Wader the Frog
Wader and Scid followed the winding path as the sun dipped lower, casting long shadows over the valley. The contrail of a distant bird flitted across the sky, a streak of white against the pink hues of the setting sun. They walked in silence for a moment, contemplating the riddle they had just received.
“So, we need to figure out a way through granite walls,” Wader muttered, adjusting the scroll in his satchel. “And there are riddles we have to solve along the way.”
“Riddles, huh?” Scid grinned. “I'm ready for that. I've got a lot of tricks up my sleeve.”
Just then, they came across a peculiar sight: a small cart sitting on the side of the road. A sign above it read: “Tailor's Special - Ration Packs for Adventurers!” Inside the cart was a rotund cat wearing glasses, fur speckled with a mix of white and orange. The cat gave a sleepy intro before stretching lazily.
“Ah, travelers,” the cat said with a yawn. “I'm here to help you prepare. You look like you could use a snack.”
“What kind of snacks do you sell?” Wader asked, intrigued.
The cat smirked. “I offer something special: cilantro-seasoned nuts, hearty ration bars, and the finest cola made from wild berries. A drink that'll keep you going for hours. One drink lasts for the whole journey—no need for constant stops.”
Scid's eyes lit up. “I'll take a cola and those ration bars! Oh, and those cilantro nuts sound good too!”
Wader nodded. “I'll take a ration bar as well. Seems like we could use something to help us power through.”
The cat, who was quite adept at preparing snacks with a tailor's precision, handed them both packets of food and a bottle of cola each. “There, that should keep you strong. You'll need all your energy for what lies ahead.”
“Thank you,” Wader said, tipping his hat to the cat. “We're heading toward the granite mountains to solve a riddle. Any advice?”
The cat paused, its tail swishing thoughtfully. “Ah, the riddle is tricky. You'll need to be clever with your answers. Don't be afraid to think outside the box—or the mountains, if you will. The right ration of wit and patience will get you through.”
“Got it,” Scid said, her voice full of determination. “Riddles, here we come!”
As they continued on their way, the scroll glowed once again, revealing new words:
"The granite path is steep and long,
But with the right train of thought, you'll be strong.
Solve the riddles, take your ration,
And find your way to your destination."
Wader felt his heart quicken as the mountains came into view, their rocky peaks silhouetted against the night sky. They were getting closer to the next part of their journey, and he could feel the weight of the task ahead. But with the right mix of wit and determination, he knew they could conquer whatever lay before them.