Anya and the Sorcerer's Castle | Chapter 4: The Sorcerer Revealed

Chapter 4: The Sorcerer Revealed
Anya fell back a step, heart hammering against her ribs. The booming voice sent shivers down her spine, yet a strange sense of calmness washed over her as well.
"I... I don't mean any harm," she stammered, her voice barely a whisper. "I was just following a light, and then... I don't know how I got here."
The figure shifted slightly, and a sliver of moonlight peeking through a high window glinted off a long, silver staff gripped in its gloved hand. The silence stretched for what felt like an eternity before the figure finally spoke.
"A curious child," it rumbled, the voice less intimidating now, laced with a hint of amusement. "Tell me, who are you, and how did you find yourself within the walls of Eldarion's keep?"
Anya took a deep breath, emboldened by a newfound determination. "My name is Anya," she said. "I live in the village at the foot of the mountain. I saw a light in the forest and followed it, and then...well, here I am."
The figure chuckled, a low, rumbling sound. "The forest holds secrets, young one. Not all of them meant to be found."
Anya's face flushed. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to intrude."
The figure approached Anya, stopping a respectful distance away. As it stepped into the moonlight, the wide-brimmed hat tilted slightly, revealing a pair of piercing blue eyes that seemed to hold the wisdom of ages.
"You are not an intruder, child," the figure said, its voice softer now. "Fate has a curious way of weaving its tapestry."
Anya blinked, confused. "Fate? What do you mean?"
The figure, Eldarion as he now introduced himself, spoke of a world beyond Anya's wildest dreams. A world where magic danced in the air, where unseen forces battled for balance. He spoke of his role as a guardian, protecting this world from the shadows that threatened to consume it.
Anya listened, captivated by Eldarion's words. Fear had given way to a sense of awe and wonder. "Why me?" she finally whispered.
Eldarion smiled faintly. "Perhaps you possess more courage than you know, Anya. And perhaps, fate has chosen you to play a part in this grand tapestry."