The Guardian of Lore

As you wander deeper into the Grand Library, a soft, otherworldly voice echoes through the halls, drawing you towards a secluded alcove. There, materializing from the ancient tomes, is the Guardian of Lore — a spectral figure robed in shimmering light. The Guardian's eyes pierce into you, assessing your worthiness.

"To gain the knowledge you seek," the Guardian intones, "solve this riddle: What can run but never walks, has a mouth but never talks, has a head but never weeps, has a bed but never sleeps?"

You ponder deeply, the silence of the library enveloping you. Realization dawns, and you reply confidently, "A river."

The Guardian smiles, fading away to reveal a hidden compartment in the wall, containing scrolls that speak of a lost city where the next artifact resides.