Trails of magic

Chapter 24: The Dragon's Challenge

The stranger stepped forward, his eyes locked on the dragon. "We mean you no harm, noble creature," he said. "We come seeking the artifact that lies within the temple."

The dragon regarded him for a moment, its eyes narrowing. Then, to my surprise, it spoke.

"I am no ordinary dragon," it said in a voice that rumbled like thunder. "I am a guardian, a protector of the ancient knowledge that lies within these walls. And I will not let you pass without a challenge."

The stranger nodded, a hint of a smile on his lips. "I expected as much," he said. "What is the nature of the challenge?"

The dragon's eyes glinted with amusement. "I will give you a riddle," it said. "If you answer correctly, I will grant you passage to the artifact. But if you fail, you will never leave this place alive."

I felt a surge of fear, but the stranger seemed undaunted. "I accept your challenge," he said. "What is the riddle?"

The dragon's voice was like a crack of thunder as it spoke the words of the riddle:

"What can be broken, but never held? What can be given, but never sold?"

I thought hard, trying to come up with an answer. But the stranger's face was calm and serene, as if he already knew the answer.

"What is it?" I whispered to him.

He smiled, his eyes glinting with amusement. "The answer is a promise," he said.