The evening before they were to leave the monastery, a shadowy figure appeared, slipping silently through the ruins. Lyria's staff crackled with warning as she spun toward the intruder.
"Who's there?" she demanded, her eyes narrowing.
A young man stepped into the light. His disheveled appearance and cocky grin were in stark contrast to the tense atmosphere. "Relax, I'm not here to start a fight. Just a traveler... though I may have overheard your little conversation about the Dragon's Heart."
Kai raised an eyebrow. "And what's it to you?"
The stranger shrugged nonchalantly, pulling a crumpled map from his belt. "I know where it is. And let's just say... I have a talent for finding things that aren't meant to be found."
Lyria eyed him skeptically. "How do you even know about the Dragon's Heart? Scholars and mages have searched for centuries and found nothing."
"Maybe because I've stolen a map no one else could get their hands on," the man grinned, unfurling the parchment. "The name's Ryn. And I think you're going to need my help."
After a tense pause, Lyria relented, though her skepticism remained. "Fine. But don't try anything funny."
Kai, sensing Ryn's potential usefulness, nodded in agreement. "Welcome aboard."