CHAPTER 4 - THE GUARDIAN OF THE RIVER

As Kael and Hannah approached the riverbank, the figure standing before them became more defined. It was a towering giant of a man, with skin as black as coal and eyes that glowed like embers. He was dressed in a flowing white robe, and his presence seemed to radiate an aura of power and authority.

"Who are you?" Kael asked, his voice firm but respectful.

The giant regarded him for a moment before responding. "I am the Guardian of the River," he said, his voice deep and rumbling. "And you, mortal, are trespassing on sacred ground."

Hannah stepped forward, her eyes flashing with a fierce light. "We mean no disrespect," she said. "We're on a quest to find the other half of the prophecy."

The Guardian's gaze narrowed, and he regarded Hannah with a piercing stare. "I know of the prophecy," he said. "And I know of the danger that lies ahead. But I will not let you pass without testing your worthiness."

Kael felt a surge of determination, and he stepped forward, his eyes locked on the Guardian. "We're willing to face whatever challenges you set before us," he said.

The Guardian nodded, a small smile playing on his lips. "Very well," he said. "I shall set you three trials. Each trial will test a different aspect of your being. If you succeed, I will grant you passage. But if you fail, you will never leave this place alive."

Kael felt a shiver run down his spine, but he steeled himself for the challenges ahead. He knew that he and Hannah had to succeed if they were to fulfill the prophecy.

The Guardian nodded, as if sensing Kael's determination. "The first trial is the Trial of Courage," he said. "You must face your deepest fear and overcome it."

Hannah's eyes flashed with a fierce light, and she stepped forward. "I'll face the trial," she said.

The Guardian nodded, and with a wave of his hand, a dark portal opened before Hannah. "Enter the portal, and you will face your deepest fear," he said.

Hannah took a deep breath, and with a determined look on her face, she stepped through the portal. Kael felt a surge of worry, but he knew that he had to trust Hannah to overcome her fear.

As Hannah disappeared into the portal, the Guardian turned to Kael. "The second trial is the Trial of Wisdom," he said. "You must solve a riddle that will test your knowledge and cunning."

Kael nodded, his mind racing with anticipation. He knew that he had to be clever if he was to succeed.

The Guardian smiled, and with a wave of his hand, a small, intricately carved box appeared before Kael. "Solve the riddle, and the box will open," he said. "But if you fail, the box will remain closed forever."

Kael's eyes narrowed, and he examined the box carefully. He knew that he had to think carefully if he was to succeed.

As Kael pondered the riddle, Hannah emerged from the portal, a look of triumph on her face. "I did it," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "I faced my deepest fear and overcame it."

Kael felt a surge of pride, and he smiled, his eyes locked on Hannah's. "I knew you could do it," he said.

The Guardian nodded, a small smile playing on his lips. "Well done, Hannah," he said. "You have passed the first trial. Now, Kael, it is your turn to face the second trial. Can you solve the riddle and open the box?"

Kael's eyes narrowed, and he focused his mind. He knew that he had to think carefully if he was to succeed. With a deep breath, he began to ponder the riddle, his mind racing with possibilities.

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