Garet paced up the path from the blacksmith shop. It was becoming
twilight, with the sun slowly sinking to the ground in the west. It had
been a hard day at the smithy, especially with Isaac unaccounted for.
Garet told Mr. Carson that he was probably still at home, grieving. Carson
understood, but Isaac's workload fell onto Garet for the day; needless to
say, he was exhausted. Garet, who forgot to stop by Isaac's house in the
morning, decided to do so now. He finally reached Isaac's residence, and
he knocked on the hard wooden door. No answer. Puzzled, he rapped on the
door harder than before. Again, no answer. Frustrated, he pounded on the
door with his fist, yelling "Isaac!" at the same time. No answer. Garet
reached for the door handle and turned it. It was open, surprisingly, so
he stepped inside.
"Isaac? Where are you?" Garet called, his voice reverberating from the hardwood floors and the plaster walls. He searched the rooms downstairs, not spotting his friend, and then he made the pilgrimage upstairs to Isaac's bedroom. The door again, was shut. He pounded on the door, and when he got no response, he simply opened the door and walked right on in. The room was empty; no sign of any life whatsoever. Garet looked left and right, and was preparing to leave, when something caught his eye. There was something on Isaac's pillow. He walked up and inspected his find. It was a letter, and he began to read aloud, but to himself.
"Dear Garet,
I'm sorry I couldn't be here to do this in person, but I have left Vale for my own reasons. There are too many memories in this town for me to stand. Each memory that came to me opened the wound of losing my mother even farther, causing more grief with each thought. My only determination was to leave town and keep my mind focused on something else. I left during the night, as to not arouse the attention of anyone who wished to stop me. I have gone on an adventure alone, to see where my fate sends me and what my destiny is.
I wish I could've said good-bye to you, Jenna, Felix, and the others personally, but I would never have gotten out if I had. I want you to know that you were my best friend, and I thank you for that. Though, I do not wish you to stop me from doing this. I need to find my fate, and I couldn't ask you to join me. I want you to say good-bye to Jenna and Felix for me, and I want you to tell Mr. Carson that I resign from my position at his shop. Make sure you take care of everyone there for me, Garet. I won't return until I discover what my life has in store. Thank you, old friend.
-Isaac
P.S.: I have one last favor to ask of you, friend. I'm leaving you the duty to guard the Mars Star. I have lost my focus on the item, and I believe you'd do a better job keeping it than I. The Star his under my mattress, in the mithril bag Kraden had given me for it. Keep it well, friend."
Garet stood and stared at the note blankly at first, then he re-read it. Confusion, anger, and sadness arose into the boy, as he realized his friend had left him behind, probably for good. He sat on the bed contemplating the meaning of what he had just read, realizing then the Mars Star was underneath him. He pulled the bag from the mattress and stared at it. Isaac wasn't kidding. He'd never let the Elemental Star of Mars out of his sight during his questing, and now he left it for him to take care of. Realizing the reality around him, Garet sprung to his feet, stuffed the note in one pocket, the bag with the Mars Star in the other, and he ran toward the inn. In mere moments, he arrived, breathing heavily.
The innkeeper was shocked by Garet's sudden entrance and was taken breathless. "Garet, is there something you need?"
"Yes! Where's Jenna? It's an emergency!"
"She's in the back, helping with the cooking. What kind of emergency?"
"I'll explain later!" Garet cut short, charging into the kitchen area, almost knocking a tray of food off a counter. Jenna and the cook spotted his rambunctious entrance and immediately glared at him.
"Garet! What are you doing here?! You know I'm busy right now!" She said, while stirring a boiling pot of rice.
"Jenna, it's an emergency."
"What, you forgot how to put on your boots again?"
"Jenna! I'm serious!" He snapped. Jenna's attention was instantly focused on him. "Isaac's gone. He's left town during the night!"
"What?!"
"Isaac's left town. I have his note right here, look!" He handed her the old piece of paper. Jenna's eyes studied the paper, and eventually got wider.
"He left?! Just like that? Without saying goodbye, or asking us to go with him? What are we supposed to do?!"
"We're going to go after him, that's what we're going to do! At least I am. Are you in?"
"I don't know. . ." She looked to the head chef, who was stunned too. He nodded in approval of her going, and she nodded to Garet.
"Good. Glad to hear it."
"Are you sure this is wise?" Another voice rang out. Garet spun to see Felix standing in the doorway, eyes focused intently on him. "It sounds like he doesn't want to be followed."
"If you read the note, it doesn't say anything about not following him. Besides, even if it did, I'm not letting my best friend go all alone on a journey he shouldn't have gone on alone to begin with!" Garet returned, openly frustrated.
"Relax. I was just thinking of what he implied."
"Well, I'm going whether you like it or not, whether my parents like it or not, or whether Isaac likes it or not."
"I'm with Garet on this one, brother."
"Very well. Pack your things, travel light. We leave in an hour." Felix said, quietly.
"We?!" Garet asked, surprised.
"Yes, we. I'm going with you; I can't let my sister go on this alone. Besides, this is indirectly my fault. Now, enough jabbering. Garet, you've got some explaining to your folks to do. Make it quick, and meet Jenna and I in front of our cottage in one hour."
"Got it." Garet took the note back from Felix and ran off for home.
***********************
"Master Hammet, I need to talk to you." Ivan said, slowly stepping into his guardian's chamber. The chamber was large, built of smooth gray stone, much resembling the walls of a castle. This chamber was more of an office than a throne room, so there was a heavy stained oak desk in the head of the room, and red plush carpeting lining most of the floors. There were bookcases of countless volumes of accounting work and business plans lined against the cold walls of the room, but none near the fireplace; not since the accident a month ago. There was still a burn mark on the carpet nearby.
"Certainly, my boy, come in." Hammet said, looking up from his paperwork. A large grin covered his face seeing his adopted son during his work; he needed a little break anyway. "What is it, Ivan?" Ivan fidgeted lightly before sitting down in a chair across from Hammet. "What's on your mind?"
"That's exactly what I need to talk to you about. You know I have the ability to read minds, right?"
"Yes, I've known since you've returned from your journey."
"Well, my powers have developed recently; I've started having visions. They're always in my sleep, but whatever I see comes true, and whenever my gut tells me to do something, I feel more than compelled to listen." Ivan started. "But that's not what I'm worried about. I felt a vibration in my dream; my dreams tell me to go to Vault. I know something that could affect the entire world might happen soon." Hammet looked stunned.
"Are you sure, Ivan?"
"My instincts tell me I must leave for Vault. Alone."
"Ivan. . ." Hammet sighed. "It seems like you just returned. I was hoping you could stay here in Kalay and become a master merchant."
"If my feelings didn't tell me to leave, I would gladly stay and learn your skills. I just can't. I hope you understand; I don't want to leave, but I'm compelled to."
"When will you be leaving, Ivan?"
"Within the hour. I must be on the move before nightfall. If I do not arrive in Vault in three days, I fear I will not be able to be in time to do what needs to be done." Ivan lowered his head. "I'm sorry, Master Hammet."
Hammet stared at his son, and sighed. "Don't be, Ivan. I can see now that you're destined to be much more than a merchant. Though, can you tell me what drives you to Vault?"
"I'm afraid I don't have an answer for that. My instincts tell me to go, so I must."
"Fair enough." Hammet rose from his seat and paced around his desk until he was next to his son. Ivan promptly stood when Hammet stopped. Hammet placed his hand on Ivan's right shoulder. "Ivan my boy, I wish you could stay, but I will not stop you from following your instincts. My father taught me to do the same, and I want you to do what you feel is right. I wish you the best of luck." Hammet's eyes watered as he spoke. It was obvious he didn't want Ivan to go, but he knew he couldn't stand in his way. Seeing Hammet like this made Ivan feel even more upset and reluctant to abdicate his life in Kalay again.
"I'm sorry, Master Hammet."
"Don't say anything. If you want to get out of Kalay before nightfall, you haven't a second to lose. Make haste, Ivan, and find your fate. Go now!" Hammet removed his hand from Ivan's shoulder and pointed to the large wooden door out of his office. Ivan nodded and walked out of the room, his head hung low. Now it was time he had to leave adventuring again. His only regrets were leaving Kalay, and the fact that Isaac and Garet would not be with him this time.
****************************
Isaac reached the city limits of a town he was very familiar with by the rise of the moon. He stood at the gates of Vault, peering into the town where he and Garet had their first adventure outside of their hometown. Vault was not unlike Vale; in fact, one may go so far as to say they were sister towns, instead of just two ordinary towns. The buildings in Vault were nearly identical to those in Vale, so Isaac immediately felt a sense of discomfort upon entering the little town. He wrapped his scarf tighter around his neck as he entered the town, not wishing to be recognized as the hero, but rather just as a traveler. As he spun down an alley to reach the inn faster, he was greeted by a flash of golden light, and a familiar voice sounded. Isaac put his hand to his eyes to avoid being further blinded by the illumination.
"Back in the saddle for another adventure, eh, Isaac?" A small voice called out.
"Who's there?!"
"Why, I'm surprised you don't recognize your old friend. Let me turn down the light show." The light began to fade, and Isaac came face to face with a small, brown creature who was hovering just feet from his face. "Now do you recognize me?"
"Well, I'll be damned. Flint, is that really you?" Isaac asked, suppressing a smile. "My old Djinni pal, how are you?"
"Just fine, considering. I knew you couldn't resist being out on an adventure." Flint replied, landing on Isaac's shoulder. "So, where are the others, anyway?"
"They're not here, Flint. I'm adventuring alone now."
"That's no way to adventure, Isaac. You need a partner; tell you what. I'll do you this favor and let you take me around with you. It'll be just like old times, except without the big oaf." The Djinn smirked.
"Garet, you mean. Well, I suppose I could bring you along with me; it's not like you get in the way. Just keep quiet when we're not around Adepts, okay?"
"Count on it, Isaac. So, what's our first order of business?"
"We go to the inn. I'm hungry and tired; you try making the journey from Vale to Vault on foot in one day."
"Well actually, there was that one time." The Djinn cracked.
"Shut up, Flint." Isaac returned. "I told you never to bring that up again!"
"Sorry."
"No matter. Just do your disappearing act and let's make tracks for the inn." Isaac ordered. Flint nodded, transforming into a yellow light, and then the funny little creature disappeared. Isaac smiled, but soon wiped his face clean of it when he reached the local inn. He pushed open the door, and stepped inside.
The inn was lit with candles and the candelabras that hung from the ceiling in places. The inn was bustling with many people eating at tables and at the bar, with several playing cards in one corner of the room. The atmosphere was warm and very inviting, as any good inn should be. The lobby's floors were pine wood, and the walls covered with a creme-colored plaster and several different paintings. Each of the works of art were hand painted by a small-time artist in Vault, but each work came to life in its own way. The innkeeper stood behind the main desk, seemingly distracted with the ambrosial smell of the delicious food they served in the eating area. Isaac cautiously approached and addressed the innkeeper.
"I'd like a room for the night, sir."
"Certainly. It'll be 12 coins for you to stay here tonight." Isaac nodded, and handed over the 12 coins. He was returned with a room key. He accepted the tiny brass key, and he slipped into the eating room. Taking the last empty table, Isaac sat in a chair and leaned against the wall. Shortly after, an attractive waitress came to him and asked for his order.
"I'd like the beef-barley soup, please." Isaac returned.
"What do you want to drink?"
"Water will be fine, thank you." He closed his eyes and let his mind wander for awhile. He was rudely awakened from his daydreams by another figure.
"Excuse me, but do you mind me sitting with you?" A male figure asked. "Every other seat is taken." Isaac opened his eyes to see a male figure, roughly seventeen, with dark brown hair that spiked in a descending row from the front of his head with five smaller spikes spanning out from behind his head, a strange set of blue-tinted glass lenses that covered the person's eyes completely, and a black tunic with blue pants.
"Go right ahead." Isaac kindly returned.
"So, what's your name, traveler?"
"Isaac. And you?"
"The name's Triad Orion. I just arrived here in Vault; I'm a wandering traveler; go where the nearest town is."
"So, you travel too, huh?"
"Yeah, I get around. I also dabble in inventing too." Triad looked left and whispered quietly to Isaac. "I'm trying to invent a flying machine. They say it can't be done, but I'll do it." Isaac now thought the person was mad. Flight was impossible with out the use of Psynergy, and the only one he had seen use it was Alex, and he more or less hovered, not flew.
"You think I'm crazy, huh? So what have you accomplished in your life?"
Isaac paused before answering. "Not much." He lied. "That's why I'm out now." After he finished speaking, the waitress brought his soup and water to him.
"So, what are you questing for? Wealth? Fame? Honor? Love?" Triad asked him. Isaac was busy slurping his soup, so he couldn't reply right away; but he did moments later.
"Destiny."
"Destiny?! What kind of answer is that?"
"What kind of answer was wealth, fame, or honor?"
"A common one."
"Then I'm not a common person." Isaac went back to eating is soup, drinking his water intermittently. The soup tasted very good; there were large chunks of beef and lots of barley, and the vegetables were not overcooked; they retained their flavor in the broth and made the hot meal that much more satisfying.
"No, I guess you're not." Triad continued, sighing.
"Well, what are you out for?"
"Knowledge."
"Your answer's as bad as mine."
"Perhaps it is, but knowledge and destiny are two different things. When are you heading out?"
"Tomorrow."
"Where are you headed, Isaac?" Isaac looked up, not realizing where he was heading. Thinking quickly, he removed his dagger from his belt and placed on the wooden tabletop.
"I'm going to spin this knife on the table, and wherever the blade points when it stops is where I will go." Isaac replied. He gave the knife a snap of his wrist, sending it reeling around on the table top. Moments later, it slowed, and eventually stopped. After Isaac was sure it had halted, he pointed to where the knife did, and said: "I'm going that way. Fate has chosen my path, and I'm obliged to obey it." Isaac finished off what was left of his meal and drink, and slipped the dagger back into its sheath. "Now then, I bid you a good evening. May our paths cross again." Isaac extended his hand in friendship, and Triad shook it. Isaac spun around, left the dining area, and bee-lined straight for his room, where he immediately turned in for the night.
"Isaac? Where are you?" Garet called, his voice reverberating from the hardwood floors and the plaster walls. He searched the rooms downstairs, not spotting his friend, and then he made the pilgrimage upstairs to Isaac's bedroom. The door again, was shut. He pounded on the door, and when he got no response, he simply opened the door and walked right on in. The room was empty; no sign of any life whatsoever. Garet looked left and right, and was preparing to leave, when something caught his eye. There was something on Isaac's pillow. He walked up and inspected his find. It was a letter, and he began to read aloud, but to himself.
"Dear Garet,
I'm sorry I couldn't be here to do this in person, but I have left Vale for my own reasons. There are too many memories in this town for me to stand. Each memory that came to me opened the wound of losing my mother even farther, causing more grief with each thought. My only determination was to leave town and keep my mind focused on something else. I left during the night, as to not arouse the attention of anyone who wished to stop me. I have gone on an adventure alone, to see where my fate sends me and what my destiny is.
I wish I could've said good-bye to you, Jenna, Felix, and the others personally, but I would never have gotten out if I had. I want you to know that you were my best friend, and I thank you for that. Though, I do not wish you to stop me from doing this. I need to find my fate, and I couldn't ask you to join me. I want you to say good-bye to Jenna and Felix for me, and I want you to tell Mr. Carson that I resign from my position at his shop. Make sure you take care of everyone there for me, Garet. I won't return until I discover what my life has in store. Thank you, old friend.
-Isaac
P.S.: I have one last favor to ask of you, friend. I'm leaving you the duty to guard the Mars Star. I have lost my focus on the item, and I believe you'd do a better job keeping it than I. The Star his under my mattress, in the mithril bag Kraden had given me for it. Keep it well, friend."
Garet stood and stared at the note blankly at first, then he re-read it. Confusion, anger, and sadness arose into the boy, as he realized his friend had left him behind, probably for good. He sat on the bed contemplating the meaning of what he had just read, realizing then the Mars Star was underneath him. He pulled the bag from the mattress and stared at it. Isaac wasn't kidding. He'd never let the Elemental Star of Mars out of his sight during his questing, and now he left it for him to take care of. Realizing the reality around him, Garet sprung to his feet, stuffed the note in one pocket, the bag with the Mars Star in the other, and he ran toward the inn. In mere moments, he arrived, breathing heavily.
The innkeeper was shocked by Garet's sudden entrance and was taken breathless. "Garet, is there something you need?"
"Yes! Where's Jenna? It's an emergency!"
"She's in the back, helping with the cooking. What kind of emergency?"
"I'll explain later!" Garet cut short, charging into the kitchen area, almost knocking a tray of food off a counter. Jenna and the cook spotted his rambunctious entrance and immediately glared at him.
"Garet! What are you doing here?! You know I'm busy right now!" She said, while stirring a boiling pot of rice.
"Jenna, it's an emergency."
"What, you forgot how to put on your boots again?"
"Jenna! I'm serious!" He snapped. Jenna's attention was instantly focused on him. "Isaac's gone. He's left town during the night!"
"What?!"
"Isaac's left town. I have his note right here, look!" He handed her the old piece of paper. Jenna's eyes studied the paper, and eventually got wider.
"He left?! Just like that? Without saying goodbye, or asking us to go with him? What are we supposed to do?!"
"We're going to go after him, that's what we're going to do! At least I am. Are you in?"
"I don't know. . ." She looked to the head chef, who was stunned too. He nodded in approval of her going, and she nodded to Garet.
"Good. Glad to hear it."
"Are you sure this is wise?" Another voice rang out. Garet spun to see Felix standing in the doorway, eyes focused intently on him. "It sounds like he doesn't want to be followed."
"If you read the note, it doesn't say anything about not following him. Besides, even if it did, I'm not letting my best friend go all alone on a journey he shouldn't have gone on alone to begin with!" Garet returned, openly frustrated.
"Relax. I was just thinking of what he implied."
"Well, I'm going whether you like it or not, whether my parents like it or not, or whether Isaac likes it or not."
"I'm with Garet on this one, brother."
"Very well. Pack your things, travel light. We leave in an hour." Felix said, quietly.
"We?!" Garet asked, surprised.
"Yes, we. I'm going with you; I can't let my sister go on this alone. Besides, this is indirectly my fault. Now, enough jabbering. Garet, you've got some explaining to your folks to do. Make it quick, and meet Jenna and I in front of our cottage in one hour."
"Got it." Garet took the note back from Felix and ran off for home.
***********************
"Master Hammet, I need to talk to you." Ivan said, slowly stepping into his guardian's chamber. The chamber was large, built of smooth gray stone, much resembling the walls of a castle. This chamber was more of an office than a throne room, so there was a heavy stained oak desk in the head of the room, and red plush carpeting lining most of the floors. There were bookcases of countless volumes of accounting work and business plans lined against the cold walls of the room, but none near the fireplace; not since the accident a month ago. There was still a burn mark on the carpet nearby.
"Certainly, my boy, come in." Hammet said, looking up from his paperwork. A large grin covered his face seeing his adopted son during his work; he needed a little break anyway. "What is it, Ivan?" Ivan fidgeted lightly before sitting down in a chair across from Hammet. "What's on your mind?"
"That's exactly what I need to talk to you about. You know I have the ability to read minds, right?"
"Yes, I've known since you've returned from your journey."
"Well, my powers have developed recently; I've started having visions. They're always in my sleep, but whatever I see comes true, and whenever my gut tells me to do something, I feel more than compelled to listen." Ivan started. "But that's not what I'm worried about. I felt a vibration in my dream; my dreams tell me to go to Vault. I know something that could affect the entire world might happen soon." Hammet looked stunned.
"Are you sure, Ivan?"
"My instincts tell me I must leave for Vault. Alone."
"Ivan. . ." Hammet sighed. "It seems like you just returned. I was hoping you could stay here in Kalay and become a master merchant."
"If my feelings didn't tell me to leave, I would gladly stay and learn your skills. I just can't. I hope you understand; I don't want to leave, but I'm compelled to."
"When will you be leaving, Ivan?"
"Within the hour. I must be on the move before nightfall. If I do not arrive in Vault in three days, I fear I will not be able to be in time to do what needs to be done." Ivan lowered his head. "I'm sorry, Master Hammet."
Hammet stared at his son, and sighed. "Don't be, Ivan. I can see now that you're destined to be much more than a merchant. Though, can you tell me what drives you to Vault?"
"I'm afraid I don't have an answer for that. My instincts tell me to go, so I must."
"Fair enough." Hammet rose from his seat and paced around his desk until he was next to his son. Ivan promptly stood when Hammet stopped. Hammet placed his hand on Ivan's right shoulder. "Ivan my boy, I wish you could stay, but I will not stop you from following your instincts. My father taught me to do the same, and I want you to do what you feel is right. I wish you the best of luck." Hammet's eyes watered as he spoke. It was obvious he didn't want Ivan to go, but he knew he couldn't stand in his way. Seeing Hammet like this made Ivan feel even more upset and reluctant to abdicate his life in Kalay again.
"I'm sorry, Master Hammet."
"Don't say anything. If you want to get out of Kalay before nightfall, you haven't a second to lose. Make haste, Ivan, and find your fate. Go now!" Hammet removed his hand from Ivan's shoulder and pointed to the large wooden door out of his office. Ivan nodded and walked out of the room, his head hung low. Now it was time he had to leave adventuring again. His only regrets were leaving Kalay, and the fact that Isaac and Garet would not be with him this time.
****************************
Isaac reached the city limits of a town he was very familiar with by the rise of the moon. He stood at the gates of Vault, peering into the town where he and Garet had their first adventure outside of their hometown. Vault was not unlike Vale; in fact, one may go so far as to say they were sister towns, instead of just two ordinary towns. The buildings in Vault were nearly identical to those in Vale, so Isaac immediately felt a sense of discomfort upon entering the little town. He wrapped his scarf tighter around his neck as he entered the town, not wishing to be recognized as the hero, but rather just as a traveler. As he spun down an alley to reach the inn faster, he was greeted by a flash of golden light, and a familiar voice sounded. Isaac put his hand to his eyes to avoid being further blinded by the illumination.
"Back in the saddle for another adventure, eh, Isaac?" A small voice called out.
"Who's there?!"
"Why, I'm surprised you don't recognize your old friend. Let me turn down the light show." The light began to fade, and Isaac came face to face with a small, brown creature who was hovering just feet from his face. "Now do you recognize me?"
"Well, I'll be damned. Flint, is that really you?" Isaac asked, suppressing a smile. "My old Djinni pal, how are you?"
"Just fine, considering. I knew you couldn't resist being out on an adventure." Flint replied, landing on Isaac's shoulder. "So, where are the others, anyway?"
"They're not here, Flint. I'm adventuring alone now."
"That's no way to adventure, Isaac. You need a partner; tell you what. I'll do you this favor and let you take me around with you. It'll be just like old times, except without the big oaf." The Djinn smirked.
"Garet, you mean. Well, I suppose I could bring you along with me; it's not like you get in the way. Just keep quiet when we're not around Adepts, okay?"
"Count on it, Isaac. So, what's our first order of business?"
"We go to the inn. I'm hungry and tired; you try making the journey from Vale to Vault on foot in one day."
"Well actually, there was that one time." The Djinn cracked.
"Shut up, Flint." Isaac returned. "I told you never to bring that up again!"
"Sorry."
"No matter. Just do your disappearing act and let's make tracks for the inn." Isaac ordered. Flint nodded, transforming into a yellow light, and then the funny little creature disappeared. Isaac smiled, but soon wiped his face clean of it when he reached the local inn. He pushed open the door, and stepped inside.
The inn was lit with candles and the candelabras that hung from the ceiling in places. The inn was bustling with many people eating at tables and at the bar, with several playing cards in one corner of the room. The atmosphere was warm and very inviting, as any good inn should be. The lobby's floors were pine wood, and the walls covered with a creme-colored plaster and several different paintings. Each of the works of art were hand painted by a small-time artist in Vault, but each work came to life in its own way. The innkeeper stood behind the main desk, seemingly distracted with the ambrosial smell of the delicious food they served in the eating area. Isaac cautiously approached and addressed the innkeeper.
"I'd like a room for the night, sir."
"Certainly. It'll be 12 coins for you to stay here tonight." Isaac nodded, and handed over the 12 coins. He was returned with a room key. He accepted the tiny brass key, and he slipped into the eating room. Taking the last empty table, Isaac sat in a chair and leaned against the wall. Shortly after, an attractive waitress came to him and asked for his order.
"I'd like the beef-barley soup, please." Isaac returned.
"What do you want to drink?"
"Water will be fine, thank you." He closed his eyes and let his mind wander for awhile. He was rudely awakened from his daydreams by another figure.
"Excuse me, but do you mind me sitting with you?" A male figure asked. "Every other seat is taken." Isaac opened his eyes to see a male figure, roughly seventeen, with dark brown hair that spiked in a descending row from the front of his head with five smaller spikes spanning out from behind his head, a strange set of blue-tinted glass lenses that covered the person's eyes completely, and a black tunic with blue pants.
"Go right ahead." Isaac kindly returned.
"So, what's your name, traveler?"
"Isaac. And you?"
"The name's Triad Orion. I just arrived here in Vault; I'm a wandering traveler; go where the nearest town is."
"So, you travel too, huh?"
"Yeah, I get around. I also dabble in inventing too." Triad looked left and whispered quietly to Isaac. "I'm trying to invent a flying machine. They say it can't be done, but I'll do it." Isaac now thought the person was mad. Flight was impossible with out the use of Psynergy, and the only one he had seen use it was Alex, and he more or less hovered, not flew.
"You think I'm crazy, huh? So what have you accomplished in your life?"
Isaac paused before answering. "Not much." He lied. "That's why I'm out now." After he finished speaking, the waitress brought his soup and water to him.
"So, what are you questing for? Wealth? Fame? Honor? Love?" Triad asked him. Isaac was busy slurping his soup, so he couldn't reply right away; but he did moments later.
"Destiny."
"Destiny?! What kind of answer is that?"
"What kind of answer was wealth, fame, or honor?"
"A common one."
"Then I'm not a common person." Isaac went back to eating is soup, drinking his water intermittently. The soup tasted very good; there were large chunks of beef and lots of barley, and the vegetables were not overcooked; they retained their flavor in the broth and made the hot meal that much more satisfying.
"No, I guess you're not." Triad continued, sighing.
"Well, what are you out for?"
"Knowledge."
"Your answer's as bad as mine."
"Perhaps it is, but knowledge and destiny are two different things. When are you heading out?"
"Tomorrow."
"Where are you headed, Isaac?" Isaac looked up, not realizing where he was heading. Thinking quickly, he removed his dagger from his belt and placed on the wooden tabletop.
"I'm going to spin this knife on the table, and wherever the blade points when it stops is where I will go." Isaac replied. He gave the knife a snap of his wrist, sending it reeling around on the table top. Moments later, it slowed, and eventually stopped. After Isaac was sure it had halted, he pointed to where the knife did, and said: "I'm going that way. Fate has chosen my path, and I'm obliged to obey it." Isaac finished off what was left of his meal and drink, and slipped the dagger back into its sheath. "Now then, I bid you a good evening. May our paths cross again." Isaac extended his hand in friendship, and Triad shook it. Isaac spun around, left the dining area, and bee-lined straight for his room, where he immediately turned in for the night.