The Test of Minds
Silence swallowed the throne room. The young geniuses stood frozen, hearts beating so loud they could almost hear each other's pulse.
Hawkings leaned in close, his voice a trembling breath. "Should we tell them the truth?"Maria shot him a sharp look, shaking her head quickly. "No," she whispered. "They'll think we're witches or demons."
Einstein swallowed hard and stepped forward slowly, his palms open, facing down in a humble gesture. "Allow me," he murmured to the others.
He took a deep breath, then bowed his head deeply to Alexander before lifting his eyes again. "Great King… we came not to deceive or harm," he said, his voice shaking but respectful. "We came to learn. We heard of the wisdom of Aristotle — your great teacher — and we wished to understand his teachings firsthand."
He paused, then slowly lifted his hands again, as if offering something invisible. "We are… little geniuses in our land. We create, we build… these things," he motioned carefully to their gadgets and backpacks, "we made them ourselves."
The elders shifted uncomfortably, whispering to each other, some gripping their staffs tighter.
Einstein reached for the map, pulling it gently from Maria's hands. "We were following this," he explained, holding it up carefully with both hands, "but we got lost. We are not used to your roads… or your ways."
Maria stepped forward beside him, her head bowed respectfully, her voice soft. "Please… test us if you wish. We only want to learn and understand your world. We do not seek to challenge your power or disrespect your laws."Vinci stepped forward too, bowing low from the waist, then straightening slowly. "Yes! You may question us however you see fit. We are ready to prove our worth, with all humility."
Eliza placed her hand over her heart and lowered her head slightly. "We mean no harm. We come with only respect… and a deep desire for knowledge."
The elders stared in stunned silence, some leaning forward as if to hear every word, others shrinking back as though seeing magic unfold.
Alexander studied them quietly. His sharp eyes shifted from face to face, reading every small tremble, every flicker of sincerity. Slowly, he sat back on his throne, fingers drumming lightly on the armrest.
He let out a long breath, then stood again, his armor catching the light like a river of gold.
"You claim brilliance," he said at last, his voice low but strong. "Then show it."
An elder rose shakily. "My king… you are a scholar as well. Give them a question yourself."
He began to pace slowly before them, each step echoing like distant thunder. Suddenly he stopped, turned, and fixed them with a piercing stare.
"Answer this," he commanded, raising one hand slightly. "If two armies of equal strength meet on a narrow bridge, and neither will yield nor retreat, how should a wise commander resolve it without bloodshed?"
Their hearts thudded. The room seemed to tighten around them.
Then Alexander lifted his other hand, his voice even sharper. "And this: what is stronger than steel, softer than a feather, invisible to the eye, yet able to topple empires?"
The five exchanged quick, desperate glances.They stood there for almost 20 minutes, they need to tune science into philosophy vibes..They kept whispering among themselves..
AND THEN
Einstein lowered his head briefly, as though gathering courage, then raised it again and bowed lightly before speaking. "Great King… for the first question… a wise commander seeks to preserve life. He will negotiate peace, find another route, or propose shared passage. True victory is in keeping his soldiers alive, not merely claiming a bridge."
Gasps spread like a wave through the room.
Vinci stepped forward next, placing one hand across his chest and giving a small bow. "Yes… strategy is not only in the sword but in the mind. A bridge is nothing compared to the lives of men."
Maria stepped up too, her head bowed low before raising her gaze to meet Alexander's. "Mercy and patience are the true marks of greatness, not blind aggression. A wise leader knows when to fight and when to talk."
Eliza gently placed her hands together in front of her, bowing her head respectfully. "And for the second question… the answer is the mind," she said softly. "It is stronger than any blade, softer than any feather, unseen yet powerful enough to shape worlds."
Hawkings joined her, giving a small, respectful nod. "The mind creates, destroys, inspires. It is the true weapon of every ruler, every empire, every age."
A deep hush swallowed the hall.
Alexander stood frozen, eyes burning into them. Then, slowly, a smile spread across his face ; sharp, fierce, and surprisingly warm.
He let out a sudden laugh, loud and clear, that bounced off the marble walls. The elders flinched, some grabbing each other's arms in shock.
Alexander turned back to his throne and sat, leaning forward with shining eyes. "You speak like philosophers," he said, voice low and almost proud. "Like true seekers of wisdom."
He paused, then glanced at the guards. "Take them to Aristotle," he commanded. "Let him test them with his own questions. If they pass, they will have my blessing… and my friendship. If they fail…" — he paused, his gaze turning icy — "then I will decide their fate."
Gasps echoed around the chamber. The guards stiffened, then bowed deeply and motioned for the five to follow.
As they turned to leave, Vinci's knees almost buckled. Maria grabbed his arm, steadying him.
"We did it," she whispered, breath shaking.
Vinci nodded, a trembling smile tugging at his lips. "One more challenge… one more step," he whispered back.
Eliza glanced behind her. Alexander was still watching, his expression unreadable — but in his eyes burned a curiosity that seemed to cut through time itself.
Einstein took a deep breath, Hawkings gave him a quick reassuring pat on the shoulder, and together they stepped forward into the unknown.
Just before they stepped under the great archway leading out of the throne room, Maria suddenly stopped, her hand tightening around Vinci's arm.
He turned to her, frowning, but then followed her gaze ;back toward Alexander.
The young king was still seated, watching them with that soft, knowing smile. It wasn't cruel. It wasn't cold. But it held something they couldn't quite read… like he knew a future they hadn't imagined yet.
Einstein felt his stomach twist. Hawkings shifted on his feet, glancing at the guards, then back at Alexander. Eliza lowered her head slightly, her mind spinning.
Was this truly a chance to meet Aristotle… or a carefully planned trap?
What if Aristotle's test was impossible? What if they failed?
Would Alexander let them go… or was this all just a polite way to seal their fate?
Their thoughts tangled together in a heavy, silent panic ; but they had no choice.
With one last uncertain look at Alexander's mysterious smile, they stepped forward, each step echoing like a heartbeat, each breath a reminder that they were no longer just visitors in history… but now, they were part of its living story.