “Awesome. But I don’t know what that means. Now, will you give me what I need so I can get out of here?” Elias asked and shook his head. 

    “In due time. I am here for you, Elias. You will learn to help yourself, as I will find joy in being your guide. When we know ourselves, we may truly know our rightful direction. No need for you to be an island in the hideous sea that is the world.”

    Clearly, he did not pay attention to Tas’ last words, as Elias asked, “So—this place, you said it doesn’t exist?”

    “Let me put it this way. You cannot understand this place because you live in a world where man, too often, makes the meaningless appear to be desirable. This is a shame. Many times, because of his tiny brainpower, man doesn’t consider the water, the sky, the air, the fire, the animals, or the insects that slither about. We need all of these things. Where you are now— this non-place—I would have to say is meaningful and, as such, doesn’t exist. At least it doesn’t exist beyond the boundaries. With exceptions, this is a place that the living rarely comes to.”

    “Huh?”

    “Never mind that for now…this place is easy to figure out. Your world is confusing. Man, because of man and no other reason, lives in opposites. We have love, so we have hate. We have rich, so we must have poor. We have beauty, and we have what is ugly. We have good, and therefore, we must have evil. It would be absurd of me to say because we have air, we have love, and because we have hate, we have water…man can’t seem to stop comparing. This is all up to a man.”

    Elias walked back to the water’s edge, turned to Tas, and asked, “Are you saying we must know how to make sense of these opposites?” 

    “Yes, as long as man exists. But I am actually saying much more. First, man must learn to balance the opposites. If not, we are doomed. We must always fight against what is wrong, even though what is wrong may live with us forever. We might never be able to destroy what is evil, but that doesn’t give us any reason to stop fighting for what is good. Our choices make us who we are, not what surrounds us.”

    “So Tas, what am I supposed to do about it?”

    “In due time.”

    If you enjoyed this post, you may like these: Hero’s Journey Monomyth;Why Fantasy is a Good Read; YA Fantasy Trilogy: Saving the World One Book at a Time; Fantasy Fiction and Real Life are the Same; Storytelling Within a Story, What Mentors Do Best.

    About E.G. Kardos

    I am a fiction writer and the author of five books. My writing draws inspiration from the beauty surrounding us all—both in nature and in each other. Spirituality, friendship, love, and our connection to the universe inspire me to write.  Here’s more about me and my books.

    Okay, okay…for this article, I just had to do it.

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