Beyond The Valley

Abigor spent his entire life in Valley of Wahe. He was told as a boy that when he matured into manhood that he would learn to leave the valley behind and start a new path. Abigor cautiously approached the grounds of the valley’s forest with timidity in his stomach. His heart was racing so fast that he thought it was going to burst from his chest. So here I am. Abigor thought to himself. I have been dreading this day for months and now it’s finally here. My mother and father never prepared me for the emotional turmoil that I am feeling right now.

Just above Abigor’s head stood two trees who were slowly swaying back and forth. It is time, friend. One of the trees uttered. It is time for you to step out of this wilderness and into a world of the unknown. Abigor looked up at the trees with nervousness and irritation across his face. If this is your idea of attempting to ease my feelings you’re not doing a great job. Abigor added sharply. On this day the sun was shining brighter than ever and the temperature was rather cooler than usual. Abigor could tell that a change was coming and things were going to be different.

Abigor slowly started moving his bare feet across the ground of the forest, beginning his progression to the end of the valley. As he walked ahead he could hear the many whispers of the forest around him. He knew that the life of the forest was talking about him. Don’t do it Abigor, it’s a trap. Turn around and walk away while you still can. The voice speaking to Abigor was a small hedge of grass just beside his feet. Abigor laughed nervously at the joking grass as he continued his walk. Just above Abigor’s head was an eagle that was resting on a tree branch. Don’t listen to it, child. You are headed down the right path, said the eagle.

Abigor continued through the forest with his anxiety building. As his slow walk continued he was met by a squirrel who was keeping in pace with Abigor’s left foot. This is it Ab, the squirrel started. This is the day you become a man. The possibilities that await your future are endless. Are you not excited? Abigor stopped himself at this question. NO! He responded angrily. This valley has been my comfort, my home. This is all I have known since I was a child and now in an instant I am told that I have to leave because of what lies ahead. What if I don’t like what lies ahead? What if I don’t WANT what lies ahead?

Only a misguided fool would ask such questions, answered a heavy voice in front of Abigor. The voice belonged to a panther who’s fur was as black as a clear night’s sky. Who are you to call me a fool? Abigor asked angrily. You’ve no idea what I feel in this moment. What I am going through is beyond you, creature. What could you possibly know about stepping into the unknown? This place is all you have, just like me.

Well, dear boy. The panther began. This valley of which you don’t want to leave is born from the unknown. What do you mean? Abigor asked curiously. Over 2000 years ago this valley was created by a being of great power named Odissus. He was a mighty warrior that fought countless battles in the name of all that is good. After warring for a millennia Odissus grew weary of battle. He wanted to create a world where the weary could find rest, peace and life emanating from every corner they turned so that they would never be alone.

And so he created this valley? Abigor asked. Yes, the panther responded. Odissus was successful in creating a valley where peace is a guarantee and souls could rest, but he also knew that if one wanted to obtain peace then they were due for quite a battle. Odissus also wanted to create a land of unique potential where many of the lives born here would depart from this land and potentially create many more just like it.

Are you telling me that I am meant to leave this valley and create another just like it the same way Odissus did? Abigor asked enthusiastically. Well it certainly is possible, the panther replied. But you will never know if you refuse to leave this place, dear boy. Change is not always comfortable young Abigor, but we all have to grow up and grow on eventually and that’s a wonderful thing. Take a chance on change and you may find the best thing that ever happened to you. For the first moment since he stepped in the valley Abigor felt peace.

Abigor gave the panther a nod of agreement and continued walking toward the end of the forest. He thought a lot about how he had the potential to create a new valley that could be a temple of peace for wayward travelers. The panther was right, Abigor spoke out loud. Change can be rather difficult, but maybe if you are willing to embrace it then all will be well, possibly even better than well. Abigor stopped briefly and smiled at the bright sun in front of him. He then sped off towards the end of the forest into a world of unknown possibilities.

As the trees of the forest watched Abigor’s departure one of them spoke to the panther which morphed into the shape of a man. You gave him a great word, Odissus, the tree said. I have faith in him, Odissus concluded. He will achieve greatness.