Mascon, a small town situated on the northern outskirts of Breceliande forest, was a bustle of activity this late afternoon. Life continued almost normally for these townsfolk despite rumours of imminent war. Children were busy playing their make-believe games in the streets while their parents went about their daily chores. All over town, men and women haggled over prices as shopkeepers tried ways and means to clinch their deals, their noises mingling with the occasional cries of tramps chased off from one lane to another.
Garen the innkeep whistled nonchalantly to himself as he scrubbed the odious food stains off the floor. He was looking forward to the rowdy crowd that would pour in later that evening for his famous blend of beer and ale. A mile away, Riadok, the mage was approaching Mascon on a pony. A studious apprentice, Riadok was not much of a looker.
Yet, appearances are deceiving. Within him was a well of untapped potential, waiting for the moment to erupt and stun the realm of Bretunia. His off-the-chart magical talent was picked up by Archmarge Merlin’s disciple Sheja two years ago – who recruited him to become Merlin’s Apprentice secretly. Merlin had been sealed in a magical prison and locked up by Morgana. Without the archmage to stop her, the Dark Queen ravaged the lands and will soon rain her forces on Castle Camelot, the last bastion standing.
As Riadok’s pony made slow progress, a much more majestic looking steed galloped from behind and spun around to face the stunned mage apprentice.
“You must be Riadok,” Knight Aubriet huffed, “I have been searching for you!” Riadok’s eyes shone with genuine surprise.
A knight of Camelot? This is going to be interesting… “Ride with me, Merlin’s apprentice, I have much to tell you!” exclaimed Aubriet excitedly.
Riadok felt honoured. Maybe he had been kept in the tower too long by Sheja, but then again, this was his first time travelling to this part of the kingdom. Sheja had recounted Merlin’s recent vision to her, and for Riadok to travel to Mascon post-haste. Merlin had also warned Sheja not to reveal too much to the young mage at this juncture as this was also going to trigger a turning point for Riadok – if – he could overcome the voice of doubt that had hitherto clouded his mind.
Looks like this knight is the reason for this trip. Thought Riadok.
Garen was only too glad to receive the two guests in his inn. Knight and Mage were to lodge themselves in the inn this night.
Lodging is definitely more lucrative – beamed the innkeep, as he shouted orders to serve up stewed meat and ale for the increasingly numerousvisitors to the inn this evening.
Over supper, Aubriet explained to Riadok what he had experienced lately and how it came about that he was called to travel to Mascon. Riadok had been quite cheerful as he savored the food and drink before him.
“So Riadok, Master Merlin must have given you some sort of a plan, correct…? Riadok?” Aubriet inquired.
“Call me Dok” said the mage, between mouthfuls of chicken thigh. “The food is delicious. Please continue…”
So Aubriet related the dire situation befalling Bretunia and how Morgana’s Dragonarmies had been burning down cities and towns as they travelled southwards towards Castle Camelot. Riadok tried to listen to what the knight was saying, but his eyelids felt heavy. His mind was drifting and was not concentrating on the conversation.
The ale tasted great, and he had one too many…
“Are you listening to me?” Aubriet fumed upon seeing that Riadok was half asleep by the time he finished his story. “So Riadok, what shall we do next?”
Riadok let out a loud yawn, leaving Aubriet even more befuddled. “Well Aubriet,” Riadok was slurring by now, “first, we needz to get ourselzes a good sleepzz, darn.. must be the sleepzing spell I accidentally cast just now while gulpzing down the ale… – zee… see you and we talk tomorrowz …” Without waiting for Aubriet to protest, the mage got up unsteadily, kicked over a stool, made a beeline for his room, collapsed on the bed and dozed off in an instance.
Aubriet was not impressed. This was not what he had expected. A flash and a smirk from the hydra appeared and dissolved in his mind. He held his head and shook it off.
Now’s not the time for regret. The knight was determined. We will draw up a plan tomorrow.
***
The sound of the airplane’s hum was replaced by a whirl as the auxiliary power unit of the plane’s tail kicked in. Navigating through a fierce thunderstorm, the shearing of air-mass created a wicked turbulence for those on board. Incredibly, Rian was sound asleep and snoring while Aubriet was wide-awake, contemplating what he would do when they landed.
Rian Douglas had examined the shard and was fascinated by it. He had asked that Aubriet give him the shard fragment in exchange for leaving the job and accompanying him to the Far East. Aubriet could not fathom the logic of this, nor was he trying to do so at this instance. He was having a bit of a cold feet now that he had left the sanctuary of home and country and was en route to a new and scary place.
It was going to be a long flight. So far, he only knew that Rian Douglas was – in fact – Ria-Dok. Beyond that, everything was uncertain and misty.
I guess I can only take it one step at a time… thought Aubriet as he sat through the rest of the turbulent flight.
Workplace Coaching Inquiry by Coach Tom: You’ve uncovered your lifetime mission. Who would you choose and how will you persuade them to join you?
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