Wader the Frog
Wader rubbed his eyes as the glowing words faded from the scroll. The stone path ahead twisted and turned, leading toward a stormy horizon. In the distance, a large wooden sign loomed, with the words “Welcome to Groatsburg” carved into its surface. Beneath it was an inscription: “Home of the Great Mayor Moray!”
As Wader approached the town, he was greeted by a peculiar sight: the mayor, a giant moray eel, wearing a sash that said “MAYOR FOR LIFE.” He was perched atop a barrel of groats, a pile of old, chewy grains that smelled faintly of swamp water.
“Greetings, little traveler!” bellowed the mayor, his voice deep and echoing. “I am Mayor Moray, leader of this fine town! What business do you have here? We don't often get visitors, except for traveling gastromy enthusiasts!”
“Uh, I'm on a quest,” Wader said nervously. He held up the scroll. “I'm trying to solve its riddles.”
“Hmm,” the mayor mused, curling his body into an almost heart-shaped form, like amor in eel form. “A quest? We rarely see such bravery here in Groatsburg! Most of our folk prefer to STAY safe in their homes.”
Just then, a tyro—a young, clumsy ram—barged into the scene, knocking over a stack of barrels. “Sorry, Mayor!” bleated the ram. “I was trying to organize the groats supply for the winter!”
“Careful, Tyro!” scolded the mayor. “I need those barrels intact! The last thing we need is for this town to become a messy sty!” He turned back to Wader, his expression serious. “Traveler, you must be cautious on your journey. The path ahead is full of dangers: swirling storms, shadowy fists, and even the dreaded TSA—Tidal Serpent of Ambrion.”
Wader's eyes widened. “The TSA? That sounds… terrifying.”
“It is,” the mayor said grimly. “But if you wish to pass through Groatsburg safely, you must complete the Trial of Groats!”
“What's that?” Wader asked, glancing nervously at the barrels.
“You must sit and eat an entire bowl of groats without grimacing, sagging in defeat, or giving up,” Mayor Moray declared dramatically. “Only then will you gain our blessing to continue your quest.”
Wader sighed but sat down at the wooden table Tyro hastily prepared. As the steaming bowl of groats was set before him, Wader steeled his nerves. This was no ordinary quest—this was a challenge of taste, determination, and stomach!