Part 8: The Witch's Challenge The Witch of the Forgotten Forest

The Witch of the Forgotten Forest was not done with the adventurers yet. She had one more challenge for them.

"You have proven yourselves to be brave and resourceful," she said. "But now I must test your courage and wit one last time. I will give you a riddle. If you can solve it, you will be rewarded with a powerful magical item. If you fail, you will be cursed and never be able to leave this forest. Do you accept my challenge?"

The adventurers looked at each other, unsure of what to do. They had come this far and were not about to give up now.

"We accept your challenge," they said in unison.

The Witch smiled and began to speak.

"I am the beginning of all things, the end of all things, and the middle of all things. What am I?"

The adventurers thought hard, but none of them could come up with an answer. They looked to the Witch for help, but she only smiled and said, "You must answer this riddle yourselves. If you can, you will be rewarded."

The adventurers thought and thought, but still could not come up with an answer. Finally, one of them spoke up.

"I think I know the answer," he said. "It is time."

The Witch smiled and nodded. "You are correct," she said. "Time is the answer to my riddle. As a reward, I give you this magical item. May it serve you well in your future adventures."

The adventurers thanked the Witch and took the magical item. With that, they left the forest, never to return again.