The next morning, Luke awoke to the familiar sounds of the cathedral stirring to life. He followed his usual routine: a quick shower, a bite of breakfast, and a swift exit to the barracks. But today, something felt different. A lingering unease from the previous day's revelations clung to him like a shadow.
At the barracks, Luke met up with Eamon, his elderly work partner. They greeted each other and set to work cleaning the knight's equipment. As they worked, Luke couldn't help but voice a concern that had been nagging at him.
"Eamon, I couldn't find Sir Carrick yesterday to ask for my pay. What should I do?"
"Just be honest with Sir Carrick when you see him. He's a kind man and will reimburse you appropriately. Don't worry too much about it," Eamon looked up from the sword he was polishing, his eyes thoughtful.
With that reassurance, they resumed their work. The task seemed lighter today, with fewer pieces of equipment to clean. Nearing the end, Eamon insisted that Luke heads to the barrack office to find Sir Carrick. Luke nodded, appreciative of Eamon's understanding and support.
Luke made his way to the office, feeling a mix of anticipation and nervousness. He knocked on the door, and Sir Carrick's voice called out for him to enter. Relief washed over Luke as he stepped inside.
Sir Carrick was seated at his desk, examining a piece of brownish paper that reminded Luke of the map Gareth had shown him. Seeing Luke, Sir Carrick set the paper aside and offered a warm smile.
"Luke, I apologize for not being able to pay you yesterday."
"It's fine, Sir Carrick," Luke replied. "It's not like you were going to disappear and I wouldn't be able to find someone to pay me."
Sir Carrick chuckled at Luke's words. He reached for a pouch on his table and handed Luke double the amount of his usual pay.
"Here you go. For yesterday and today."
Just as they settled the matter, the sound of rushing footsteps grew louder. A knight burst into the office, his face etched with urgency.
"Sir Carrick, we have a situation."
"What is it?" Sir Carrick's demeanour shifted instantly to one of grave seriousness.
"An Ewwga has overpowered the group of knights sent after it. Those injured have been rushed to the clinic, as planned, but we have several heavy injuries. No deaths, thankfully."
Sir Carrick stood up, grabbing his weapons and helmet with practised efficiency. He turned to Luke with a pleading look.
"Please, Luke, don't let anyone know about this. We can't afford to cause a panic."
"I won't say a word," Luke nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation.
With that, Sir Carrick and the knight rushed out, leaving Luke alone in the office. The atmosphere in the room felt charged with tension and urgency. Luke pocketed his pay and stepped outside, the weight of the new information settling heavily on his shoulders.
Just as Luke stepped into the corridor of the barracks, Gareth rushed after him. Startled, Luke spun around his heart racing. Gareth's usually calm face was etched with worry and determination.
"Gareth, what's wrong?" Luke asked, concern lacing his voice.
"Do you know where Sir Carrick went?" Gareth's tone was urgent, and his eyes bore into Luke's with intensity.
Luke hesitated, remembering his promise to Sir Carrick not to divulge the information. But Gareth was trustworthy, and this was a matter involving the knights. He decided it was safe to share.
"A group of knights was sent to deal with an Ewwga. They encountered trouble, so Sir Carrick went to handle it."
"Ewwga..." The mention of the monster's name made Gareth's face go grim.
"Can you tell me what that is?" Luke questions, as he is unclear as to what that name sticks to.
"An Ewwga is a monster that resembles a human. It stands on two feet and has two arms, but it's covered in hair, has gnarly teeth, and possesses exceptional intellect. It's a deadly predator," Gareth took a deep breath, his expression darkening further.
"Is there any weakness?" Luke's mind conjured up the image of a monstrous, intelligent ape.
"Loud noises," Gareth replied. "They can't stand them."
The two of them had begun to start moving along the corridor.
"How many knights were sent to deal with it?" Gareth asked, his voice tense.
"I don't know the exact number," Luke admitted.
"I'm going. I can't leave them to face this alone," Gareth cursed under his breath.
"But Gareth, you're still healing!" Luke protested.
"The more of us there are, the better our chances. If the first group fails, I can't just hope Sir Carrick will manage on his own. As one of his best knights, I have to do something," Gareth shook his head, determination burning in his eyes.
With that, Gareth turned and sprinted away. Luke, driven by a mix of fear and loyalty, ran after him.
At the barracks, Gareth swiftly ordered a knight to bring him Tora and the knight nodded, rushing towards the armoury. Gareth began to gear up, donning a breastplate, leg pieces, a helmet, and equipping a sword at his side. Luke watched this unfold, trying to make Gareth see reason.
"Gareth, you don't need to go," Luke insisted, his voice edged with worry.
But Gareth's mind was set.
"I have to, Luke. Like I said, the more of us there are, the better our chances,"
Eamon joined the conversation, having just stored all the equipment and come across Luke and Gareth. Seeing Gareth all geared up, Eamon asked.
"What's happening?"
"An Ewwga was spotted. Sir Carrick and a few knights have already headed there, and I'm going to join them," Gareth explained.
Eamon didn't argue or refute Gareth's decision. As an ex-knight, he understood the duty and the call to action.
"Stay safe, Gareth," was all he said, giving his silent approval.
Just then, the knight returned, leading Tora, Gareth's tiger mount. Gareth mounted Tora, the tiger's muscles rippling beneath its sleek fur, and rode out of the barracks. Luke could only watch as his friend sped away, worry gnawing at him.
Gareth, fully armoured and with Tora, moved with a determined grace. Luke knew Gareth's mind was set, and nothing would stop him now. Eamon placed a hand on Luke's shoulder, his expression one of understanding and concern.
"He knows what he's doing, Luke. He'll be alright," Eamon said reassuringly.
"I hope so," Luke nodded, though the worry was still evident in his eyes.
As Gareth and Tora disappeared from view, Luke felt a pang of helplessness and frustration. He couldn't just stand by and do nothing.
"Eamon," Luke started, his voice trembling slightly. "I know Gareth is capable, but isn't he still recovering? Isn't it risky for him to go out there in his condition?"
Eamon sighed deeply, his weathered face showing signs of conflict.
"You're right, Luke. It is risky. Gareth is still healing, but he's also one of our best. He knows how to handle himself and the situation."
"But what if something happens to him? What if he gets hurt again, or worse?" Luke's voice rose with a mix of fear and frustration. "Shouldn't we be doing something more to support him?"
"I understand your concerns, Luke. But Gareth has made his choice. He feels a responsibility to protect Purewood, and sometimes that means taking risks," Eamon nodded slowly.
"But there must be something we can do," Luke insisted. "We can't just leave everything to him and the knights. What if they need backup? What if they can't handle the Ewwga?"
"The knights are trained for these situations," Eamon replied calmly. "And while it's true that Gareth is taking a risk, he wouldn't do it if he didn't think it was necessary."
Luke's mind raced, trying to come up with a solution. The thought of Gareth out there, possibly facing a monstrous threat, made him feel sick.
"Eamon, I... I can't just stand by and do nothing."
"What are you saying, Luke?" Eamon's eyes widened slightly, sensing the determination in Luke's voice.
"I'm going to help," Luke declared, his voice firm despite the fear bubbling inside him. "I may not have any training, but I can't just sit here and do nothing while my friends are in danger."
"Are you out of your mind?" Eamon's expression softened with a mix of admiration and concern. "Luke, you're not a knight. You don't have the skills or the experience to face something like the Ewwga."
"I know," Luke admitted. "But I can't shake this feeling that something bad is going to happen. I've felt it for days now, and I can't just ignore it. I need to be there, to do whatever I can to help."
Eamon sighed again, a deep, weary sound.
"Alright, fine. If you're really set on this, then you should go. But be careful. And remember, your safety is important too. Now, follow me."
"Thank you, Eamon. I promise I'll be careful," Luke nodded, his resolve solidifying.
With that, Luke followed Eamon, his heart pounding with a mix of fear and determination. He didn't know what lay ahead, but he couldn't let his friends face it alone. Luke stepped into the unknown, ready to face whatever challenges awaited him, driven by a sense of duty and an unshakable resolve.