Before them, a misty landscape fell away to reveal an enormous arena, surrounded by long walls. A portal has appeared before them, glowing with energy. "Welcome to the Trial of Courage," repeated the voice. "Face your greatest fears, and show that you possess the courage to confront the darkness within."
"Courage," Sarah whispered, her heart pounding. "What could it mean?
Just in time, though, before they could think about it too much longer, the portal swirled and filled with dark shadow morphing into twisted renditions of their darkest fears. Sarah's eyes grew wide as she faced a figure that was her: surrounded by darkness but with eyes drenched with despair.
"Why bother even? You are weak. You can never seem to protect your friends or Eldoria," the shadow version of herself sneered.
"No!" Sarah shouted, stepping forward defiantly. "I'm not weak! I've faced darkness before, and I'll do it again!"
Elara faces her own shadow, shaped like a huge, imposing figure. "You can't get away from me," it boomed. "You'll never be strong enough to fight the darkness."
Perhaps I am not strong alone," said Elara, her voice steady, "but I have my friends by my side. We stand together, and together we can conquer any darkness!"
Kaelin and Liora wrestled with their shadows, too, each person battling the manifestations of his or her doubts. Sarah watched as her friends fought their fears, a sense of hope welling within her. They were all facing darkness together.
Gathering strength, Sarah called forth the light of Heartstone. "We are light! We will not be ruled by fear!"
To that declaration, a wave of light streams from Heartstone, engulfing the shadows and forcing them to retreat. The darkness dissipated, and radiant energy filled the arena.
Courage is the first step," a voice shouted this time in a tone of more approval. "You have shown that you can face your fears. But trials are not over yet."
With the mist swirling again, Sarah had a renewed determination about herself and her friends. They faced their fears and as long as they were with each other, they were ready to overcome whatever lay in store.