Rowan popped a Ritz cracker into his mouth. He walked along the sandy roads. He thought it hard to adjust to the colors of this world. The grass was still a deep green, but with the sky the tint of soft lavender, he felt like he was lost in a child’s drawing. Other than trying to get used to that large difference… and the two suns… the sights were captivating and magical. A part of him felt like he belonged here. He was at peace.
At least, he was until an explosion pulled him back to reality. What was that?! Was that an explosion?! Do explosions happen often here? Is there a war going on? Should I see if someone needs help? God! I don’t know anything about this world! Rowan tried to calm the panic he was experiencing.
Rowan took in a couple deep breaths to muster up his courage. If only I had some liquid courage to help. He ran toward the explosion.
Reaching the top of a hill in mere moments, Rowan glanced down. Two armored men approached a woman on the ground. They drew their swords at her.
“You’ve finally been caught. There’s nowhere to run now,” One of the men said.
The woman scowled. “You haven’t caught me yet, boys.”
Rowan jumped in between the two men. “Haven’t you ever heard of chivalry?”
The armored men turned in surprise. They swung their swords in a panic. Rowan hopped over the blades and landed in front of the woman. “Are you okay?”
The woman looked up at him. “You ruined a perfectly good trap.” She jumped to her feet and dusted her black dress. She flipped her long braids over her shoulder. She wore a ring on each finger; each had an intricate design ranging from a shield to a lion head. The woman placed a hand on her hip and glared at Rowan.
Rowan eyed the sword at her waist. “So you’re saying you weren’t in trouble.”
“I’m perfectly capable of ridding myself the nuisance of two Dagon Knights, thank you very much.” She puffed her chest out and shooed him aside.
The two knights shook their heads. “You should mind your own affairs, boy. This woman is an infamous criminal. It wouldn’t do you any good to get involved with her.”
Rowan shrugged. “From the look of things, she doesn’t want my help anyway.”
The woman held up an index finger, “Release.”
A cloud of smoke surrounded the woman. Rowan blinked back his surprise. The smoke dissipated. An armored lion sat before the woman. She stroked his mane tenderly.
The two knights took a defensive stance. They eyed the armored lion warily. “You shall not escape again.”
“I have no need to escape.” The woman held out one hand. One of the rings sparked. A tuft of flames gathered around her hand. “Burn.”
The woman shot a ball of fire at the two knights. The knights jumped to the side. The armored lion pounced one of the knights. The ferocious feline pinned the knight’s sword arm down. Its lips curled back in a snarl in warning. The knight froze.
The woman shot another fireball at the other knight. The knight batted the fireball away with his blade. To his dismay, the woman had disappeared. He searched around his perimeter but she was nowhere in sight.
“Snooze you lose.”
The knight looked up. The woman materialized above him. Her wicked smile claimed victory. The knight barely raised his shield in time as the woman released a stream of flames upon him.
The knight fell to his knee as he held the flames off. The shield slowly started to glow red from immense heat.
A gale of wind snuffed out the flames. The woman and the knight looked over to Rowan. Rowan closed his hand. “That’s enough. You won.”
The woman landed away from the knight. She eyed Rowan suspiciously.
Rowan approached the armored lion. The lion gave a warning roar. Rowan inhaled. He placed a hand on the lion and pushed. The lion went flying into a boulder. The woman and the two knights’ jaws dropped.
Rowan tried to hide his surprise at his newfound strength in this world. He looked down at the two knights. “You two are clearly outmatched. If she is truly a criminal, then regroup with a stronger force.”
The knights glanced at each other. They scurried to their feet and ran.
The woman approached her unconscious lion. She raised an eyebrow. “I’ve never seen such strength. And you performed magic without an armlet. People with the gift are rare these days. Who are you?”
Rowan held out a hand. “The name’s Rowan. Nice to meet you.”
The woman looked at his hand. “What are you doing?”
“It’s called a handshake. Do you not do that in this world?”
“This world?” A smile came to her lips. “Now it all makes sense. You’re a Wayfarer.”
“So I’ve been told.”
The woman looked him over again. “That explains your strength too. The gravity in your world must be heavier than ours.”
Rowan blinked. “Oooooh! Is that what it is?!” He burst out laughing. “I thought it was strange!”
The woman flicked one of her braids back. “You may call me Morganna.” She kissed her fingertips and let it fall as she raised her head high.
“How did you summon that lion? And produce those flames? Are you able to do magic too?”
Morganna raised an eyebrow. “No. I do not possess the gift.” She held up her hands to show her rings. “I use armlets.”
Rowan took a closer look at the rings. “What are armlets?”
“They are mystical items each with their own abilities. Some can perform great feats of magic while other can summon creatures or weapons.”
“That’s really cool!” Rowan’s smile beamed.
“I’m a collector of armlets. I acquire rare ones from across the globe.” Morganna stroked her chin. “Well, Wayfarer, what would you say to helping me acquire a rare piece only heard of in legends.”
Rowan scratched his cheek. “I don’t know. I’m trying to figure out why I was brought here. I was told to head to Valahan to meet with some sorceresses.”
Morganna nodded as if it was a logical choice. “That would indeed be the place to start, but what do you know about the sorceresses?”
“Nothing,” he admitted.
“Best to learn about them a bit then, don’t you think? The Sorceresses of Valahan are not very friendly, I’ll have you know.”
Rowan raised an eyebrow. “Are they not friendly to anyone or just to you?”
Morganna laughed. “I admit, we are not on good terms, but they look down on everyone who is not of their order.”
A moment passed as Rowan thought. “So if I help you acquire whatever it is that you’re after, you’ll tell me more about the sorceresses?”
“Yes.”
Rowan placed his hands on his hip and let out a breath. “While the information could be useful, I don’t see how it’d be a fair trade. Sounds to me like you want me to put my life on the line for information I can get elsewhere.”
Morganna shrugged. She turned on her heel. “If you want to hit a tavern for information, go right on ahead.” She looked over her shoulder at him. Her eyes had a silver glow against the light. “But you’re passing up a chance for an incredible adventure.”
Rowan smiled. “I dunno if I like the way you’re trying to manipulate me to be your puppet, but fine. Why not have an adventure in a strange world. That’s the whole point, isn’t it?”
Morganna winked at him. “That’s the spirit.”
“However, in return, you’ll take me to Valahan.”
Morganna’s smile faded. “You want an escort?”
“Such a strange land I’m in. It would be most helpful to be aided in learning about this world and keep me out of trouble.”
“I don’t know if I like the way you’re trying to manipulate me.”
“We can call it even then.”
The smile returned. “Fine. I’ll escort you to Valahin right after we acquire my armlet.”
Rowan grinned. “So where is this so-called rare item?”
“Near a small village to the east. It is said to rest inside a cave there.”
“Why hasn’t it been taken before?”
“Because the cave is full of dangerous demons.”
Rowan rolled his eyes. “Of course it is.”
Morganna started walking. “Come now, Rowan the Wayfarer. Let’s go get my treasure.”
. . .
“Just try it.” Morganna shoved the bowl closer to Rowan. She leaned back in her chair. “I promise you it’s not as spicy as the menu says.”
Rowan scowled. “Somehow, I don’t think I should trust you.” He took a breath and scooped a spoonful of the stew. He looked at the green meat in disgust. The meat fell apart like any other tenderly done meat in his world. “And you swear the green is just the coloring of the spices.”
“Stop being a coward and just eat it.”
“Here’s to new adventures, I guess.” He closed his eyes and shoved the spoon into his mouth.
A burst of spices burned his tongue. He yelped and dropped the spoon. “Water!”
Morganna toppled over her chair in laughter.
Rowan gulped down two glasses of water. The spices still stung his tongue. “Es nah funny!”
“Oh yes it is.” Morganna picked the chair up. She plopped into the seat and plopped one leg over another. “Barkeep! Another ale!”
“I don’t know why I let you talk me into trying that.” Rowan fanned his tongue, not that it helped.
Morganna rested her chin into her palm. “Lighten up. It’s good to have new experiences, especially in a brand new world. Not many people could say that.”
“Well, I was expecting an adventure, not eating green meat.”
“Who says trying new food isn’t an adventure?”
Rowan rolled his eyes. “How much further until we reach this cave?”
Morganna leaned back in her chair as the tavern’s waitress set down a third round of pale ale on the table. “Not much further. We can reach there in the morning. There’s a village at the base of the mountain. The cave is just beyond there.”
A burly man looked back at them. He grunted and scooted the chair back. “Ya two goin’ ta tha Black Cave?”
Morganna’s smile faded. Her eyes glazed over as she cocked her head to the side. “I’m sorry, were you invited to join my conversation? If not, go occupy your pea-sized brain with something you can actually comprehend.”
“Wha?!” The burly man jumped to his feet. He towered over Morganna. “Ya callin’ meh stupid, gal?
“Could you not comprehend that?” Morganna crossed her legs on the empty chair and leaned back casually. “Let me make it simpler. You, oaf. Oaf, dumb. Dumb means stupid.”
The burly man threw their table aside. Rowan scooted his chair back as their beer and food went flying into a wall. “Take tha back, gal! I has nah problem hittin’ a gal!”
Rowan frowned at the man, then turned his gaze to Morganna. He released a sigh and leaned back to watch. “Please try not to get us kicked out.”
Morganna smiled at him. “Relax, Rowie.”
“Rowie?” Rowan’s eye twitched.
“Come on now, big man. Show me what you’re working with.” Morganna held out welcoming arms.
The burly man’s face flushed beet red. He pulled a fist back. Morganna remained motionless. She just sat casually back while inviting him to strike.
Another guy grabbed the guy’s arm. “What do you think you’re doing, Gullen? We’re not supposed to be making any trouble.”
Rowan looked closer at the two men. Both had bushy beards. Their right arms had been tattooed with strange symbols. In some ways, the tattoos reminded Rowan of Viking designs. Both wore orange fur vests they kept open to showcase their battle scars. The biggest difference between the two men was their figure. Although both were big, the burly man’s friend had more compact muscles.
Morganna shrugged. “You should listen to your friend, Gullen.”
The burly man growled at Morganna but allowed himself to be pulled away by his friend.
“You’re as bad as one of my friends from my world,” Rowan said.
Morganna winked at him. “One thing to learn here, Wayfarer, is to know your tattoos.”
Rowan glanced back at the two men. The burly man known as Gullen locked his eyes on Morganna. If Rowan had to guess, Gullen had come to the decision to kill Morganna when no one else was around. “I had certainly noticed theirs.”
“Very good.” Rowan ignored the superior tone. “Every tattoo is proof of a clan. And theirs,” Morganna ran a finger along her chin and back, “is the clan of a very powerful man.”
“Sounds important.”
“He is. And he’s very dangerous.” She pointed at the two men. “If you ever see anyone with those tattoos… run.”
Rowan glanced over to the two men. Both eyed Morganna and him studiously. “I think you already made us a target.”
“I wouldn’t worry about those two,” Morganna waved down the barkeep for a replacement round. “They’ll be out of our way before long.”
“Doubt it.”
“Trust me.” She gave him a wink. “We’re going the same way. They plan to raid the cave as well.”
“Seems like that’s more in our way than out,” Rowan said. “What makes you think they’re going there anyway?”
Morganna brushed her loose bangs behind her ear. “Call it a woman’s intuition.”
Rowan sighed. “What are we going to do about it then?”
“What do you mean?”
“Well, we don’t want them making off with the treasure themselves. Any plans on how to stop them?”
“Don’t worry about it. It’s possible the dopes won’t even make it far inside.”
Rowan glanced at the two big men. “I don’t see how we’ll succeed then.”
Morganna burst into laughter. The patrons at the tavern stopped talking to stare at her. Rowan wanted to shy away. He didn’t like making an impression on these strangers. Morganna took a big gulp of her beer. “Our ace in the hole is you, Wayfarer.”
“Me?”
“The physics of your world has given you a great advantage in ours. Plus you seem to have the gift. Even if those brutes somehow managed to overpower you with strength, you’ve got that ace-in-the-hole.” Morganna took another gulp of her beer. “That’s not even including the simple fact of you being a wayfarer.”
“What does that mean?”
Morganna placed her beer atop her knee. She leaned back slightly and looked at him with a serious tone. “There are people in this world that have something we call The Gift. In simple terms, it means that our Powers-That-Be have blessed a chosen few with magic.”
“How many people have this Gift?”
“In records today, only ten.”
“Only ten?”
“Wayfarers are even rarer. Only two have ever been known to come into our world. Both have saved this world from an unspeakable evil of that time. Both had incredible strength and power. Therefore, Wayfarers are known as divine heroes.”
“Whoa! Hold up there, I ain’t no hero.” Rowan ran his hand down the side of his face. “Ay, is this what’s supposed to be expected of me?”
Morganna finished the last of her beer and tossed the glass onto the ground. “What are you talking about? You had stepped in when you thought I was in danger. You may not have the experience, but it’s clear you’re a hero at heart.”
Rowan shifted in his chair. The sound of Morganna’s glass breaking sent the room into an uproar. Drunken men cheered and toasted to life. The bashed their own glasses onto the ground and cheered. The bartender and barmaids scurried to pick up the broken glass.
“Perhaps you will learn more about the previous Wayfarers during your travels.” Morganna rose from her seat. She kicked the chair back and placed a hand on her hip. “For now, I’ve rented a room. Let’s head to the bed so we can be on our way to the Black Cave, Mr. Wayfarer.”
At least, he was until an explosion pulled him back to reality. What was that?! Was that an explosion?! Do explosions happen often here? Is there a war going on? Should I see if someone needs help? God! I don’t know anything about this world! Rowan tried to calm the panic he was experiencing.
Rowan took in a couple deep breaths to muster up his courage. If only I had some liquid courage to help. He ran toward the explosion.
Reaching the top of a hill in mere moments, Rowan glanced down. Two armored men approached a woman on the ground. They drew their swords at her.
“You’ve finally been caught. There’s nowhere to run now,” One of the men said.
The woman scowled. “You haven’t caught me yet, boys.”
Rowan jumped in between the two men. “Haven’t you ever heard of chivalry?”
The armored men turned in surprise. They swung their swords in a panic. Rowan hopped over the blades and landed in front of the woman. “Are you okay?”
The woman looked up at him. “You ruined a perfectly good trap.” She jumped to her feet and dusted her black dress. She flipped her long braids over her shoulder. She wore a ring on each finger; each had an intricate design ranging from a shield to a lion head. The woman placed a hand on her hip and glared at Rowan.
Rowan eyed the sword at her waist. “So you’re saying you weren’t in trouble.”
“I’m perfectly capable of ridding myself the nuisance of two Dagon Knights, thank you very much.” She puffed her chest out and shooed him aside.
The two knights shook their heads. “You should mind your own affairs, boy. This woman is an infamous criminal. It wouldn’t do you any good to get involved with her.”
Rowan shrugged. “From the look of things, she doesn’t want my help anyway.”
The woman held up an index finger, “Release.”
A cloud of smoke surrounded the woman. Rowan blinked back his surprise. The smoke dissipated. An armored lion sat before the woman. She stroked his mane tenderly.
The two knights took a defensive stance. They eyed the armored lion warily. “You shall not escape again.”
“I have no need to escape.” The woman held out one hand. One of the rings sparked. A tuft of flames gathered around her hand. “Burn.”
The woman shot a ball of fire at the two knights. The knights jumped to the side. The armored lion pounced one of the knights. The ferocious feline pinned the knight’s sword arm down. Its lips curled back in a snarl in warning. The knight froze.
The woman shot another fireball at the other knight. The knight batted the fireball away with his blade. To his dismay, the woman had disappeared. He searched around his perimeter but she was nowhere in sight.
“Snooze you lose.”
The knight looked up. The woman materialized above him. Her wicked smile claimed victory. The knight barely raised his shield in time as the woman released a stream of flames upon him.
The knight fell to his knee as he held the flames off. The shield slowly started to glow red from immense heat.
A gale of wind snuffed out the flames. The woman and the knight looked over to Rowan. Rowan closed his hand. “That’s enough. You won.”
The woman landed away from the knight. She eyed Rowan suspiciously.
Rowan approached the armored lion. The lion gave a warning roar. Rowan inhaled. He placed a hand on the lion and pushed. The lion went flying into a boulder. The woman and the two knights’ jaws dropped.
Rowan tried to hide his surprise at his newfound strength in this world. He looked down at the two knights. “You two are clearly outmatched. If she is truly a criminal, then regroup with a stronger force.”
The knights glanced at each other. They scurried to their feet and ran.
The woman approached her unconscious lion. She raised an eyebrow. “I’ve never seen such strength. And you performed magic without an armlet. People with the gift are rare these days. Who are you?”
Rowan held out a hand. “The name’s Rowan. Nice to meet you.”
The woman looked at his hand. “What are you doing?”
“It’s called a handshake. Do you not do that in this world?”
“This world?” A smile came to her lips. “Now it all makes sense. You’re a Wayfarer.”
“So I’ve been told.”
The woman looked him over again. “That explains your strength too. The gravity in your world must be heavier than ours.”
Rowan blinked. “Oooooh! Is that what it is?!” He burst out laughing. “I thought it was strange!”
The woman flicked one of her braids back. “You may call me Morganna.” She kissed her fingertips and let it fall as she raised her head high.
“How did you summon that lion? And produce those flames? Are you able to do magic too?”
Morganna raised an eyebrow. “No. I do not possess the gift.” She held up her hands to show her rings. “I use armlets.”
Rowan took a closer look at the rings. “What are armlets?”
“They are mystical items each with their own abilities. Some can perform great feats of magic while other can summon creatures or weapons.”
“That’s really cool!” Rowan’s smile beamed.
“I’m a collector of armlets. I acquire rare ones from across the globe.” Morganna stroked her chin. “Well, Wayfarer, what would you say to helping me acquire a rare piece only heard of in legends.”
Rowan scratched his cheek. “I don’t know. I’m trying to figure out why I was brought here. I was told to head to Valahan to meet with some sorceresses.”
Morganna nodded as if it was a logical choice. “That would indeed be the place to start, but what do you know about the sorceresses?”
“Nothing,” he admitted.
“Best to learn about them a bit then, don’t you think? The Sorceresses of Valahan are not very friendly, I’ll have you know.”
Rowan raised an eyebrow. “Are they not friendly to anyone or just to you?”
Morganna laughed. “I admit, we are not on good terms, but they look down on everyone who is not of their order.”
A moment passed as Rowan thought. “So if I help you acquire whatever it is that you’re after, you’ll tell me more about the sorceresses?”
“Yes.”
Rowan placed his hands on his hip and let out a breath. “While the information could be useful, I don’t see how it’d be a fair trade. Sounds to me like you want me to put my life on the line for information I can get elsewhere.”
Morganna shrugged. She turned on her heel. “If you want to hit a tavern for information, go right on ahead.” She looked over her shoulder at him. Her eyes had a silver glow against the light. “But you’re passing up a chance for an incredible adventure.”
Rowan smiled. “I dunno if I like the way you’re trying to manipulate me to be your puppet, but fine. Why not have an adventure in a strange world. That’s the whole point, isn’t it?”
Morganna winked at him. “That’s the spirit.”
“However, in return, you’ll take me to Valahan.”
Morganna’s smile faded. “You want an escort?”
“Such a strange land I’m in. It would be most helpful to be aided in learning about this world and keep me out of trouble.”
“I don’t know if I like the way you’re trying to manipulate me.”
“We can call it even then.”
The smile returned. “Fine. I’ll escort you to Valahin right after we acquire my armlet.”
Rowan grinned. “So where is this so-called rare item?”
“Near a small village to the east. It is said to rest inside a cave there.”
“Why hasn’t it been taken before?”
“Because the cave is full of dangerous demons.”
Rowan rolled his eyes. “Of course it is.”
Morganna started walking. “Come now, Rowan the Wayfarer. Let’s go get my treasure.”
. . .
“Just try it.” Morganna shoved the bowl closer to Rowan. She leaned back in her chair. “I promise you it’s not as spicy as the menu says.”
Rowan scowled. “Somehow, I don’t think I should trust you.” He took a breath and scooped a spoonful of the stew. He looked at the green meat in disgust. The meat fell apart like any other tenderly done meat in his world. “And you swear the green is just the coloring of the spices.”
“Stop being a coward and just eat it.”
“Here’s to new adventures, I guess.” He closed his eyes and shoved the spoon into his mouth.
A burst of spices burned his tongue. He yelped and dropped the spoon. “Water!”
Morganna toppled over her chair in laughter.
Rowan gulped down two glasses of water. The spices still stung his tongue. “Es nah funny!”
“Oh yes it is.” Morganna picked the chair up. She plopped into the seat and plopped one leg over another. “Barkeep! Another ale!”
“I don’t know why I let you talk me into trying that.” Rowan fanned his tongue, not that it helped.
Morganna rested her chin into her palm. “Lighten up. It’s good to have new experiences, especially in a brand new world. Not many people could say that.”
“Well, I was expecting an adventure, not eating green meat.”
“Who says trying new food isn’t an adventure?”
Rowan rolled his eyes. “How much further until we reach this cave?”
Morganna leaned back in her chair as the tavern’s waitress set down a third round of pale ale on the table. “Not much further. We can reach there in the morning. There’s a village at the base of the mountain. The cave is just beyond there.”
A burly man looked back at them. He grunted and scooted the chair back. “Ya two goin’ ta tha Black Cave?”
Morganna’s smile faded. Her eyes glazed over as she cocked her head to the side. “I’m sorry, were you invited to join my conversation? If not, go occupy your pea-sized brain with something you can actually comprehend.”
“Wha?!” The burly man jumped to his feet. He towered over Morganna. “Ya callin’ meh stupid, gal?
“Could you not comprehend that?” Morganna crossed her legs on the empty chair and leaned back casually. “Let me make it simpler. You, oaf. Oaf, dumb. Dumb means stupid.”
The burly man threw their table aside. Rowan scooted his chair back as their beer and food went flying into a wall. “Take tha back, gal! I has nah problem hittin’ a gal!”
Rowan frowned at the man, then turned his gaze to Morganna. He released a sigh and leaned back to watch. “Please try not to get us kicked out.”
Morganna smiled at him. “Relax, Rowie.”
“Rowie?” Rowan’s eye twitched.
“Come on now, big man. Show me what you’re working with.” Morganna held out welcoming arms.
The burly man’s face flushed beet red. He pulled a fist back. Morganna remained motionless. She just sat casually back while inviting him to strike.
Another guy grabbed the guy’s arm. “What do you think you’re doing, Gullen? We’re not supposed to be making any trouble.”
Rowan looked closer at the two men. Both had bushy beards. Their right arms had been tattooed with strange symbols. In some ways, the tattoos reminded Rowan of Viking designs. Both wore orange fur vests they kept open to showcase their battle scars. The biggest difference between the two men was their figure. Although both were big, the burly man’s friend had more compact muscles.
Morganna shrugged. “You should listen to your friend, Gullen.”
The burly man growled at Morganna but allowed himself to be pulled away by his friend.
“You’re as bad as one of my friends from my world,” Rowan said.
Morganna winked at him. “One thing to learn here, Wayfarer, is to know your tattoos.”
Rowan glanced back at the two men. The burly man known as Gullen locked his eyes on Morganna. If Rowan had to guess, Gullen had come to the decision to kill Morganna when no one else was around. “I had certainly noticed theirs.”
“Very good.” Rowan ignored the superior tone. “Every tattoo is proof of a clan. And theirs,” Morganna ran a finger along her chin and back, “is the clan of a very powerful man.”
“Sounds important.”
“He is. And he’s very dangerous.” She pointed at the two men. “If you ever see anyone with those tattoos… run.”
Rowan glanced over to the two men. Both eyed Morganna and him studiously. “I think you already made us a target.”
“I wouldn’t worry about those two,” Morganna waved down the barkeep for a replacement round. “They’ll be out of our way before long.”
“Doubt it.”
“Trust me.” She gave him a wink. “We’re going the same way. They plan to raid the cave as well.”
“Seems like that’s more in our way than out,” Rowan said. “What makes you think they’re going there anyway?”
Morganna brushed her loose bangs behind her ear. “Call it a woman’s intuition.”
Rowan sighed. “What are we going to do about it then?”
“What do you mean?”
“Well, we don’t want them making off with the treasure themselves. Any plans on how to stop them?”
“Don’t worry about it. It’s possible the dopes won’t even make it far inside.”
Rowan glanced at the two big men. “I don’t see how we’ll succeed then.”
Morganna burst into laughter. The patrons at the tavern stopped talking to stare at her. Rowan wanted to shy away. He didn’t like making an impression on these strangers. Morganna took a big gulp of her beer. “Our ace in the hole is you, Wayfarer.”
“Me?”
“The physics of your world has given you a great advantage in ours. Plus you seem to have the gift. Even if those brutes somehow managed to overpower you with strength, you’ve got that ace-in-the-hole.” Morganna took another gulp of her beer. “That’s not even including the simple fact of you being a wayfarer.”
“What does that mean?”
Morganna placed her beer atop her knee. She leaned back slightly and looked at him with a serious tone. “There are people in this world that have something we call The Gift. In simple terms, it means that our Powers-That-Be have blessed a chosen few with magic.”
“How many people have this Gift?”
“In records today, only ten.”
“Only ten?”
“Wayfarers are even rarer. Only two have ever been known to come into our world. Both have saved this world from an unspeakable evil of that time. Both had incredible strength and power. Therefore, Wayfarers are known as divine heroes.”
“Whoa! Hold up there, I ain’t no hero.” Rowan ran his hand down the side of his face. “Ay, is this what’s supposed to be expected of me?”
Morganna finished the last of her beer and tossed the glass onto the ground. “What are you talking about? You had stepped in when you thought I was in danger. You may not have the experience, but it’s clear you’re a hero at heart.”
Rowan shifted in his chair. The sound of Morganna’s glass breaking sent the room into an uproar. Drunken men cheered and toasted to life. The bashed their own glasses onto the ground and cheered. The bartender and barmaids scurried to pick up the broken glass.
“Perhaps you will learn more about the previous Wayfarers during your travels.” Morganna rose from her seat. She kicked the chair back and placed a hand on her hip. “For now, I’ve rented a room. Let’s head to the bed so we can be on our way to the Black Cave, Mr. Wayfarer.”