"How about we travel together?"
"What if we're headed in different directions?"
"Where are you going?"
Evan pointed north before untying the reins of his horse, which had been tied to one of the large trees. "To Olivia City."
They cheered, their faces brightening. "In that case, we're headed to the same destination."
Evan paused for a moment, observing them. These were rough men, traders by profession. Judging from the large crates they had been loading onto the carts, they appeared to be merchants of clothes or fabrics. Evan looked them over again. They had kind faces, typical of traders.
"I don't mind. I'm just curious," he said, pulling his horse closer and stroking its neck. "I'm a stranger, after all. I only arrived in this village last night. Why would you want to travel with a stranger like me?"
"To be honest, we just want to have more company on the road," replied the leader of the group. "A week ago, during our last trading trip, we were almost attacked by bandits. Fortunately, a group of knights passed by and saved us."
"The more, the safer?"
The man laughed. "Exactly. Besides, what harm is there in traveling together when we're headed in the same direction? Are you a wanderer?"
Evan nodded. There was no better answer.
"Well, it wouldn't hurt for a wanderer to have some company along the way." He gestured toward the group. "There are other wanderers joining us on this journey too. Hopefully, our numbers will deter any bandits."
Evan looked around. There were about thirty of them. That was quite a large group, indeed.
"The road to Olivia City has always been safe, as far as I know," Evan said.
"You haven't heard?"
The young man frowned. "Heard what?"
"Six-legged geckos. Around Olivia City."
"Huh?" Evan's face froze in disbelief. "You're joking."
The man laughed again, and his friends joined in. "I thought the same. I didn't believe the rumors either, my friend," he said. He leaned in and whispered, "But there's no harm in being cautious, right? Who knows, maybe those geckos are afraid of crowds."
Evan took a deep breath and exhaled. There was no real harm in joining these merchants, after all—it would mean more companions on the road. "Alright, I'll join you."
***
Seven days had passed since Evan left the Haryon family residence. Sometimes at night, he wondered what his father, mother, and sister were doing in his absence. Were they going about their usual routines? His father off trading, or Freya heading to school and then caring for their mother? It had only been seven days, yet Evan already felt homesick. He hadn't felt this restless even when he was living at the academy.
This was his first true adventure. Unlike the assignments he had undertaken at the academy, this journey was purely his own—no orders, just a personal mission from deep within his heart.
That night, Evan felt small, alone, and isolated.
He gazed into the distance. The group had set up camp by the riverbank. They built a fire, eating dried meat and laughing, making the forest much noisier. Evan moved away, choosing a quieter spot on a large river rock.
He opened his map, studying a small gap between two mountains, and checked his current location. Not far, perhaps just a few hours of travel left to reach his destination.
The mark on his map came from matching a map in an old library book with his own. That book suggested that the Philosopher's Stone was located in a valley between the two mountains.
"Not joining the others?"
A voice broke Evan's concentration. A tall, dark-skinned young man stood nearby, wearing a turban and a wide robe. A curved sword hung from his waist. His clothes were dirty, a sign of long travel.
Evan recognized him. The leader of the caravan, judging by his clothes and camel, was surely from the desert regions. A nomad.
Evan shook his head. "I prefer it here."
The man smiled broadly, revealing a set of bright white teeth. "Same here. Mind if I join you?"
Evan shifted slightly. "Go ahead."
The man sat next to him, pulled out a small bag, and took out a piece of bread, which he broke in half and offered to Evan. "Want some?"
Evan shook his head. "I still have my own bread."
The man nodded. "My name is Syiban," he said, introducing himself. He asked for Evan's name after taking a bite of his bread.
"Evan Haryon."
Syiban nodded, taking another bite. "Where are you from?"
"South, from the city of Aetheria," Evan replied. "And you?"
Syiban smiled again, flashing his teeth. "Same as you. From the south, heading north."
Evan was a bit surprised by that. "Judging by your clothes, you're from the desert, right?"
Syiban nodded.
"What brought you so far south?"
Syiban gave a small, secretive smile. "It's no secret, but you wouldn't believe me."
Evan, somehow, grinned. "Same with me. My purpose isn't exactly a secret, but if I told you, you wouldn't believe me either."
They were silent for a moment. Then suddenly, both of them burst into laughter.
"My friend, you're quite intriguing. So, what exactly are you looking for?" asked Syiban. He had finished his bread and washed his hands in the river. "Let me guess, it's not something trivial. Though not a secret, of course."
Evan pulled out his own bread and began eating. "If you want to know, I'm heading north in search of a stone."
Syiban laughed again, even louder this time.
"Is there a problem?"
Syiban laughed long and hard. Some members of the group even turned to look out of curiosity.
"No, it's just… what an odd coincidence." Syiban finally stopped laughing. "I don't know if you're lying or not, but if you're telling the truth, then this is quite a strange situation."
"What do you mean?" Evan asked, confused.
"We're searching for the same thing. Down south, I too have been searching for a stone."