Their Teacher had said – first of all, visit the Free City of Zin, and if you're lucky, you may find an opportunity there. He claimed that in this city, you could meet those who know the secrets of ancient paths, and that Zin had always been a place where the roads of fate crossed. Perhaps here, they would gain the knowledge that would help them on their journey.
However, after several days of aimless wandering through the city, its narrow, winding streets filled with merchants and crowds of people, the brothers began to doubt.
The city lived its life, full of hustle and concerns, but without a trace of the mysterious opportunity the Teacher had spoken of. Bayos felt disappointment, Anfar grew frustrated with the fruitless search, and Nostra tried to remain optimistic, but even his smile began to fade.
One evening, as the sun dipped toward the horizon, painting the sky in shades of crimson and gold, they wandered through quiet alleyways, trying to avoid the throngs of people. The air was filled with the aromas of spices, roasted meat, and dust, and in the distance, the sounds of street musicians could be heard.
Suddenly, like a shadow from the past, an old man in a robe appeared before them. His appearance was so unexpected that it seemed as if he had materialized from the very air. The silhouette of the mage stood out sharply against the dark stone walls of the alley, radiating an inexplicable sense of power.
He was short, with a long gray beard that fell to his waist and eyes that sparkled like stars in the night. His movements were smooth, almost gliding, and his face held a hint of a smile, as though he knew more than he was willing to share. His robe, covered in ancient symbols and runes, occasionally sparked, creating the impression that he was surrounded by a faint aura of magic.
– What a meeting! – he said with a smile, his voice melodic and mysterious, like the whisper of the wind.
– Imagine that you found me.
Bayos felt a chill run down his spine. He exchanged a quick glance with his brothers, seeing a reflection of his feelings in their eyes: wariness, surprise, and a hint of distrust.
Nostra, trying to hide his excitement, stepped forward and asked:
– Who are you, honored one?
The mage's eyes shone even brighter, and he answered enigmatically:
– I am the Unexpected and the Opportunity.
Anfar frowned, his hand instinctively resting on the hilt of his sword.
– What does that mean? – he asked, striving to keep his voice steady.
– Is that your name, or are you speaking in riddles?
The old man laughed quietly, and there was something both calming and unsettling in his laughter.
– Young men, do not look down on me, – he said with a slight nod of his head.
– The power of the Unexpected and Opportunity can turn the world upside down. The Unexpected is what breaks the usual flow of events, forcing you to change and adapt. Opportunity is the chance that comes only to those who are willing to meet the unknown with an open heart.
He took a step forward, and the brothers felt as if the air around them had thickened.
– Your meeting with me is an example of how a sudden event can change your destiny forever. Do you know what it means that we're meeting here and now?
Bayos looked intently at the mage, trying to pierce the veil of his words. His heart raced, but he tried to remain calm.
– What does it mean? – he asked, trying to speak firmly.
The mage's lips curled in a slight smile, his eyes gleaming.
– It means that you must come with me, – he replied, and his voice sounded both gentle and compelling.
Anfar tightened his grip on his sword.
– Why should we go with you? – he asked warily. – We're not accustomed to following strangers who appear out of nowhere and speak in riddles.
– And if we refuse? – added Nostra, his voice calm, though his eyes were alert.
The old man laughed again, this time louder, and there was the echo of distant storms in his laughter.
– The Unexpected in life lies beyond your control, – he said with conviction.
– You may resist, but change will come regardless. Young men, you are destined to follow me! This may be the opportunity you've been searching for, or it may not...
He took another step, and the brothers felt an invisible force pressing down on them. Bayos felt two emotions battling within him: caution and curiosity. He knew the Teacher had spoken of an opportunity in this city. Could this be it?
But Anfar wasn't about to give in so easily.
– We appreciate your offer, but we have our own paths, – he said firmly, drawing his sword. – If you don't mind, we'll continue on our way.
The mage's face remained impassive, but a spark flickered in his eyes.
– How unfortunate, – he said with a slight shake of his head. – But it seems I must show you that resistance is futile.
At that moment, he struck his staff against the ground. Instantly, a wave of force burst forth from it, like a clap of thunder accompanied by a bright flash. The air around them vibrated, and the stone walls of the alley seemed to come alive. Magical energy spread across the ground like water, covering them in a powerful wave that grew more tangible and dense with each passing second.
Bayos tried to take a step back, but his legs wouldn't obey. He felt invisible threads binding his body, restraining his movements.
– What's happening?! – Nostra exclaimed, struggling against the invisible restraints.
Anfar, despite all his efforts, couldn't lift his sword. His eyes blazed, but the mage's power was insurmountable.
A rumbling sound, like distant thunder, filled the air, and magic surged from the ground, engulfing them like a wave from the sea. The world around them vanished, leaving only a blinding radiance and the sensation of falling into emptiness.
They felt their bodies plunge into a whirlpool of light and sound. A noise echoed in their ears, mingling with the mage's whisper, sounding both close and distant:
– The Unexpected is a trial that tests those who dare to take risks. Opportunity comes only to those who are bold enough to step into the unknown. Only the brave find what they seek. But know, not everyone passes this test. Those who fail remain captives of their fears, forever losing their chance for change...