With the first light of dawn creeping into the room, Luke forced his eyes open. Despite the persistent grogginess and the temptation of the warm bed, he resolutely swung his legs over the edge and sat up. Every muscle protested, but he pushed through, knowing he had a mission to accomplish today.
Luke made his way to the lavatory, the cold water splashing on his face jolting him fully awake. With the drowsiness washed away, he felt more alert and ready for the day ahead. After drying off and ensuring he looked presentable, he quietly left the boys' room, determined not to disturb their peaceful sleep.
As he walked down the corridor, he encountered Father Wingate. The older man smiled warmly at him, and they exchanged morning greetings.
"Good morning, Luke. Up early today?"
"Good morning, Father. Yes, I have something I need to do," Luke replied.
Father Wingate nodded understandingly.
"Ah, seeking work, if I remember correctly. Let me show you the way to the tavern. It's not far from here,"
Father Wingate then pulled out a small piece of parchment and quickly sketched a map, indicating the path Luke should take. He also wrote down the word "tavern" in the local language, Iatspich, and explained how to recognize the sign.
"Thank you, Father. This will be very helpful," Luke said, appreciating the guidance.
"You're welcome, my boy. Remember, if you need any help or advice, we're here for you," Father Wingate said kindly.
With the directions clear in his mind and the parchment in hand, Luke set out from the cathedral. The morning air was crisp and refreshing, a stark contrast to the staleness of his old life. Each step he took felt like a stride toward a new beginning, filled with purpose and determination.
The city of Purewood was slowly coming to life as he walked through its streets. Shopkeepers were opening their stores, and the smell of fresh bread wafted from a nearby bakery. Children ran through the streets, their laughter echoing in the cool morning air. It was a peaceful scene, one that Luke found strangely comforting.
Following Father Wingate's map, Luke made his way through the winding streets until he reached the tavern. The sign above the door matched the Iatspich word written on the parchment, confirming he was in the right place. Taking a deep breath, he pushed open the door and stepped inside.
The interior of the tavern was dimly lit, with a few early risers scattered around, sipping their morning brews. The smell of ale and cooked breakfast filled the air. Luke walked up to the notice board, his eyes scanning for any information about groups heading to the Empire of Virencia.
The board was large, cluttered with papers plastered here and there. Notices of all sorts were pinned up—requests for assistance, advertisements for goods, and various announcements. Luke's eyes darted from one paper to the next, trying to find anything that mentioned a journey to Virencia.
However, as he stood there, a realization hit him like a cold splash of water. He couldn't read a single word on the board. The language of Iatspich was completely foreign to him, and he had been so preoccupied with everything else that this crucial detail had slipped his mind entirely. His ability to speak and understand the language conversationally had given him a false sense of confidence. Reading, however, was a different matter entirely.
Luke's frustration grew as he tried to make sense of the characters on the papers. He couldn't believe he had forgotten something so important. Just as he was about to give up and leave, a voice called out to him.
"Need some help there?"
Luke turned to see a woman behind the bar, diligently cleaning mugs and arranging items. She appeared to be in her early middle age, with a kind yet inquisitive expression on her face.
"Uh, yes, actually," Luke admitted, feeling a bit embarrassed. "I was wondering if any parties were planning to head to the Empire of Virencia."
"No worries, dear. Let me take a look for you," the woman chuckled softly, not unkindly.
She walked over to the notice board and began scanning the papers. After a moment, she turned back to Luke.
"It doesn't look like there's any group heading directly to Virencia right now. But there is a party planning to leave Purewood for the City of Balmoral in a season's time. They're going for trade business."
"Balmoral?" Luke echoed, considering the option.
"Yes," she continued. "It's a larger city to the north from here. From there, you might have a better chance of finding people heading further west to Virencia."
Luke pondered this information. It seemed like a solid plan. However, it also meant he needed to prepare for the journey and save up some money. He couldn't keep relying on the cathedral's charity.
"Thank you," Luke said sincerely. "That's very helpful. I guess I have some planning to do."
"Glad I could help. If you need anything else, just let me know," the woman smiled warmly.
Luke nodded and made his way to an empty table. He needed to think about his next steps carefully. The journey to Balmoral was an opportunity, but it also meant he had to secure enough funds for travel and sustenance.
As he sat down, the woman approached him again, this time with a curious expression.
"Feeling for any drink?" she asked.
Luke hesitated, realizing he had only one gold and three silver shillings. He wasn't sure how far that would get him.
"What's the cheapest drink you have?" he asked, hoping not to offend her.
The woman raised an eyebrow but didn't seem offended. Instead, she looked intrigued.
"Not from around here, are you?" She glanced at his hair, a giveaway to his unusual origins.
"No, I'm not," Luke replied, deciding to keep his explanation simple. "I lost my memory and was brought here by Gareth. He hoped I could start a new life."
"Ah, Gareth Wingate I presumed. Looked like our promising young knight had finally gotten back home," the woman nodded as she began to pour a drink into a mug.
As the foam began to fill, she closed the tab for a brief moment. Her eyes now back to Luke, who sat pondering.
"Why Virencia, then?" she asked, her curiosity piqued. "If you're just looking to start anew, Purewood is as good a place as any."
Luke took a deep breath, crafting his lie carefully.
"Gareth mentioned that Saint Cynthia might be able to help me recover my memories," he said. "He thought seeking her out would be the best course of action."
Upon hearing the saint's name, the woman's demeanour changed slightly. She seemed to accept his explanation without further questions. In Noirist belief, special people like Saint Cynthia were seen as absolute guides. If Luke's journey was linked to the saint, it was valid and unquestionable.
"Fair enough," she said, sliding the mug of beer towards him. "This one's on the house, for a newcomer like you."
Luke tried to refuse, saying he didn't have the money, but the woman insisted.
"Consider it a welcome gift," she said with a warm smile. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to get back to work. The tavern will be bustling soon."
With a nod of thanks, Luke took a sip of the beer. It was surprisingly good, a refreshing change from what he was used to. As he savoured the drink, he couldn't help but feel a small sense of gratitude for the kindness of strangers in this new world.
The woman returned to her duties, preparing the tavern for the influx of customers. Luke finished his beer, pondering his next move. He needed to find work, save money, and prepare for the journey to Balmoral.
As the tavern began to fill with patrons, Luke stood up, thanked the woman once more, and stepped out into the bustling streets of Purewood. The morning sun was now fully up, casting a warm glow over the city. He took a deep breath, feeling a renewed sense of determination. There was much to be done, and he was ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.
Luke began to walk, his mind set on finding a way to earn money. The path to Virencia was long and uncertain, but he was determined to see it through. With each step, he felt a growing sense of purpose. This world held many mysteries, and he was resolved to uncover them, starting with his journey to Balmoral.
As Luke made his way through the lively streets of Purewood, he resolved to embrace his new life fully. The people, the culture, and even the challenges were all part of a grander journey. Each step he took brought him closer to understanding this world and, perhaps, uncovering the truth about himself and his upbringing here.
With the sun shining brightly overhead and a renewed sense of purpose, Luke knew that despite the hurdles, he was on the path to a future he could finally believe in. The journey to Balmoral and eventually to the Empire of Virencia was just the beginning, and Luke was ready to face whatever lay ahead with courage and determination.