CHAPTER 5: THE ECHO OF PEACE AND THE FINAL CHALLENGE

After the agreement was sealed in the Council, Neythan and Henrique were determined to keep the flame of friendship alive—not only between themselves but among all peoples. The path to peace was not simple, and now, more than ever, they knew that words needed to be transformed into actions. The most important event of their journey would be the Crossing of the Mountains of Unity, a symbolic challenge where both kingdoms had pledged to send their representatives to cross the mountains and reach the Valley of Peace. The goal was simple yet profound: to traverse together and without violence, proving to the world that they could walk side by side despite their differences.

— Neythan, what do you think? Do you believe we can do it? — Henrique asked, his gaze thoughtful as he observed the imposing mountains before them.

Neythan smiled, confidence reflected on his face.

— It's not about whether we can, Henrique. It's about trying. True peace is not built on certainty but on courage. If we fail, at least we tried, but if we succeed… then we will have achieved more than any battle could ever offer us.

With these thoughts in mind, the two princes began their journey. Together, they marched with their respective escorts, uniting the armies of Light and Darkness. The atmosphere was tense, the mountains treacherous, but hope seemed to outweigh the adversities. The echo of friendship spread across the landscapes, and as they advanced, the differences between the troops began to fade.

The crossing was going well until a fierce storm struck the group. The winds howled, and the torrential rain seemed intent on separating them. The mountains, once imposing, now became an insurmountable obstacle. Panic began to take hold of some soldiers, and voices of doubt arose.

— We can't go on! We'll lose more lives here! — shouted one of the soldiers of Light, his eyes filled with despair.

Henrique, with his calm spirit, stepped forward and raised his hands.

— Listen! — his voice cut through the storm. — If we give in to fear, everything we have achieved so far will be in vain. The storm cannot divide us. We are here for a reason: together, we can overcome any challenge, even the forces of nature. What matters is that we are all on a journey toward peace, and no one will be left behind.

Neythan approached and, with a gesture, urged everyone to look at the sky. Though the storm raged violently, there was a clearing on the horizon—a sign that, even in the worst tempests, peace and calm could still be found.

— The light is there, beyond the clouds. And even though we are being tested, we must remember that it is through unity that we will get through this. Let's continue, together, as one people!

Henrique and Neythan's words echoed like a collective chant, resonating in the hearts of all. Fear gave way to determination. Soldiers from both sides began working together, helping each other move forward. The storm was no longer an obstacle—it became a symbol of their perseverance.

When the storm finally passed, the group reached the entrance to the Valley of Peace. There, in a clearing surrounded by immense trees, they found an old guardian, a man with a serene and wise presence, his aura of tranquility enveloping the entire place.

The guardian looked at Neythan and Henrique, observing them deeply.

— You have made it this far, but the true test still lies ahead. — he said, his voice low yet firm. — To achieve true peace, it is not the outside world that must change, but the heart of each individual.

The old guardian pointed to a crystal-clear lake ahead, where the image of a radiant sun reflected on the calm water.

— Each of you must look within and ask yourselves: what does peace truly mean? It is not just the absence of war but the ability to accept differences, to heal wounds, to forgive offenses. The real challenge is not what stands before you but what lies within.

Neythan and Henrique exchanged glances. This was the true test, far more difficult than any battle they had faced until now. They knew that peace was not an easy achievement but a constant process of inner transformation.

— We are ready, guardian. — Neythan said firmly. — We accept the challenge.

The guardian nodded and gestured for the two princes to approach the lake. Each had to look at their reflection and face the truth within. Neythan was the first to step forward. He gazed deeply into the water and saw his image merging with Henrique's, symbolizing the union of their destinies.

However, as he looked deeper, he saw the shadow of his own insecurities—the fear of failure, the fear of being unable to fulfill his promises of peace.

— I am afraid, guardian… — Neythan admitted, his voice trembling slightly. — I fear that people will not understand our cause. That our efforts will be in vain.

— Peace is not guaranteed, Neythan. It must be chosen every day, by every heart. Even in doubt, even in fear, the choice is yours.

Henrique also approached, his mind filled with thoughts of past wounds, the distrust he felt even within his own people, the threats of betrayal that could arise. He saw his own fears reflected in the water, but he also saw Neythan's hand, extended firmly beside him.

— What we have seen so far proves that we can change, Henrique. We can't turn back now. — Neythan said, extending his hand, binding them not just physically but spiritually.

With this union, they saw the lake's water shine even brighter, reflecting the rising sun on the horizon, illuminating the path of peace before them.

As the princes and their soldiers crossed the Valley of Peace, the sense of accomplishment was palpable. The challenge had not been about external victories but about the hearts of everyone involved. Neythan and Henrique had led not with strength but with courage and friendship, proving that true peace begins within each person.

— We did it, Henrique. — Neythan said with a smile of relief and hope.

— Yes, and the journey doesn't end here. Today, we have started something new. Something that will be built day by day, in every action, in every gesture of friendship. — Henrique replied.

And so, the two princes, now brothers at heart, moved forward, ready to bring the message of peace and friendship to their peoples, certain that, together, they could overcome any obstacle.

TO BE CONTINUED IN CHAPTER 6…