Pandora's Box: Triforce

By Davis Alan

Unlike the typical novels, PANDORA’S BOX TRILOGY are hybrid books combining fiction and history. The fictional story revolves around life lessons and my past experiences. The trilogy I've created is unique because it doesn't matter what order they’re read in. Each book can stand on its own and provides enough detail that knowledge of the other books isn't necessary. Although they have some of the same main characters throughout the series, each book has a story and writing style different from the rest. As readers move on to the other books in the series they’ll find connections that are very stimulating and give them a deeper understanding of the characters and life lessons they previously learned.

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PANDORA’S BOX: TRIFORCE is an alternative-world fiction book. Darth goes on a quest for the Infinity Stone. Unforeseen circumstances occur that cripples and almost kills him. He ends up in a foreign land that’s been plagued by evil. While recovering his health, Darth greatly improves the quality of life for the people. The royals get wind of him and haul Darth away to become an indentured servant. They do everything in their power to break him. Sunita Lady of the Berkana arrives soon after as the sage representative. With her magic and wisdom, Sunita helps prepare for the Sacred Ordeal to rid the land of evil. With the help of Darth, she also reveals the corruption destroying the kingdom!

• Language: English
• Publisher: iUniverse
• Release date: Apr 6, 2022
• ISBN: 9781663238122

Book preview

PANDORA’S BOX

TRIFORCE

ALAN DAVIS

PANDORA’S BOX

TRIFORCE

Copyright © 2022 Alan Mitchell.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage retrieval system without the written permission of the author except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

iUniverse

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Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

ISBN: 978-1-6632-3320-2 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-6632-3812-2 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2022906312

iUniverse rev. date: 07/15/2022

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CONTENTS

Chapter 1 Jera Rune

Chapter 2 Revealing Penti’s Love

Chapter 3 Lady of The Berkana

Chapter 4 Mount Sinai Gathering

Chapter 5 The Helper

Chapter 6 Miracle Soup

Chapter 7 Intimate Questions & Answers

Chapter 8 The Berkana’s Assistant

Chapter 9 Is It Pleasing?

Chapter 10 Conditions: Reasonable or Taxing

Chapter 11 Gravity of Situations

Chapter 12 Appropriate Is Based On Circumstance

Chapter 13 The Setup

Chapter 14 Carrying Responsibility or Burdening Others

Chapter 15 Paradise or Misery

Chapter 16 Who’s The Worst?

Chapter 17 What Loving Touches Can Do

Chapter 18 Afraid to Make Ladies Laugh

Chapter 19 Unwanted Answers

Chapter 20 Future Tellings

Chapter 21 It’s Him

Chapter 22 Complicated Business

Chapter 23 Shame Us or Good Us

Chapter 24 The Dabiq Stone

Chapter 25 Judgment Before Really Understanding

Chapter 26 Infinity Entrance

Chapter 27 Endings

Chapter 28 New Beginnings

Perla A very warm and heartfelt thank you.

She will always be The Princess of my heart

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All of us are susceptible to have our lives change for the worse at any point in time. I had an illness develop that put me through very scary and crippling experiences. The pains and confusion I endured were immense. My family thought I was a goner a couple times.

I went through surreal and unusual moments that felt like the very survival of my soul was at stake. Luckily, I had spent the previous 5 years on a spiritual journey trying to become the man I wanted to be. I gained knowledge through books, influential historical people, impactful stories, and seeking out talented individuals who were wise in areas of life I felt were important, which included Spiritual Masters. I learned how to stimulate the body’s healing processes and have control of mind.

All of what I learned wouldn’t have been enough to get me through. If it weren’t for the looks full of love from an exceptional lady and her caring smiles that changed the very core of my being for the better, Lord knows how dark my existence would’ve gotten.

She will always be The Princess of my heart and I’ll never stop wishing good things for Her!

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CHAPTER 1

Jera Rune

With a simple gesture, Stilgar motioned for Sunita to follow. They walked in silence through the monastery’s garden until they stood before a giant Buddha statue. Looking up at the Buddha’s face Stilgar said, The Buddha’s path to happiness wasn’t easy. Many don’t realize just how intense the situations Buddha put himself in were. He spent many years putting his body through pain, starvation, and states of being where daily he felt his lifeforce diminishing to a point where the only thread of life keeping him going was his will to survive. Few in existence are capable of surviving the path Buddha took. When I look at the Buddha statue it reminds me, some extraordinary beings can take all the pain and suffering of this world and not let it break them; they miraculously transform those atrocious experiences into beacons of understandings and become enlightened.

They stood in silence both enjoying how the moonlight shining down created a blue glow around the Buddha statue. The light made the Buddha statue feel alive. Sunita said, The buddha made so many sacrifices. There’s no way I could endure what he did to become enlightened.

Stilgar nodded, It’s true, all he went through, you and I wouldn’t have stood a chance in its entirety. You’ve endured some of what he experienced by training here. For example, Buddha sacrificed being with his wife, son and family to go on his journey of enlightenment. Leaving his loved ones put him in immense emotional turmoil. It was an extremely tough choice to make. You’ve been away from your family Sunita these five years of training and know how painful that choice is.

Sunita replied, It was very painful and tore my heart in two. Leaving my children was the hardest thing I’ve done. Every day it hurts being away from them, but I have their love and support. They want me to take the time to be fully healed and whole again.

Stilgar said, "I think you have. You’ve confronted and resolved the issues that brought you here. Your ex-husband caused much pain and confusion. His misogynistic nature of constantly looking for your vulnerabilities was a passion of his. He used them to make you feel stupid, cause shame and see things his way. Eventually he broke you down to feeling inferior to him. Through manipulation he was able to fulfill his sense of entitlement to all the earnings you worked for while he waited at home jobless for you to return, clean up the place, and make food for everyone.

I’m so grateful that leech for your goodness left you and your children to be with another woman. The psychological damage living with him would cause sparks of insanity in anyone. After years of training, you see clearly and regained your confidence. You’re not the same Sunita who entered this garden years ago."

Sunita replied, I’m healthier physically, emotionally and spiritually than I’ve ever been. What’s the next direction of my training?

Stilgar stated, You’ve done well under my guidance Sunita and are capable of becoming a junzi.

Sunita asked, What’s a junzi?

Stilgar said, A junzi is someone who’s gone through a sacred ordeal and came out of it with a righteous foundation.

Sunita replied, What makes up a righteous foundation?

Stilgar responded, A foundation built on virtue, morality and acting justly.

Sunita asked, What’s the difference between a junzi and you, a sage?

Stilgar replied, Sagehood is hard to attain and is acquired by a fraction of the junzi who try. You have to spend years keeping a righteous foundation and eventually go through a sacred ordeal where you feel looked upon of having an ideal personality by a deity of the spiritual realm.

Sunita stated, I don’t know if I’ve connected to a deity, but I’ve felt a light of goodness noticeably strengthening within me. The stronger it gets the better I understand myself as well as those around me. I feel this light within is directing me to become a junzi.

Stilgar said, The sacred ordeal will be very hazardous. You’ve gained the understandings needed to be the pillar of strength for your family. Unless you’ve another purpose I’d advise returning to your family and not taking the risks striving to become a junzi will entail.

Sunita responded, I’m grateful for your warning, but there’s something I’ve failed to resolve for a long time. I’ve a strong feeling going through this ordeal is needed to finally be healed of it.

Stilgar asked, Even if it means potentially not returning due to death or insanity; never being able to see your family again?

Sunita said, It’s that important to me. I need to finally get closure to this past failure of mine. The draining affect it has on me is a great burden to my children. No matter how I try to mask it, they see through to my unhappiness. I need to return with this resolved.

Stilgar nodded, "You’ve entrusted me with many of your shames and problems of the past. Maybe your intuition to keep this one locked up to yourself has been the right choice. Somethings we must confront on our own. Since this failure has the biggest impact on you it’ll also be the best test to see how far you’ve come.

I’ve gotten word from an old friend, a week from now a sacred ordeal will take place. The Rune Rock has been discovered to the east. Ones worthy in this sacred ordeal will get something extremely special. The Rune Rock will look deep into your soul, and the rune stone resonating with you best will project out of the Rune Rock for you to keep. During the testing I have no doubt this pain of yours will be a big part of it. Tomorrow we’ll begin our journey."

Sunita bowed, I’ll pack and get our horses ready by dawn. Thank you, Master.

Stilgar placed his hand on Sunita’s shoulder, Oh Divine One, we ask for the white light of your love and protection. We also ask for any of Sunita’s healing and helping angels, Heavenly entities, and loved ones on the other side that can provide useful health information, wisdom, and healing energy to draw close. We ask for your continuous aid for insight and guidance that will further Sunita’s emotional, spiritual, and physical health and well-being. Amen.

Approaching Rune Rock

As they climbed the base of the mountain toward the location where her sacred ordeal would take place, Sunita reflected on her decision to train with Stilgar. How funny it was with all the technological advancements of TON, it’s the third world that has what she needs to heal. She stopped her rock climbing briefly and looked towards the scenery. They’d climbed a couple hundred feet above the tree line. It was inspirational seeing the many miles of forest they’d travelled to get here. She was grateful for disregarding her friends from trying to stop her 5 years ago. They thought going into the ‘Harsh Lands’ to heal was absurd. They just don’t realize there are things worth living a harder way to experience.

Stilgar stopped climbing and saw Sunita enjoying the view. He looked up the rock wall and noticed a ledge to his right big enough for both of them. Once seated he called down to Sunita, Let’s rest here a while.

She climbed to the ledge and sat beside him, Master, who’s this old friend of yours that found the Rune Rock?

Stilgar replied, To the world, he’s known as Darth. To my order and the spiritual world, he’s known as Sirius Black. The first time our paths crossed was at a sacred ordeal. Darth didn’t arrive with a master. Most of his past is a mystery to me, but after what I witnessed, I know it wasn’t the first time he was tested by the spiritual world.

Sunita asked, Why do you say that? What happened?

Stilgar said, "When I arrived, Darth was sitting and meditating in front of the cave entrance. Upon my presence, he opened his eyes and rose. I approached and stated, ‘I don’t know you. Are you waiting for your master?’

Darth smirked. ‘I have no master, at least not of this world. I go where my path leads me. I was drawn to this cave. What brings you here?’

I responded, ‘I’m here to bear witness to a spiritual event. It’s my duty as a sage in this area. I and other sages are gathering here. The event will take place tomorrow. Are you saying you’ve not been summoned here by our order, but a higher calling has brought you?’

Darth nodded, ‘That’s right. I know not the event you speak of. I only know I’m meant to participate in it.’

I was shocked. This hadn’t happened before. I walked back and forth to think and came to the conclusion letting him participate was the right decision. I stood in front of him and stated, ‘I Stilgar, will endorse your participation here.’

He reached out his hand, ‘I’m Darth. I appreciate your support. I promise endorsing me won’t tarnish your good name.’

I shook his hand, and we spent the rest of the evening talking about different philosophical concepts. By the time the others arrived, I was confident with my decision to endorse his participation. Although I’ve been sworn to secrecy about that sacred ordeal, I can tell you this. Darth’s participation to get through his ordeal was unquestionably longer than any I’ve seen before.

In the end, Darth acquired the sacred object, and the spiritual realm declared to all his name. Freckles on his left arm became spots projecting light. I’ll never forget it. They formed Orion’s Belt connecting with the Dipper. As his stellar sign projected outward, a voice from the spiritual realm said loudly, ‘He is Sirius Black!’"

Stilgar stood and motioned for Sunita it was time to continue climbing upward while continuing their talk, Most rarely participate in sacred ordeals after becoming a sage. Since then, I’ve seen him participate in numerous ones. He’s been searching for the Rune Rock for quite some time. He’ll undoubtedly be participating tomorrow with you. The Rune Rock has appeared in various spots before. Each time, only one or two are deemed worthy to go through the rune declaration. If you don’t get through, there’s no shame. This is a rare opportunity, and I feel grateful it’s arrived in time for your junzi testing.

Sunita said, I’m very curious to see which sacred rune resonates with my soul most. I hope to be worthy of it.

It took a few more hours of climbing, but they finally got to their destination. Before Stilgar pulled himself up he looked down and saw Sunita struggling to find the next hand hold to grab. He took his right foot off the wall and lowered it downward until touching a small indentation, This is what I used. It’s small but gave me enough leverage to transition to the next handhold. The ledge to our destination is within my reach.

Stilgar pulled himself up and when Sunita made it to him helped her up. A narrow opening in the mountainside had purple lights flicking from it. They walked through the passage, which led to a giant circular clearing. As they entered, the Rune Rock resided against the far back wall. Sunita stopped, transfixed by the purple light bursting out from within the Rune Rock. The light projected from holes in shapes of the mystic alphabet spread randomly throughout its outer surface. Each symbol glowed a dark purple, flickering sporadically in no detectable order. Sunita stood in aw mystified by its enchanting aura.

Stilgar walked closer, All the symbols are here, Hagalaz Weapons of War, Nauthiz invites Destiny to Accomplish the Impossible, Ehwaz Bonds of Friendship, Mannaz Self-Knowledge and Manifestation of True Self, Laguz symbolizes Hope and the Sustenance of Life. Stilgar gazed all around, mumbling to himself as he found each of the twenty-four runes.

A voice came from behind them, And Pertho, the rune resonating with you most, Stilgar.

Stilgar turned, The Rune of Success in Games of Chance. While laughing said, If it is so, it’s only from having to get out of the crazy situations you’ve put me in, old friend.

Darth smirked, Still brutally honest. Some things never change. We’ve been through some pretty intense situations. I’ll give you that.

They shook hands. Stilgar motioned toward Sunita, This is one of the most talented pupils I’ve had the privilege to guide.

Darth bowed, It’s good to meet you. Guess you’re here to become a junzi.

Sunita bowed, Yes, Stilgar has been an incredible master. I hope to be worthy and act in a way to honor his guidance.

Darth said, It’s been extremely rare for Stilgar to bring one of his pupils to become a junzi. You’re here, which means you’re ready. Have faith in that.

Footsteps came from the entrance. Darth looked at Stilgar, It’s good seeing you, my friend. Now the others are arriving, I’ll go into solitude until tonight when the ritual begins. Darth looked at Sunita, No matter what happens, hold onto your truths and the things you love most. Don’t let whatever may try to tarnish the purity of them. Good luck. Darth climbed up the cliff wall and disappeared into the mountain’s peaks.

Sunita asked, Why does he leave? Does he wish to prepare for what’s to come?

Stilgar replied, Yes, that’s one reason. The others of my order don’t have the same appreciation for him that I do. Stilgar chuckled, Guess that happens when you’re known to destroy some of the sacred artifacts.

An angry looking, redhaired man approached with his pupil. Stilgar whispered, "Eight years ago, Darth was in that man’s home territory. His name is Grazon. There was an artifact that couldn’t be retrieved by his most impressive followers. Darth tends to appear in places unannounced. He gets to know the people and area before the testing begins. When I arrived with the rest of the sage order, Darth was a servant in Grazon’s court. When Darth shook my hand Grazon was shocked. It turns out, while Darth was in Grazon’s service, they didn’t agree on much. When I told Grazon Darth was Sirius Black he was astounded.

After the fourth day of the ritual, Darth was the only one remaining. He succeeded on the sixth day and acquired the Shard Blade, which strikes terror in all who opposes its wielder. Grazon couldn’t contain his excitement; the moment he’d waited for all those years finally arrived. Darth knelt and raised the sword with both hands into the air, ‘This Shard Blade that strikes terror in all who opposes its wielder has finally been released. I ask if Grazon is worthy of this sacred artifact.’ After a few moments went by, Darth stood and declared, ‘He’s not. This sacred object is one of terror, which I, Sirius Black, now destroy!’

Grazon shouted, ‘No! You can’t!’

Darth moved swiftly, jumped, and brought the sword down in a forceful blow against the anvil which held it captive all those centuries. The Shard Blade exploded, and a gray light shot out, blinding all in the cave. After we regained sight, Darth was gone. He walked out without so much as a bye or leave."

Stilgar stated, Grazon and many of the sage order want Darth gone. Now you understand why.

Sunita asked, Has any of them tried killing him?

Stilgar looked up into the direction Darth went, After the first ordeal the sage order witnessed, it was declared none of our order shall stand in the way of his destiny. I’m sworn to secrecy, but I’ll tell you this; what was revealed instilled fearful scars on the souls of all present. The sage order looked into it before allowing him to go. The Mind’s Eye Seekers discovered he was born on one of the days of sacrifice whose meaning was aligned with what was revealed.

Sunita asked, Which day?

Water built up in Stilgar’s eyes, Darth was born on the National Supreme Sacrifice Day. From what I witnessed, what many of the order believe is in store for him, it could only be described as a supreme sacrifice. I’ve prayed often what I fear is to come once his life in this physical world ends, won’t come to fruition.

Grazon approached and placed his hand on Stilgar’s back, I see you’ve finally brought one of your pupils. I thought you might’ve stopped guiding the youths; it’s been so long. Grazon turned to Sunita, It’s good to make your acquaintance, my dear. I’m Grazon.

Sunita bowed, Master Grazon, it’s an honor. I’m Sunita.

Stilgar said, Grazon and I’ve much to get ready for. You’re free to prepare yourself as you wish. I shall spend time with you when the ritual is about to begin.

Sunita nodded and went to observe the Rune Rock. By the time the sun set, twenty sages had arrived. In total, there were four pupils to go through the testing to become a junzi. The moon was shining brightly. Stilgar and the other sages created fires on the top of the cliff walls. Now it was dark, the Rune Rock’s purple light clearly projected the image of the mystic alphabet on the cliff walls surrounding it.

Stilgar approached Sunita, It’s almost time. What the sage order’s Book of Record states about previous Rune Rock sacred ordeals is they usually only last for the night. Your core beliefs, spiritual and physical resilience, control of self, and what matters to your soul most will be revealed to the Rune Rock. There’ve been instances where none of the candidates were deemed worthy to receive a rune stone. Achieving acceptance by the Rune Rock is not necessary for the order to deem you worthy of becoming a junzi. The Mind’s Eye Seekers will provide us elders the extent of what you’ve been put through. If you do succeed in completing this sacred ordeal, magic shall be sparked inside you. The magic and extent of its power varies, depending on the individual and how difficult the sacred event was to acquire it.

Sunita asked, Master, what’s the magic sparked in you?

Stilgar said, Mine is an awareness of what’s right and the detection of manipulation of truth. It’s a sixth sense hard to describe. It’s the reason I attend many of the sacred ordeals and why I’m often sent for during times of important disputes throughout the lands.

Sunita remarked, I’ve noticed your judgment and counsel are always held in high regard by the elder sages. What’s the magic Darth possesses?

Stilgar replied, Good question. When he accomplishes sacred ordeals, the same thing happens every time. You’ll see it for yourself soon enough.

Gongs went off. The time to gather around the Rune Rock was upon them. Stilgar looked at Sunita, No matter how bad it gets, remember I wouldn’t allow you to go through this unless you’re ready. Your soul is good, and the universal truths you’ve acquired are true no matter the circumstance, location, or time you find yourself in. Utilize them to see clearly. This isn’t a competition. Do what resonates with you and let others do what resonates with them. It’s time. I must go up and join the elder sages. Good luck, Sunita.

Sunita bowed, Thank you, Master.

She joined the other participants in front of the Rune Rock. Grazon’s pupil Gyle, Darecon’s pupil Redderick, Natasha’s pupil Vera, Sunita and Darth looked at the sage elders on the rock wall above. Sparks ignited on the surface of the Rune Rock and purple mist rose blocking the visibility of the sage elders. The mist spread throughout the rock wall until both sides connected at the rear, fully blocking visibility of the exit.

Natasha’s voice came through the mist from above, The time has come. Gyle, Redderick, Vera, and Sunita, you’ve been deemed worthy by our order to test if your soul is worthy of being a junzi. Sirius Black will be participating in this sacred ordeal with the goal of being worthy of the Rune Rock’s assessment of his soul. You each will be facing these difficulties alone. If it gets too much, exit the way you entered, and one of us will retrieve you. May you all be worthy to receive a rune stone!

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Rune Ordeal

Darth knelt before the Rune Rock, I’m humbled to be guided to you. Being tested by the Rune Rock is a great honor. Darth closed his eyes for a few respectful moments of silence, rose, made his way to the left wall, and lowered into a cross-legged meditative position.

The other candidates gave their respects to the Rune Rock. Sunita was the last. Once she finished, a loud crackling noise fizzled from the Rune Rock, and the energy in the area grew eerie. Redderick mumbled, No, it’s not true. Redderick looked extremely confused, and suddenly his attention was brought to his right side. Although Sunita couldn’t see anything, it was clear Redderick could, and his expression of fear was very intense.

Sunita looked at Vera and Gyle. They were absorbed in their own worlds. Vera shook her head, mumbling with a saddened expression. Gyle angrily paced back and forth, contemplating something with a maddening gaze. Instantly, a strong emotion of regret and guilt hit Sunita. An image of her mother appeared, Why, Sunita? How could you let that happen?

Tears ran down Sunita’s face, I didn’t know. I tried … The image changed to Sunita’s mother falling backward off their wagon while being chased by men pillaging the village. Sunita’s hand touched her mother’s but wasn’t strong enough. Her mother tumbled out onto the ground and was taken. Sunita cried, I couldn’t save you.

The body of her mother transformed to being horribly beaten and bruised. Sunita’s mother while crying belted out, The horrors I went through. You should’ve saved me. Footsteps came from behind her mother. In terror Sunita’s mother looked backward screaming, They’re coming for me again. Arms grabbed her from behind. She shrieked, No! As they dragged her away the image faded.

Sunita instinctively reached out and ran toward her mother as the image disappeared. Sunita thought, Maybe I could’ve saved her. If I’d paid more attention, had been stronger, let her be closer to the front than the rear … oh, I wish. Sunita collapsed on the floor, crying. She said, That’s why I’ve trained so hard. I can’t fail someone I love again. I have to be strong, I have to be quick, and I have to make good decisions to protect my family.

The attacks of their actions in the past and their core beliefs continued with few moments of peace. Redderick began losing it a few hours later. He held his head, pacing back and forth, screaming, No—why—it can’t be … please, it can’t be. Darth stopped doing Tai Chi and approached Redderick. He placed his hand on Redderick’s back and whispered something to him. Redderick hugged Darth and made his way out of the sacred ordeal. Darth returned to the far wall and sat down.

A half hour later, Gyle exploded in rage, How dare you! He picked up a rock and ran toward the Rune Rock to smash it. When his forceful blow connected, the rock in his hand disintegrated, and energy shot out, thrusting Gyle in the air. He flew backward fifty feet, and his back smashed hard against the ground. After a few minutes Gyle regained consciousness and limped out of the sacred ordeal.

Only Vera, Sunita, and Darth were left. Sunita felt fatigued both mentally and physically. Vera looked tired as well, but Darth had different effects. Sunita noticed him being struck by some invisible force numerous times. He’d be doing a movement and suddenly would be pushed off balance. At times, it seemed like the wind was knocked out of him. During the most recent occurrence, Darth smirked when suddenly a fist imprint protruded into his cheek and forced his head to turn left. None of these occurrences stopped him from continuing to move about. Darth seemed to be gaining energy instead of losing it.

Vera suddenly fell to the floor, I just don’t know anymore. I could be wrong. I just don’t know. Maybe you’re right. After collecting herself, Vera rose and approached the Rune Rock, I have doubts of my beliefs. I give thanks for my faults being revealed. I’m unworthy at this time. I know what I must seek answers to. I’m withdrawing. She bowed and walked out.

When Vera was out of sight, Sunita felt the Rune Rock’s energy. She walked closer thinking how interesting no words were needed; solely by the feeling of its energy the Rune Rock was able to communicate clearly. Once within 3 feet of it the question of how she would act differently, given all the growth since her mother’s falling, entered her mind. The memory replayed itself and Sunita watched her mom tumble out of the wagon with the pillagers running towards them. The image of her mom being horribly beaten and dragged away gave Sunita a strong urge to jump out and do everything in her power to fight them off.

Sunita stopped herself, No. Even now, I wouldn’t stand a chance against so many. Jumping after her would’ve resulted in both of us being abducted. Sunita grabbed the bow beside her, aimed the arrow at her mother’s heart, and when steady, let it go. It flew true, and her mother’s lifeless body lay on the ground with the arrow protruding from her heart. A tear went down Sunita’s cheek, I would’ve saved her from the suffering. That’s my biggest regret.

The Rune Rock’s mystic alphabet went dark, except for one. Sunita knelt as the Rune Rock ejected the Berkana rune from itself travelling through the air. The Rune Rock declared, You’ve a righteous foundation devoted towards doing right by your loved ones. This is the Berkana rune stone. Its meaning is Birch Tree and Beloved. Its element is earth. Its uses invite romance, healing, and protection. You have great love for your family and work hard to be a source of healing and protection for them. Rise with honor, Sunita. The Berkana rune stone is yours.

Sunita rose, humbled the love for her family is the strength the Rune Rock appreciated most. The Berkana rune stone floated through the air to her. Once against Sunita’s chest, a necklace protruded from the sides of the rune and encircled her neck. A surge of magic ignited within her. She knew its uses and potential immediately. It was love and romance magic. Sunita bowed toward the Rune Rock, Thank you.

Stilgar greeted Sunita when she exited the sacred ordeal, Very impressive. You’re deemed worthy of being declared a junzi. Kneel and hear our oath.

Sunita knelt. Stilgar placed his hand on her shoulder, A junzi can live with poverty. A junzi does more and speaks less. A junzi is obedient, knowledgeable, and loyal. Being loyal to righteousness and having one’s actions represent their moral caliber is always in a junzi’s thoughts. junzi utilizes their discipline to remain humble, attain talents or understandings, and force their willpower to be stronger than desires or pleasures. All these characteristics are important, but what’s known as Ren is the core trait of every person who lives as a junzi. You’ve demonstrated these characteristics. Rise with honor.

As Sunita tried to rise her knees began wobbling with weakness from the physical fatigue the ordeal put her through. She reached for Stilgar’s assistance and he helped her up. Sunita said, That was a horrible experience, but I’m glad I went through it. What is Ren?

Stilgar said, Ren is the feeling one gets while being virtuous. It’s the good feeling a virtuous human experiences when being altruistic; performing selfless acts of good deeds for the well-being of others. Junzi train themselves to express superior ethical and moral positions while gaining inner peace.

Stilgar looked at her neckless, The Berkana rune stone. Given your relentless dedication to the well-being of your loved ones, I’m not surprised. Your time under my guidance has come to an end. If you’re tired you may rest, but if you’re up for it you may observe Darth with the elder sages.

Sunita nodded; they made their way up. The sage elders congratulated her and returned their attention back down to Darth. It was interesting how clearly they could see through the mist from above given how completely the mist blocked the view when being below. As Sunita gazed down, she felt her powers activate. She watched Darth do movements, outwardly looking concentrated and unemotional. Because of her powers, she detected tears running down his face. She remarked, His soul is crying.

The sage elder beside her responded, "I’m not surprised. I looked into his mind’s eye and a very sad memory occurred. Many years ago, when he’d just become a healer, there was a homeless family he took in. They were a young couple who had twins around two or three years old. The children being in that bad situation saddened him and was the reason he tried to help. Darth was young and ignorant of how difficult it would be. The couple came from a troubled land known as Arkana. Being raised by parents using hard-core drugs was the norm. It reminded Darth of the biblical city Gomorrah, a place where sin thrives.

While living with Darth, the girl began to want to learn from him. She felt safe around him, and he taught her much. Darth showed her how it felt to be treated by someone who truly cared for her well-being. Darth got them food, read them books, tried to get the father a job, and unfortunately failed. The owner of the