With my mind at ease, knowing Burgheard was well, I set to consider my future. Having collected myself, I felt I shouldn’t return to the Gull. Sæwine knew I’d stayed there, and his messenger knew who to look for.

The coming days and weeks would require me to use my Gift to alter my appearance judiciously.

I’d found a few other inns I could stay at, so that wasn’t an issue, but I would need a more permanent base soon. Inns cost money, and as I’d set myself against the Commerce, finding work could prove difficult, and risky. I hoped Burgheard proved capable, and successful, though knowing now the extent of his, our, enemy’s reach, I found myself doubting. How could we stand against someone who seemed to control the flow of materials? One word from the Commerce and the harbour stops supplying the materials he needs to work, and they’ve shown their ability to force people out of business.

I needed to create a supply chain of my own somehow, but how would I do that? I could only think of smuggling, but I knew no smugglers, I had no contacts in that world.

But, someone I knew, might. Would Eadric, and Eadgar turn on me, like the harbourmaster? Could I trust them?

Uncertainty filled my mind, doubts swam through my thoughts as I wandered the dark streets of the city.

People walked around me on late-day errands, milling around the craftsmen’s district. Horses clattered down the street, and messengers ran to and fro.

A shout of frustration from a nearby building spoke to a failure, or a mistake in a crafter’s work, or perhaps another victim of the Commerce.

I peered into the alleys, imagining the eyes of my adversaries watching me, sending their underlings to watch, and wait. Gazes on my back as I passed, followed me unnoticed, but I saw no sign of anyone, no matter how hard I looked. Was it all in my head? Was the paranoia getting to me, or was my senses right?

Once more, I considered the lack of guidance from the Gift, and this agency. Were my instincts currently screaming at me, but too dulled for me to hear? How did people live like this?

I stumbled to the side of a building, leaning against it, before sliding down. I didn’t care that my clothes were soiled, as I gazed at the opposite wall, frowning.

I had a choice to make, a crossroads. I could give up, and try to live a normal life, under the radar, for a while, biding my time until I had the resources to make a quick difference, but that would take time, and there were no guarantees. The pay for honest labour was not enough for significant savings. The work of five days lasts just over a week.

While I waited, the Commerce would grow stronger, and more influential. Already, they seemed to have almost complete control. Time was running out.

That path would also mean Burgheard would likely succumb.

Alternatively, I could carry on. I could keep trying to find a way to break the Commerce’s grip on this city and help its people. For that, I’d need money, resources, allies, and a way to bring goods into the city discreetly.

People stared at me, as I sat on the grimy cobbles. I saw pity, and derision in their eyes. I paid them no heed, as lost in thought as I was.

Down the street, I could still see the doorway into Burgheard’s smithy. The glow from the forge still lit the entryway and spilt into the street, and I could faintly hear the reverberation of metal hitting metal. He’d finished with preparing the metal, it would seem.

I picture him, hammering away at a molten lump of metal, his sweat pouring as he vented his frustration into the metal. The strength he showed, and his will to carry on, despite the odds being stacked against him, was impressive.

He’d taken my aid and received hope. If I abandoned him now, it would extinguish that hope, and I knew I couldn’t live with that.

I stood, unsteadily, and brushed myself off. If I was to help him, I needed help myself.

I walked back to Burgheard, and this time I made my presence known.

He looked up as I entered, but he didn’t stop his work, so I decided to wait.

The smell of the forge assailed my nose, and the clang of his hammer on the anvil overwhelmed the chatter, and sounds of the city until all that remained was the blacksmith, his hammer and anvil, backlit by the forge’s glow.

Swish-clang. Swish-clang. Over and over, a steady rhythm. The metal, clasped by tongs, was flipped, and the process repeated itself.

The lump of glowing metal started to take shape, under the precise impacts of the hammer, forming a rectangular shape. A new hammer, I realized.

He wasn’t satisfied with the tools I had provided, so he’d use them to make better ones.

I found it inspiring, how he kept going. Rather than give up, like those I met in the slums, he got back on his feet and seemed willing to fight to the end.

I resolved, once more, to keep fighting. I couldn’t sit idly by as people suffered, and if I allowed the Commerce to consolidate their power, and entrench themselves further, I might not get another chance.

Several long minutes passed without either of us speaking, filled only by the clang of Burgheard’s hammer. The end of the silence was heralded by the hiss of the hammerhead getting dunked in water.

“So, what can I do for you? I thought we agreed on meeting in a few days,” Burgheard said as he wiped away his sweat with a rough towel.

“Yes, well,” I started, looking around, and outside, ensuring that nobody was nearby. “The situation has evolved, escalated. I’ve learned some things, but so have our adversaries. I’m afraid we’ll have to act quickly if we wish to succeed.”

Burgheard sighed, rubbed his forehead, and sat in a chair by the wall of the smithy.

“What’s happened?” he asked.

I approached him and pulled out another chair.

“I spoke with a few victims, and learned more about the scope of the operation,” I started.

I explained what had happened, and I watched him for a reaction. I saw consternation and fear, but also a steely resolve in his eyes.

I stifled a yawn, as I started to feel the events of the day weighing on me, but I powered through.

“Now,” I said and looked into his eyes. “I need to create a supply chain, and it seems like the Commerce has the docks under control. The harbourmaster won’t stand against them, I don’t think.”

“That’s troubling. I don’t have much, as all my contacts have turned their backs, but I know a few in nearby towns and cities. Maybe we can work something out through them,” Burgheard posits.

“Yes, that was my thoughts, as well,” I agreed. I scratched my cheek as I continued. “I might have to take the trip myself unless you’ve got trustworthy people in town?”

“No, there’s no one.”

“I feared as much. That means I’ll have to be gone for a while, as the trip will take time, as will arranging things. While I’m gone, you’ll be without support.”

“Not so fast,” he argues, and I see a glint in his eyes. “I have paid my dues for this smithy for a while ahead, and the owner won’t budge. He’ll not sell me out to the Commerce, as that will only injure his reputation. I can leave with you, and we’ll make arrangements together. It’s safer for both of us.”

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While I agreed with his reasoning, I couldn’t help but worry. Extended travel with him, would make it difficult to hide my capabilities, and if we came under attack, then my secret would be revealed. I wouldn’t hold back if my life depended on it.

Burgheard noticed my hesitation and frowned.

“What’s going on?” he asked. “If we’re going up against the Commerce together, we’re going to have to trust each other. If not, we might as well give up now. Based on what you said, we won’t be able to do this alone, not anymore.”

I saw a flash of sadness, and frustration pass over his features, but before I could ask, he continued.

“I had a partner, someone I trusted. We saw the beginning of the Commerce’s actions, but we decided to do nothing. It wasn’t our problem until it was, and when the Commerce came for us, it was too late. There was nothing we could do, or so we thought,” I saw the sadness on the smith’s face. I didn’t need the Gift to know how painful the memory was. He rubbed his face, and his breath turned ragged as if he was on the verge of tears. He clenched his fists, and took a deep breath, trying to regain his composure.

The angry glint in his eyes when he locked eyes with me and continued was intimately intimidating.

“He joined them, while I refused. He’s the one who came to me, who gave me their demands and threatened me. If we are to work together, then we need to trust each other. No secrets, or hidden agendas.”

I looked away, unable to face the intensity of Burgheard’s gaze.

“If you can’t do that, then walk away,” he said, and I heard an edge in his voice. A mote of disappointment.

I rose from the chair, and walked to the doorway, where I paused. I needed him, his help. If I never trusted anyone, I would never get anywhere.

I might as well lay in a ditch and wait for death.

I grabbed the door and closed it, before placing my hand on the wood.

I reached within myself and channelled my Gift for a new purpose. Now, I didn’t want to alter my appearance, but to isolate the smithy. I wanted to ensure nobody could see, or hear what went on inside.

A shimmer passed along the walls of the smithy, invisible from the outside, but I heard a shout of surprise and a chair slam into the wall behind me.

I turned back to Burgheard and saw him standing, wide-eyed. He stared at me with a mix of fear and awe in his eyes.

“That’s part of the reason for my secrecy,” I said quietly.

“S-sorcery!” the smith all but shouts. He scrambled to put more distance between us, and I didn’t move to follow in case I caused more fear.

“In a fashion, yes, but not devilry, nothing like the church claims. I assure you, I’ve made no deals, and I am not evil.”

“What then?” he asked with a trembling voice. I could see him struggling to calm himself, but the fear was not easily dispelled.

I kept my voice calm, and steady, in contrast to my inner turmoil.

I’d been fearing the day I had to reveal myself since I saved the couple. Their fear was tempered by their gratitude. Burgheard might not have the same feelings of gratitude towards me.

“An innate Gift, ability, or power. Certain people where I’m from gain this potential. We’re guardians, advisors, and enforcers.”

“Where are you from? I’ve never heard of such a place,” he tried to ask poignant questions, to keep his mind from spiralling.

I locked eyes with him and took a deep, steadying breath.

“That is far more ludicrous than what I already told you.”

“I- I find that hard to believe.”

I could see the reticence in him. He no longer stood strong, and passionate. Now, I saw a fearful, uncertain man, though he retained a certain resolve, and determination in his eyes. He was facing an internal struggle now, conflicting emotions drawing him in different directions. As he spoke, I saw his eyes flittering, his hands fidgeted, and his feet shifted, as if a part of him wanted to flee, or fight, while another wanted to hear more.

“I come from the future.”

I decided to say it as simply as I could and get it out. Burgheard frowned and shook his head.

“I… I don’t understand.”

“I come from a different time, or perhaps world. I don’t know,” as I started talking, I found it hard to stop. It felt good to tell someone.

I explained the situation in as simple terms as I could, and felt a wave of relief wash over me when I finished. It was out of my hands now. He’d have to make a decision, and I’d react.

The fear, confusion, and uncertainty were evident in Burgheard’s body language. He leaned away from me, his hands were fidgeting, and he kept glancing toward the door as I spoke.

He calmed down slightly when I explained my plan, and how I ended up approaching him, and he seemed to have calmed himself down by the time I finished my explanation.

His eyes remained glazed, as if he’d fallen into deep thought, or his head was spinning. I stood patiently, waiting for him to process the information.

It took a few minutes, but he eventually took a deep breath, shook his head, and rubbed his face.

“Say I believe you,” he said, still refusing to meet my eyes. The tremor in his voice remained, though less than before. “What then? What now?”

“Now,” I started. “Now we can move forward, or we can go our separate ways. I’ve chosen to trust you with this, and it’s up to you what to do with this information.”

I looked at him, trying to convey the importance, the significance of the moment.

“If you choose to continue our partnership, then I can begin sharing more with you. As I said, I’m from the future. I hold knowledge that far surpasses your wildest dreams, and with your aid, we can begin introducing more, and more advanced technology. New concepts, and methods that could revolutionize, well, anything and everything.”

I could see him processing, considering. He wanted what I promised, but his fear remained.

“And if I can’t?” he asked. “If I fail?”

“Then we try again,” I reassured him. “I’m not going to cast you aside at the first hurdle. I understand this is all difficult to take in, but we can start a change in this world, improving the lives of everyone, and it starts here. In this smithy, we’ll begin the process of advancement. Our first obstacle is the Commerce. They’ll oppose us every step of the way, so long as they remain.”

“If you’re so powerful, with your ‘Gift’, and knowledge,” Burgheard argued. “Why do you need me? Can’t you do it alone?”

“Perhaps, perhaps not,” I said, shaking my head. “Even if I’m what you say, I’m still just one man, and one man can only do so much. I don’t understand the world, as it is. I don’t know the customs as intimately as you, and I have no allies or contacts. Except you, I hope.”

“Why me?” he asked.

I smiled, reassured that he’d overcome the initial shock. Now he’d reclaimed his reason and rationale.

“Because you understand the plight of this city better than most,” I explained. “Because your craft is an effective avenue for me to introduce technological advances. Because you didn’t give up, or lose hope. Your determination in the face of adversity inspired me. If I hadn’t found you, then I’d probably spend years biding my time, and building my initial influence, perhaps in vain.”

I walked closer, sighing in relief when he didn’t shy away. I righted his chair and sat back down on mine. I gestured for him to sit, and after a slight hesitation, he sat as well.

“How do I know you’re not using your sorcery to enchant me?” he asked. frowning at me.

“If I did that, why would I do anything except give orders?” I tried to reassure him. “If I had that power, why are you arguing? I’m not certain if there’s a way for me to explain it convincingly, but I do not have the power to compel anyone, except how one would use their words to convince.”

He breathed deeply, clenched, and un-clenched his hands a few times, before he met my eyes.

“If I trust you, and follow you, what will happen to this city, this world?” A glint of steel in his eyes let me know this was a make-or-break moment. If my response didn’t satisfy, our partnership would be over before it began.

“I oppose the Commerce due to their inhumane practices. I despise those who would do their business in such a manner. They’re using threats, fear, and banditry to get their way, and they have no regard for the law, or the people they use, and abuse in their search for power.”

Burgheard flinches from me, and I realize my anger is clear to see on my face. I school my expression and take a breath.

“I want to introduce technological advances that will improve the lives of countless people, and I want to do it while causing as little harm as possible. If we succeed it will bring prosperity, and comfort to the people. Ultimately, it might lead to me finding a way home, and if I do, I want to leave this world a better place. I would want to be remembered as a good person, someone who helped, and healed, rather than hurt.”

Burgheard silently considered my words, but I felt that I’d gotten through to him. He sighed deeply before standing.

“I, uhh. I need to think about this. Could you return tomorrow?” he said. He looked tired and overwhelmed. I doubted he’d get a moment of sleep that night.

“Of course,” I said as I stood. I started walking to the door before I stopped with my back turned. I turned my head toward him. “Please, don’t misconstrue my words, but I feel they need to be said; should you tell the church about me, or whoever you’d go to, I’d understand, but I’d defend myself. I might want to help people, but I want to live free and return home more.”

With that, I dispelled the privacy enchantment and left the smithy.

The moment I crossed the threshold, and closed the door behind me, a wave of exhaustion washed over me. It threatened to bring me to my knees, but I managed to stay on my feet.

I breathed deeply from the night air of the city before I started walking toward the nearest inn.