A simple short story that I wrote some time ago.

The Story of Ezaikan

(or, How Ezaikan Could, But Didn't Know How)

The feeling...

The dwarf Ezaikan had spent all his life down in the mines, but he knew he wasn't destined there. He knew that somewhere 'above' there was light and space and freedom, not like here where life was so constrained by the tunnels. Not to mention the permanent baggage on his back that he always carried — the rocks and the lunks (why dwarfs had to carry them, he didn't know).In fact, Ezaikan felt constrained. Life just 'happened' to him; he had no control, he didn't choose what happened, he didn't know how to find those jewels that those other dwarfs so often found. He was stuck here in these tunnels and overwhelmed by their enormity. So far underground, so many paths, how could he ever escape and glimpse what 'above' was like?

As usual, he spoke to his friend, and as usual, she was sympathetic — but didn't understand. "Now, Ezaikan, I've told you before. You shouldn't have ideas above your station. You're just a common dwarf, you know. You do what you're supposed to and get your share like the others. Leave the jewels to those who know how to find them."

Ezaikan didn't like that. "Skedekat, I can't accept that. It's too much for me down here. I'm going to find out!"

"No, Ezaikan, don't! You'll just get into trouble, you know!" But Ezaikan had had enough. Too much. He knew that Medikat, a busy and tall dwarf who had found many jewels, had actually been 'above.' He sought out Medikat and asked his advice.

"Well, Ezaikan, each dwarf has to find his own way," said Medikat. "You cannot take the same path that another dwarf has taken. Your jewels are the keys. When you find your own jewels, you'll find that they match certain tunnels, and no others. Those tunnels will take you to above. Just find your jewels. If you need a guide, find Moorkan."

"Moorkan!" exclaimed Ezaikan. "But I thought he was just a myth! Where do I find this Teacher?"

"Trust your instincts," Medikat said. Try as he might, Ezaikan could get no other answer from Medikat.

Ezaikan has made an important decision. He has decided to do something about his life and the way he feels. He has also realised something that someone once said: "You have to do it by yourself, and you can't do it alone." What does Ezaikan learn about his baggage?