The Enchantress's Treasure

Chapter 6: Gathering Allies

Emma and Chloe strolled around the manor, their eyes scanning every corner for any information about the Enchantress Blaire. The air was thick with mystery, and every creak of the wooden floors seemed to whisper secrets of the past. As they turned a corner near the grand staircase, Chloe noticed something unusual.
"Emma, look," Chloe whispered, pointing to a girl peeping through a cracked window.
The girl, startled by the attention, quickly ducked out of sight. Emma and Chloe exchanged curious glances before making their way to the window. They found the girl, who seemed to be about their age, crouching behind a bush.
"Hey, wait up!" Emma called out, her voice gentle yet firm. "We're not going to hurt you."
The girl hesitated, and then stood up slowly. She had a determined look in her eyes and held a small notebook tightly to her chest.
"I'm Sophie Delgado," she said, her voice steady. "I'm a college student studying archaeology. I’ve been researching this manor for a project."
Emma and Chloe introduced themselves, sharing their story about the unexpected stop at the manor and the mysteries they had already uncovered.
"We could use some help," Chloe admitted. "It seems like you know a lot about this place."

Sophie smiled, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "I’d love to join you. Let's explore together."
With their new companion, the trio moved through the manor with renewed determination. As they approached the library, Emma stumbled over a chair, her hand accidentally hitting a lever on the wall. A low rumble echoed through the room as a section of the wall slid open, revealing a hidden passageway.
"Did you see that?" Emma gasped her heart racing with excitement.
Chloe nodded her eyes wide with wonder. "Let's check it out."
The three girls cautiously entered the passageway, their footsteps echoing off the stone walls. The passage led to a hidden room filled with artifacts and dusty old books. The air was thick with history, and the room seemed to pulse with secrets waiting to be uncovered.
As they explored the room, a sudden gust of wind blew through, knocking several books off the shelves. One particularly intimidating book, covered in intricate designs and looking very vintage, caught Chloe’s eye. She picked it up and carefully opened it.
On the first page, they found a note written in elegant handwriting:
"This is only the beginning. The real adventure begins when you solve this riddle and reach Prague."
Beneath the note, a riddle was inscribed:

"In the city of a hundred spires,
Where old and new conspire,
Seek the bridge that stands the test,
Find the mark where shadows rest.
By the stone that saints adorn,
There, the secret shall be born."
Emma, Chloe, and Sophie stared at the riddle, their minds racing with possibilities.
"Looks like our next stop is Prague," Sophie said, her voice filled with anticipation. "We need to solve this riddle and find the bridge."
Chloe nodded, a determined smile spreading across her face. "The adventure continues."

📚Sophie Delgado
Age: 21
Personality: Inquisitive, analytical, and detail-oriented
Occupation: Archaeology student and freelance researcher
Role: Sophie is a college student with a passion for archaeology and a knack for deciphering ancient texts and symbols. Her research on the Willington Manor and its surrounding areas brings her into the adventure, and her expertise in archaeology provides crucial insights into the Enchantress's clues.
Fun Fact: Sophie is a skilled photographer and often documents her findings on her blog, which has gained a small but dedicated following among history and archaeology enthusiasts.