Tag: faith

A 500 word story – using only dialogue THE FERRYMAN

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The Ferryman

“I cannot see a thing! Brother Simon, where are you, are you at hand?”

“I am here Brother Paul, I hear you but I too appear to be without sight, all is dark, there is no light.”

“Praise be to God. For a moment, a fraction of fear ripped at my soul, I thought I stood alone. One minute I am sitting where I now stand with warmth and brightness, sunshine and light cascading through every pore of my physical being. Without warning all became as it now is, dark!”

“I am cold, bitterly so and to the very core of my bones. Trembling and shaking, and it worsens by the second. My belief in our God is failing me as fear overcomes my breath. Yet, I see no steam of cold breath in the darkness.”

“You are not alone and I too fear this sudden darkness and cold. I do not understand. Surely we cannot both have lost our capacity to see, is this the End of Times?”

“Brother Simon, let us breathe slowly and attempt to control our fear, then perhaps we may gain some semblance and clarity to know where we are because this is not our monastery, that is for certain as even in darkness our home is familiar and this, whatever it be, is not!”

“Who is there, reveal yourself, I hear but I cannot see you?”

“Brother Simon, did you hear that voice?”

“I did Brother Paul but I still see nothing.”

“I said, who are you, tell me, and tell me now!”

“My name is Brother Paul and my friend is Brother Simon. Where are we, do you know, and who are you?”

“You are religious Brothers or are you referring to yourselves as kin?”

“We are Franciscan Monks and both of us are very old indeed, who are you and do you know where we are, please tell us?”

“My name is not important and as to where we are, is between a world you have known for three score years and ten and one of nothingness, a void and yet not!”

“Brother Paul?”

“Yes, Brother Simon.”

“I think we are speaking to the Angel of Death?”

“The Angel of Death brought you to me, into the void, to this river and I will help you to get to the other side. This is a duty I have honoured since time began.”

“So we are dead?”

“Only to what was and not to what now is. Life is everlasting and your souls are on a journey toward contemplation.”

“But how did we die? I have no memory of illness. Do you Brother Simon?”

“I do not. But I am having difficulty remembering anything at all.”

“Fear not Brothers, you will remember that which is important but all that is not will be and is forgotten.”

“So our journey is to heaven Ferryman?”

“Is that where we are going?”

“Your journey will end when this boat of darkness reaches the shore”

The Broken Wand and Light of the Spirit

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In a realm where magic flowed like the wind, Josiah Wormongdale was once a renowned magician, celebrated for his daring spells and radiant charm. But one fateful night, during a fierce confrontation with a shadowy entity, his beloved wand shattered into splinters. The broken wood lay on the ground, pulsating with dark, swirling energies that threatened to consume him. Josiah’s spirit was undeterred, yet his magic waned as the dark energies grew stronger, wrapping around him like a suffocating shroud. He knew he needed help, something beyond his own power, beyond even the most fantastic enchantments he knew.

In his despair, he recalled tales of Llwd ap Crachan Llwyd, an ancient wizard from the spirit world, renowned for his wisdom and mastery over the balance between light and darkness. Legend said Llwyd’s spirit lingered in the boundary between worlds, waiting for those who sought true understanding. Determined, Josiah called out into the night, summoning the spirit of Llwyd. To his astonishment, a shimmering figure materialised before him, an elderly wizard cloaked in flowing robes woven with starlight, eyes gleaming with ageless wisdom.

“Who dares summon Llwd ap Crachan Llwyd?” the spirit whispered, voice echoing like distant thunder.

“I am Josiah Wormongdale,” Josiah replied, trembling but resolute. “My wand is broken, and dark energies threaten to consume my magic and my soul. I seek your aid.”

Llwyd studied him silently, then nodded.

“A fractured wand is a vessel of imbalance. To mend it, one must understand the darkness that corrupted it and be willing to release it.”

With a gentle wave of his hand, Llwyd extended his spirit-energy toward Josiah’s broken wand. Light poured from the elder’s fingertips, enveloping the shards. As the light touched the dark energies, they writhed and shrieked, trying to cling to the wand’s remnants.

“Let go,” Llwyd urged. “Embrace the light, and release what binds you to darkness.”

Josiah closed his eyes, feeling the weight of his fears and regrets. Slowly, he surrendered his attachment to the dark energies, allowing Llwyd’s luminous power to dissolve them. The darkness dissolved into shimmering particles that drifted away like ash in the wind. Then, Llwyd’s spirit wove his magic into the broken wood, mending the cracks with threads of pure light. The wand shimmered and pulsed with a new, radiant energy, stronger and more balanced than ever before.

“Your path now is clearer,” Llwyd said softly. “Remember, true power lies not in dominance over darkness but in understanding and harmony. Carry this lesson with you.”

With a final nod, Llwyd’s spirit faded into the ether, leaving Josiah holding a restored wand glowing with a gentle, luminous aura. From that day forward, Josiah Wormongdale used his renewed magic to bring light to the darkest corners of the realm, always remembering the elder wizard’s wisdom: that light and dark are but two sides of the same coin, and true mastery is found in balance.

The Reunion of Simon and Skip

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Ten years had passed since Simon last saw his beloved dog, Skip. The day Skip disappeared from their small hometown was etched into his memory: a sunny afternoon, a gust of wind, and suddenly, his loyal companion was gone. Despite numerous searches, flyers, and tears, Skip remained a ghost in Simon’s heart, a silent ache that lingered with each passing year. Simon never gave up hope. He travelled far and wide, following every lead, every faint scent, every whisper of a dog that might be Skip. Over the years, he grew older, but his determination never waned. He often wondered if Skip remembered him, if the bond they shared was still alive in some corner of the world.

One summer, after almost a decade of searching, Simon received a tip from a mountain ranger. Someone had spotted a dog resembling Skip wandering near the rugged peaks of a distant mountain range. Heart pounding with a mix of hope and disbelief, Simon set out once more, this time heading toward the towering cliffs and whispering winds. The climb was arduous. The air grew thinner, and the terrain more treacherous. But Simon pressed on, driven by memories and an unbreakable hope. As he neared the summit, he saw a figure sitting calmly on a rocky outcrop, overlooking a vast valley below. His breath caught. The figure was unmistakable: a scruffy, brindle-coated dog with bright, alert eyes.

“Skip?” Simon called softly, tears welling in his eyes.

The dog’s ears perked up. He turned his head slowly, and then recognition ignited in those expressive eyes. The dog leapt to his feet and bounded down the rocks, tail wagging furiously. Simon dropped to his knees, tears streaming down his face as he reached out his arms. Skip dashed into them, nuzzling his old friend with a joyful bark. They sat together on the mountain top, amidst the clouds and the winds, their bond renewed after a decade apart.

In that moment, standing atop the world with Skip by his side, Simon knew that some loves are so strong, they can withstand the test of time and distance. And as the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a golden glow over the mountains, Simon and Skip looked out together, grateful for the miracle of their reunion. 

The Tale of Thomas Gray

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Thomas Gray was a man of a kind heart and noble dreams. From a young age, he believed in doing what was right, helping others, and making the world a better place. His intentions were pure, and he often went out of his way to lend a hand, whether volunteering at the local shelter or advising those in need. Despite his good heart, Thomas’s actions sometimes led to unforeseen consequences. He believed that he knew what was best for everyone, and in his eagerness to help, he often overlooked the complexities of others’ lives. His desire to fix problems sometimes came across as meddling or patronising.

One day, Thomas learned that a neighbour, Mrs. Whitaker, struggled to keep her small bakery afloat. Moved by her plight, he bought her a new oven and offered her a loan to expand her business. He thought he was doing a kind deed—helping a neighbour succeed. But Thomas didn’t consult her first. He didn’t understand her plans or her vision. When she found out, she felt patronised and overwhelmed, unable to accept his help on her own terms. Instead, the loan, intended to lift her up, created tension and distrust. Mrs. Whitaker, feeling insulted, withdrew her trust from Thomas, and her bakery’s decline worsened as a result.

Thomas’s well-meaning efforts didn’t stop there. He tried to mediate disputes between friends, but his solutions often ignored the feelings of those involved. His attempts to “help” sometimes heightened conflicts rather than resolve them. Over time, Thomas’s reputation as a helpful man was replaced by one seen as intrusive or oblivious. His intentions, though noble, had blind spots—an inability to see the whole picture or respect others’ autonomy. He believed he was doing right, but his actions caused harm rather than good.

Eventually, Thomas realised that genuine kindness isn’t just about good intentions; it’s about listening, understanding, and respecting others’ wishes. It was a hard lesson, but one that taught him humility. Ultimately, Thomas learned that doing right isn’t always about action alone. Sometimes, the best help is to step back and let others lead their own paths. His journey was a reminder that even the noblest intentions can lead astray if they’re not tempered with empathy and humility.

James Redfield

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James Redfield is an American author best known for his spiritual and self-help book, The Celestine Prophecy. He was born on March 19, 1950, in Birmingham, Alabama. James studied sociology at Auburn University and later received a Master’s in counselling from the University of West Florida. “The Celestine Prophecy” was self-published in 1993. The book blends adventure, spirituality, and insights into human consciousness. It became a bestseller and gained a large following, especially among readers interested in personal growth and spirituality. “The Celestine Prophecy” popularized ideas about synchronicity, energy flow, and spiritual growth. It inspired many readers to explore spirituality and personal development in new ways.

Redfield has written several other books, including “The Tenth Insight: Holding the Vision,” “The Secret of Shambhala: In Search of the Eleventh Insight,” and “The Twelfth Insight: The Hour of Decision.” His writings continue to inspire readers and spiritual seekers worldwide, and the books have been translated into multiple languages and have sold millions of copies. Overall, James Redfield is known for his contributions to spiritual literature and his ability to blend adventure storytelling with profound spiritual insights.