In the stillness of the cathedral at night, Luke lay restless in Father Wingate's room, struggling to sleep. For the past few days, he had mulled over Sir Carrick's plea, replaying the knight's desperate words in his mind. The weight of the decision felt like a boulder on his chest, and no amount of solitude had lightened the burden. His thoughts raced, circling the same questions without finding any answers.
Suddenly, a soft knock on the door caught Luke's attention. He froze, wondering who could be visiting at such an hour. Normally, no one at the cathedral was up late unless it was an emergency. Trying to avoid confrontation, Luke remained silent, hoping the visitor would go away. He adjusted his position to obscure the candle's light, casting shadows that might suggest he was asleep.
"Luke, if you're still awake, please open up. I need to talk," came a voice through the crack in the door. It was Gareth.
Luke was surprised to hear Gareth's voice. How did he know Luke was in Father Wingate's room? The two elders had promised to refuse anyone wanting to see him. And how did Gareth get past them? Luke's curiosity battled with his need for privacy. He debated whether to let Gareth in, knowing that facing him might bring more questions and pressure he wasn't ready for.
After a few minutes of indecision, Luke got up and pressed his ear to the door, listening for any signs that Gareth might have left. Hearing nothing, he cautiously opened the door, intending just to check. But Gareth, still waiting, took the opening door as an invitation and stepped inside, startling Luke.
"Hey, it's just me," Gareth said quietly, sensing Luke's tension.
Luke nodded, trying to hide his surprise. Gareth's presence was unexpected, but not entirely unwelcome. They stood in silence for a moment, the only sound the soft flicker of the candle.
"I know this is a difficult time for you," Gareth began, his voice gentle. "But I had to see you. I wanted to check on you, to make sure you're alright."
"I appreciate it, but... how did you get here? And how did you know I was in this room?" Luke sighed, feeling the weight of Gareth's concern.
"It wasn't easy. I had to convince Father Wingate and Sister Maria that it was important. Even still, they refused me on your behalf. Which is why I slipped in. Don't underestimate the years I spent growing up here. As for knowing you were here, let's just say I had a hunch. They care about you and would want you to have some peace, so this room made sense. Father Wingate always offered his room if any of us needed solace," Gareth gave a small smile.
Luke couldn't help but feel a bit relieved. Despite the heaviness of his thoughts, Gareth's presence was a comforting reminder that he wasn't alone.
"I don't know what to do, Gareth," Luke admitted, sinking into the chair by the small table. "I've been over this again and again, but I still can't decide."
"You don't have to decide right this second. It's a big choice, and it's okay to take your time. But remember, whatever you choose, I'll support you. Sir Carrick is desperate, yes, but he also respects you. He just doesn't know how else to ask for help," Gareth took a seat on the bed, his expression serious but supportive.
"It's just... everything will change if I say yes. I don't know if I'm ready for that," Luke nodded, appreciating the understanding in Gareth's words.
"I know it's a lot to ask, but when you think about the people here. The children, the townsfolk, they will all look up to you if you decide to step up. Maybe you don't see it, but you've already made a difference. Your presence gives the children, me, and now Sir Carrick hope. Sometimes, that's what a leader is – someone who can inspire hope, even in the darkest times," Gareth leaned forward, his voice earnest.
The room fell into a contemplative silence, broken only by the soft crackle of the candle. Luke's mind drifted to the children of the cathedral. Their innocent faces, their unwavering belief in him – could he abandon them? Could he disappear and leave them to face the uncertainty alone? He is a loner, let alone uphold the responsibility as a leader, as someone who people look up to.
Luke clenched his fists, feeling the weight of his decision more acutely than ever. He didn't know what the right choice was, but he couldn't ignore the impact his actions would have on the people who had come to rely on him.
"I need more time," Luke finally said, his voice steady. "I can't make a decision right now, but I promise I'll think about everything you've said."
"Take all the time you need. Just remember, you're not alone in this. We're all here for you," Gareth nodded, standing up.
The room fell into a contemplative silence, broken only by the soft crackle of the candle. Luke's mind drifted to the children of the cathedral. Their innocent faces, their unwavering belief in him – could he abandon them? Could he disappear and leave them to face the uncertainty alone?
Luke clenched his fists, feeling the weight of his decision more acutely than ever. He didn't know what the right choice was, but he couldn't ignore the impact his actions would have on the people who had come to rely on him.
"Gareth," Luke began hesitantly, "what would you do if you were in my position?"
Gareth took a deep breath, his eyes thoughtful.
"Honestly, I'd become the mage the people need, even if I had to fake it. I know it sounds biased, but hear me out. The smartphone, to us and the people here, is a powerful tool. Remember how you discovered the Ewwga's fear of snake sounds? That's something we never would have known because that snakes don't exist here. With that phone, we could suppress monster attacks and restore peace."
Luke listened intently as Gareth continued.
"If I knew how to use your phone, I'd even pretend to be the mage myself. But according to the faith, only the gifted can operate magic items. So, it has to be you. More than that, I made a promise to protect everyone here. And I think, deep down, you made a similar promise right? When you were given this second chance."
Luke was taken aback, his thoughts drifting back to the accident. In those final moments, he had promised himself that if he survived, he would change. He would help others and allow himself to be helped. Mrs Williams had been the only person who had believed in him, and he wanted to honour her memory by keeping that promise.
"You're right," Luke said softly, more to himself than to Gareth. "I did make a promise. And if I want to keep it, I need to help these people. They're counting on me."
"Then you know what you have to do," Gareth smiled, a look of relief washing over his face.
"Meet me tomorrow morning. We'll talk to Sir Carrick and figure out a plan," Luke nodded, a sense of resolve forming within him.
"I will. And Luke... thank you. You're making the right choice," Gareth stood, his smile widening.
As Gareth slipped out of the room, Luke felt a strange sense of peace. The decision was made. Tomorrow, he would face the challenge head-on. Blowing out the candle, he lay down, knowing that sleep would come easily now. Tomorrow was a big day, and he needed his rest.
For the first time in days, Luke felt a sense of purpose. He wasn't just making a decision; he was embracing a promise he had made to himself. And in doing so, he was ready to face whatever the future held.
Luke lay back on the modest bed, his mind no longer racing with indecision. The weight of the choice he had to make still lingered, but now it felt more like a mantle of responsibility than a paralyzing burden. He had clarity and direction. He was doing this not just for the people of Purewood, but to honour the promise he had made to himself, to Mrs Williams, and to the children who believed in him.
As he closed his eyes, the faces of the children at the cathedral filled his thoughts. Their innocent smiles, their trust in him, and their unwavering belief that he was special warmed his heart. He couldn't abandon them. He wouldn't.
Luke took a deep breath, the first truly calm breath he'd taken in days. The room was silent, save for the gentle rustling of the wind outside and the faint creaks of the old cathedral. He felt a sense of belonging, of purpose, and it soothed his restless mind.
Tomorrow, he would begin a new chapter in his life. He would stand with Sir Carrick, Gareth, and the Knights of Purewood. He would use his knowledge and his strange, otherworldly device to help them combat the threats they faced. It wouldn't be easy, but nothing worth doing ever was.
As sleep began to claim him, Luke whispered a silent promise to himself and to those who believed in him. He would not let them down. He would be the mage they needed, even if he had to fake it. And in that resolve, he found peace.
Luke's breathing slowed, his body relaxed, and for the first time in what felt like an eternity, he drifted into a deep, restful sleep, ready to face whatever the new day would bring.