Old Grikas was a lowly blacksmith under the House of Damok, which was the largest clan of wari north of Dalan. The clan had over three hundred staff under its household and operated a war academy, a Domon Temple, a weapon workshop, six plots of farmlands, and a bank. Its riches were unfathomable to orphans like Hamas. But Hamas had a glimpse of it by being under the tutelage of Grikas.
Being a staff, Grikas was able to arrange for Hamas to be schooled in the Domon Temple. Hamas was a diligent student and excelled in all the subjects taught. He was soon proficient in letters, poetry, history, geography, fencing, archery and horseback riding. His thirst for knowledge grew intensively as his teachers at the temple soon ran out of things to teach him. Even Grikas soon found out that there was little more he could impart to Hamas on blacksmithing. But what Hamas really wanted to learn was Philosophy and Art, the two subjects available to only the nobles in the House. Hamas was never to be allowed into the classes for these subjects.
Once, in a letters lessons, the students was required to compose a letter detailing their personal future. Hamas boldly wrote about his desire to become foremost in philosophy throughout Dalan. His tutor in letters reproached him severely when he read what was written. In his rage, he had Hamas whipped and made him redo his letters or he will be given a failing grade and be expelled from the temple.
The night was a long one for Hamas as he thought about his dream. The House of Damok was not his future. He needs to pursue his dreams boldly. Later that night, he sought out his Grikas, kneeled down and bowed respectfully to offer his thanks for taking him under his wings. The next day, he returned to the temple with a message for his tutor in letters.
“You can change my grades and expel me from the temple-school. But I cannot change my dreams. I will leave the House of Damok and seek my fortune elsewhere. You have my gratitude for teaching me much.”
= = = = =
Sometimes, we need to advance boldly towards our dreams.
Without dreams, we are but ships without compass,
ready to be devoured by the storms.
Without goals, it would be like running up and down the football field,
but never attempting to score.
How can we expect to win in life without dreams and goals?
