The Realm of Peace by Carmen Sylva
In a secluded mountain tarn, Peace thrives, untouched by Sorrow or Strife. This serene realm, surrounded by cliffs and a dense forest, is a sanctuary where Peace plays joyfully with nature. One day, Sorrow arrives, weary and sad, sent by Mother Patience to seek Peace. She reveals that his realm is too small and that he is destined to rule over a greater world. Intrigued yet hesitant, Peace decides to explore the world beyond his tranquil home, hoping to understand its needs. As he journeys, he witnesses the devastation wrought by Strife: battlefields, ambition, and suffering. He sees the struggles of individuals, from a desperate mother to a nobleman’s sick daughter, and the relentless pursuit of wealth and pleasure. Disheartened by the pain he encounters, Peace longs to return to his serene tarn. Upon returning, he finds a monastery built nearby, where the joy of music is stifled by strict rules. Overwhelmed by the world's struggles and the loss of his peaceful existence, he mourns. Meanwhile, Sorrow continues her search for him, unable to forget their connection. Despite her efforts, she cannot find Peace, who has retreated into the shadows of a neglected grave, symbolizing the enduring quest for tranquility amidst chaos.
By Carmen Sylva · First published 1987 · Genre: Fantasy, Adventure, Mystery