The Enchantress's Treasure

Chapter 7: Deciphering the Enchantress's Clues

With the bus repaired, Chloe and Emma faced a decision. Despite the allure of home, the mysteries of the manor and the adventure promised by the riddle were too compelling to resist. They explained their plans to their parents, who, with some hesitation, agreed to let them stay.
"Be careful," Robert said, giving them both a hug. "And keep in touch."
Mary nodded, her eyes filled with concern and pride. "Good luck, and be safe."
After bidding farewell to their parents, Chloe, Emma, and Sophie decided to take a day off to prepare for their journey to Prague. They spent the morning shopping for new clothes and supplies, enjoying the bustling atmosphere of the local market.
Later in the evening, they settled back into the manor with Sophie. The ancient estate, with its creaking floors and hidden secrets, felt oddly comforting. Deciding to take a break, they headed to the local park to relax and brainstorm the riddle.
Chloe carried a piece of paper with the riddle written on it. As they strolled through the park, she read it aloud:
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.
As Chloe finished reading, a voice from behind startled them. "That sounds intriguing."
They turned to see a young man approaching, his eyes sharp and curious. "I'm Liam Parker," he said, extending a hand. "I couldn’t help but overhear your conversation. I’ve lived here my whole life and know a bit about these kinds of things."
Emma, Chloe, and Sophie introduced themselves, sharing the details of their quest.
Liam thought for a moment, his brow furrowed in concentration. "The city of a hundred spires must be Prague. The bridge that stands the test of time is likely the Charles Bridge. It’s one of the oldest and most iconic bridges in the city."
Chloe nodded, her excitement growing. "And the mark where shadows rest... that could be a specific spot on the bridge."
Liam smiled, clearly enjoying the challenge. "Exactly. The stone adorned with saints refers to the many statues on the Charles Bridge. There might be a particular statue that holds the clue."
Emma grinned. "Sounds like we need to start at the Charles Bridge and look for a mark or sign on one of the statues."
With the riddle starting to make sense, they decided to rest and prepare for their journey. They returned to the manor, the excitement of the adventure ahead buzzing in the air. As they settled in for the night, their minds raced with thoughts of Prague, the Enchantress, and the mysteries yet to be uncovered.

📜Liam Parker
Age: 20
Personality: Observant, resourceful, and quick-thinking
Occupation: Local guide and part-time historian
Role: Liam is a local who has lived in the area near the Willington Manor his entire life. His deep knowledge of the local legends and his keen observation skills make him an invaluable asset to Chloe and Emma's quest. He is resourceful and quick to adapt to any situation, often coming up with creative solutions to the group's problems.
Fun Fact: Liam has a collection of antique maps and is an amateur cartographer, which comes in handy when navigating the cryptic clues left by the Enchantress.