Luke was reclining on a bench inside the cathedral, soaking in the serene ambience, when a pair of knights entered, their presence immediately commanding attention. They approached Sister Maria, handing her a sealed parchment. With a puzzled expression, she opened it and read the summons. The knights relayed the message: Luke was to present himself at the castle immediately. The classified nature of the summon only heightened her concern.
"What could this be about, Luke?" Sister Maria asked, worry creasing her forehead.
Luke offered a reassuring smile, though his mind raced with possibilities.
"He's probably just curious about me. Nothing to worry about."
Father Wingate, having noticed the exchange, joined them.
"Maria, there's no need for alarm. Mayor Kingsley often summons those who have done significant deeds for Purewood. And from what I understand, Luke has been quite helpful recently."
"If you say so, Father. I just hope it's nothing serious," Sister Maria looked relieved but still held a trace of concern.
Father Wingate nodded confidently.
"Luke has done nothing to incur the mayor's wrath. If anything, Mayor Kingsley is likely just curious about him."
"I'll head to the castle now. Don't worry, everything will be fine," Luke, appreciating their concern, nodded to both of them.
With that, he left the cathedral, his thoughts swirling. The last interaction with Mayor Kingsley was fresh in his mind, and he couldn't shake the feeling that this meeting might be about more than just his recent heroics. The streets of Purewood were bustling with activity, but Luke's mind was elsewhere as he made his way to the castle, contemplating what awaited him.
Upon arriving at the castle gates, he was greeted by the familiar sight of the grand stone walls and imposing towers. The guards recognized him and allowed him entry without hesitation. As he walked through the corridors, the grandeur of the castle never ceased to amaze him. Ornate tapestries adorned the walls, and sunlight streamed through stained glass windows, casting colourful patterns on the floors.
He was led to the meeting hall, the same room where he had spoken with Mayor Kingsley before. The door was slightly ajar, and he could hear faint voices from within. Taking a deep breath, he knocked lightly before entering.
Inside, Mayor Kingsley stood by the window, looking out over the city. Sir Carrick was seated at the large table, studying a map. Both men turned as Luke entered, their expressions unreadable.
"Ah, Luke," Mayor Kingsley said, a hint of a smile playing on his lips. "Thank you for coming so promptly."
"Of course, Mayor Kingsley. How can I be of service?" Luke inclined his head in acknowledgement.
Sir Carrick stood and gave Luke a respectful nod before taking his leave. The door closed with a soft click, and Luke heard the distinct sound of the lock turning. The atmosphere in the room shifted, becoming more intimate and intense.
Mayor Kingsley gestured for Luke to sit down. "Please, have a seat. I want to assure you that you're safe here. There's nothing to be alarmed about. What we're about to do is simply a matter of questioning and deduction."
Luke's heart raced as he took the offered seat, feeling a mix of confusion and apprehension. He did his best to remain calm and composed. Mayor Kingsley's demeanour was calm, almost too calm, which only added to Luke's unease.
"Let me get straight to the point," Mayor Kingsley began, leaning forward slightly. "Are you a mage?"
The question hung in the air, heavy with implications. Luke felt a familiar frustration rise within him. He had heard this question countless times, and each time, he gave the same answer.
"No, I am not a mage."
Mayor Kingsley's eyes bore into him, but he didn't interrupt. Luke took a deep breath and began to explain, again, why he didn't fit the mould of a mage or any other special person in this world. He described his lack of otherworldly powers, his inability to conjure magic, and his complete normalcy in terms of strength and knowledge. He laid it all out, hoping to dispel any lingering doubts.
Throughout Luke's explanation, Mayor Kingsley remained silent, absorbing every word. His lack of interruption or immediate refutation was both a relief and a source of anxiety for Luke. He couldn't predict what the mayor was thinking, and that uncertainty gnawed at him.
When Luke finished, there was a moment of silence as Mayor Kingsley processed the information. The mayor's expression was inscrutable, making it impossible for Luke to gauge his reaction.
Finally, Mayor Kingsley spoke, his tone measured and thoughtful.
"I appreciate your honesty, Luke. Your explanation is thorough and compelling. However, there are still many mysteries surrounding you. Your presence here, your actions, and your knowledge all point to something extraordinary."
Luke felt a wave of frustration mixed with resignation. It seemed that no matter how much he explained, there would always be suspicion and curiosity.
"I understand, Mayor Kingsley. But I assure you, I'm just an ordinary person trying to make my way in this world."
Mayor Kingsley nodded slowly.
"I believe you, to an extent. But I also believe there is more to your story. You may not see it, but your very existence here, the way you interact with this world, is unique. For now, I will take your word and allow you to continue your life in Purewood. But know this: I will be watching, and I will be waiting for the truth to reveal itself in time."
The mayor's words left Luke with a sense of unease but also a strange sense of relief. He had managed to convince the mayor for now, but the lingering doubt meant his actions would be under scrutiny. As he left the meeting room, the weight of the mayor's words settled heavily on his shoulders. He knew that his journey in Purewood was far from over, and the path ahead would be fraught with challenges and constant vigilance.
As Luke made his way out of the castle, he couldn't shake the feeling of being watched. The corridors, once bustling with activity, now seemed eerily silent. He reached the courtyard, where the fresh air offered a brief respite from the tension inside. Taking a deep breath, Luke tried to clear his mind, but the mayor's words echoed persistently.
"However," Mayor Kingsley's voice broke into his thoughts, startling him. The mayor had followed him out, his expression serious. "Before you leave, there is one more thing I felt like telling with you."
"What is it, Mayor Kingsley?" Luke turned, trying to mask his apprehension.
"The lighter," the mayor said, his tone probing. "The small device you used to create fire. I must admit, it piqued my curiosity. How does it work? Do you have it with you now?"
Luke shook his head, wishing he had brought the lighter with him.
"I don't have it on me, unfortunately. But I can explain how it works. It's a small item that can create fire. Inside, there's a lighter fluid or gas, and on top is a mechanism that creates a spark. When the spark ignites the fuel inside, it creates a flame. It's a firestarter, much quicker than the traditional methods here. But it's not a magic item, just a small creation that helps people make fire."
Mayor Kingsley listened intently, his eyes narrowing slightly.
"I see. To you, it may seem simple, something mundane. But to us, it's an advancement. If that lighter were to fall into my hands, I wouldn't know how to use it, even with your explanation. I'd fear damaging it rather than using it effectively. This is what we call a magic item. Without understanding, it remains a mystery, much like the staff of Saint Cynthia. If anyone else were to possess that staff, they wouldn't know how to wield its power. This deduction, Luke, makes you a mage in our eyes."
Luke's heart sank. Despite his protests and explanations, the mayor's perspective made sense. In a world where such advancements were rare and misunderstood, his knowledge and abilities set him apart, branding him as something he insisted he was not.
"I understand your point, Mayor Kingsley," Luke said, his voice steady despite the turmoil inside. "But I assure you, I am not a mage. I come from a place where such things are common, where they are simply tools and not magical artefacts."
Mayor Kingsley sighed, his expression softening slightly.
"Perhaps you believe that, Luke. But here, in this world and not just Purewood, perception is reality. Be mindful of that as you continue your life here. Your actions, and your knowledge, will always set you apart. And that can be both a blessing and a curse."
With those words, the mayor turned and walked back toward the castle, leaving Luke standing in the courtyard, his thoughts a whirlwind of confusion and determination. He knew he had to be cautious, but he also knew he couldn't change who he was. All he could do was navigate this world as best as he could, one step at a time.