Milo and Lina stood near the tall window of the ancient castle. The moon shone brightly and made long shadows on the stone walls. They both saw something move quickly across the hall. "Did you see that, Milo?" Lina whispered, her eyes wide with surprise. Milo nodded slowly and looked closely toward the dark corridor.
"It is strange to have movement at this hour," Milo said quietly. The castle is usually silent at night, with only the wind outside. Lina felt a chill run down her spine as she watched the shadow again. "Who can be there?" she asked with a mix of curiosity and fear.
Milo rubbed his long white beard and thought deeply. "We must be careful," he said, "because not all who move in night are friends." Lina held her small wand tightly, ready for anything. They waited together, almost unable to breathe, watching the shadow fade away.
Lina's eyes followed the dark shadow as it moved again across the cold stone walls of the castle. "We must catch it before it disappears," Lina said with a firm voice. Her heart beat fast, and she felt a strong need to find the shadow.
Milo looked at her with concern and shook his head slowly. "Wait, Lina," he said in a calm voice. "That shadow may be Thorn, the forest wizard who watches over us."
Lina frowned and asked, "Thorn? Why would he hide in the castle at night?" Milo stepped closer and spoke quietly, "He moves in the dark to keep the castle safe. But we cannot be sure without looking carefully.
Milo and Lina moved slowly through the old castle halls. The moonlight made soft shapes on the cold stone walls. They listened carefully to every sound in the quiet night. Neither wanted to miss any sign of the strange shadow.
Lina held a small lantern that barely lit their path. Milo carried a wooden staff, his eyes sharp and wise. They stopped often to look around the dark corners. Every step was careful and silent in the empty castle.
The air was cool and still, but there was life nearby. Lina thought she saw the shadow move behind a curtain. Milo whispered, 'It could be Thorn, the forest wizard.' They both knew they must be patient and calm to find him.
A soft voice came from the dark hallway. Milo and Lina stopped and listened carefully. The voice said, 'I mean no harm.' Both turned slowly towards the sound.
A tall figure stepped from the shadows. It was Thorn, the forest wizard they had heard of. He looked calm but watchful. His eyes seemed to shine in the moonlight.
Thorn said, 'I watch over this place to keep it safe.' Lina looked surprised but did not speak. Milo nodded slowly, showing he understood. The air felt quiet and calm around them.
Thorn moved like a shadow, quick and silent, then he was gone.
Milo looked at Lina with a slow smile. "We have more to learn," he said softly.
Lina nodded, feeling a mix of wonder and calm. "He is not just a stranger," she whispered.
The castle stood quiet again, full of secrets and soft moonlight. They waited, knowing the night held more stories yet.