Once they finished their lunch, Elem and Aja bought a few groceries in a nearby corner store and decided to head towards their next destination. Although it was already past noon, Elem estimated that they could reach the Spring of Rebirth by the next afternoon if they cycled hard enough and limited their stops.
After surviving a terrifying ride through Alabaster’s chaotic city center, they were quick to reach the outskirts and eventually left the metropolis all together. Elem was surprised by how quickly the crowded cityscape transformed into a calm, rural landscape. The commercial high-rises and apartment buildings had made way for vast fields of flowers. A kaleidoscope of colors; the wildflowers danced in the wind, releasing their scent into the air.
It was a beautiful day for a ride. A cool breeze ran through their hair while the sun gently warmed their backs. And for the first time since leaving home, Elem felt somewhat relaxed. Inspired by Aja’s excitement of plunging into a steaming thermal bath, he had the feeling that he was moving forward rather than constantly reliving his past. While Elem felt slightly guilty for this positive state of mind, he had to admit it was a good feeling.
As the day wore on and the fields gave way to a more coarse and hilly landscape, the sun began dipping below the horizon. Witnessing the afternoon's golden glow, they decided to press on, determined to reach their hostel before nightfall.
“Don’t worry. The hostel should be close,” Aja said as the skies took on a pink hue and the previously paved bike route devolved into a thin, winding dirt road.
She was right; only twenty minutes later they reached a small roadside hostel. It was a quaint and homely establishment. The type of building that looked as if it had been the exact same for centuries but had nevertheless been maintained perfectly.
They booked a small room with bunk beds before having supper in the hostel’s mess hall. Surprisingly, the little room was almost full with other travelers.
“Most are traveling Summoners, adventurous types or just people that want to escape the troubles of city life for a day or two,” the hostelkeeper explained when she saw them gawk.
Elem took a bowl of pea soup along with some bread and together with Aja found a table in the far corner of the mess hall. They hadn’t even taken their first bite when a large man suddenly appeared at their table.
“Varolous evening,” the hulking stranger said in a deep yet melodic tone. “Would thee allow me to sitteth amongst thee?”
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“Ehm. Sure,” Aja replied hesitantly after giving the man a suspicious stare.
The stranger had a rather strange appearance. His massive frame was fully covered by a black cape, directing all attention to his shiny bald scalp and the exuberant mustache adorning his face. Elem couldn’t help himself from staring at the facial hair. The mustache was a sight to behold, the hair grew broad and thick while its ends curled into two perfect spirals that seemed to defy all gravity.
“Most wondrous! Thee has mine gratitude.” the man exclaimed as he sat down. “Whenever I travel, I always meeteth the kindest of people!”
“Why is he talking like that?” Aja whispered to Elem as the man took a slurpy sip from his bowl.
Elem raised his shoulders. “I have no idea. Maybe he comes from some far-away region?”
“What a sight thee two art! Thy faces art so serious, I am enchanted,” the man interrupted. “Art thee walking the warrior’s pilgrimage as well?”
“Ehm, no,” Elem answered, not wanting to give this stranger any more information than necessary- not until he knew what the man was up to. Besides, he had never heard of the warrior’s pilgrimage.
“We’re just on a bike ride actually,” Aja added.
“Such a shame! I would have sworn thee were Summoners. Tis thy demeanor, t was almost as if I could sense thy Essence. Tis difficult to findeth valorous jousting partners these days.”
“Oh but we are Summoners,” Elem said quickly, causing his friend to roll her eyes.
“Ah, is that the truth?” the cloaked man perked up, elongating his giant body. “Here I thought I would simply couch a hogshead tonight. However t appeareth that this eve hath become more interesting! I beseech that thee allow me to introduce myself!”
He jumped from his chair with the sprung of a ballerina and- in one swift gesture- threw off his cape. Elem and Aja’s jaws dropped simultaneously. The mysterious Summoner looked as if he belonged in a museum; his entire body was covered with metal plates, making up a seamless suit of armor. The steel was polished enough to even glisten in the mess hall’s dim lightning and from his belt hung a massive sheathed sword.
“The name is Sir Rolandus, mine peerless paramours! I am elated to maketh thy acquaintance.”
“Nice to meet you Rolandus,” Aja spoke slowly, trying to find the right words to express her confusion. “Can you explain why you look like a medieval knight?”
“I hath accepted the warrior’s plight, that is why! Wearing this marvelous suit is mine method to honor the ancient ways. Of course, I no longer needeth t for battle but it is a heavy guise and thus wearing t maketh me stronger. As an official member of the Gentleman Warrior Guild, t is mine honorable duty to challenge all the brave souls I encounter,” Rolandus produced a confident chuckle, causing his mustache to bob up and down like a large bird trying to take flight. “Will one of thee accept my challenge? An honest match: one versus one. Be my troth, t would be a true honour!
Elem didn’t waste a second to think about the offer; of course he would battle the man. A duel with the stranger would be a good practice round before challenging the Master in Unagi. He took a gulp of soup and got up, directly facing the massive challenger.
“Are you ready now?“ he said calmly. “We can do this now.”