With their business at the clinic concluded, Luke and Gareth resumed their journey, the castle of Purewood now just a short distance away. Sir Carrick led the way, his presence reassuring as they navigated the cobblestone streets. Tora pulled the carriage behind them, the rhythmic clatter of the wheels blending with the ambient sounds of the city.
As they approached the castle, Luke couldn't help but question its title.
"Is it really a castle?" he wondered aloud, examining the structure.
From a distance, it bore a resemblance to the castles of fairy tales, with its turrets and high walls. However, up close, it lacked the grandeur and imposing presence Luke associated with such fortresses. The city itself was called Purewood, a name that seemed almost quaint for a place with a castle. Nothing here made sense in terms of naming conventions.
"Is this what they call a castle?" Luke asked Gareth, his curiosity piqued.
"It might not be the grandest castle, but it's home. The City of Purewood has its way of doing things... Such as hope for the future on how we can be granted a higher status of a Kingdom or Castle," Gareth chuckled.
"Purewood is a city of modesty and practicality. Our 'castle' reflects that. It's not about grandeur; it's about function and safety," Sir Carrick, overhearing their conversation, smiled. "And like Gareth mentioned, it's true. We hoped and strived for a day we can be greater than we are today."
Arriving at the front gate of the castle, they stepped down from the carriage. Sir Carrick took charge, directing Tora to the castle stables.
"I'll see to Tora and the carriage. You two go ahead and get settled. The items from the carriage will be brought to your quarters shortly."
Luke nodded, feeling a bit anxious as he ensured his briefcase was well hidden inside a larger pouch tucked inside the carriage. His phone, safely tucked inside the pouch on his belt—which will conveniently referred to as his pocket—remained close to him. He couldn't risk anyone discovering his most valuable possessions.
As they walked through the castle gates, Luke took in the surroundings. The interior was a blend of practicality and rustic charm. Wooden beams supported the stone walls, and tapestries depicting scenes of the city's history adorned the corridors. The air smelled of aged wood and the faint aroma of herbs, probably from the kitchen or a nearby storeroom.
Gareth limped slightly, his injury still evident, but his spirits seemed lifted now that they were back in familiar territory.
"Welcome to the City of Purewood," he said with a smile, leading Luke through the hallways.
Luke marvelled at the simplicity of the place. Despite its modesty, the castle exuded a sense of warmth and belonging. They passed by several people who greeted Gareth with respect and curiosity, their eyes lingering on Luke, the unfamiliar face.
"How does it feel to be back?" Luke asked Gareth.
"Strange but good," Gareth admitted. "It's been a long journey, and it's not quite over yet. But being here, surrounded by friends and familiar sights, it brings a sense of peace."
Their path led them to a large wooden door. Gareth pushed it open, revealing a spacious room with a large table at its centre and chairs arranged neatly around it. A hearth burned warmly at one end, casting a cosy glow over the room.
"This is the common room," Gareth explained. "We use it for gatherings and meetings. It's a place for everyone to come together."
Luke nodded, appreciating the thought behind the design. As they settled into the room, he couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation. This place, while different from any home he had known, had a welcoming atmosphere.
Just then, Sir Carrick entered the room, having finished his tasks.
"The stable master is taking good care of Tora. He's in good hands," he said, addressing Gareth. Turning to Luke, he added, "And your belongings will be brought here shortly."
"Thank you, Sir Carrick," Luke said, genuinely grateful.
"It's the least we can do. You've been through a lot, and you've done much for Gareth. Consider this our way of repaying that debt," Sir Carrick waved off the thanks.
As the evening drew on, the castle began to come alive with the sounds of its inhabitants preparing for the night. The day's journey had been long and taxing, but for the first time since his arrival in this world, Luke felt a sense of stability. Surrounded by new allies and the safety of the castle walls, he allowed himself to relax, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.
After settling in the common room, Gareth led Luke to the barracks. The barracks were situated right next to the castle, connected by a narrow alleyway. The passage was dimly lit, the high stone walls on either side giving it a slightly claustrophobic feel. Luke could hear the distant murmur of soldiers and the clinking of armour as they passed through.
Gareth opened a sturdy wooden door at the end of the alley, revealing a large hall filled with soldiers, some polishing their weapons, others engaged in quiet conversation. The atmosphere was a mix of camaraderie and discipline, a stark contrast to the chaotic energy of the city outside.
"This is the barracks," Gareth said, guiding Luke through the bustling hall. "It's where the soldiers of Purewood rest and prepare for their duties. My room is just down this corridor."
They walked down a narrow hallway, the sound of their footsteps echoing off the stone walls. Gareth stopped in front of a simple wooden door and pushed it open.
"Here we are," he said, stepping inside.
The room was small, almost spartan in its simplicity. A narrow bed stood against one wall, with a small table and a chair next to it. A window, or rather a hole carved into the stone, allowed light and fresh air to enter. There was no glass or frame, just an opening to the outside world. It reminded Luke of his room back home, the one sanctuary he had in a house that was otherwise a living nightmare.
"Your room is quite cosy," Luke remarked, trying to mask the wave of nostalgia that washed over him.
His mind drifted back to his childhood, to the small room that had been his refuge from his parents' constant bickering and neglect. It wasn't a place he had spent much time in, but it was a memory nonetheless.
As they stood there, taking in the simplicity of the room, a couple of knights entered, carrying pouches and crates filled with Gareth's belongings. They exchanged words with Gareth, their camaraderie evident. These were friends who had been awaiting Gareth's return for some time.
"It's good to see you back, Gareth," one of the knights said, setting down a crate. "We were starting to worry."
"Thank you, Aidan," Gareth replied, clapping the knight on the shoulder. "It's good to be back. Do you know where Father Wingate and Mayor Kingsley are at the moment?"
The knights exchanged glances.
"We're not sure where Mayor Kingsley is," Aidan said. "He has some business to attend to. But Father Wingate should be at the cathedral, like usual."
"Thanks," Gareth said, nodding. The knights left, leaving Gareth and Luke alone in the small room.
Luke looked around, feeling a bit out of place.
"Do I have a room to stay the night?" he asked, his voice tinged with uncertainty.
"If we can find Mayor Kingsley today, I can probably arrange for you to get a guest room. If not, we'll have to check if there are any empty rooms in the barracks. Worst case scenario, you might have to find an inn outside the castle. It's not about finding one, but affording it might be a problem," Gareth thought for a moment.
"I appreciate your help, Gareth. I don't have much in terms of money," Luke nodded, understanding the predicament.
"We'll figure something out," Gareth assured him. "For now, let's rest a bit. We'll head to the cathedral soon to see Father Wingate."
Luke sat on the edge of Gareth's bed, the reality of his situation settling in. Despite the challenges ahead, there was a sense of hope. He was no longer alone in this strange world, and with Gareth's help, he felt he might just find a place to belong.
As they rested in the small room, the weight of their journey momentarily lifted, Luke allowed himself a brief moment of peace. The familiarity of the barracks' sounds—the clanking of armour, the distant chatter of soldiers—was oddly comforting. He glanced at Gareth, who was lost in thought, perhaps contemplating their next steps.
Despite the uncertainties ahead, Luke felt a growing sense of camaraderie with Gareth and a newfound determination to adapt to this strange world. The journey to the City of Purewood had been long and filled with challenges, but now, standing on the brink of a new chapter, Luke felt ready to face whatever came next, buoyed by the bonds he was starting to forge.