Chapter 3 - Midnight at the Windmill

Lyra stood before the old windmill, its creaking blades silhouetted against the moonlit sky. She'd debated whether to come, but curiosity and the promise of uncovering Eldrida's secrets had won out. The stranger's words echoed in her mind: "Together, we can uncover its secrets and claim its power."As she approached the windmill, a figure emerged from the shadows. It was the stranger, dressed in dark attire that blended with the night."You're here," they said, their green eyes gleaming in the moonlight. "I wasn't sure you'd take the risk."Lyra shrugged, trying to appear nonchalant. "I'm curious. What's the plan?"The stranger smiled, and for a moment, Lyra saw a glimmer of something more – excitement, perhaps, or anticipation. "We leave at dawn. We'll need to move quickly and stay alert. The journey won't be easy."Lyra nodded, her mind racing with questions. "What can I expect?"The stranger handed her a worn leather satchel. "Provisions, maps, and a few...tools. We'll discuss the details as we travel. For now, let's focus on getting out of the city undetected."Lyra took the satchel, feeling a surge of excitement mixed with trepidation. She slung it over her shoulder, the weight of the unknown settling upon her.As they set off toward the city gates, Lyra noticed the stranger's gaze darting between the shadows, their hand resting on the hilt of their sword. She mirrored their movements, her senses on high alert.Once they cleared the city walls, the stranger led her to a pair of horses, saddled and ready. Lyra mounted hers, feeling a sense of freedom and trepidation as they set off into the darkness.The journey had begun, and Lyra was determined to uncover the secrets of Eldrida. But as they rode into the night, she couldn't shake the feeling that she was walking into a trap – or perhaps something more.