Chapter 3: The Prophecy

As John and Lyra sat around the fire with the dwarves, they listened to stories of battles and legends that had taken place in the world of Elvandar. The dwarves spoke of a great prophecy that had been passed down through generations, foretelling the coming of a hero who would save the land from darkness.

"The hero will be marked with a symbol," one of the dwarves said, pointing to John's arm. "The symbol of the dragon."

John looked down at his arm in surprise. There, etched into his skin, was a small tattoo of a dragon. He had never noticed it before, but now that it had been pointed out to him, he couldn't ignore it.

John was stunned. He had always felt that he was destined for something great, but he had never imagined that he could be the subject of an ancient prophecy. He felt a mix of fear and excitement at the thought of the destiny that awaited him.

John didn't know what to do. The idea of being a hero was both thrilling and terrifying. He decided to accept his fate and to start training to become the savior that his people needed.

Word of the Prophecy soon spread throughout the village, and people started to look at John in a different light. They saw him as a hero, someone who would lead them to save. But they also feared him, for they knew that the road ahead would be long and dangerous.

"The hero will be joined by a powerful ally," the dwarf continued, nodding towards Lyra. "A warrior skilled in the art of magic."

Lyra smiled modestly, acknowledging the praise. "But what does this prophecy mean?" she asked.

"The prophecy speaks of a great darkness that will descend upon Elvandar," the dwarf said. "A darkness that can only be defeated by the hero and his ally. They will be the ones to restore peace to the land."

John and Lyra exchanged a glance, both sensing the weight of the prophecy. They knew that they had been brought together for a reason, and that their journey was far from over.

"We must continue on our journey," John said, standing up. "We cannot rest until we have fulfilled the prophecy."

In the next day:

The dwarves nodded solemnly, wishing them luck on their journey. John and Lyra set off into the forest once more, determined to face whatever challenges lay ahead.

As they walked, John couldn't help but feel a sense of unease. The prophecy had brought them together, but what if they weren't strong enough to fulfill it? What if they failed?

Lyra noticed his unease and placed a comforting hand on his shoulder. "We will face whatever comes our way together," she said. "We are stronger together than we are alone."

John nodded, feeling reassured by her words. They walked on through the forest, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead, knowing that they had each other to rely on

Moments before they left the dwarves' village:

John and Lyra were awakened by a commotion outside their doors. As they stepped outside, they saw a group of dwarves gathered around a small table, examining a scroll. One of the dwarves, an elderly figure with a long, grey beard, turned to them and beckoned them over.

"Ah, there you are," he said. "We've been waiting for you."

"For us?" Lyra asked, surprised.

"Yes, indeed," the dwarf said, motioning towards the scroll. "4 years befor We found this in the forest, and we believe it may be connected to your journey."

John and Lyra stepped closer to the table, examining the scroll. It was made of an ancient parchment, and its edges were frayed with age. The ink was faded, but they could make out a few words.

"It says 'The Enchanted Stones'," John said, pointing to the words on the scroll.

"Yes, yes," the dwarf nodded. "The Enchanted Stones are an ancient relic, believed to possess great power. They have been hidden away for centuries, but now, it seems they have been discovered. And we believe that they are the key to your journey."

"What do you mean?" Lyra asked.

"We believe that the Enchanted Stones can be used to unlock a great power, one that can only be accessed by those chosen by fate. And we believe that you two are those chosen ones."

John and Lyra exchanged a look, unsure of what to make of this new information. But deep down, they knew that they had to follow this path. They had come too far to turn back now.

"Where can we find these Enchanted Stones?" John asked.

"That is the question," the dwarf said, scratching his chin. "The location of the stones is a closely guarded secret, known only to a select few. But we do know of one who may be able to help you."

The dwarf reached into his pocket and produced a small, silver amulet. "This belonged to a great wizard, long ago," he said. "He was said to have knowledge of the Enchanted Stones. If anyone can help you find them, it would be him."

He handed the amulet to John, who examined it closely. It was engraved with strange, mystical symbols that he didn't recognize.

"Where can we find this wizard?" Lyra asked.

"He resides in the Dark Forest, to the north," the dwarf said. "But be warned, the Dark Forest is a dangerous place. Many have entered, but few have returned."

John and Lyra knew that they had no choice. They had to find the Enchanted Stones, and if that meant braving the Dark Forest, then so be it.