ricknrok Richard E James Ed. D, Ph. D

In the second part of the series, “TheLostSunkenKingdom,” a group of brave sailors find themselves trapped within an underwater city. During their exploration through this unknown world, they come across many different puzzles and challenges that will test every bit of their strength and determination. Drawing from stoic principles, they face their fears head on while adapting to what surrounds them and working toward freedom. These chapters offer philosophical insight coupled with vivid descriptions that dive deep into mankind’s innermost being as well as its pursuit for knowledge. This tale is sure to enchant anyone who reads it; as they venture forth with these characters who are trying to uncover lost secrets buried beneath an ancient ocean floor, wrestle against inner demons and seek true emancipation among constantly shifting tides of life


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The Lost Sunken Kingdom

Stuck in the Depths

Upon finding a lagoon with strangely crystal clear breathable water the group descended until darkness overtook them again. As the crew took each step down into this hidden underwater kingdom, their curiosity mingled with dread and caught fire in their chests. They were faced with the remains of a civilization that had been lost - bathed in an otherworldly light that spoke of ancient knowledge and secrets. Buildings, covered in ornate carvings and symbols, revealed a society which once danced hand-in-hand with the ocean. Stoicism acted like a ghostly guide during this time; it urged them to approach this finding calmly and accept without fear or attachment what mysteries might unfold.

But as they went on further, there seemed to be something bad waiting for them. A terrifying find lay before their shaking hearts – a room glowing blue with light that flickered like electricity but didn't die out. The walls were filled with symbols and mystical carvings, some kind of cosmic language hinting at great magic. And in its center loomed a gigantic statue whose eyes shimmered brightly enough to compete with stars.

Captain Morgan gathered his crew around him, his voice steady though laced with worry. “Comrades,” he said quietly. “We stand on the brink of forces we cannot understand … nor control. We are surrounded by magic – danger too potent for our senses alone to perceive.” His face was grim when he went on speaking: “Let us draw upon stoicism’s teachings here; remain serene through this trial together — stay focused.”

The men nodded their heads; looking scared but determined at the same time — after all it was only natural given what they knew about the world.

They approached what was there in the darkness step-by-step until finally standing before its cold stone feet–the quiet seeming wrapping around them protectively while its own heart beat loudly against theirs in response; one could almost say those eyes were alive …

One member shivered mouth dry, knees knocking, hands sweating, voice breaking when he asked, “Captain … what is this? What kind of place have we found? It’s so beautiful … and yet so terrible. How are we supposed to get through?”

Morgan turned his gaze around the room before answering him "We’ve stumbled upon powers beyond us mortal ken. Stoicism teaches us that fear must be met with unflinching bravery; and it bids us learn from this which is unknown.” He paused for a moment then added slowly, “Let’s watch our steps – seek wisdom at every turn.”

They moved further into chamber together keeping as quiet as possible lest any sound give away their presence even more than they already had from being there. The closer they came towards the center though — where everything seemed to converge – the more oppressive became the atmosphere until soon enough all anyone could hear was his own breathing mingled with strange whispers coming out of the walls carrying long-forgotten stories and ancient secrets.

One of the crew members, in a whisper full of awe, said “can’t you hear it? It’s like the statue is telling us something really profound.”

Captain Morgan nodded with respect in his voice. “Absolutely my friend. The sound that fills this room shows how everything is connected and tells us to be careful with our next moves. So let’s pay attention and get educated by what it says.”

The crew exchanged glances that revealed their mix of curiosity and fear; they knew just how serious things were without saying a word. Stoicism had taught them how to find strength when faced against tough odds and stay true on their journey for knowledge and enlightenments sake. Not only did they understand that there would be external challenges but also inner ones which would test who each one of them was at heart, as well as his resilience.

Still waters run deep – these words kept them going through every danger zone encountered while delving ever further into themselves along uncharted routes through this subaqueous realm; wherefrom where originated such courage? They were drawing from within themselves all the time knowing that others too had done the same throughout human history. Sharing common goals fortified by an unbreakable bond born out not giving up until they succeeded even if it meant death itself being faced head on somewhere down there among these ruins. There it waited patiently beneath the waves for some human company capable enough to read signs left behind over centuries past.

Captain Morgan spoke again but now his voice held both reverence and excitement: “Our very core shines brightest in times filled with doubt. Let us welcome this trial as a chance for growth and knowledge; awareness demands nothing less than profound change. We have not yet arrived at wisdom nor shall we ever do so but we can draw nearer unto its light step by step along life’s way here below wherefore then may we hesitate any longer? Inward march souls stout-hearted outward bound minds open.”

Confronting the Enigmatic Forces

The crew was amazed as the sea dragon came out from the darkness, reflecting in its scales an iridescent shine. The eyes of the creature had centuries of knowledge in them that seemed both magnificent and dangerous at the same time. They knew that they had to remain unemotional to gain strength in front of such a powerful being and should treat this meeting with awe and deep respect as is beholding to everything alive.

Captain Morgan spoke to his men his voice filled with faith but also determination: “This is none other than our friend –the Sea Dragon. Everything he represents shows us how strong philosophy can be when faced by formidable things such as these. We must handle this encounter mindfully realizing that like any other being, it belongs to an interconnectedness network that binds all creatures.”

The crew were terrified yet fascinated by what they saw before them –the Sea Dragon itself! It eyed them up as if trying to read through their souls or something similar enough to understand completely. With regard for nothing else but its presence this alone would tell anyone about the danger that might come along if there was no respect paid towards nature’s balance sheet.

It’s always been hard staying focused on one’s thoughts without getting carried away while gazing at anything so beautiful like this sea monster with wings extended outwards readying itself to either fly high into sky above or dive deep down beneath wave troughs rolling towards shorelines miles away where people have lived ever since time began… So many stories had been told about sailors who made it back home having seen creatures resembling dragons during storms raging across open ocean waters!

A member of the crew said firmly his voice trembled slightly due to fear rather than lack thereof :“We’ve learned our stoic teachings and are firm believers in facing life’s challenges bravely instead of running away from them. All things sooner or later must perish including ourselves thus making everything around us an interconnected part within a web-like structure called existence itself. Therefore we must pay our due respects whenever we come across such beings as these right here before us today.”

Suddenly something clicked inside the sea dragon’s eyes which seemed to acknowledge that those standing before him had indeed grasped hold of some greater truths governing over all things. It moved nearer with each step taken making sure it never lost sight of them while doing so… Philosophy teaches us this moment will soon pass away like many others before or after but still they remained oblivious praying for only one thing – liberation! Then again what more could be expected from anyone who has seen light at the end tunnel once too often.

The sea dragon spoke: “If you want to prove your worthiness then face your deepest fears, expose the darkest corners within your heart where light rarely shines through and leaves only when clarity dawns upon thee. For I am the guardian of truth.”

Members of thr crew exchanged determined looks showing how firm they were in their stoic resolve not to waver even an inch under such circumstances as these. Facing them headlong without having been asked to choose between life or death itself. Knowing fully well there is no turning back on a road leading towards wisdom whose gate stands wide open waiting patiently for anyone ready to enter into its sacred halls filled ONLY WITH SILENCE!

One by one different members began seeing themselves reflected back through the dragons eyes, others’ mirrored reflections remaining unclear about who exactly was looking at who but none could deny the fact everyone present there felt a strong sense shared destiny somehow linking them together forevermore… They started talking quietly among themselves using words of encouragement meant to keep up their spirits during the difficult moments…

As the crew took each step, they came closer to discovering the truth that had them bound. They were guided through these trials; they knew that real freedom was not about getting away from their physical prison but about overcoming attachment and fear within themselves. What’s more, they recognized how everything in existence is connected together – so what seemed like an external encounter for them turned out to be equally an internal exploration.

During various stages of the journey through these enchantments and tests, this mindset saved its possessors’ mental clarity which enabled them remain focused even amidst confusion while also providing them with strength to bounce back after every setback stronger than before. The present moment they embraced because it showed itself impermanent compared to what was needed for gaining knowledge and mastering oneself.

All fear of depths behind endless ocean waves vanished when face-to-face with transformed beings from another world who bore no resemblance whatsoever to former selves filled only with doubt; such dragons should have devoured us without hesitation! But now those same creatures regarded us kindly as if saying “Well done!” Softened though because the still mighty appearing sea-dragon stared at them approvingly because stoicism helped them to overcome obstacles by revealing the inner power and relatedness of everything in the cosmos.

The crew continued on undeterred by anything outside themselves after realizing more about themselves and everything else around them. They never lost sight of their objective nor did they falter along the way. These people had confronted mysteries head-on; stared down terrors eye-to-eye… And emerged better off than before: clearer headed, stronger willed – ready for whatever lay ahead towards liberation – with hearts full of calm courage firmly rooted in reality.

Seeking Liberation

While the crew once again explored the lower depths of the sunken kingdom, their steadfastness became their rock in such darkness. The walls of these old buildings looked like they could talk and tell stories about the forgotten knowledge which begged them to seek for understanding and self control.

Captain Morgan addressed his crew his voice filled with determination, “My friends we may be still trapped physically but our minds are free. Let’s embrace philosophical teachings and look into more enigmas surrounding us because our freedom doesn’t depend on leaving this place but overcoming fears and gaining knowledge.”

With that they continued to delve ever deeper into the heart if this sunken empire seeking wisdom; where they met puzzles and riddles each testing their intelligence and will power. Stoicism reminded them to approach all these challenges with even-mindedness and seeing them as opportunities for self-realization.

As they passed through winding corridors one crew member spoke out curiously,” Captain what else do you think we’ll find at the centre of this sunken city? Could it hold key(s) to our liberation?”

Looking optimistic captain Morgan replied back his eyes twinkling,” My friend the answer lies within ourselves; true freedom comes when we conquer fear, attachment(s) and desire(s). Know that this submerged kindom is nothing else but a reflection of our own mind thus through understanding oneself alone shall [we] be released.”

Eventually their journey brought [them] into a great hall whose walls were covered in even more complex signs and symbols. Right at its middle stood another statue gazing upon a pedestal. They approached it with awe inspired by stoic reverence towards anything higher than ordinary be it man-made or natural. So guiding themselves based on those principles while trying to understand the hidden meanings conveyed they philosophized.

“This statue seems like it’s pointing us towards that platform; what could be inside?” asked one crew member full of wonderment.

Quietly contemplating captain Morgan responded saying,” We must confront what remains of our fears and desires during this quest for liberation. Therefore let us embrace uncertainty by having courage to face unknown.”

Upon reaching the platform an electric charge filled air making them feel as if their intentions had awakened some dormant powers around them; it reminded them to be present in the moment and observe thoughts and feelings without becoming attached as taught by all philosophical systems.

They took a breath together then touched it causing the chamber to erupt into blinding light while visions flashed before their eyes showing their deepest internal struggles and regrets thereby testing each person’s resolve towards freeing oneself from such things.

In the midst of inner chaos a voice cut through the haze “Remember my friends philosophy teaches us to accept the transitory nature of our lives they are illusions that cloud the mind. Embrace understand and release them.”

With that new found clarity the crew confronted fear head on understanding that liberation wasn’t found in shunning our fears but meeting them with bravery and determination. Through storms emotions they guided themselves in true freedom that which lies in the ability choose our response(s) towards (ones) our own circumstances as directed by Stoic philosophy.

Once the visions had disappeared, a silence fell in the room and an unfathomable calmness embraced everyone. They stood firm, their faces still showing no sign of emotion. They came face to face with their own fears and grew stronger from it.

Captain Morgan looked at his crew with satisfaction written all over his face. “My friends, we have been to the bottom of the sunken kingdom and to the deepest part of ourselves. Freedom is never a place outside our senses but a way of seeing things through the minds eye. We should bring with us this knowledge for navigating through life outside these walls.”

The crew gained new determination and power over themselves as they were about to quit this sunken kingdom forever. They would always be grateful for the wisdom which taught them many things along their journey.

While ascending towards the surface, their path was lighted by rays coming from the sun which penetrated down into those depths like spears. This philosophy had taken them through thick and thin, reminding each individual that everything is interrelated and that we are all capable beings.

Having learnt so much from this ordeal and armed only with what stoics believe somewheredeep inside their heart they understood truth. Even though one may want nothing more than liberation our resilience is equally necessary and doesn’t change, there must surely be some truth in those words spoken long ago – out of such caves should come such liberations as these! The crew left behind them an ocean floor full of sunshine knowing that they would need it wherever they go next but understanding too well how little time anything stays the same once waves start rolling across seas again.




July 21, 2024, 6:11 a.m. 1 Report Embed Follow story
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Meet the author

Richard E James Ed. D, Ph. D Greetings, I am a seminary graduate, Ph. D Psychologist and Doctorate of philosophy. I enjoy studying world religions, travel and the search for life’s meaning. I personally believe that truth does not lie in what the world tells us to believe but rather in what it shows us through our experiences.

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Maria  Gabriella Lazzarini Maria Gabriella Lazzarini
I loved it!
August 17, 2024, 22:54

  • Richard E James Ed. D, Ph. D Richard E James Ed. D, Ph. D
    Thanks you its part one of three. The second about a lost city and the third about a mad queen- thanks for liking it Rick August 17, 2024, 23:04
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