Reaching Into Minds

People were scattered around us as we made our way away from the center of the village. I followed my grandfather, eager to discover my next power. My thoughts were consumed by the power I had recently used and the fear that it may have caused harm to the village.

My grandfather reassured me that the forest was empty and that no harm had been done. If I had used my power at any other time, it would have drained my energy completely. However, the potion I had taken seemed to replenish my energy and keep me going.

I shouldn't have been surprised by the potency of the potion. It was every bit as powerful as they said it was. My grandfather led us to a quiet spot outside the village, not too far away.

It was a peaceful place. My grandfather stopped in a field and turned to face me.

"Your control over your structural power is impressive," he said. "You can control your power well and I am confident that you will continue to strengthen it over time. But remember, our main goal is to teach you how to use powers that you are not yet aware of. That is why we are here."

"Let me guess," I said. "Mind control?"

"Well done," my grandfather replied with a smile. "You are already using your mind well. The reason we are here is not only to teach you to mind control but also to help you see the thoughts in your own mind. Just use your power."

"Can I do it on everyone?" I asked.

"This power does not work as well on strong individuals," my grandfather explained. "They have more resistance than normal people and can control their minds and shut down their thoughts. However, with black magic and potions, you can break their resistance and control even the strongest of minds."

It seemed as though my grandfather was speaking of Jixus, who had used black magic to control the first kingdom. This power was different and beautiful, but where could I use it?

"And where am I supposed to use this power?" I asked. "Almost everyone we've fought is stronger than us."

"Even the smallest power can have great importance," my grandfather replied. "One piece of knowledge can win you a war. One thought can win you the world."

"I understand," I said.

"I'm glad you do," my grandfather said. "Otherwise, the power would be pointless."

"How do I activate my power?" I asked.

"By listening to the creatures in the forest," my grandfather explained. "Sit here in the forest, clear your mind, and try to understand what they are thinking."

I had never done this before and turned to my grandfather for guidance.

"I've never done this before," I said.

"It doesn't matter if you've done it before or not," my grandfather replied. "As long as you let yourself think about them, after some time, your mind will adapt to them."

I had one last question for my grandfather.

"Can I control their minds like that?" I asked.

"Mind control is more difficult than reading," my grandfather explained. "You can learn to read minds in a day, but it may take a few days at most to learn how to control them."

"I'll do my best," I said.

"I know you will," my grandfather replied. "You need to be alone to concentrate. Work here in peace while I return to the village and attend to my duties as chief. And remember, try not to be caught out in the darkness of night."

"Okay, Grandad. Thank you," I said.

"Take it easy," he replied before leaving me alone in the forest.

My grandfather waved his hand in the air and walked away from me with slow steps. I was now alone in the forest. It was a beautiful place when there were no creatures around. But my main concern was not where I was, but how to activate my power in such a short time.

Without overthinking it, I did as my grandfather had instructed. I moved to a spot nearby and sat down without getting too close to any animals. With my eyes closed, I tried to concentrate on the minds of the creatures around me. I didn't know what to expect or how to do it because I had never done it before.

I continued to focus on my grandfather's words and tried to calm my mind and thoughts by breathing slowly. But if I wanted to control minds, I had to be more open and clear. First, I opened my mind and then focused on one of the creatures so that I could see it more easily.

The creature I chose was a deer standing just in front of me. I had to catch its focus and be receptive to its mind. I continued to think about the deer in deep darkness, imagining the inside of its head.

Although my eyes were closed, my ears could hear a creature approaching. I wasn't sure if my power was working because I still couldn't sense any thoughts. But the deer was getting closer and closer to me. Had I involuntarily called it to me? I wanted to open my eyes and see what was happening.

When I opened my eyes, I was faced with something unexpected. It was not the deer standing in front of me but the prince himself.

"What are you doing here?" I asked.

The prince, sweaty and half-naked wearing only his trousers, answered my question.

"I was just practicing," he said. "I heard your voice and wanted to have a look. That's all."

"I understand that you're practicing," I said. "But couldn't you have put some clothes on?"

"Sorry," the prince replied. "I didn't think anyone would be here."

"Well, it's me now," I said.

The prince put on some clothes and continued talking to me.

"How is your training going?" he asked. "I understand that you have impressed the people in the village."

"I didn't expect the news to spread so quickly," I replied.

"Yeah, I overheard some people talking near where I was practicing," the prince said. "They were talking about a girl with incredible power. She's the chief's granddaughter, so I guess that's you."

"As nice as that is, it's actually a bit scary," I said. "The more people see how powerful I am, the more they want to help me. I want to get stronger, but what if I can't do what they expect of me? What if I can't be who they want me to be?"

"I know what you mean," the prince said. "As the heir to a king, I feel the same way. But whenever I have these feelings, my father used to tell me that our strength is not determined by what we can do, but by what we can't do."

"I understand," I said. "He was a wise man."

"Yes," the prince agreed. "My father was more knowledgeable than his brothers. He may not have had as much power, but he was very wise."

"So let's make our parents proud, shall we?" I said.

"Sounds great," the prince replied.

We continued our training until sunset. When the sun disappeared below the horizon, we made our way back to the village to avoid being attacked by any creatures. It had been a tiring day, but I had made progress. I was sure that by tomorrow, I would have mastered my power.