They slept peacefully until early morning, when farm roosters woke them. The morning was already bustling with people and horse-drawn carriages. In the stables, horses neighed loudly, impatiently tapping their hooves on the ground.

Ardwyn rolled over in the hay and stared up at the wooden roof. Beside him, Michael rubbed his eyes, trying to shake off his sleep.

“Well,” Michael said, noticing Ardwyn was awake, “it’s not every day you get transported into a fantasy realm, get killed by a witch, and then get resurrected by a mage who escaped from a thousand-year portal, huh?”

“It really does feel surreal,” Ardwyn said. “Wait until you see the Academy for the Mages,”

“What’s that like?”

“Fine,” Ardwyn said. “I made some friends there. I hope that you can meet them.”

“You never did enjoy school much,” Michael said. “How about this Academy? Is it different?”

“In a way,” Ardwyn said. “To tell you the truth, I enrolled because I didn’t have much of a choice. I had nowhere to stay.”

“That’s as good a reason as any,” Michael said. He twirled a piece of hay between his fingers. “Think they’ll take me?”

“It’s worth a try. Where else are you going to stay?”

Michael considered the idea. “What do you have to do to get in?”

“I don’t know. They just let me in.”

“They just let you in?”

“Well, there was an ogre fight. I can tell you more about it later, but basically, they said I showed bravery and admitted me. But honestly, I hardly did anything against the ogre. More powerful mages cast spells and saved me.”

Michael picked up a few more strands of hay, twirling them thoughtfully. “So, magic is a natural, everyday part of this world?”

“Seems so,” Ardwyn said. “Although some people I’ve met don’t tend to trust magic. They seem to be divided on the subject.”

“I see.” Michael nodded slowly. “Can you do any magic tricks yet?”

“Yeah, I got one.”

“Really?” Michael leaned forward, interested.

“Here, check this out.” Ardwyn concentrated, and suddenly a small ball of blue energy burst from the palm of his hand.

“Whoa!” Michael said, scrambling up from his hay bed. “That’s cool! Can you shoot it or something?”

“I can. Supposedly it’s rather weak against a giant cyclops — I just found out — but it should be able to take down a regular person.”

Ardwyn aimed at a bucket leaning against the stable wall. The energy ball shot forward, knocking the bucket off its side and slamming it against the wall with a loud bang. The horses neighed loudly, startled by the effect.

“Wow!” Michael said. “That’s the kind of stuff they teach at the Academy of the Mages? No wonder you’re suddenly enjoying school.”

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The stable doors opened with a screeching metallic sound. Bright sunlight poured in from the outside.

“Morning gentlemen!” The barmaid stood in the doorway. She had her hair tied back in a neat braid, ready for a hard day’s work. “How was yer sleep?”

“Great!” Michael said and swung his feet down next to the ladder leading to the first floor of the stables. Without waiting for Ardwyn, he started to climb down. “How are you today?” Michael asked the barmaid.

Ardwyn watched his friend, thinking, Even in this world, Michael has the same kind of bold attitude. Michael always did things as he liked, seemingly without wondering if he should ask for permission. Being raised in a wealthy family gave one that sort of confidence. Growing up rarely being told no, put you on comfortable terms with the world. You didn’t have to live in the shadows like Ardwyn, growing up poor.

The barmaid blushed slightly as she responded to Michael, “I’m doing very well today. Thanks for asking.” She then turned to Ardwyn. In her hand was a parchment of paper rolled up like a scroll. “Someone left you this last night. It’s sealed with wax. Might be private business, so I’ll catch up with you later. Oh, and the person who delivered the letter also left a package for you at the front of the tavern.”

She gave him the scroll and then left them alone in the stables.

Ardwyn carefully unwrapped the parchment. The scroll was written in black ink with curvy elegant handwriting. Ardwyn began reading the letter out loud.

Ardwyn,

Forgive my retreat last night. When the cyclops attacked, I found myself powerless to defend you. I stayed back in the cover of the woods for a time and observed what happened afterwards. Please also extend my gratitude to the mage who saved you and your friend should we meet again.

I wish I could have fought bravely by your side, but I was afraid for my life. There was little I could do, and for that, I am ashamed.

As you know, I’m not a man of magic or strange spells. I prefer to use a sword. At least I know I can’t count on it in the heat of the battle. My sword has served me well for many years. The blade is enchanted and can even cleave through solid stone.

Please accept my sword as a gift of our parting. I have many other swords. I am sure this one will come in use to you.

The winds of fate compelled me to leave town as the sun rose, on a quest given to me with a short moment’s notice. Whatever destiny may hold, I wish you well. May our paths cross again in the realm.

Best Wishes,

Rodrick

When Ardwyn finished reading the letter, he felt relieved that Rodrick had managed to escape alive. He didn’t blame him for fleeing when the cyclops attacked. Rodrick was right. Even with the sharp blade, he probably wouldn’t have been able to defeat the gigantic cyclops. It would have been far too dangerous.

“He must have followed us here last night,” Michael said. “I wonder why he had to leave?”

At the front doors of the tavern, the barmaid greeted them warmly. From a corner she retrieved a cloth-wrapped package.

“Careful with that,” she said. “I think it’s a sword.”

Ardwyn unwrapped the package carefully. Indeed, it was Rodrick’s blade. He unsheathed it from the leather scabbard. The sword shined in the tavern’s low light, glowing softly.

“You can mount the holder on your belt,” the barmaid said with a warm smile. “That way you’ll have a weapon by your side at all times.”

“Should we have a weapon by our side at all times?” Michael asked. “Are these parts dangerous?”

The barmaid hesitated. “Dangerous?” she said. “Not usually.”

Not usually. Ardwyn wondered what that meant.

Michael asked her, “What’s the worst thing you’ve ever seen happen to someone?”

The barmaid’s smile faded. “The worst thing?” She pondered. “I tend to stay indoors most of the time. If I can help it, I try not to venture outside of the town’s walls, especially after dark.”

“What happens after dark?” Michael asked. It seemed like she was unwilling to reveal anything.

The barmaid nervously scanned the tavern, checking if anyone else was listening.

“Well…” she began but then stopped herself. “I shouldn’t really say anything.”

“Why not?” Michael asked.

“You never know who is listening. And besides, what good would it do?”

“If you can, tell us,” Michael said. “We’re not from here. We should know what to expect. For our safety, you know?”

Her eyes darted nervously around the room. She leaned in close, and dropped her voice to a whisper. “But the only reason I’m going to share this is for your safety, ya hear?”

Ardwyn and Michael nodded.

Her facial expression changed dramatically. The cheerful smile vanished, replaced by a dark, foreboding seriousness in her eyes.