One evening, when the moon shone like a silver disk over the mountains and the stars shone like sparkling diamonds in the sky, Perusina and Perusino decided to make a very special journey. They wanted to find the very first Inca ruler and discover how he founded the Inca Empire.
With a gentle whisper of the wind and the soothing sounds of the night animals in their ears, the two set off. The stars showed them the path that led through wide valleys, dark forests and over high mountains. Perusino carried a small bundle of provisions, while Perusina had wrapped her fluffy blanket tightly around herself so that she didn't freeze.
On their journey they met many friendly creatures. There was the wise alpaca, who told them about the constellations that once accompanied the ancient Incas on their journeys. "Look closely," said the alpaca with a wise smile, "they will show you the way."
So Perusina and Perusino continued to follow the stars until they came to a huge mountain lake that was so clear that you could see right to the bottom. On the shore sat a huge toad with golden eyes that said: "Here, in the waters of this lake, rest the memories of the first Inca ruler."
Perusina and Perusino looked curiously into the water. Suddenly the lake began to tell stories. They saw a mighty warrior, with a crown of gold and a heart full of courage. It was Manco Cápac, the first Inca. He and his sister Mama Ocllo had received the order from the sun to found an empire that would be filled with peace and justice.
"He was strong and wise," said the toad, "but his greatest strength was his heart. He led his people with kindness and love, and that made him a great ruler."
Perusina and Perusino listened to the stories of the lake, spellbound, until they finally got tired. They lay down under the sparkling starry sky and slowly closed their eyes. "One day," whispered Perusina, "we will tell the children of the world all the stories we have heard." Perusino nodded and pulled the blanket a little tighter around himself.
And so the two friends fell asleep peacefully, while the mountains, the stars and the ancient stories of the Incas watched over them. The journey was not over yet, but that night they had found something very special: the first Inca ruler and the wisdom that lay hidden in the ancient stories.
Good night, little dreamers. Who knows where your dreams will take you.
(c) by ToPet
