CHAPTER 4: THE PATH OF FRIENDSHIP AND PEACE

After the remarkable events in the Cave of Destiny, Neythan and Henrique were closer than ever. What had begun as a political alliance had transformed into something far deeper. They were no longer just princes of rival kingdoms; they were now brothers in spirit, united by an ideal of peace and balance that transcended politics, light, and darkness.

— Henrique, how do you feel? — Neythan asked as they walked through the plains that separated their kingdoms, observing the nature around them. — What we saw in the cave was just the beginning. I know there is still much to be done.

Henrique looked at him, his gaze serene but filled with determination.

— Neythan, I never imagined that I would find in you not just an ally, but a true friend. Peace, true peace, does not come only from great gestures or battles won. It begins in the heart of each being, in every small action we take to maintain harmony. And with you, I know that we can build something more than simple alliances. We can create a new era.

Both knew the path ahead would be difficult. The Council of Light and the Council of Darkness continued working against them, fearing that their friendship would become a threat to their power. Yet, Neythan and Henrique were more determined than ever to prove that true strength lay not in battles fought, but in mutual trust and unity.

On a bright morning, when the night's mist still lingered over the lands, the two princes arrived at the Frontier of Peace, where an ancient gathering of tribes was set to take place. This event, rarely held, brought together people from both kingdoms to share stories, songs, and dances—all in the name of unity and harmony. But in times of division, the event had become rare, almost forgotten.

— This is where it all begins, Henrique, — Neythan said, his expression contemplative. — If we can show the tribes our friendship, perhaps we can convince our people to do the same.

Henrique smiled and took a step forward, as if feeling the energy of the place. The tribes of both kingdoms had gathered under ancient trees, which seemed to be witnessing a story unfolding over millennia.

Neythan stepped onto a small wooden platform where the tribal leaders had gathered and made a gentle gesture, asking for silence.

— People of Light and Darkness, — Neythan began, his voice firm but full of hope. — Today, we stand here not as princes, but as brothers. The friendship between Henrique and me represents the peace that we all seek. No more wars, no more divisions. Only the unity of our hearts.

Henrique continued, his voice soft but filled with conviction.

— Peace is not just a distant dream. It is something we can build together, here and now. What divides us are the fears of the past, but what unites us is the truth of our shared existence.

Their words touched the hearts of everyone present. The silence that followed was not one of doubt but of reflection. The people from both sides, who had been raised to distrust each other, now saw—perhaps for the first time—that there was something stronger than their differences: the desire to live in peace.

The ceremony unfolded with dances, chants, and symbolic gestures of unity. The tribes came together in a celebration of friendship, with the leaders exchanging peace offerings—flowers, fruits, and small amulets that represented the hope for a new era. The tension between the tribes eased, though there were still skeptics who saw the princes' friendship as a risk.

With the success of the tribal gathering, Neythan and Henrique knew that the real challenge would come when they faced the Council of Light and the Council of Darkness. They were determined to convince the leaders that the unity of the kingdoms was the key to prosperity—not separation.

As they entered the grand council hall, both princes were aware that the situation would not be easy. The air was tense, heavy with distrust.

The Grand Master of Light, an elderly man with white hair and a severe gaze, was the first to rise.

— Neythan, Henrique, you dare to challenge centuries of tradition. How can you believe that unity between light and darkness will be beneficial? The peace you seek is an illusion. We cannot mix what is pure with what is shadowed.

Henrique stepped forward, his posture calm but his gaze unwavering.

— We are not mixing anything. We are creating balance. True light is not a fire that burns without control, and true darkness is not an abyss that consumes all. Both are necessary for the world to exist in harmony.

The Council of Darkness, led by a mysterious figure with blood-red eyes, also spoke.

— And do you truly believe our people will accept this? That light can be a part of our darkness? That balance will not destroy the essence of who we are?

Neythan raised his head, his eyes sincere and filled with hope.

— We do not ask you to abandon your essence, but to accept each other as part of a greater whole. When Henrique and I made our vow of friendship, we did not do so to weaken our kingdoms, but to forge a new path. A path where trust and friendship prevail over fear and distrust.

The room fell silent. Even those who had been prepared to oppose the unity began to reflect on the princes' words. Perhaps, just perhaps, true peace was not something that could be imposed but something that needed to be built—one step at a time.

After hours of intense discussion, the Council of Light and the Council of Darkness finally reached a historic agreement: both kingdoms would commit to beginning the journey of peace, with the princes as symbols of unity. The division between them would not be forgotten, but it would begin to soften, as their people learned to accept one another.

Neythan and Henrique exchanged a silent look—one of deep understanding. The true battle was not against each other but against their own fears and prejudices.

As they stepped out of the council chamber, the sun was beginning to set, painting the sky with the colors of twilight—a perfect blend of light and shadow.

— Now our true journey begins, Henrique, — Neythan said with a smile.

— Yes, and no matter how long it takes, together, we will build a world where friendship is the greatest power of all.

And so, their journey for peace continued—not with weapons and victories, but with acts of friendship, sacrifice, and hope.

TO BE CONTINUED IN CHAPTER 5...