I reached the City of Voreig before dawn. I was tired from riding the whole day and needed to fill my stomach. I entered a pub called The Bull Is Watching and sat at a table next to the window. A guy of about my age approached me to take my order.

‘Oi, lad. What do ya want to order?’ He asked me. I didn’t knowen what to order.
‘What do you suggest?’ The best thing I could do was ask the waiter who knew about the house specialty.
‘Ou’ skirt steak wit’ the house sauce is to lick you’ fingers’ he told me.
‘I’ll order one with a glass of water’ I told him. He didn’t even write the order.
‘I’ll return wit’ the house specialty then.’ The long-haired man went to the kitchen at a fast pace.

Minutes later, the man returned with my order. ‘That was fast.’ I thought. The steak was cooked medium well, but the sauce gave it the touch. It gave the steak a sweet taste. When I finished my plate, the waiter returned.

‘Thank you very much. It was delicious.’ The young man picked up a plate.
‘Do you know where I can stay?’ I asked him.
‘Oh, you can stay ‘ere. There is a room free.’ He told me.
‘How much does the night stay cost?’ I wanted to knowen.
‘´Ust ten coins.’ He replied to me.
‘Could you show me the room?’ I asked him, and the man made me a gesture with his hand to follow him through a small passage that led to some rooms. The room had a bed, a wardrobe, and a chest. It was suitable for what I needed.
‘You can take a bat' in one of the bathrooms. There’ll be this party, so you don’t wan’ to miss it.’
‘I’ll consider it. I’m tired.’ I told him.
‘C’mon. Take a showe’ and come.’ He tried to convince me and tempted me. I had never been to a party. It would be my first one.
‘I’ll think it.’ I told him.

After taking a bath and changing my clothes, I returned to my room. I could hear an enchanting and catching rhythm coming from the pub.
When I went to the hall, troubadours, who were dressed in colorful clothes, were playing different instruments. Some people were dancing, others were watching and clapping, and others were smiling and drinking. Suddenly, a hand took me to the dance floor.
‘C’mon, mate. Dance!!!’ I tried to follow the steps but was as rigid as a tree.
‘What’s your name?’ I asked him, but he couldn't listen to me. There was a lot of noise between the music and the voices.
‘WHAT’S YOUR NAME?’ I shouted next to his ear.
‘I’m Thomas. An’ you?’
‘They called me John. I didn’t knowen my real name.’ I answered.
‘Ou, that’s bad.’ He put his hand on my shoulder to comfort me.
‘Don’t worry. It’s okay. How am I supposed to dance?’ I asked him. He laughed out loud before replying to me.
‘Just dance. Do whatever you want.’ I moved my hands and feet, shook my waist, and spun my head. I have never felt so much joy and fun in my life. I could go to parties every day!!! When I was starting to catch the rhythm, something strange drew my attention.
A caped man was threatening a woman on the streets. Everybody was immersed in the party and hypnotized by the music, so they didn’t notice what was happening outside. I separated from the crowd and left the pub.
The thief was about to escape, and the victim was crying for help. I closed my eyes, focused, and shouted Luxana. A ray of light came out of my hand and made the thief stumble. I picked up the purse and gave it to the woman. She was shocked at what she had lived.

‘Thou shouldn’t haven done that.’ She stated.
‘Why?’ I didn’t understand. I didn’t see the problem in helping her.
‘Magic is forbidden in this town. Thou should leave. Now!!!’ She grabbed my hand and gave me a few coins.

I took into consideration her words and went to grab my stuff, but first I had to return the key to Thomas who was speaking with someone else.

‘Thomas, I have to leave.’ I told him and he made a strange gesture.
‘Why? Are thou not goin’ to stay?’ He asked me.
‘There is an emergency. I can’t stay any longer. I’ll come back.’ I hugged him and left the pub. As soon as I mounted on Janeleine, I left the town as fast as a comet. Next time, I had to read the rules and norms of each city or town to avoiden unnecessary conflicts.

© Jero Gandini