THE REBIRTH OF HOPE VOLUME I

‘The Conflict of Madness’

The ground shook with the rhythmic and thunderous footsteps of the Major Commander's soldiers, who advanced determinedly towards the final battle. Each footfall caused the earth to tremble beneath his feet, echoing the determination and ferocity that fueled his advance. Their armor gleamed in the sunlight, reflecting the desire for conquest that boiled in their hearts. The Commander, imposing in his armor of greed and hatred, led the march with an aura of undeniable power. His eyes sparkled with a thirst for dominance as he barked commanding orders, echoing across the desolate landscape.

“Kill them all! Jetiah is my planet. Attack now!”

On the other side, the guardians waited, holding the shining star in their hands. Its radiance radiated an intense light, bringing with it the promise of renewal and the hope of a better future. Accompanied by the tigers, guiding spirits of that sacred place, the two chosen young people advanced towards the star square, accompanied by the two older wise men, Ali and Padiah.

While the Commander continued to shout his merciless orders, the soldiers fought against an invisible force that seemed to trap them in the quagmire of evil and human degradation. His legs struggled to run, but they seemed to sink into the very mud generated by his cruel acts. They could hear the Commander's screams, they could feel the whip of punishment, but something was stopping them from advancing. It was the light of truth, illuminating the dawn of a new day and revealing the redemption that could be achieved.

The star guardians, followed by a hopeful crowd, finally arrived at the star square. The mud had turned into firm ground, and the murky water would give way to a crystal clear liquid that flowed, harmonizing with the exuberant nature. The arid land germinated hope, giving life to long-dormant seeds. In front of the obelisk, even though it was broken, Ali and Padiah, wielding the power granted by the Star, erected a new monument, shaping it only with the energy that flowed from their hands. Sarati and Alair, moved by the strength of love that united them, carefully placed the Greater Star in its original place. The light was so intense that it blinded the vision, but it did not stop the good-hearted souls from gathering in a choir of jubilation, applauding the restoration of balance.

Sarati asked for silence and addressed the gathered people.

“People of Jetiah, a new era begins for our planet. Through this union, we will be able to live in harmony. May the king and queen come closer and, before the star, reaffirm their commitment to protecting our planet and its people. We, the guardians, will keep the flame burning and the light will spread throughout our land.”

The king and queen knelt before the obelisk and, surprisingly, were blessed with a divine light that descended directly over their heads. In a gesture of selflessness, they abdicated their thrones in favor of the two guardians, thus fulfilling the will of the star itself. From that moment, Ali and Padiah began the legacy of guardian kings and queens, guiding Jetiah in times of peace and prosperity.

However, somewhere far away, Carliah woke up abruptly, and plunged into a harrowing nightmare. Panting, he leaned back in the shadowy corner of his prison cell, shared with other men. His body shook convulsively, and a mixture of fear and despair dominated his thoughts. Little by little, he regained his composure and, still trembling, began to give orders to his cellmates.

“Kill them all! I want my planet back!” Carliah shouted, her voice full of anger and determination.

Lucadelli, who was on duty that night, observed him from afar and saw a man tormented by pain and frustration. His eyes met Carliah's, and for an instant, Lucadelli saw beyond the facade of an implacable enemy. He glimpsed a man wracked by grief and loss, a man who longed to take back what had been taken from him.

Amid the darkness of the cell, Lucadelli felt a pang of compassion. Although they were on opposite sides of the battle, he recognized the humanity in Carliah and the pain that consumed him. For a brief moment, the barriers of war were lifted, and Lucadelli wondered if there was a way to find peace and reconciliation.

However, at that moment, the reality of the situation separated them. Carliah continued to give orders, fueled by her relentless determination to take back what she believed was hers. Lucadelli, in turn, remained at his post, watching in silence, as the prison kept its walls impassable.

Jetiah's story was still far from finding its conclusion. The fate of the planet and its inhabitants was in the hands of those who carried the shining star and in the hope that one day, understanding, and peace would prevail over hatred and greed.

Meanwhile, Lucadelli kept with him the memory of the man cornered by pain, a memory that made him question whether there was a way to break the endless cycle of conflict and find common ground for reconciliation.

****

A necklace, a bracelet, and the stellar sword—sacred objects that are part of the secrets of a great prophecy. In the early days of the planet Jetiah, still a barren and inhospitable land, a star appeared, bringing life to this desolate realm. Through the light of life, infused with energy, plants sprouted, grew, and flourished; flowing rivers nourished agricultural fields, providing sustenance for the men and women who called this place home.

“And what happened next, Dad?”

“Daughter, you're very eager! It would help if you were patient. This is a long tale filled with secrets, adventures, love, and destruction. You'll need to test your patience. Allow me to introduce you, my beautiful princess.”

“Yes, Dad, but I want to know everything about this beautiful story.”

“You will know everything, so pay close attention. Every detail is crucial. There are numerous adventures, and not all of them are picturesque. Remember that.”

“I promise I'll pay attention.”

With her round, black, and curious eyes fixed on the book her father had been writing for some time—a collection of short stories—he embarked on recounting tales inspired by the paintings and writings left by the great guardians of the star. It was a journey through the generations, revealing the story of the family of guardians of the star and their role in Jetiah's revival.

“Daddy, are you teasing me? I'm getting anxious again.”

“I'll never let that happen,” he said, smiling at his beautiful princess. “Pay close attention.”

Over a thousand years ago, a man named Luthiah was the first ruler of our kingdom. He built a magnificent city, the one we inhabit today, but before he could transform this planet into a habitable land and construct the city, he needed to make numerous discoveries.

“What were those discoveries, Dad?”

“You're getting impatient again. There's no way I can tell you then,” said the father, almost closing the book and making a move to leave the bed.

The father pondered where such impatience stemmed from in a child. Thus, he gazed upon his daughter with unconditional love, the princess of his heart, who clung to his arm, unwilling to let him depart, all the while smiling.

“One last chance, alright?”

“I promise I won't say anything else.”

“Then remember that promise well.”

One day, Luthiah ventured into the desert with his wife Sarah, searching for food and shelter while they explored the unknown planet further. For now, they resided in a place still under construction, along with other inhabitants. The weather was unusually rainy, given the arid nature of the land. The planet was characterized by dry, arid conditions and water scarcity. On this particular day, lightning streaked across the sky, posing a danger to them and the animals they herded. After a long journey, they entered a cave at the foot of a mountain, known as Acadeh, where they sought refuge for the night.

“How did they know the mountain's name? I can ask that, can't I?”

“The star revealed it to them, so I must finish the story.”

The following morning, the rain persisted, albeit not as heavily as the previous night, with no signs of abating. They remained inside the cave, keeping warm by a feeble fire fueled by the sticks they gathered. Restless, Luthiah, despite the danger, took a torch and ventured outside to explore.

During the previous night, while his wife slept peacefully, he noticed peculiar lights and heard strange voices emanating from outside. Curious, he approached his wife, who was preparing food, to inform her of his intention to explore further.

“Where are you going, restless man?”

“I'm not sure. Something compels me to explore.”

“It's still raining heavily. It could be dangerous.”

“I'll be cautious. Stay here, no matter how late I am.”

“But, Luthiah…”

“Sarah, I've seen strange lights and heard voices. I need to investigate.”

“Do you think it's safe? The ground might be slippery from the rain, and there could be floods.”

“Something tells me it's safe. Besides, I see a faint light that seems to draw me in, and the voice I hear has a melodious, feminine tone, as though it's speaking directly to my mind.”

“Trying to entice me with a feminine and melodious voice?”

“Never. You're the only one for me. But I must find out what's happening.”

Sarah chuckled at her husband; he was always adventurous, always seeking discoveries. She accompanied him to the mouth of the cave.

“Don't be too long. I'm preparing food, and if you sense danger, return to the safety of our shelter.”

“I'll return, and I have a feeling it will be with remarkable discoveries.”

Luthiah left and wandered until he noticed the light again, which led him to the entrance of a stone corridor at the base of the distant and immense mountain. He gazed into the infinity of the corridor and started walking down it, without fear or uncertainty. As he ventured further, the light grew brighter, intensifying in silver and gold hues, nearly blinding him. With each step, the illumination strengthened, urging Luthiah to quicken his pace. In a matter of minutes, without running, he reached the mountain's summit. Before him stood a towering stone entrance, painted in his eyes with the color of gold. Contemplative, his inner voice urged him to enter. Ten steps forward, he encountered a space resembling a large, semicircular room.