Willand Jurca

I have been asked how I think of these stories – especially the dark ones. I do not think of them; I find them... And I will show you how you can do this, too. But be forewarned!

When you close your eyes and empty your mind, in the thus created dark void several portals will start to shine, each leading to another realm. But where each portal leads, this you cannot know.

Were you to pass through one of them, you would find yourself in a peculiar world. This is the “Realm of Knowledge”. Although a blinding-bright sun shines on its sky at all times, it seems only dimly-lit, and many things that seem to have clear shapes from afar, prove – when seen from close up – to be very different.

Another portal leads to the “Realm of Memory”. This is a dark place, barely lit, where many a thing is not as it seems, and most things are, in fact, hidden in the shadows.

These are just two of the worlds hidden behind the shiny doors, which draw most people with their hypnotic pull. Other portals lead to the “Land of Desires and Wishes”, with its myriad of winding paths, almost all leading nowhere; or to the “Land of Ambition”, with its poisoned straight paths, illuminated by the tenebrous light of trickery (which saps your life-force), and its meandering, crepuscular paths lit – once you step onto them – by a radiant sun, which fills you with joy and energy... Many other such worlds are hidden behind the numerous shiny doors.

However, there is also one portal, which shines dark and instills fear and repulsion in almost all people, who gaze upon it. Very few venture through this door because of the intensely-felt fear of it. Yet, you see, this is precisely the portal one has to choose, if one wishes to reach the “Realm of Myths, and Legends, and Dreams”.

This is the most dangerous realm for a neophyte, for it is the one, which encompasses all others. It is always completely dark here; the deepest darkness you cannot even imagine engulfs this realm. The paths are all hidden, and yet you are able to feel them. But – and this is the main secret to navigating this world – once you pass the threshold, you must have one goal – and only one goal – in mind. And even then, you often won’t find that which you seek! Still, at least you won’t be wandering aimlessly and at the realm’s mercy.

After walking on the unseen path for a time, through complete and utter darkness and silence, you might find an obstacle in front of you. Once you touch it, a story will be revealed to you.

If, when touching said obstacle, you find yourself in front of the door through which you came, rejoice! The realm took pity on you and showed you the way out, because you are not yet ready to walk its paths. Should you, though, persist, beware! You might lose yourself to its darkness and that which will be revealed to you, will seep into your waking world, and your mind will no longer be yours to command.

Then again, if the realm agrees to show you stories, be sure to remember and immortalize them, else incur its wrath and your next visit will not be a pleasant one. This plain of existence has its own rules and its own mind, it seems. If you disrespect it, you are doomed!

Are you, thus, ready for your own adventure, or – for now – will you follow me, and read what I have found – though, I admit, often not specifically sought?