The morning ride was steeped in silence, each occupant of the carriage basking in the serenity of the dawn breeze. The rhythmic clatter of wheels against the dirt road was the only sound that broke the tranquillity. Gareth, leaning against the side of the carriage, gazed thoughtfully at the passing scenery. Tora trotted alongside them, occasionally glancing up at Luke who was lost in his thoughts, steering the carriage.
Breaking the silence, Gareth finally spoke, his voice low and contemplative.
"What do you plan to do once we arrive at the City of Purewood, Luke?"
The question hung in the air, catching Luke off guard. It wasn't something he had given much thought to, his mind preoccupied with survival and immediate concerns.
After a pause, Luke responded, his voice uncertain.
"I guess... I could use your help to find a group of merchants or travellers heading to the Empire of Virencia. Maybe I can follow them. You mentioned Saint Cynthia before. Perhaps she can provide some guidance, tell me why I'm here and how to get back."
The answer seemed logical and sensible, even to Gareth, who nodded in acknowledgement, though it was not the confession he had intended.
Noticing that his deeper implication had gone unnoticed, Gareth followed up with another question.
"What if the envoy to the Empire of Virencia isn't leaving for another month or two? What would you do while waiting?"
Luke went silent again, his mind racing. He considered the idea of performing street magic for income but quickly dismissed it, realizing that displaying any form of special ability could attract unwanted attention in a city where such talents were revered and sacred. He then thought of advertising himself for odd jobs but doubted his abilities, fearing failure.
With no clear answer, Luke mumbled.
"I don't know," speaking quickly to avoid further probing. He then turned the question back to Gareth. "What about you? What will you do?"
Gareth straightened up slightly, a sense of pride evident in his voice.
"Now that my knight training is complete, I'll have Mayor Kingsley officially acknowledge my knighthood. I'll serve as a full-time knight for the City of Purewood, sleeping at the barracks, training, guarding, and patrolling. It's what I've been working towards all this time."
"Sounds like a solid plan. At least one of us has their future sorted out," Luke nodded, a faint smile playing on his lips.
Gareth chuckled, though his thoughts were still on the unspoken words he had meant to share. For now, the ride continued, the morning sun slowly rising higher, casting a warm glow over their path as they made their way towards the City of Purewood.
The morning ride continued in relative silence, the rhythmic clatter of the carriage wheels almost hypnotic. Gareth's thoughts churned as he considered the recent events and the potential future. Finally, he broke the silence once more, his tone serious yet hopeful.
"Luke, have you ever considered becoming our mage? The City of Purewood's mage?"
"Your mage? Why would you think I'd want to do that?" Luke's brow furrowed in confusion.
Gareth sighed, recalling a memory from his childhood.
"When I was little, I asked Mayor Kingsley—Uncle Kingsley, I called him—why he was so fixated on magic and special individuals. He told me that these special people are sacred beings, gifts from the gods. He explained how the Empire of Virencia rose to power because of Saint Cynthia. Her ability to foresee the future, heal injuries, and more, helped the empire prosper. That's why the Empire of Virencia is now the most powerful state. Uncle Kingsley hoped that one day, a special person would be gifted to us. He promised to receive them with open arms, care for them, and make them the city's mage."
Luke shook his head, still puzzled.
"But why would you think I'd want to do that? It's risky to make myself known and seen. You've told me stories about how special individuals are often feared. Besides, being the city's mage sounds like never-ending work and a huge responsibility. I'm not smart or strong. And I'll tell you now, I'm no magic user."
Luke pulled out his phone again. Even now, Gareth flinched, his reflexes still attuned to fearing the magic item he believed it to be.
"This," Luke explained. "Is the thing that helped us. Not me."
"But when I first asked, you said you were a magician," Gareth looked more confused.
Frustration dawned on Luke. He couldn't believe his miswording.
"Where I come from, a magician is someone who performs sleight of hand, misdirection, and tricks. It's not real magic like you have here. It's all about making people believe in something that isn't there."
"So, you're saying all those things you did, with the light and everything, were just tricks?" Gareth listened intently, absorbing this new information.
"Exactly," Luke replied. "Nothing more than technology and illusion. I know you probably won't understand but please, hear me out. Where I'm from, it's entertainment, not power."
"Even so, Luke, you've shown courage and resourcefulness. Maybe you don't have the kind of magic I think of, but you have something special. The ability to think on your feet, to help others. That's rare too. And I don't know how to use this thing you call 'smartphone'. And you are the only one do. So perhaps you are one of them," Gareth nodded slowly, trying to reconcile this new understanding with his previous beliefs.
"Thanks, Gareth. But for now, I think I'll stick to finding a way home. Being a mage sounds like too much for me to handle," Luke smiled faintly, appreciating Gareth's words.
Gareth didn't press the issue further. They continued their journey, the dawn breaking fully into a new day, both men lost in their thoughts about what the future might hold.
As they rode on, the morning sun casting long shadows across the road, Gareth's mind was awash with thoughts. He couldn't shake the idea of having a dedicated mage for the City of Purewood. The prospect filled him with a sense of hope and purpose. He glanced at Luke, who seemed lost in his thoughts and began to form his argument internally.
From Gareth's perspective, the benefits of having a mage were clear. The City of Purewood had long struggled to protect its citizens from the dangers of the surrounding wilderness. Monsters like the Plyburg and Aerdeich posed constant threats, and while knights like Gareth were well-trained and brave, their strength had limits. A mage, however, could tip the balance. A mage could wield powers beyond the physical realm, providing not just protection but also healing, guidance, and wisdom. Gareth thought of Saint Cynthia and how her presence had transformed the Empire of Virencia. He envisioned Purewood thriving under the protection and influence of a dedicated mage.
Moreover, Gareth felt a personal connection to this quest. He had grown up under Mayor Kingsley's guidance, hearing stories of legendary mages and their impact. He remembered the mayor's words vividly: "These special people are gifts from the gods, Gareth. We must cherish and protect them, for they hold the key to our future." Gareth believed in these words with all his heart. Finding and nurturing a mage wasn't just a strategic move; it was a moral imperative. It was about fulfilling a destiny that had been promised to his city for generations.
Yet, as Gareth considered his arguments, he also recognized the hurdles. He knew that convincing Luke would not be easy. Luke was from another world, with different values and fears. He had already expressed his reluctance, citing the dangers and responsibilities. Gareth respected these concerns but believed that with time, he could show Luke the significance of his potential role.
On the other hand, Luke's perspective was rooted in pragmatism and self-preservation. The idea of becoming a mage in this strange world felt overwhelming and dangerous. He had barely come to terms with his new reality, let alone taken on such a monumental role. The pressure of being a revered figure, constantly expected to perform and protect, was not something he desired. His mind flashed back to his life before he arrived here – a life of struggle, yes, but also one where he was free from the burdens of expectation and reverence.
Luke also feared the implications of being labelled a mage. In Gareth's world, people with special abilities were often seen as both sacred and feared. This duality worried him. He had no real magical powers, just a handful of technological tricks. What if the people of Purewood turned against him once they discovered his secrets? The thought of becoming an outcast or, worse, a target, was terrifying.
Furthermore, Luke valued his independence. The idea of being tied to a city, bound by duty and obligation, was stifling. He had spent much of his life running from one responsibility to another, never finding true freedom. This second chance at life was supposed to be different. He had promised himself that he would live on his terms, helping others but not shackling himself to a role that demanded more than he could give.
As the carriage trundled along, the silence between them grew heavier. Both men were deep in contemplation, their thoughts diverging like the paths they travelled. Gareth looked ahead, imagining a future where Purewood was safe and prosperous, guided by the wisdom of a dedicated mage. He saw himself as a protector, a knight who had fulfilled his duty not just with his sword but with his heart and mind.
Luke, meanwhile, grappled with his fears and aspirations. He longed to find his place in this new world, but not at the cost of his freedom or safety. He respected Gareth's vision but couldn't see himself fitting into it. The path ahead was uncertain, and for now, Luke was content to take it one step at a time, seeking answers to his questions before committing to a destiny he wasn't sure he wanted.
The morning light grew stronger, illuminating the road ahead as they continued their journey. Both men remained silent, each lost in their thoughts, their destinies intertwined yet distinctly separate.