The Journey to the city of Promise
Eunice Crown.
Chapters
The clue to the city of promise. The journey begins. Approaching the site of the sustained. Meeting obstacles in the journey. Deceivers strike. Crossing the volcano. Felix and Felicia. Back in Colatol. Mountains upon mountains. The purification center. The worthy test Approaching the city of promise. Welcome to the city of promise. The endless search for the princess of colatol. The home of peace and rest,
Chapter one
The clue to the city of Promise
Mrs. Lidiana sat on a red bench, her wise eyes fixed on the group of teenagers standing before her. The air was thick with anticipation as she prepared to give them the instructions for the journey that lay ahead.
"You all will soon start your journey to the Promise Land," she began, her voice calm yet filled with gravity. "The Promise Land is a place of rest, peace, enjoyment, and happiness. Many people desire to go there, but it takes a very long time to reach. However, I assure you, with faith, courage, and strength, you all can make it. You have thirty days to get to the Promise Land, and after thirty days, the gates will be closed forever!"
Alice, her brow furrowed with worry, was the first to speak. "Is it going to be a very hard journey?"
Mrs. Lidiana nodded solemnly. "Yes, it will be very hard. You will climb mountains, jump rivers, scale walls, and even cross a volcano."
"A volcano?!" Diana exclaimed, her eyes wide with shock.
"That's why I said it will be a very hard journey," Mrs. Lidiana replied, her gaze steady and reassuring. "But I promise, you will all make it through. There's only one thing you need: a strong mind, faith, and belief."
Felicia, her hands trembling slightly, spoke up. "Wow, I feel so scared." She paused, then asked, "Ah, what about food? We could get hungry at any time."
Mrs. Lidiana smiled gently. "On your way, you will find food. You will also come to the Site of the Sustained, where you can replenish. But remember, you must be very careful. Follow the map and the map alone. Do not stray or take shortcuts. Only go where the map directs you."
Felicia, ever curious, looked around. "Where is the map? I guess I'm the one to hold it."
With a slow, deliberate motion, Mrs. Lidiana opened a large, ancient box and pulled out a weathered map. She handed it to Felicia, who smiled and took it with both hands.
"Make sure you follow the map, and the map alone," Mrs. Lidiana warned. "It is the only way that leads to the Promise Land. In two hours, your journey will begin. Make sure you aren't deceived."
Alice's curiosity got the better of her again. "Apart from what you've already mentioned, is there anything else we should expect?"
Mrs. Lidiana's expression darkened slightly. "Yes," she said gravely. "You will face worse dangers. Deceivers and wicked men will appear out of nowhere, trying to stop you from reaching the Promise Land."
"But why?" Diana asked, confused.
Mrs. Lidiana sighed. "Because they don't want good for anyone. This world is full of trouble, pain, sorrow, and tears. But the Promise Land heals all wounds and ends all suffering. Those deceivers and wicked people only want to see others suffer like they do. If they had the chance to get to the Promise Land, they wouldn't be there to stop you. But it's too late for them. Their wickedness has locked them out forever."
Diana nodded, determination in her voice. "It sounds difficult, but I believe we can make it to the Promise Land."
Felix, his voice quiet yet resolute, added, "It's really dangerous and risky, but what choice do we have?"
David, standing with his arms crossed, seemed to speak for them all when he said, "Nothing else matters. The Promise Land is our home and destination. I'm tired of all the suffering we face every day."
Mrs. Lidiana rose from the bench, her final words hanging in the air. "You should all start preparing now. In two hours, your journey will begin. Remember my words, and follow the map carefully. I've done all I can for you." She turned, her voice softening. "Safe journey to the Promise Land."
"Thank you, Mrs. Lidiana," they all said in unison, their voices filled with hope and gratitude.
She smiled once more before turning away and disappearing into the distance. The group stood there, the weight of the journey ahead resting on their shoulders. They knew it would be hard, but they also knew they had no choice but to face the trials and reach the Promise Land.
Chapter two
The Journey Begins
The journey had just begun, and the group of teenagers quickly found themselves facing their first challenge. Before them loomed a steep wall of hard rock, jagged and tall, seemingly impossible to climb.
Alice stared at the rocks, her face filled with disbelief. "Oh my goodness, we've only just started, and we already have to climb these rocks? This looks so difficult."
David, always the optimist, shook his head. "We haven't even tried yet. Have you forgotten Mrs. Lidiana's words? With faith, courage, and determination, we can do anything!"
Diana, her heart set on the goal, nodded. "That's true. Let's go!"
Together, they gathered their strength. It wasn't easy — the rocks were sharp, and the path steep, but one by one, they climbed, struggling and straining against the unforgiving stone. At last, with sweat on their brows and aching muscles, they reached the top, crossing over to the other side.
Alice, still catching her breath, turned to Felicia. "What does the map say now?"
Felicia unfolded the map, tracing their path with her finger. "It says we should head left and cross a sticky mud... very sticky."
Alice groaned. "A mud pit?"
"Well, that's what the map says," Felicia replied, her voice matter-of-fact. "Alright, let's keep moving!"
They followed the map's directions, walking carefully toward the next obstacle. Soon, they approached the sticky mud pit — a vast, thick expanse of dark, oozing muck that stretched out before them.
David stared at it in disbelief. "Wow! The map was right... we actually have to cross this whole mud pit. Oh my God, this is weird!"
Felix, always on the lookout for an easier way, pointed toward a nearby path. "Look over there!" he said excitedly. "There's no mud over there. Maybe we can go that way and just circle back around to our path. We won't have to deal with this mess!"
But Diana shook her head firmly. "No, no! The map says we have to cross the mud, even if it's sticky. This is the way! That other path could be dangerous for all we know. We need to stick to the map."
Felix frowned, clearly not convinced. "But—"
Alice quickly cut in. "Let's just listen to Diana. She's right."
Felix sighed, resigned to the group's decision. "Alright, fine," he muttered reluctantly.
The teenagers stepped into the mud, bracing themselves for the challenge. At first, it wasn't so bad, just sticky and uncomfortable. But by the time they reached the middle, their feet were completely stuck. Each step became harder, their legs sinking deeper into the thick, unforgiving mire.
Felicia's voice was filled with panic. "Oh my gosh! Now we're all stuck! I can't even move anymore!"
Felix, frustrated, groaned. "See? I told you we should have taken the other way! But no, you all had to listen to her!" He pointed accusingly at Diana, his frustration boiling over.
Diana's face fell, guilt and sadness washing over her. "I didn't realize it would get this bad... I just wanted us to stay on the right path, to avoid danger."
Alice, feeling just as discouraged, asked, "So what are we going to do now?"
They struggled for hours, trying everything they could think of to free themselves from the mud, but nothing worked. The more they fought, the deeper they sank, their spirits sinking along with them.
Just when hope seemed lost, the sky darkened, and raindrops began to fall. Slowly at first, then more heavily, the rain poured down, soaking the sticky mud. As the water mixed with the muck, the mud began to soften, becoming more fluid. Suddenly, their feet began to move more easily, and one by one, they were able to pull themselves free.
Alice cheered, her voice filled with relief. "At last! We're free!"
The others burst into laughter, their voices filled with joy and triumph. They were soaked to the bone, but they didn't care. After hours of struggle, they had overcome the mud, and their spirits soared.
Diana smiled, her eyes bright with renewed determination. "Now we can continue our journey."
With laughter still ringing in the air, they hurried away from the muddy area, their feet light and their hearts full of hope. As they continued on their journey, the memory of their struggle served as a reminder — no challenge, no matter how difficult, could keep them from reaching the Promise Land.
After a long and exhausting walk, the group of teenagers could go no further. They were weary, drained, and desperately hungry. When they reached the shade of a large tree, they collapsed underneath it, panting heavily, trying to catch their breath.
Alice groaned, "Oh, I am so tired. This journey is the hardest thing I've ever done in my life! I don't think I can go any further." She panted endlessly, her body sagging with exhaustion.
"I feel the same," Diana said, equally out of breath. "I'm just so tired."
David, catching his breath, added, "If I had known the journey would be this hard, I wouldn't have even started! I'm not sure I can keep going."
Felicia, though equally exhausted, encouraged them. "We've already started, and even though we're tired, we can't give up. We know what's waiting for us at the end." She paused, trying to steady her breathing. "We can do this."
Felix, rubbing his stomach, groaned, "But I'm so hungry and tired. How can we keep going without food? It's really discouraging."
Just then, a fruit fell from the tree above, hitting Felix on the head.
"Ouch!" he exclaimed, rubbing his head and looking down. To his surprise, it was a juicy, ripe fruit. "Oh my goodness! Look, there's fruit! We can eat!"
David looked up and gasped. "There's so much fruit on this tree! How did we not notice?"
"I can't believe it," Diana added, shaking her head. "We were sitting right under it this whole time."
Felicia smiled. "Whatever. At least we have something to eat now."
The group eagerly picked fruit from the tree, eating until they were full. Feeling rejuvenated, they packed some extra fruit in their bags and continued their journey.
Chapter three
Approaching the Site of the Sustained
After a long day of trekking, the teenagers were exhausted. The previous night, they had rested in a deserted area, but today they had walked even farther. Just as they began to lose hope of finding any relief, Alice's eyes widened.
"Look! Look!" she shouted excitedly, pointing ahead. In the distance, a large, beautiful mansion rose from the horizon, its gleaming white walls standing tall against the backdrop of endless fields. On top of the mansion, a sign glistened in the sunlight.
Diana squinted at the sign, reading the words aloud. "The Site of the Sustained!" She gasped. "Mrs. Lidiana talked about this place!"
Felicia's face lit up with excitement. "Yes, that's the place where we can rest and find food."
"At last!" Alice grinned with relief. "We can have a cool rest! Come on, let's go."
With renewed energy, the group hurried toward the mansion. It was even more breathtaking up close, with colorful flowers blooming in the garden and tall trees shading the entrance. But as they reached the gate, Alice frowned.
"The gate is locked!" she exclaimed, pounding on it. "Hello? Hello!!"
Just then, a kind-looking woman with gentle eyes appeared, walking towards them. She opened the gate and smiled warmly.
"Hello!" the woman greeted them. "I'm so happy to see you all. I guess you're on your way to the Promise Land. Welcome to the Site of the Sustained! My name is Mrs. Hall."
Alice beamed. "Yes, we are! Mrs. Lidiana told us about this place."
"Wonderful!" Mrs. Hall said, ushering them inside. "Come in, make yourselves at home."
The teenagers stepped inside the mansion, their jaws dropping in awe. The inside was even more magnificent than the outside. The walls were adorned with rich tapestries, and beautiful flowers lined every hallway.
"This place is so beautiful," Felicia said, her eyes wandering over the blooming flowers.
Alice nodded in agreement. "I've never seen anything like it in my entire life."
Mrs. Hall chuckled softly. "It may seem beautiful to you, but the Promise Land is far more breathtaking than this."
Diana, curious, asked, "You called this the Site of the Sustained. Is it only for people heading to the Promise Land?"
Mrs. Hall nodded. "Yes, only those on the journey to the Promise Land can find this place."
Diana's eyes widened. "What if someone who isn't heading to the Promise Land comes here?"
Mrs. Hall smiled mysteriously. "This place is only visible to those destined for the Promise Land."
"Wow," Diana whispered, amazed.
They continued walking through the mansion, admiring its beauty, when they were greeted by a man with a kind smile and a teenage girl by his side.
"Hello, everyone!" the man said cheerfully. "I'm Mr. Helpful, and this is my daughter, Hopeful."
"Good day, sir," they all replied politely.
"I believe you're all heading to the Promise Land?" Mr. Helpful asked.
"Yes, we are," Alice confirmed.
Mr. Helpful grinned. "Then follow me. I have something to show you."
Curious, the teenagers followed him down a hallway into a small room filled with images and pictures on the walls. The images depicted a land so magnificent, so otherworldly, it took their breath away.
"This," Mr. Helpful said, pointing to the images, "is the Promise Land."
Alice gasped. "It's so beautiful!"
David stared in awe. "It really is."
Felicia clasped her hands together. "Oh my gosh, I can't wait to get there!"
Diana's heart swelled with anticipation. "It's the most beautiful place I've ever seen!"
Felix, usually quiet, nodded in agreement. "Wow."
Felicia sighed wistfully. "I wish I could just disappear and be in the Promise Land already."
Mrs. Hall chuckled. "We all wish for that, but it doesn't work that way. You have to make the journey."
Hopeful, their daughter, stepped forward. "Alright, everyone, what would you like to eat?"
Alice's eyes lit up. "Anything! Anything that's available."
Hopeful smiled. "I'll get some food for all of you."
A short while later, Hopeful returned with plates of food and set them on the dining table. The group ate heartily, enjoying the comfort of the mansion. That night, they slept soundly in their rooms, grateful for the peaceful rest.
The next morning, as the teenagers prepared to leave, Mrs. Hall, Mr. Helpful, and Hopeful gathered to give them some parting advice.
"I believe you're all feeling fit, strong, and ready to continue your journey?" Mrs. Hall asked.
"Yes," they replied in unison.
Mr. Helpful looked at them seriously. "As you continue your journey, you will face many obstacles. You may even feel discouraged. But you must be strong in mind and heart."
Mrs. Hall added, "You will meet many people on your way. Do not listen to any of them. They are deceivers, and they only want to stop you from reaching the Promise Land."
Hopeful chimed in. "Be especially careful when you come to the volcano."
Felicia's eyes widened. "Wait! How did you know we're going to cross a volcano?"
Hopeful smiled warmly. "I've been to the Promise Land before, with my parents. But the Master sent us here to look after this place, to help others on their way."
Felicia shook her head in amazement. "Wow, I bet the Promise Land is super beautiful."
Hopeful nodded. "It's more than beautiful. It's beyond anything you can imagine. But you must be careful on your journey, especially near the volcano."
Mrs. Hall's face grew serious. "The volcano is small and narrow, but very dangerous. There are slippery rocks beside it, and if you aren't careful, you could fall into the volcano and die."
"Die?" Diana whispered, her heart pounding. "Oh no."
"That's why you must banish all fear from your hearts," Mr. Helpful said. "Stay focused and stay strong."
Diana's eyes filled with gratitude. "Mr. Helpful, Mrs. Hall, Hopeful, you've all done so much for us. Thank you for all your advice and kindness."
Mrs. Hall waved her hand dismissively. "There's no need to thank us. We're just happy to help."
Before they left, Mrs. Hall asked, "By the way, we never got your names."
Alice smiled. "Oh, right! I'm Alice, this is Diana," she said, pointing to her. "That's Felicia, the one holding the map," she added, pointing to Felicia. "That's Felix," she pointed to him, "and David.
Mrs. Hall nodded. "You all have wonderful names. Just remember what we've told you. Follow the map and only the map, no matter how hard the journey gets. Don't take shortcuts. Stay on the path, and you will make it to the Promise Land."
"We will," Alice assured her. "Thank you again for everything."
Mr. Helpful smiled. "Safe journey."
Hopeful waved. "I'll miss you all. Goodbye!"
"Goodbye!" the teenagers chorused as they left the mansion.
With one last look at the beautiful mansion, they turned and continued on their journey, hearts filled with hope and determination.
Chapter four
Meeting Obstacles in the journey
The next day, after following the map's directions for hours, they encountered their first serious obstacle. The path became more confusing, and things seemed to get harder with every step.
Felicia looked at the map in confusion. "This doesn't make sense. It says we should follow both left and right."
Alice, perplexed, asked, "How is that even possible?"
"I don't know," Felicia replied. "But I think we should go right. There's a river on the right. Maybe we can at least get some water."
As they headed toward the right path, the river ahead suddenly turned blood-red, sending a chill down their spines.
Alice's eyes widened in fear. "What's happening? Why is the water red? Oh my gosh, this is terrifying! We have to leave, now!"
Diana stepped forward. "No! Not yet!"
"What do you mean, 'not yet'? We need to get out of here!" Alice shouted, already running away with Felicia, Felix, and David following closely behind, leaving Diana alone.
Standing before the red river, Diana refused to run. "The river only turned red. I wonder why they're so afraid?"
As she stood there, trying to figure out what was happening, a powerful gust of wind pushed her toward the river. Bracing for the worst, she closed her eyes, expecting to fall into the water. But to her surprise, instead of a river, she landed on solid ground.
Diana gasped. "What?! It's not even a river! It's just a solid ground." She realized that the red color was merely a test, meant to see if they would trust the path. "Oh no! The others ran away. I have to find them."
She began searching frantically for her friends, calling out their names. "Alice! Felicia! Felix! David! Where are you?"
After what felt like an eternity, she finally heard voices calling for help. The sound grew louder as she ran toward it.
"Help! Help! Someone, please help us!" The voice was unmistakably Alice's.
Diana sprinted in the direction of their cries and found them tied up, with a huge, wicked man standing before them, laughing maniacally. Hidden behind a tree, Diana watched in horror as he gloated over their helplessness.
Alice spotted Diana and cried out, "Please help us, Diana! Please!"
The wicked man silenced her. "Shut up! There's no one to save you! This is your final destination. You'll never reach the promise land! Hahaha!" He held up the map they had been following, taunting them with it. "The first thing I'll do is burn this stupid thing!"
As he lit a match to set the map on fire, Diana acted quickly. Grabbing a large, heavy stick, she crept forward and, with all her might, struck the wicked man on the head. He fell to the ground, unconscious.
Alice sighed in relief. "Diana! You saved us!"
Diana grinned, adrenaline coursing through her. "I did it!" She hurried over and untied her friends, and they stood up, thanking her repeatedly.
"You're a hero!" David said, beaming with admiration.
Felicia, still catching her breath, added, "I was so scared, but you saved us. Thank you."
Diana smiled at them all. "I'm just glad I was able to save you. But this whole situation could have been avoided if you hadn't been so afraid. That red river wasn't even real! We have to stop being scared and trust the map."
Alice looked down, feeling ashamed. "You're right. We were wrong to run."
Felicia nodded. "We'll stick together from now on. No more fear."
Diana's tone softened. "We've been through a lot already, but remember what Mrs. Lidiana and Mr. Helpful told us—follow the map and nothing else. Don't get distracted or discouraged. Fear and disobedience only lead to trouble."
The group nodded in agreement, vowing to stay united and stick to the map's guidance.
Felicia checked the map once more. "We have 27 days left to reach the promise land. Let's keep moving so we don't lose more time."
Diana smiled. "Let's go!"
They continued their journey, crossing the solid red ground, which mysteriously turned back into liquid once they had crossed. Surprised but determined, they pressed forward toward their ultimate destination. Soon, they arrived at a small town called Chamzis, ready to face whatever came next.
Chapter five
Deceivers Strike! (The city of Chamzis)
The sun began to set as Alice, Felicia, Diana, David, and Felix stumbled into the city of Chamzis. The sky shifted into a muted palette of purples and blues, casting long shadows over the narrow streets. Exhausted, the group collapsed onto some benches in a small, ventilated square. The air was cool, providing a slight relief after the day's journey.
Alice yawned loudly and stretched her arms, sitting down with a thud. "I'm so tired! Felicia, where are we now?"
Felicia, the navigator of the group, unfurled an old, crinkled map. "This is the city of Chamzis," she replied. "It's a small town that leads directly to the promised land."
Alice sighed with relief. "We should stay here for the night. It's getting dark, and we still have so far to go."
Diana, always the pragmatic one, spoke up. "How many days do we have left, Felicia?"
Felicia glanced at the map, calculating the distance ahead. "We've got 24 days to reach the promised land."
Alice shook her head in disbelief. "That's still a long journey. But we've come this far."
Diana gestured toward the map. "Let's talk through the route again, Felicia."
Felicia began tracing their path with her finger. "From here, after Chamzis, we head left toward a town called Colatol. Then, we'll come across a volcano and after that, a mountain pass covered in thick bushes. Next, we'll climb a range of mountains, From there, we'll head to the purification center and, after a long trek, finally reach the promised land."
Just as they were wrapping up their discussion, a tall man with a sly smile approached them. His presence felt oddly familiar, though none of them had seen him before.
"Good evening," the man said, his voice smooth and welcoming.
"Good evening, sir," they replied in unison.
The man, who seemed to exude an unnatural calm, looked them over. "I don't think I've seen you in Chamzis before. What brings you to this small town?"
David spoke for the group. "We're on our way to the city of promise."
At the mention of the city of promise, the man let out a chuckle. "The city of promise? You really believe in that nonsense?"
Alice, confused, frowned. "What do you mean?"
The man shook his head, still laughing softly. "There is no such place as the promised land. It's all a lie, a myth. Turn back now before you waste any more time chasing a dream that doesn't exist."
Felicia blinked in shock. "But... we've been told by elders that it is real. That it's a place of peace, joy, and an end to all suffering."
"Who told you that?" the man sneered. "Old people who can't make the journey themselves? They've been deceiving you. There's no peace waiting for you—only endless suffering if you continue."
Diana rose, her eyes blazing with anger. "You're the deceiver! We shouldn't listen to you!"
The man's expression hardened, and his once-kind demeanor vanished. "You'll regret calling me a deceiver," he hissed before turning on his heel and disappearing into the shadows.
The group exchanged uneasy glances, the man's words lingering in the air like poison.
Alice broke the silence. "He's definitely a deceiver. We shouldn't trust a word he said."
Diana nodded firmly. "Exactly. Remember what Mrs. Lidiana told us? We were warned about people like him."
They settled down to rest, eating some of the fruits they had collected earlier. The night passed without incident, and by morning, they felt somewhat rejuvenated.
But as they prepared to leave Chamzis, they noticed something disturbing. A high wall had been built around the town, with the same man—the deceiver—overseeing its construction.
David, panic setting in, muttered, "He's trapped us."
Days passed, and the group grew desperate. They tried everything they could think of to escape the towering walls, but nothing worked. Each attempt was met with failure, as the walls were guarded by massive men who seemed impossible to defeat. Five days had already slipped through their fingers, leaving them with only 22 days to reach the promised land.
Alice, pacing back and forth, shouted in frustration, "Five days! We're still here, wasting time! What are we going to do?"
Diana slumped in defeat. "I have no idea. I'm so confused."
David, always the strategist, spoke up. "The only way out is to break down those walls, but how?"
Felix, ever the optimist, clenched his fists. "We need to act as a team. It's the only way. Remember—actions speak louder than words."
"But how can we act when those walls are so heavily guarded?" Felicia asked. "Time is running out."
Alice suddenly stopped pacing. "Maybe the answer isn't in action. Maybe we need to pray."
Diana, surprised, looked at her. "Pray?"
Alice nodded. "Yes. Prayer is the key. I believe God will answer if we ask for help."
Without hesitation, the group joined hands and began to pray. As they did, people passing by mocked and laughed at them. Two women, watching from a distance, whispered to each other.
"They're praying," said one.
"Praying? In Chamzis? That's illegal!" the other replied.
The two women rushed to the palace to report the teenagers. When the king heard of the offense, he flew into a rage. "No one prays in my city!" he thundered. He immediately dispatched his soldiers to deal with the offenders.
The soldiers found the teenagers deep in prayer and dragged them away, much to the teenagers' confusion. The soldiers threw them out of the city and left them beside a huge rock just outside Chamzis.
Felicia, panting, looked around. "Where are we? What just happened?"
Alice, still shaken, said, "I don't know, but I think we're out of Chamzis. I'm scared, but… we're free!"
Diana beamed. "We did it! We're out of that cursed city!"
Felix grinned. "See? Prayer really is the key!"
David agreed. "That's right. Our prayers set us free."
Diana, a bit skeptical, added, "Or maybe it was those women who reported us to the king."
Felix smirked. "Why did they report us in the first place? Because we prayed! So, prayer worked. "Diana shrugged. "I guess you're right."
Alice stood up, dusting herself off. "Enough about that. We've lost too much time already. Felicia, where do we go from here?"
Felicia opened the map and studied it for a moment. "We head to the city of Colatol next. It's a straight path from here."
Diana, determined, said, "Then let's go. We can't afford to waste another minute."
The group, now filled with renewed hope and determination, set off on the next leg of their journey. The promise land awaited, and nothing—not even deceivers or high walls—would stop them from reaching it.
This expanded story keeps all your original ideas intact while enhancing the pacing, dialogue, and narrative flow. What do you think of this version?
The City of Colatol
After a grueling three-hour walk, the teenagers of faith arrived at the city of Colatol. As they approached, they marveled at the vibrant and eclectic mix of people, each adorned in traditional outfits that seemed almost otherworldly to them.
David took in the scene with wide eyes. "Wow! This place is incredible!"
Alice couldn't contain her excitement. "It's really cool! Look at all the unique traditions!"
Diana, however, was less impressed. "This place is overwhelming. The traditions seem strange and the outfits even stranger."
Felicia nodded in agreement, "Yes, it's definitely a place rich in tradition. I've never seen anything like it."
Alice urged them forward. "Let's not stand here admiring it all day. We need to keep moving!"
As they entered the bustling city through its grand gates, they encountered a group of teenagers who were clearly from Colatol. Their clothing and makeup were extravagant, and they eyed the newcomers with a mix of curiosity and disdain.
Alice whispered to Diana, "Look at those teenagers over there. They look so different."
Diana whispered back, "Their outfits and makeup are bizarre. They look awful."
The Colatol teens noticed the newcomers and approached them, laughing loudly.
Tuta, a teenager dressed in a colorful traditional outfit, led the group. She snickered, "What is this? What kind of stinky people are these? They look so out of place!"
Tuta's Friend added with a sneer, "They probably haven't bathed in years!"
Diana, her temper flaring, retorted, "Why don't you mind your own business?"
Alice quickly intervened, "Diana, ignore them. There's no point in arguing with people who clearly don't have manners."
But Diana, already on edge, snapped, "I hate being disrespected by people who don't even know their place."
Felicia tried to mediate. "Diana, let's not escalate this. It's not worth it.
Tuta's face turned red with anger. "You dare to call us fools and useless? Do you know who I am? I am the princess of Colatol! You are in big trouble now!"
She stormed off, her followers in tow, heading straight for the king's palace.
Tuta burst into the royal chamber, her voice trembling with rage. "Father, some strangers insulted us! They called us fools and said we have no future!"
King stood from his throne, his expression concerned. "Who are these people? Where are my guards?"
Moments later, three towering guards entered, following Tuta back to where the teenagers were. They seized the group and dragged them toward the dungeons.
Alice struggled. "Let us go! This isn't fair!"
David pleaded, "We didn't do anything wrong!"
But the guards ignored their cries and tossed them into a dark, damp dungeon, locking the heavy door behind them.
Man, the dungeon keeper, announced coldly, "You'll be here for the next 18 months as ordered by the king!"
Alice despaired. "This is just unbearable. From one prison to another!"
Felicia blamed Diana. "This is all your fault! If you hadn't been so confrontational, we might not be here."
David defended himself. "I didn't even say anything to them. I'm in this mess too."
Felix was frustrated. "Diana, why did you have to do this? This journey just keeps getting worse!"
Diana, overwhelmed with guilt, began to cry. "I'm really sorry, everyone. I see now that maybe the man from Chamzis was right. Maybe we're not heading to a promised land but to suffering. We're hungry, and there's nothing we can do."
Felicia sighed. "Arguing won't help us now. Let's just stick together as a team. We need to support each other."
Alice agreed. "Felicia's right. We can't change what happened, but we can stay united and hopeful."
Diana asked Felicia, "Can you remind us about the map's directions? We need to stay focused."
Felicia pulled out the map. "After Colatol, we need to turn right and then cross a volcano before we can reach the purification center."
Alice clung to hope. "Even if we're stuck here for now, the promise land is still out there."
David added, "With God, all things are possible. We just have to keep believing."
Suddenly, the dungeon door creaked open, and Tuta reappeared, a thoughtful look on her face. "I heard what you were saying. So, you're really trying to reach the promised land?"
Diana nodded, hopeful. "Yes, we are. Please, we're sorry for the way we spoke. We just want to get there before the gates close."
Tuta's eyes filled with emotion. "You know, I've heard about the promised land too. I always thought it was just a fairy tale, but I'm intrigued. I want what you've described—peace and happiness. I've never felt truly happy in my life, despite being a princess. My father listens to me, but people hate me because of my harshness and bullheadedness."
Felicia offered comfort. "The promised land is real. It's a place of joy and fulfillment."
Tuta wiped away her tears. "If there's a chance for me to find happiness and freedom, I want to experience it. I'll help you. I'll free you from this prison, and we can journey together, I always knew that there was more, I always knew that I was being deceived that the city of promise doesn't exist. I will help you"
Diana was overjoyed. "Thank you so much!"
Tuta smiled. "My name is Tuta. I'll return shortly with food and we'll leave this place together."
With that, Tuta exited the dungeon to gather supplies. The teenagers shared a moment of relief and hope.
Diana expressed her gratitude, "I can't believe this. We're free!"
Minutes later, Tuta returned with a bag of food. "Follow me. I'll lead you out of the city safely."
As they followed Tuta, they exited the dungeon and made their way out of Colatol, ready to continue their journey to the city promise. The trials they faced had only strengthened their resolve, and with renewed determination, they pressed on.
Chapter six
Approaching the Volcano
As dawn broke, the travelers awoke behind the large tree where they had sought refuge. The sight of the volcano looming ahead was both awe-inspiring and terrifying. The volcano, a massive and foreboding structure, was about 7 kilometers away, its fiery eruptions lighting up the dark sky.
David, Alice, Diana, Felicia, and Tuta gathered their strength, knowing they had to face the daunting challenge ahead. The volcano's smoke and fiery splashes painted a picture of danger, but they knew they had no choice but to cross it to continue their journey.
They started their day with a quick breakfast from the supplies Tuta had brought. Feeling slightly rejuvenated, they set out towards the volcano, its intimidating presence growing closer with every step.
It was time to Cross the Volcano
As they approached the edge of the volcano, the sheer magnitude of the task ahead became apparent.
Felix looked at the treacherous path with growing dread. "Oh no! Are we really going to cross this volcano? It's so risky! I can't do it. Can't we find another way?" He pointed to a less daunting pathway to the left.
Diana tried to reassure him, "Don't be afraid. It's narrow, but we can cross it if we stay focused!"
Felicia shared Felix's concern, her face pale with fear. "What if someone falls in? It's too dangerous."
Diana urged them to stay strong. "We need to be careful, but we've come this far. We can do this together!"
Felix and Felicia remained hesitant. "I'm sorry, but I can't risk my life," Felicia said, tears streaming down her face as she handed the map to Diana. "Please, take this. I can't do it."
Diana was visibly upset. "Felicia, don't give up now. We need to stick together. Remember what we were told about the journey."
Felix, resolute, grabbed Felicia's hand. "Come on, Felicia. We're taking the other path. We can't risk crossing this volcano!"
With a final glance at their friends, Felix and Felicia headed towards the alternate route, leaving the group behind. Their departure was a somber moment for everyone.
Alice sighed. "It's painful to see them go, but we have to focus on our own journey."
Diana nodded sadly. "We must move on. Their choice is theirs, and we have to respect it."
David took a deep breath. "I'll go first."
Diana encouraged him. "Be careful, David."
David sprinted towards the volcano's edge, leaping with all his might. He cleared the gap, landing safely on the other side. "Yes, I did it!" he cheered, exhilarated.
Diana applauded, "Great job, David!"
Tuta hesitated, fear evident in her eyes. "Can I really do this?"
Alice encouraged her. "If David can do it, so can you."
With a determined nod, Tuta took off, her fear pushing her forward. She jumped across the volcano, landing safely. "I made it!" she shouted with relief.
Alice cheered, "Well done, Tuta!"
Feeling inspired, Alice prepared herself. "It's my turn now. I'm scared, but I'll do my best."
She ran towards the volcano, her heart pounding. She almost slipped but managed to land safely on the other side. "That was close!" she gasped.
Diana was next. "I'm really nervous, but I'll try."
Alice reassured her, "You can do it. We're all counting on you."
With a determined look, Diana sprinted and leaped over the volcano, landing safely. "I did it!" she exclaimed, her face lit up with joy.
Alice hugged her, "Yes! We made it!"
They all embraced, their fear replaced by triumph.
Diana's thoughts turned to Felix and Felicia. "I'm worried about them. I wonder how they're doing."
Alice tried to comfort her. "They made their choice. We can't change that. We need to focus on our journey and move forward."
Diana nodded, wiping away her tears. "You're right. Let's keep going."
With renewed determination, they set off towards the next phase of their journey, leaving the volcano behind them. The challenges they faced had only strengthened their resolve, and they were more united than ever as they continued their quest.
Chapter seven
Felix and Felicia
Felix and Felicia stumbled through the dark, dense forest, their surroundings cloaked in shadows. The trees loomed above them like skeletal fingers, and the eerie sounds around them were no longer just whispers—they were real, terrifying threats. The further they walked, the more lost they became.
Felicia clutched Felix's arm, her voice trembling. "Felix, what have we done? We shouldn't have left the others."
Felix scanned their surroundings, his breathing growing labored as panic gripped him. "I don't know where we are. Everything looks the same... and those noises..."
Deep, haunting voices echoed through the trees, closer now, more menacing. They clung to each other, heartbeats quickening with every sound, every shadow that seemed to move in the corners of their eyes.
"Felix, we have to run! We can't stay here!" Felicia pleaded, her voice breaking.
"No," Felix said, trying to steady his fear. "We can't just run blindly. It's too dangerous. We'll get even more lost."
Felicia's tears began to fall. "I should have listened to Diana. Why didn't we stay with them? Now... now we're trapped out here."
"I'm sorry, Felicia," Felix said, his voice heavy with regret.
Then, through the thick darkness, a soft glow appeared. A figure stepped forward—a beautiful woman, radiant and serene, her presence seemingly offering hope in this forsaken place.
Felicia and Felix stared at her, unsure whether to feel relief or dread. "Who are you?" Felix asked cautiously.
The lady smiled, though it didn't quite reach her eyes. "Do not fear. I am here to help. You two are in grave danger. Follow me, and I will take you to safety."
Felicia glanced at Felix, her expression desperate. "Felix, we don't have a choice. We have to trust her."
Felix hesitated but nodded, and together they followed the glowing figure deeper into the forest. Yet, instead of relief, a gnawing sense of unease settled over them. The trees grew thicker, the darkness more suffocating.
Finally, they reached what seemed like a beautiful mansion, but something was wrong. Its walls shimmered, not with light, but with a faint, sickly glow. The woman's smile became twisted as she motioned them inside.
"You are safe now," she said, her voice hollow, as if spoken from a distance.
Felix and Felicia exchanged a fearful glance, but it was too late. As they crossed the threshold, the warmth of the mansion faded into cold, overwhelming darkness. The door slammed shut behind them.
Felix reached for the handle, but it wouldn't budge. "What is this place?" he yelled, pounding on the door, his voice frantic.
The woman's form began to distort, her beauty unraveling like a decaying mask. "This is where the lost souls come. Those who stray from the path never leave," she said, her voice now a chilling echo.
Felicia screamed, and Felix held her close, his heart pounding in terror. The mansion walls began to close in, suffocating, and they realized too late that they had not escaped danger—they had walked into it.
And as the darkness swallowed them whole, they understood the terrible truth: they had been deceived. There was no escape. The path they had chosen had led them not to salvation, but to a fate far worse than the dangers they had feared.
And in that cursed mansion, they cried day and night hoping for a savior, but would their cries be heard and would they escape the torment?
Chapter eight
Mountains upon mountains
After their narrow escape from Colatol and the heart-stopping leap across the volcano, the group of teenagers — Diana, Alice, David, and Tuta — felt the weight of their journey. As they reached the base of the first mountain, the magnitude of what lay ahead sank in. The air was thinner, colder, and the once-clear sky had become overcast, giving the mountains an eerie, oppressive feeling.
Diana: "This mountain is just the beginning. The City of Promise is out there, but we have to earn it."
Tuta, her royal upbringing evident in her regal posture, squared her shoulders. "I'm ready. Whatever it takes." She looked at her friends. "I won't let any of you down."
Alice, always the optimist, smiled faintly despite the cold biting at her skin. "We've made it this far. We'll make it through this mountain, too."
The climb began, each step taking them higher, the rocky terrain testing their endurance. It wasn't long before they were breathing heavily, their bodies strained by the steep incline. They immediately rested and ate some snack tuta gave them.
As they descended the first mountain, exhaustion began to weigh them down. But as they reached the second mountain, something was wrong. The air felt different, heavier. Distant sounds reached their ears — the unmistakable clash of weapons and the roar of battle.
Diana: "Do you hear that?"
Alice: "What is it? It sounds like... like a war."
As they pressed forward, the mist around them began to clear, revealing a valley between the two mountains. Below them, two armies were locked in fierce combat, their swords gleaming in the dim light, the ground beneath them soaked with the blood of countless fallen soldiers.
Tuta: "We need to avoid this. If we get caught in the middle, we won't survive."
But as they turned to find another path, a group of soldiers spotted them. Without hesitation, they began to advance, their weapons drawn.
David: "Run! We need to get out of here!"
The group fled down a narrow path, dodging arrows and swords as the battle raged around them. The world seemed to close in on them, the sounds of war overwhelming. Just when it seemed they would be cornered, a brilliant light cut through the chaos.
Chapter nine
The Purification Center
The light came from a robed figure, standing in the midst of the battle as if untouched by the violence. The figure raised their hand, and the sounds of war seemed to dim, fading into the background. The figure spoke in a calm, serene voice.
Guide: "Follow me, travelers. You do not belong in this place, any more time you spend here and they will kill you all, don't be afraid, I am a messenger from the city of promise and you all are truly on your way to the city of promise and it is my duty to keep you safe."
The group, with no other option, followed the figure. They were led away from the battle, through a narrow passage, and into a secluded area that seemed untouched by war. It was peaceful, quiet, and the air felt clean and pure.
Guide: "You have entered the Purification Center, a place where travelers cleanse themselves of their burdens before continuing their journey. If you wish to reach the City of Promise, you must purify your hearts here."
Each of the teenagers was taken to a separate chamber, where they were asked to confront their deepest fears and regrets. Tuta wept as she faced the guilt of abandoning her father and her people, while Diana reflected on the weight of leadership and the responsibility she felt for those who had left them — Felix and Felicia.
After hours of reflection and purification, the group emerged from their chambers, their hearts lighter but still burdened by the absence of their friends.
The group, guided by the same figure, made their way into the dense, dark forest where Felix and Felicia had been lost. The air was thick with tension, and strange sounds echoed through the trees. As they ventured deeper, the forest seemed to twist around them, becoming more disorienting with every step.
David: "Stay close! We can't afford to lose anyone else."
After what felt like hours of searching, they heard voices. Faint but familiar. Felix and Felicia were nearby.
Diana: "Felix! Felicia!"
The two figures stumbled out of the underbrush, their faces pale and worn from fear. They ran toward the group, collapsing into their arms.
Felicia: "We thought we'd never see you again!"
Felix: "We were so lost. We should have never left."
Tuta: "It's okay. You're safe now. We're all together again."
But the forest wasn't done with them yet. A deep rumbling sound echoed through the trees, and the ground beneath them began to shake. Dark figures, shadowy and sinister, emerged from the forest, their eyes glowing with malice.
Guide: "This is the final test. Stand together, or fall apart. Only by facing this danger as one can you enter the City of Promise."
Facing the Final Test
The group, now reunited, formed a circle, their backs to one another as the shadowy figures closed in. Felix and Felicia, though shaken, stood strong beside their friends.
Diana: "We fight together! We face this together!"
The shadows lunged, and the battle began. It was unlike any fight they had faced before — the shadows weren't physical enemies but manifestations of their own fears and doubts. Each strike they made seemed to weaken as the shadows preyed on their insecurities.
Alice: "I can't... I don't know if I'm strong enough!"
David: "Yes, you are! We all are!"
With each word of encouragement, the shadows weakened. As the group held on to each other, their fears began to dissolve, and the shadows faded into the mist.
The guide reappeared, a serene smile on their face.
Guide: "You have passed the test. Your hearts are pure. Welcome to the City of Promise."
Welcome to the City of Promise
The golden gates of the City of Promise swung open, and the group stepped through, their hearts full of hope, their burdens behind them. They had rescued Felix and Felicia, faced their fears, and stood together as one.
Tuta, her journey complete, looked around in awe at the shimmering city before them.
Tuta: "We made it. Together."
As they entered the city, they knew that their adventure had just begun — but whatever challenges lay ahead, they would face them as one, united in purpose and strengthened by their journey.
As the golden gates of the City of Promise opened, the group of teenagers stepped through with awe and anticipation. The city gleamed with a warm, ethereal light that seemed to wrap around them, filling them with peace and joy. Every building was made of shimmering stone, and lush gardens with fountains of crystal-clear water decorated the streets. The air was fragrant with the scent of flowers, and a gentle breeze seemed to carry the sound of soft music.
Tuta: "This place... it's beautiful."
Diana: "I've never seen anything like it."
Alice: "It feels like a dream. We really made it."
As they walked deeper into the city, they were greeted by people dressed in flowing robes, their faces kind and welcoming. It was clear that the City of Promise was a place of serenity and fulfillment, unlike anywhere they had ever been.
Meeting the Master of the City
Soon, they were led to a grand hall at the center of the city. The hall was vast, with high ceilings made of gleaming gold and silver. In the center stood a tall figure, the Master of the City, who exuded both power and warmth. His eyes sparkled with wisdom, and his voice was gentle yet commanding.
Master: "Welcome, brave travelers. You have passed the trials, and you have proven yourselves worthy. Here in the City of Promise, all that you desire will be granted. But remember, this is not just a place of reward. It is a place where those who are pure of heart continue to grow and fulfill their destinies."
Diana, speaking for the group, bowed her head slightly. "We are honored to be here."
The Master nodded. "You have faced fear, doubt, and temptation. You have learned the value of friendship, courage, and trust. Now, as a reward for your perseverance and unity, you will each be given a mansion within the city, a place of your own where you may rest, reflect, and live in peace. But more than that, you will be given the freedom to explore this city and discover its many wonders."
The Mansions Rewarded to Them
The Master led them through a large, ornate door that opened onto a sprawling estate. Each of the teenagers was presented with a mansion, unique in its design and reflecting their individual personalities.
Diana's Mansion was a beautiful structure with a towering library filled with ancient scrolls and books from every corner of the world. She had always been a leader, and her thirst for knowledge and wisdom was rewarded with a space where she could continue learning and growing, it had all she needed for productivity and learning. It was indeed a beautiful mansion.
Tuta's Mansion was adorned with lush gardens, cascading fountains, and terraces that overlooked the entire city. Being the princess of Colatol, she had been raised in luxury, but this mansion provided not just comfort, but a deep connection to nature and the world around her. It was a sanctuary of peace and beauty.
Alice's Mansion was filled with light and music, with instruments of every kind. She had always been the heart of the group, optimistic and full of life, and her mansion reflected her joyful spirit. It was a place where she could express her creativity freely, surrounded by vibrant colors and open spaces.
David's Mansion was rugged and practical, with a forge and workshop where he could build and create. He had been the protector of the group, always ready to lend his strength, and his mansion gave him the tools to continue crafting and shaping the world around him.
Felix and Felicia's Mansion, shared between the two after their harrowing experience in the forest, and was a serene and healing space. The master believed that they were not fit to own their mansion because they were too fearful. The mansion had rooms filled with soft light, calming waters, and spaces for reflection. After the fear and doubt they had faced, their mansion offered them a place of tranquility and healing, where they could rebuild their confidence and reconnect with their friends.
Each mansion was more than just a home — it was a reflection of their hearts and their journeys, a reward for their trials and a place where they could continue to grow.
The end. By Eunice Crown