Chapter 4: The Ancient One
As they rested, Kane wandered away from the group, drawn by the whispering winds. The palm trees seemed to lean in, their leaves rustling secrets in his ear. He felt an eerie presence, as if the land itself was watching him.
Suddenly, a figure emerged from the trees. Ancient and withered, with eyes that burned like embers.
"Who are you?" Kane asked, his voice barely above a whisper.
"I am the Keeper of the Old Ways," the ancient one replied, its voice like the rustling of dry leaves. "And you, young one, are the chosen. The winds have spoken of your coming."
Kane felt a surge of wonder. "What do you know of the prophecy?"
The ancient one beckoned him closer. "I know that you hold the key to balancing the elements. But the journey ahead will be treacherous. You must first find the Elemental Stones, hidden across the land."
Kane's mind reeled. "What are the Elemental Stones?"
"Tokens of power, forged in the heart of the elements. With them, you can harness the winds, the rains, the earth, and the fire. But Malakai also seeks them, and his darkness will stop at nothing."
As the ancient one vanished into the trees, Kane felt the weight of the quest settle upon him. He knew that he had to embark on this perilous journey, to find the Elemental Stones and claim his destiny.