‘We must all walk our path. To find our way in a world filled with choices and consequences, of random fortune and hardships.’

The returning voice of Tolan’s arcane arts professor sounded within his mind. This time with no vivid imagery to follow.

No, this time arrived but the elegiac teachings of his old and back
then weary professor. They had been words presented as an admonishment
to the children who’d thought themselves incapable, due to harsh words
from their noble counterparts, in becoming Junior or Senior mages.

It had been a legitimate concern. A real fear for him and the other
commoner initiates. For though the Tower espoused all could reach the
ranks of Junior, Senior, and become a Magister, not many did.

As his mind wandered around his Professors words, he considered
whether the dozens of teachers he’d had could explain his situation. Of
how he’d come to be here - in a world foreign from his own.

They probably could, he chuckled.

For they’d often groaned over their pupil’s lack of reasoning, and their non-existent ability to explain the non-explainable.

A paradoxical skill supposed to be taught to the seniors only. But
they, the initiates, and juniors had heard about it through the
grapevine. How odd it seemed, to be taught something that went against
the teachings they’d been schooled in.

Tolan wished he’d been taught it. Then maybe he’d be able to comprehend what happened to him and Matheus - wherever he was.

Tolan hadn’t moved since he awoke, he hadn’t eaten either, or attempted to break out of this prison of self-pity.

“Our path, huh?” He mused, laying silently against the soft pillows.
Peering upwards to the thin interweaving fabrics that hung loosely.

He could smell the gruel by his side. Though the cooled air of his
room had chilled the contents of the wooden bowl, there remained a
lingering inviting aroma and a pang of hunger gnawing at him to respond.
To give in and dine. But he didn’t, not yet.

Tolan didn’t remember much, only that he awoke when the sun began to
rise and the heavyset woman, Myria, placing that bowl on the nightstand
to his right.

His eyes turned to his left. To the window. It was still morning; the
dew hung softly on the glass outside, gliding, and coagulating into
larger drops of water.

Inside the air was chilly, and that was an entirely new experience to
him. And so was the soft, hazy morning light that broke through the
window and draped the room in a gentle orange shade. It was beautiful,
Tolan thought.

He needs to get up and seek out Myria again. He didn’t know why he’d
acted asleep when she entered this morning. And now, as a result, he’d
just laid on the bed for an hour or two. Just thinking.

There remained a persistent sense of fear within him, but he
controlled it. The strangeness of his situation seemed so ridiculous. So
bizarre.

Surveying the feel of what he went through in his mind again, Tolan
saw he and Matheus stuck in the heart of a tornado of fire, to then
floating aimlessly and falling through a darkened cavity.

There was nothing in there to explain what happened.

He knew the red rock had something to do with it. But what, he didn’t
know - and it was gone anyhow, swallowed up by that darkness. And then
he recalled the attack. Those dark tendrils.

He shook slightly as the memory emerged, still fresh and vivid in his
mind. It all felt like an aching wound deeply woven into his bones,
emerging only when the air grew too cold.

I can’t stay like this. He finally thought and forced
himself up and away from his prison of self-pity. He removed the thin
blanket and quickly ate the entirety of the bowl's contents. It was
delicious.

He moved through the silent corridor, noticing the missing noise from
the stairs beneath. It had been hectic yesterday, and he’d not wish to
engage in another brawl lest he incurs more debt to the proprietress,
Myria.

He moved down the wooden steps and entered the opened room of the
tavern. Myria stood in the middle, cleaning a table with a wet cloth.

She wore still her unusual, heavy garments, a long sleeveless gown,
and a wrapped veil on her head. It was unlike anything he’d seen at
home.

Myria noticed Tolan already, having her eyes turned to the guardrail
overhead. She’d heard the creaky noise of his steps before he’d even
made his way down. Her eyes lain glued on him as he walked down the
staircase.

The youth bore a delicate frame, and sharp, bronze twinkling eyes. He
was tanned, and she’d been shocked when she first saw that. It’d been a
long time since she’d seen someone not pale.

She’d noticed too his small, strong nose, and oval face. He didn’t look half-bad.

She threw a smile at him, remembering his collapse outside yesterday
afternoon, and the horrified look that had stayed on his face when they
brought him in.

“You better not fall again, I just cleaned them floors, lad.” A mild laugh escaped her lips.

Tolan let a small false smile emerge. She seemed like a kind,
cheerful person. The type he so desperately wished to avoid right now.

He looked around the room, taking in all the other… unfamiliar
elements. This place was entirely made of wood. Not surprising
considering the abundance of it outside. But he’d never seen such lavish
use of wood like this outside of the Tower.

Though the smell of the tavern wasn’t exactly pleasant, there did linger an aroma of something… sweet in the air.

Myria noticed him sniffing and laughed.

“It’s scented water. It takes something out the kick of the stench
here. Though the guys hate it, they still come flocking for beers at
noon-time.”

He nodded, remembering her mentioning her patrons as workers of a
mine. That might have been why it was so rowdy. He’d heard about the
difficulties of working inside a mine. A hard and grueling job. One that
criminals were placed in on his world.

He shook his head then and locked eyes onto the wall near the exit.
Wooden planks were placed on the destroyed area, and he suddenly felt a
bit bad.

“I’m sorry.” He said, rather quietly towards Myria.

“What’s that? Oh!” Her eyes turned to where his gaze lay frozen.
“It’s alright, I forced ‘em to fix it when you fell. By the way, you
alright now?” The concern that tinged her voice sounded real to him.

“I’m fine, nothing to worry about.” He said, waving away her worries.

“Okay then,” she said and returned to cleaning her desk.

Tolan then turned to her. “From what I saw outside, is this tavern in the middle of a forest?”

She responded while wiping a table, “Yeah, I opened it a few years
ago after the mining company arrived. The locals attracted them here
after they’d found a deposit of iron in an underground mine. And so,
when the company arrived, and built a few houses near the worksite for
the miners and began to invest into the local community, I opened my
tavern.”

“Do you not fear wild beasts? Or does this… place have no such thing?” He inquired.

“That’s the weird thing, there should be beasts aplenty here, but
there isn’t. It’s one of the reasons the mining companies came.”

“So, beasts do exist here.” Muttered to himself, and then asked, “What kind of beats usually roam around forests here?”

“How don’t you know that? You are a mage, no?” She asked, furrowing her brows.

“I think I hit my head when I fell, some details seem to come up
vague in my mind.” He laughed, hiding the panic that nearly tinged his
voice.

What would she think if she knew that he was from a different world? He’d rather not test and see what her reaction would be.

She nodded. “That might be why you asked me all that stuff yesterday.
But do you know where you’re from? And how you've come to be here? For
we are quite a bit away from real civilization.” she laughed

Tolan didn’t know what to say, so he once again used the excuse of
having memory loss. “Well, honestly, I only remember little. Just a
tower I think is my home, and that I’m a mage. I can’t remember anything
else.” He said, trying to sound frustrated. And it seemed to work.

“I hope your memories return. But to answer your question, it used to
just be minor bands of goblins and wolves. But we haven’t seen any of
those here since… forever. It’s quite peaceful now.” She said, turning
back to cleaning.

“I see,” he said.

Goblins? Wolves? What are those?

He didn’t say anything then and instead took in the silence. It was
nice. And as the calm extended, Tolan broke himself out of his
comforting mood and refocused. What am I doing, I can’t just stand here and waste my time!

He shook his head and moved closer to her. “I have another few questions, could-”, she then broke in.

“Ay, I’m sure you do. But I need to finish cleaning. Let me take care
of this, and then I’ll take you to Sola. She’s been itching to meet you
since I mentioned you last night.” She said.

“Sola? Who’s Sol- “, Myria silenced him with a look.

“Let me finish this, and then ask away, alright?” She wasn’t asking,
and Tolan nodded - laughing slightly at how she’d easily commanded him
to silence.

He still wished to ask her questions though. Eager to hear for the
answers she might possess. But he relented, opting instead to wait and
meet this person she spoke of. Wondering why she even wanted him to meet
this Sola.

It didn’t take Myria long to finish. Wiping the last of her tables clean, she turned to Tolan and pointed to a seat.

“Wait there, I’ll be back.” She left without him being able to say anything.

She quickly returned, donned in thicker clothes. Tolan looked
perplexed at her, and only then remembered how cold the air was around
them.

“Alright, let’s go lad.” She said, moving towards the entrance to the
bar. He quickly followed, staying on her tail as they moved outside and
onto the gravel road. They walked then along with it with the forest
nestled between it.

Tolan exhaled and caught a cloud of vapor escape his lips. It was
cold, and as he turned to examine the trees around him, spotted the
sinking dew on the leaves, and the damp verdant soil that glistened in
the morning light.

“Come on lad, follow me!” Myria shouted as she saw Tolan now tread slower.

He ran towards her in response, and they walked together until it
split. Here, Myria took Tolan into the forest, through ground filled
with grass, and a myriad of flying bugs.

“So, who’s Sola?” He finally inquired.

“She’s an adventurer. I met her a month back when she came into the tavern and asked for you.”

“For me? Are you sure?” She sounded ridiculous. How could she have known that he’d be here?

“Oh yes, I answered that I didn’t know of any Tolan then. But now I do.” She smiled.

Tolan shook his head, unaware of what else to ask.

“I guess I’ll have to ask her why she wanted to see me then. And by the way, what’s an adventurer?”

Myria stopped and turned to face him. Her head tilted as she placed her hand on his head.

“You must’ve hit your head hard on the ground if you’ve no idea what
an adventurer is. Tell me, what do you remember? Other than Towers and
all.” She asked, worried.

“Not much, just that I’m not from around… here. And that I need to
leave to find my friend. Soon.” He replied, moving away from her hand.

Myria laughed at this and nodded. She didn’t say anything, just turned and continued down into the forest.

Tolan turned to follow her, and they tread onwards on the gentle
grass floor. She moved fast for someone that seemed five decades old.

“So, this Sola. Would you happen to know why she wants to meet me?” His voice tinged in slight confusion.

“I don’t know. But she seemed delighted when I mentioned you last
night. She asked me to bring you to her when you were well. And so, here
we are.”

“Okay, but might I ask. Why are we going into the forest and not down the road?”

“Because she lives inside the forest. She’s renting out a house from me.” She answered.

“You have a home outside of the tavern?”

With her back still turned to him, she answered, “Yes. I lived there with my husband. Before he passed, that is.”

“Oh, I’m sorry,” Tolan responded, unaware of what else to say.

He heard then laughter emanate from her and saw her turn once again
to him. “Nothing for you to feel sorry about. It’s been nearly two
decades since he passed anyway.”

“I see,” he said, and then decided to hold his tongue until they reached the house.

Walking along, Tolan felt upon him the windy dance of a small, cold
gale. It flowed against him, and then upwards to the numerous branches
above. Tolan heard the trees canopies bend with and against the wind.

“Why did you help me?” Tolan asked Myria, hoping she’d tell him why she is acting so kind towards a stranger.

She didn’t stop, nor turn to answer. “Because I could. There’s nothing else to it, lad.” She laughed.

Tolan didn’t know what he was feeling. But it didn’t feel bad. “You
can just call me Tolan.” He said, a smile now nestled between his lips.

“Alright, Tolan,” Myria said, moving between the bushes before her.

It didn’t take them long until they found a clearing. Placed in the
middle of it was a house of wood. It wasn’t large, but neither did it
seem small.

So, this is Sola’s place, huh.

She turned to him and spoke, “This is it. My husband made it some
years back before I had the tavern made.” She then laughed and
redirected, “You know, I find it somewhat odd that an adventurer would
rent out a home in an area devoid of monsters. But I suppose we all have
our bends.”

Tolan laughed with her but still didn’t know what she meant by an adventurer. Was it some sort of monster slayer?

As they approached the small door, it opened, and a small woman came
out to greet them. Not watching Tolan, she ran over to Myria and gave
her a wide hug. Only after Myria forced her off, did she turn to him.

“So, you’re Tolan, huh?” She asked, inspecting him. “I expected you
to be taller.” Something about the laughter she gave off irritated
Tolan.

“I am he. But how do you know my name and what do you want from?” He inquired, eager to know what she wanted and knew.

But she ignored. Hearing only the first three words out of his mouth.
“Finally, I’ve been waiting for you. Come! Come!” She waved to them as
she entered the house.

Myria sighed and quickly followed and Tolan, grunting in annoyance, did too.

He entered her home and was immediately dispelled of the cold that hung over him. It was warm in here. And clean.

It didn’t seem like a large place, but it did feel cozy.

Myria moved to his right and sat on a small seat next to the
entrance. In exaggerated tiredness, she exhaled while throwing off her
muddy boots.

Sola returned then from somewhere with a letter in hand. “Take it,”
she said to Tolan. “I don’t understand it, but I think you should.”

The letter had already been opened, and looking at her in confusion, Tolan read the contents.

*

Dear Tolan,

It’s been a while.
Unfortunately, I can’t tell you where I am, but know that I am safe and
well. As it appears, we have traveled across the stars. Away from our
home in Ru to a realm wholly different from ours. There is much I don’t
know, and there is much that I do. I know that our journey here was no
freak accident. We were meant to be here.

More I, unfortunately, cannot tell you, for
that would bring us both in great danger. There are of forces at work
here, playing a game we have no part in and know naught about. As such,
know this; tell none that you are not of this world. For if that secret
is brought forward, you will
be hunted down and killed. They do not understand where we are from,
and would think of us most likely as demons. So stay your tongue.

Regrettably, I am unable to
answer any questions for you right now. Do not seek me out. Not yet at
least. I would encourage you to read the enclosed book and begin your
training. Only when you believe your mastery in magic has increased and
your knowledge of this realm too, should you venture out to find me. We
remain now in a world harsh and fought with danger, friend. We will soon
meet. Trust me on this. The day we reunite as brothers of the Tower is
not long from us. But you must stay where you are and train.

When able and ready, venture towards Rava. Seek out the House of Dusk and some of the answers you seek will be found there.

Your friend, Matheus.

*

“How?” Hands shaking, Tolan’s eyes took in what seemed like an impossibility. Matheus was here. Alive and well. But how?

The shock on his expression told Sola everything she needed to know.
She’d found the person the letter and book were intended for. She’d
struck gold. Now she could finally leave and get paid the rest.

Still looking gleeful at Tolan’s horrified expression, she moved back to a shelf.

Opening a drawer, she removed a small leathery notebook. It seemed
unremarkable, nothing on the surface to indicate what it was. But she
knew it wasn’t boring. It held text written in some secret code or
script she’d never seen before. She’d tried her hand at deciphering them
but failed.

She moved back to Tolan, holding in her arms the book. With a smile
plastered on her face, she brought forward a small square piece of hard
paper with weird letters on them. She did something then and the letters
lit up.

How’d she do that? I didn’t even sense anything!

“Now please confirm that you’ve received the package, and please say your name out loud.” She demanded.

“Why?” He said, unaware of what she was attempting to do.

“It’s just the usual formalities. I need it so the guild can confirm that you’ve received the goods.” She insisted.

Confused, he replied, “I’ve received it, and my name is Tolan.” He
felt humiliated when he said it. Not exactly understanding why.

“Perfect, then my job is done. I was told to deliver this too. And
no, I’ve not tried to have it deciphered.” Gleefully smiling, she moved
to hand him the book. Barely able to contain the delight she was
feeling. Finally, she could go home.

Tolan in response took the book and grew hot with frustration. There
was just too much going on right now. What he needed was answers, not
another book.

“Listen, I need to know. Where is Matheus?” Came his voice.

“Oh, is that who sent all that to you? I’ve done what was asked of
me, and I think it’s time I left this dull place. No offense, Myria.”
She smiled at her.

Myria shook her head, and in exaggerated exasperation replied, “It’s
alright. It’s the home I’ve chosen, and I’d do well not stray from it.
The gods willing.”

“The gods willing,” Sola echoed as she walked over to Myria and went down on one knee. Taking in her cold hand.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to sound like that. You’ve been my only
source of warmth here for the last month, and I can’t thank you – “
Tolan then interrupted.

“Woman, I need answers! Right! Now!” He commanded, forcing the
essence he’d suddenly pulled to strengthen his voice. He would not let
her leave when questions remained to be asked.

She turned to him, and spat, “Ay, I’m sure you do. But I have nothing for you. I’m just the messenger. Nothing else.”

Myria sat shaken, unable to believe that such a voice came from a
youth that frail. She hadn’t fully believed his words about being a
mage. But now she did.

“Where did you get this?” He pressed, ignoring what she’d just said.

Sola stood up and went to confront him. “Where do you think? I’ve
done my job. Now, if you have any questions, then I’d say go ask them to
whoever sent the letter and book. Not me.” She spat back, now mere
inches from his face.

The tension grew between them. And the anger within Tolan was beginning to boil over.

None of what happened here made sense. Nothing at all. His confusion
fuelled his anger, and the target of that rage seemed now pointed
towards this girl.

“I won’t ask the same question twice, girl. Answer me, where is Matheus?” He could barely hold himself back from striking her.

Myria then spoke, breaking the tense situation that was about to envelop the small house.

“Come on, Sola. Just answer a few of the lad’s questions. No harm in that.” She said, attempting to appease Tolan.

Sola scoffed at him and spoke while moving back to Myria’s side.

“Fine then, ask. It’s the least I could do for, Myria.”

He attempted to relax then but felt the anger boil still within. He
raised the smothered letter to her, and asked, “Why did he give this to
you?”

She laughed at this, and Myria threw her a hard look.

She answered, “He didn’t give me that. It came through the guild’s
office in Adina. I was paid a lot of money to bring a letter and a small
book here to Tolan. That was all.

“There weren’t many details, only that you’d appear here and needed
to be given a letter and a book. And the delivery pay was good. Far too
good to pass up. That’s it.”

All the anger then deflated. It hadn’t been Matheus who gave her the
letter and this book he held then. Disappointment clear on his face.

Sola smiled at this, and Myria pinched her because of it.

Sighing, she then spoke again. “Okay listen, you can always go seek
out who placed the request in Adina. They usually keep all the details
tucked away in the archives. For someone to place a request means they
had to be a member and went through the entire registration process and a
small background check.”

What kind of organization was this, Tolan thought. And how had Matheus cheated their system?

“I think that’s enough info, right? It’s time for me to leave.
There’s a ship that leaves for Adina tomorrow. I’m gonna go down and see
if I can get on it.” She said.

Turning to Myria, she placed a kiss on each of her cheeks and took to a large bag near her door.

“Thanks for everything, Myria. I’ll be sure to send you a letter when
I get back to Adina.” And then she left, through the forest trees and
down the gravel road towards the dock.

Though Tolan still had questions, he knew the girl wouldn’t answer
anymore. And he’d grown deflated. Somewhat sick even with everything
that went on around him. Turning the letter in his hands again, he read
it. There was nothing else in it. Nothing at all.

Only questions and a possible destination for their answers.

“So, what are you gonna do now?” Myria said, breaking the silence. Tolan had almost forgotten about her. Almost.

He sighed, and said, “I don’t know. The letter doesn’t tell me much of anything. I’m still in the dark.”

Myria went to him and gently placed his hand in a claw. “Well, you
can stay and work for me until you find your path. Come, let’s get back
to the tavern.” She said, pushing him back into the woods.

She let go of him when they reached the trees behind the house, “what kind of job are you offering?” He finally asked.

“Server. I need someone to help me serve beer and assist in the
cleaning. You can stay in the room you woke up in. And I’ll provide
meals three times a day. What do you say?” She said as she stopped
walking.

Tolan stopped too and thought it over. He needed more information
about this world. That was one thing Matheus’ letter was right about,
and a tavern might be a good place to scour for that type of
information.

“Alright. I guess I’ll do that.” He nodded. Myria smiled at this and
turned to walk back again, back into the oak-brown forest. It didn’t
take them long to reach the tavern, and when they did, Myria immediately
began to order him around.