Leo stepped out into the open air, a gentle breeze brushing his face.
Alden Village was a small, nestled amongst dense, ancient woods and framed by rolling, distant hills, was a picture of rustic tranquility. Buildings of weathered stone and timber stood solid against the elements, their dark tiled roofs sloping low, seemingly hugging the earth. Wisps of smoke curled lazily from chimneys, painting thin grey lines against the pale morning sky. In the central square, farmers haggled over wares at small, sturdy wooden stalls, their voices a low hum, while children, nimble as woodland sprites, chased each other, their laughter echoing sweetly
He felt an odd mix of peace and urgency. Peace, in the simple, grounded rhythm of this world; urgency, in his deep need to understand it. Directing himself toward the southern edge of the village, Leo saw the merchant caravan already a hive of activity. Several sturdy wooden wagons, their wheels thick with mud from previous journeys, were being meticulously loaded, pulled by stout, broad-chested horses that snorted impatiently. Traders, burly and weathered, bustled about, securing crates with thick ropes, their movements practiced and efficient. A few armed guards, clad in practical leather armor, checked the sharpness of their blades and adjusted their straps, their gazes sharp and alert.
Leo approached a burly man in a brown vest who seemed to be in charge. "Excuse me. I heard there's a caravan heading to Eloria. Is there room for one more?"
The burly man's eyes, small and shrewd, swept over Leo, taking in his uncharacteristic attire and empty hands. He squinted. "You don't look like a merchant." He said in a hoarse voice.
Leo offered a small, earnest smile. "I'm not. Just a traveler. I'm willing to help in any way I can."
The burly man studied him for another moment, a hint of suspicion in his gaze, then shrugged, a massive shoulder movement that almost shifted his whole frame. "Fine," he finally conceded, gesturing toward a stack of bulky, canvas-wrapped bundles. "Put these boxes in the cart. And don't slow us down."
A wave of relief washed over Leo, quickly followed by a surge of determination. He nodded gratefully, already moving towards the boxes. They were heavier than they looked, but he managed, his muscles tensing slightly as he lifted them into the back of the wagon. He spent the next few minutes diligently helping with whatever needed carrying, pushing, or securing, trying to prove his worth.
Finally, with a loud barked command from the burly man, The wooden wheels creaked with a unison, and the huge wagons began their slow, measured journey along the winding dirt road leading out of Alden..
As the village faded behind him, Leo stared out at the road ahead.
When the sky started to darken, they stopped tp set up camp.
Hours passed. The sun climbed, then began its slow descent, painting the sky in hues of orange and purple, the caravan halted. They set up camp near a winding stream, its gentle murmur a soothing contrast to the crackling fire the guards quickly lit. oon the comforting smell of roasting meat wafted into the cool evening air, mingling with the damp soil and ancient oak trees. Travelers, merchants, armed guards, and a few solitary figures like himself, gathered around the fire, sharing food and stories. The easy hum of conversation, punctuated by laughter and the occasional strum of a lute, carried softly into the surrounding woods, creating an unexpected sense of camaraderie.
Leo remained quiet, absorbing it all. It was his first night truly living in this new world, and every sensation, every sound, still felt utterly surreal. He ate his portion of stew slowly, savoring the simple warmth. Above him, the stars blinked, clear and brilliant, but still utterly unfamiliar. The constellations he knew from Earth were absent, replaced by new, dazzling patterns he didn't recognize. He stared at them for a long moment, a profound sense of awe and longing stirring within him.
As he reached for a chunk of bread from a shared basket, a soft, inquisitive voice spoke beside him.
"First time traveling with a caravan?"
Leo turned his head to find a young woman settling beside him. She wore a green cloak with a satchel slung across her shoulder. Her dark hair was pulled back neatly, revealing a face with sharp, curious eyes that met his with an open, friendly gaze. She looked to be in her early twenties, vibrant and full of energy.
"Yeah," Leo said with a small nod. "First time leaving the village, actually."
She smiled. "Same here. My name's Rena."
"Leo."
"So, where are you headed?" she asked, already tearing off a piece of bread.
"I'm headed to Eloria," Lei replied.
"Me too," Rena said, her voice brightening. "I've dreamed of going there since I was a child. My brother used to send letters from the city. Said it was full of wonder, knowledge, and people from every corner of the continent."
Leo's eyes lit up. "What do you plan to do there?"
"I want to join the Scholars' Guild." She added, a hint of hope in her voice. "I want to be a Conjurer."
Leo turned to her more fully now, his interest piqued. "You know about the Conjurers?"
Rena's brow furrowed in thought. "A little. Mostly myths and scattered records. Some say they could call down light from the heavens. Others say they became part of the stars themselves." She paused, then looked at him more carefully. "Why? Are you interested in them too?"
Leo nodded, his enthusiasm difficult to contain. "Yeah, I found a book about them in the village library. It was vague, but it felt... important. Fascinating." He almost mentioned the glowing star, the transfer, the odd sense of connection, but held back. It was too much, too soon."
Rena leaned in slightly, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "Then you should definitely join the Scholars' Guild, or maybe even the Royal Guard. I heard from my brother that these powerful factions were actually built by the disciples of the sage Lucas himself! Imagine, learning directly from the lineage of the very first Conjurer."
"You should join Scholars' Guild or the Royal Guard. I heard from my brother that these factions were built by the disciples of the sage Lucas."
Excited to have finally found someone to talk with about the Conjurers , she continued talking for hours.
Excited to have finally found someone with whom he could openly discuss the mysterious Conjurers, Leo engaged completely. Rena, equally thrilled to share her knowledge and dreams, continued talking for hours. She spoke of the Guild's ancient libraries, rumored to hold secrets of forgotten spells, and the Royal Guard's strict training regimens, designed to hone physical prowess alongside stellar manipulation. She recounted tales from her brother's letters: grand festivals in Eloria, the towering structures that reached for the sky, the vibrant markets filled with goods from lands Leo couldn't even imagine. Leo listened intently, interjecting with questions
Eventually, as the campfire dwindled to embers and the chill of the deep night settled, Rena's voice grew softer, her words slowing, punctuated by sleepy yawns. She stretched languidly.
"Well, goodnight, Leo. That was fun."
"Goodnight." Leo replied, a genuine warmth in his voice.
He settled back onto the grass, hands clasped behind his head, his eyes once more fixed on the unfamiliar sky. The more he learned about this world, the deeper the mystery grew, but now, it felt less daunting and more like a puzzle he was eager to solve. The concept of Conjurers and a power tied to the stars, a sense of purpose he hadn't felt in years. Perhaps, in this strange land, his lifelong failures wouldn't matter.
Perhaps here, he could finally find what he was meant for.