Wader the Frog
The cavern of the Tor of Shadows was eerily silent as Wader and Scid ventured deeper into its twisting passages. Shadows danced along the walls, and the faint drip of water echoed through the dark. Every so often, Wader glanced nervously over his shoulder, half expecting to see a thief lurking in the shadows.
“This place is giving me the creeps,” Scid whispered, clinging to Wader's satchel. “You know, the kind of place where something might jump out and frighten us!”
“Let's hope it doesn't come to that,” Wader replied, his voice steady but his heart racing. “Stay close.”
As they pressed on, they reached a large cavern where ancient symbols adorned the walls. In the center stood a stone pedestal with a strange mechanism—a set of ten carved dice connected by metal chains, their faces etched with glowing runes. Above the pedestal, an inscription read:
"Heir of courage, roll with care,
A fighter's path you must prepare.
Freight of shadows, heavy and grim,
The grin of fate decides the whim."
“Well, that's cryptic,” Scid said, tilting their head. “But I think we need to roll these dice to move forward.”
Wader studied the pedestal. “It says 'roll with care.' Maybe we need to match the right numbers?”
“Or,” Scid added, “maybe we don't want to wake something up that's better left asleep.”
Reluctantly, Wader placed his hands on the dice and rolled them. The runes on the dice flickered and began to glow brighter, illuminating the cavern. The pedestal shuddered, and a deep rumbling noise echoed through the walls.
The rumbling gave way to a booming voice that filled the cavern. “Who dares disturb the Freight of Shadows?”
From the fringe of the cavern, a figure emerged—a towering shadowy warrior with glowing eyes. “I am the Keeper of the Tor, and you, little ones, must prove yourselves worthy to pass.”
“Worthy? How?” Wader asked, trying to keep his voice steady.
The Keeper pointed its massive sword toward them. “Through a test of courage. One must face their greatest fear. The other must act as a fighter, defending their ally. Choose your roles wisely.”
“I'll defend!” Scid squeaked, puffing out their tiny chest. “I may be small, but I'm scrappy!”
“And I'll face my fear,” Wader said, stepping forward. His legs trembled, but he held his head high. “I'm ready.”
The Keeper raised its sword, and the room darkened. Suddenly, Wader was alone in a void, confronted by a vision of himself, helpless and lost in a world where everyone he cared for was gone. It was a fear so deep it felt like a physical weight pressing on him.
“You're not real,” Wader whispered, his voice growing stronger. “I may be afraid, but I won't let fear control me.”
Meanwhile, Scid dashed around the cavern, dodging spectral swords that the Keeper conjured. “You call that a swing? I've seen raccoons throw trash better than that!” Scid shouted, their bravado masking their panic.
Finally, the darkness receded, and Wader stood firm, his fear conquered. The Keeper lowered its sword, giving a slow, approving nod. “You have faced your fears and proven your bravery. The path is yours.”
The cavern rumbled once more, revealing an opening to a sunlit valley beyond. The scroll in Wader's satchel glowed again, displaying new words:
"Fright and fight are tests to bear,
But trust the heir whose heart can care.
Rent the veil, and light shall beam,
Guiding you to your next dream."
Wader and Scid exchanged a look, then stepped into the light, their resolve stronger than ever.