Dear Hero,

We thank you for saving our world. Many have come before, but now it’s your turn. That doesn’t mean you have to go alone. I’ve included seven things you’ll likely come across. We did. Maybe you won’t come across all, but you’re likely going to hit some (or most). We have faith in you.

The “Stranger Danger” is undoubtedly what you’ve encountered first and maybe why you’re even reading this letter in the first place, but let me explain. Yes those people you met today are unlike everyone else. Rand first saw a fade in the very start before he knew what they were. Garian had a visit from Belgarath, even though he only knew him as old wolf. Richard met Kahlan and killed a quad at the start. Even more so, a wizard is never late. Even when Gandolf came to Bilbo’s party. Strangers, in particular ones you don’t know and preceed someone who gives you reason to fear them, are trouble. You’re about to go on a long journey. Good luck.

The “This Means Something” refers to the fact that you’re going to have something, know something, or be involved with something that is a tip of a very large iceberg. The One Ring represented sin, corruption, and the will to dominate humanity. Padin Fain’s dagger carries the corruption of the human spirit. The Sword of Truth, aptly named, personifies justice. So when you come across something that everyone either wants, or they want destroyed, do neither. Sort it out and for the love of god keep it secret, keep it safe…until maybe you need to destroy it.

The “Noble Sacrifice” happily refers to someone other than you…most times (Sorry Edward Stark). You’re very good at what you do, but initially someone is better. Much better. They are going to guide you. However ultimately they are not as strong as you (or I’d be talking to them not you) though our enemy knows about you by now and they don’t just sit around. Something more dangerous than you, right now at least, is going to face off against you. You’re not ready and your master is out classed. Rock and hard place and your guide are going to perish so you can have a shot when you’ve learned what you need. Sadly, that’s not today.

The “You can never go home” means just that. Don’t. Why? Because you’re going to draw something that will destroy it, like wraiths or trollocs, or those people you knew there won’t want you around. The sting is that even if you do save us all, it’s not going to be the same. Whatever drives you to save the world will be saved for everyone but you, in the end. It’s the price we pay and it’s just the way of it. We are shaped by our experiences my young friend and yours is going to be a bit harder than farming, blacksmithing, or worrying about local politics.

The “I know Kung Fu” refers to the fact that you’re very skilled in a myriad of things and one of them, the part that’s going to initially save you, is something you are going to pick up at breakneck speed. Rand for instance bested a Blademaster before he could channel enough to light a candle. Richard bested a quad and then a ton of other people before he knew he was a war wizard. Odds are you’re very good at something; you’re likely able to pick up a sword and defeat pretty much everyone else with it. Use that…but it won’t keep you. You’re going to need to learn the other part too.

The “It’s Complicated” refers to the fact that a really pretty girl, the one you’re desperately in love with,  is going to both make and break your heart. There are a hundred reasons why it won’t work, but you’re not going to care about those. Good for you, I sure didn’t. It’s still going to be hard though and at times the entire world, literally and figuratively, is going to try to break you up. It’s worth it in the end.

Speaking of the end, “Only now, at the end, do you understand” is the last and it’s so true. All the rules, everything you know, will make no difference until you put it all together. That’s going to be under extreme pressure. I’ve never seen any of your fellows manage to save the world while bathing in a hot spring. You won’t either. At those last moments hopefully something you’ve picked up along the entire way through will save you and thereby all of us. If it doesn’t we are all dead and you were never the hero we hoped for and needed. We can’t help you at this point, because heroes in the end do what no one else can.

You can be what we’re not.

Sincerely,

Seasoned Veteran, whose time has passed
(and as dictated to Grant Theron)