The Scales of Justice
Once, in a faraway land, there existed two kings, King Harold of the North and King Carl of the South, both keen to expand their kingdoms. The boundary between the two kings was a river, known as the River of Resolve. The river was named so due to the centuries-old pact between the predecessors of Harold and Carl. The pact stated that the one who could cross the river during the harshest winter and the day of the summer solstice would rightfully claim the land across the river. As years passed, this pact became a prophecy, a contest of strength and will, but one not dared tested by any king.
On the 20th year of their rules, an extreme winter cloaked the lands of North and South. The River of Resolve froze like never before, stoutly challenging the kings. King Harold, engrossed in his ambition, took it on as an optimistic omen and decided to cross the river.
A splendid troop of Northern warriors, led by King Harold, marched forward, penetrating the harsh winter storm. All day and all night, they struggled against nature's fury until finally, they reached the edge of the frozen river. However, amidst their triumphant march, a disaster struck. The ice under the king broke. Swallowed by the icy water, King Harold's cries echoed in the storm, haunting his warriors.
A hastily organized rescue party was unable to find the king, for the icy storm had sealed his icy tomb. The tragic news spread like wildfire, reaching King Carl. Shaken, he declared a period of mourning in his kingdom, for King Harold was not only his competitor but also a childhood friend.
The tragedy served as a grim reminder of the pact's deadly consequence. As the harsh winter gave way to spring, the chilling incident faded away, becoming an anecdote for future generations. However, the prophecy still loomed large over the pact.
Months passed, and the harshest day of the summer solstice arrived. The heat was unbearable, but King Carl was determined to fulfill the prophecy. His journey was treacherously hot, with scorching winds from the relentless desert to the south pushing them back with blinding fury. Yet, he and his strongest warriors pressed on, reaching the borders of the River of Resolve.
On the river bank, King Carl, thoughtful and weary, recalled the tragedy that befell his friend. Struck by a realization, he commanded his troop to return. The news of his withdrawal spread, reaching the queen of the North. Intrigued, the queen invited Carl for a peace treaty dinner.
As the two monarchs discussed looking towards a future of collaboration, King Carl told her of his decision. He explained that the determination to develop should not come at the cost of life, springs from the feeling of responsibility. The prophecy might promise power, but it is not worth the price of life.
The queen, moved deeply by Carl's wisdom and bravery, proposed a new agreement, a pact based on cooperation, not a contest. They then decided to construct a bridge across the River of Resolve, symbolizing unity, friendship and co-existence.
The kingdoms flourished, the prophecy was forgotten, and a tale of courage, wisdom, and responsibility took its place. The River of Resolve no longer served as a sign of division but as a symbol of unity every time the Northern and Southern citizens crossed the newly constructed bridge. They remembered the grave cost of ambition and the monumental wisdom of King Carl, and they celebrated a shared destiny and lasting peace.