The Riddling Owl
254 Words
The group arrived at a massive oak tree, its branches sprawling like a castle’s towers. Perched high above was a wise-looking owl with feathers that shimmered like gold.
“Visitors!” the owl boomed, his voice echoing through the woods. “I am Orion, the keeper of riddles. If you wish to pass, you must prove your wit. Answer my riddles, or turn back!”
Mia stepped forward. “We’re ready,” she said confidently.
Orion’s large eyes gleamed as he recited his first riddle:
I speak without a mouth and hear without ears. I have no body, but I come alive with wind. What am I?
Leo thought hard, furrowing his brow. “It’s... it’s an echo!” he finally exclaimed.
“Correct,” Orion said, nodding approvingly. “But there’s more!”
The second riddle came swiftly:
I’m light as a feather, yet the strongest person can’t hold me for more than a minute. What am I?
Mia smiled. “That’s easy—it’s breath.”
“Impressive,” Orion said. “But the third will not be so simple.”
He spread his wings and asked his final question:
The more you take, the more you leave behind. What am I?
Mia and Leo exchanged a puzzled look. Finn tapped his paw impatiently.
“It’s... footsteps!” Mia shouted, the answer dawning on her.
Orion hooted loudly in approval. “Well done, children! You may pass.”
The owl flapped his wings, and a hidden path revealed itself behind the tree.
- Writer
