Riddle of the Winter Witch
Deep in the bowels of the Magic Mountain, the Winter Witch sat on a throne near a bridge spanning a bottomless chasm.
With sword in hand, the warrior approached. “I have slain the forty frost giants that haunt the slopes of this cloud-capped mountain; and moments ago I decapitated the White Worm of Poromys. But I’m not sure what is expected of me here. I assume you are the guardian of the bridge?”
The Witch rolled her eyes. “Yes.”
“How long have you been here?”
“Ten thousand years.”
“Doesn’t it get old waiting for adventurers to cross?”
“What do you think?”
“I think I could run past you.”
“You probably could. But then the bridge would collapse and you would plummet to your death.”
“I see. How am I supposed to get past you?”
“By answering my riddle.”
“I’m not good at riddles.”
“You can always go back to where you came from.”
“I’m afraid there’s a treasure chest on the other side of the bridge with my name on it. Could you maybe give me a hint as to what the riddle is about?”
“No. Once I ask it, you must answer. If you answer correctly, you may proceed. If you answer incorrectly, you die.”
The warrior sighed and sheathed his sword. “Alright. I’m ready. Ask.”
A fierce wind swept through the cavern’s icy interior. The Winter Witch closed her eyes and her voice shook the foundations of the Magic Mountain:
“It’s the key to all wisdom wrapped up in a phrase. It’s the answer to ‘Where?’ when you’re lost in a maze. It’s affirmed not by ‘us’, but by 1 of such kind. It’s the truth on your tongue when it’s not in your mind.”
She opened her eyes and smiled. “What is the answer?”
The warrior’s shoulders slumped. He shook his head. “I don’t know.”
“That is correct.”
“What?”
“‘I don’t know’ is the correct answer.” She rose from her throne. “You have broken the spell laid upon me. When I asked the Ancients how long I would have to occupy that throne, they replied: ‘Until someone answers the riddle correctly while admitting in the same breath that they do not know the answer.’”
The Witch held out her hand.
Defeated, the warrior unsheathed his sword and yielded it to her.
“Hey!” he said. “I’m still alive!”
“I know.” With her free hand she gestured to the throne. “Your turn.”
He sat down and pouted.
Flourishing the sword like an expert, the Winter Witch stepped onto the bridge.
“Where are you going?” the warrior asked.
“There’s a treasure chest on the other side of the bridge with my name on it.”
Sucker!!! 😂
That was great for my day Daniel!
Nicely done!