SABIS the SURVIVOR

Chapter 6: Eureka Moment

Chapter 6: Eureka Moment

"The layers of rock that our ancestors had to dig through to form this Hall is hard to comprehend," Claris opined.

Eldris pulled on his reddish-brown goatee, stroking and finger combing the straight hairs into a pointed barb.

"That matter is still a mystery. Nobody really knows if our Ancestors excavated the limestone rock or if the rocks were carved out for them by some unknown and unseen force. The rest of the underground cave paths and living quarters were formed by ancient lava tubes. Whatever led to this Hall being formed the way it is, there still remains the matter of why you were summoned here."

Eldris moved back to the long rectangular table and motioned Claris to follow. He rested his left foot into the side of the table and leaned over it.

"Claris of the UnderStrata, what do you seek more than anything in these caves?"

Claris did not know how to respond. She wanted to say how she wished for her Father's return but she feared Eldris' reaction to such an emotional statement. So she breathed in deeply and then replied:

"I wish to discover a new method to grow plants in the harsh climes outside of these warm caves. This will allow our tribe continued existence if we need to resettle SkyGod's domain."

"Very good Claris. You will have the opportunity to explore SkyGod's domain shortly."

Claris could hardly believe what she heard. Did Eldris just say that she was permitted to explore SkyGod's domain? Her ears whirred with the accelerated beat of her heart and her vision dimmed; she reached for the table's edge to steady herself for a moment. How would she survive in the extreme cold and desolate land? Where would she find shelter? What provisions should she bring on her trek?

Eldris ran his stubby and strong fingers through his few remaining strands of scalp hair that were mostly devoid of their original light brown pigment. As he did so, he pushed himself away from the table with his other hand.

"Claris, it is time for you to know the truth. The truth of why the Elders summoned you to the Hall of the Ancients."

Claris whispered a silent prayer to Mother Earth. As she prayed, she lightly kicked up the ground beneath her feet. As the dust dispersed around the edges of her refurbished skirt, a eureka moment came when she realized that by minimizing her effort, she could actually improve her outcome.

It was as if this venerable Hall's spirits had sent her a message that she could grasp. In that moment of serene contemplation, she had found the inner peace she longed for.

Claris

Why do I have to struggle to achieve my goals? I have been overexerting myself for so long that it has become my norm. If I stop overthinking things and let go of my fear, I'll have more energy for pursuing my dreams.

I can now see how this Hall's carved rock represents life on Earth─all of the planetary forces interact with each other to form what I see here. Though we are both diminutive, Eldris and I share other things in common─we both have lost one or more parents. We also share a common heritage, born into a tribe that heals itself and works together.

The pale light that shines through the ceiling is my future. I can see now that Elder Janis was correct in her predictions: I will fly over the landscape, in my own way, and finally find what I'm looking for. Can I be the future saviour of the Survivor tribe?

Eldris then explained that I should go forth into SkyGod's domain to find Sabis from the OverStrata. Collaborating with him, I could find the primordial cure for the warrior affliction.

"Thank you Eldris for helping me to find my true path. On my journey I intend to honour my ancestors and remain calm."

Eldris bowed his head, sighed, then spoke to Claris as well as to himself:

"Stay true to yourself and you will find what you seek."