The Way of Courage
āItās dangerous to go alone,ā the elder said.Ā
āSo what then will I do?ā asked the youth.
āTake this.āĀ
āWhat good is this to me? I do not know how to use it.ā
āYou will know when the time comes.āĀ
āBut I do not think myself a violent person.ā
āViolence for violence sake is the way of Power. Yours is the way of Courage.ā
āWhat does that mean?ā
āYou will not use that sword unless you need to.āĀ
āHow will I know if I need to?ā
āIf someone standing before you is in danger.āĀ
āWhy must I be the one to protect them?ā
āYou already admitted it yourself: Your heart is not one of violence.āĀ
āAnd if I get scared along the way?ā
āYou will, without a doubt. Unless fear runs through your veins, you cannot hope to master Courage.āĀ
āWere you scared?ā
āYes. But that does not matter. You must go.ā
āWait, justā¦one more question.ā
āMake it fast.ā
āWhat of your dreams? What if I cannot escape fear when I sleep?ā
āā¦āĀ
āElder?ā
āYours is the way of Courage. With that comes a vicious, pervasive fear. My child, you must understand this.ā
āI understand.ā
āIt is so strong you may not be able to sleep.ā
āI understand.ā
āIt is so strong you may not be able to speak.ā
āIā¦understand.ā
āI am sorry. Truly, I am.āĀ
āWellā¦I suppose I would not want anyone else to go through this. I will manage.ā
āAnd that is how I know the Goddess chose right.ā














