Mist still clung to the upper reaches of Glenhill as the group reached the cottage. The wooden structure stood quiet but sturdy, nestled among crooked trees and coated in thick moss, as if time itself had woven it into the landscape.
Solis stepped forward, exchanging a glance with Larielle, who nodded. He raised a hand and knocked twice.
The door creaked open almost immediately. A man stood there, aged yet upright, his long grey hair tied back, a single streak of white cutting through his thick beard. His robe was patched but clean, decorated with old sigils faded with time.
"You came sooner than I expected," the sage said, his voice as rough as bark but strangely calm. "Enter."
Razille asks, masking her surprise, "You knew some people come and visit you? But how?"
Sage says, "Well just say, Mother nature give me some indications earlier."
Larielle was the first to walk in, followed by the rest. Inside, the air was thick with the smell of herbs and old wood. Books lay scattered on uneven tables, scrolls poking out from the shelves in disorganized bundles. A small fire crackled in the hearth.
The sage turned to them once everyone had settled.
"Now then," he began, eyeing them one by one. "Why have you come to my solitude?"
Larielle stepped forward. "My name is Larielle, Rank A Postknight of the Sagacian Division. These are my comrades. We're investigating a dangerous group—the Ashlight Circle. They've targeted a boy in Pompom Village named Phill. We believe it's related to something ancient... a veil. A barrier that might contain something far worse than we understand."
The sage's expression darkened subtly. He nodded once but said nothing.
Larielle continued. "We've heard you possess knowledge others don't. We came to ask for your help. Please. We need to know how to stop them."
There was silence for a few heartbeats.
Then the sage raised his hand.
"Not so fast," he said. "I do not give knowledge freely. Knowledge, especially old knowledge, must be earned."
Ada folded her arms. "Oh, come on. This isn't some test, old man. People's lives are in danger. Why make us jump through hoops?"
The sage's eyes narrowed.
"It's precisely because lives are in danger that I must be sure you're genuine. Intent is important. Power without purpose is how wars begin. If you truly seek truth for the right reasons... answer three of my riddles."
"Riddles?" Ada muttered under her breath. "What are we, school kids?"
Vaidya placed a hand on her arm gently. "Let's hear them."
The sage stepped closer to the fire, gesturing toward the group.
"First riddle," he said. "I am not alive, but I grow. I have no lungs, yet I need air. I have no mouth, yet water kills me. What am I?"
They looked at one another. Vaidya was the first to speak.
"Fire," he said. "It fits all the clues."
The sage gave a slight nod. "Correct."
"Second riddle," he continued. "The more you take, the more you leave behind. What am I?"
Razille tilted her head. "That's... footsteps. It must be."
The sage smiled. "Very good."
He held up three fingers. "Final riddle. I speak without a mouth and hear without ears. I have no body, but I come alive with the wind. What am I?"
Now everyone sticks here. It's a tricky one. The usual confidence on Vaidya's face has gone now. He looks up to Razille in hope that she can decode it but she too seems to be puzzled.
Solis furrowed his brow. He thinks hard. He has to think something. Then, suddenly, his eyes widened.
"An echo," he said.
The sage's hand lowered slowly. He seemed pleased.
"You've passed," he said, then turned to Larielle. "Now, tell me. How much do your people remember of their history? Of the veil in particular?"
Larielle looked uncertain for the first time. "We just know... it's dangerous. Our elders passed down the warning. The veil should not be opened. Ever."
The sage closed his eyes. For a moment, he stood very still, as if he was listening to something far away.
Then he whispered, "No."
The word struck the room like a stone.
Larielle stepped forward. "W-why? Why not help us? What did we do wrong?"
"It's not you," the sage said, opening his eyes slowly. "But I have seen what happens when one interferes with destiny. I am sorry. But I will not speak further."
Ada's eyes flared. "Are you kidding me? After all that, you're just going to shut the door in our faces? You're wasting our time, old man."
"Ada," Vaidya said gently, trying to calm her. "Let it go."
But the damage was done. Ada stormed out first, her boots stomping against the wooden floor. Razille followed her with a sigh, and Vaidya gave the sage one last respectful nod before stepping outside. Larielle lingered for a moment longer.
"If that's your decision," she said, her voice tight with disappointment, "then thank you for your time."
She turned and exited.
Solis moved last. He was halfway to the door when the sage called out.
"Boy."
Solis stopped and looked back.
"Stay safe until you reach the veil. I will pray that you serve your purpose."
Solis blinked. "What are you talking about? What purpose?"
The sage smiled faintly. He turned his back and walked toward the hearth.
"You will understand," he said, "when the time is right."
Solis stood in silence for a beat, then stepped out into the mist, the door closing behind him like the final word in a forgotten prophecy.
The group stood outside, Ada still fuming.
"I'm telling you guys," she snapped. "That old fart doesn't know a single thing. We just wasted our time."
Vaidya shook his head. "I'm not so sure about that. He said something to Solis."
Razille looked back at the door. "Maybe... he told us more than we realize."
Solis says nothing.
He just stared forward, the fog curling around his boots, the hill quiet behind him.
Something has changed.
But what, he isn't sure of it yet.