The boys had followed the winding stream until the rocks opened into a quiet glade, where the air seemed charged with a sense of wonder. From the shadows of the stones, the griffin stepped forth, silver feathers catching the light as if brushed with frost. Its golden eyes seemed to measure their courage and truth more than strength. Neither boy spoke, for they knew this was the moment they had been waiting for. With the griffin at their side, the journey ahead was no longer theirs alone.
