3 Worlds

Take one step at a time. Fear is only in your head

The friends spent the night drinking and having a good time. In the morning Dilijon got up as usual, but this time he was in a great mood. He felt healthy and calm, he had obtained the last element of the compass the previous evening without causing any harm to anyone. With a smile on his face he crouched down next to Genghis and scratched him behind the ears as he loved. The only thing that worried him a little was the condition of his furry companion's paws, but after recent events he felt that nothing could stand in his way, he felt strong, efficient, complete.

After exchanging affection with his pet, he decided it was time to go down and see what his companion Kowal was up to, with whom he felt a growing bond with every day and after every expedition, and doubts about his intentions were slowly disappearing. The line between this world and the reality he had lived in before also began to blur.

Downstairs, since morning, the thunder of the hammer striking steel and anvil could already be heard, the specific smell of coal and metal wafting through the workshop enveloped everything around, but it didn't bother Dilijon anymore, he started to get used to this place and the magic that reigned here.

–What would you like to drink, my friend? –The host asked, seeing them coming down the stairs –For the dog, I have a cool bowl of water and some homemade food from what I had in the pantry, and for you, I have some herbs, coffee or a glass of ambrosia from yesterday –he laughed merrily, knowing that the drink he so eagerly produces may go down well in the evening, but in the morning it is like pouring gasoline into a burning car.

–Oh no my friend, a warm coffee and some food and I'll be as good as new –he replied clearly souring at the thought of the alcohol of a home– grown moonshiner. He looked at his dog and winked at him teasingly, warmly stated –as soon as we fix you up I think we're staying here for good –he stretched and reached for a cigarette from his pocket, looked at it and added –and then I'll finish smoking –he laughed and lit it, inhaling the smoke with satisfaction. In the meantime, the blacksmith prepared breakfast and served coffee. They sat down opposite each other at the table and, drinking coffee, feasted on their meal.

–What are your plans for today, Dilijon? –the blacksmith suddenly replied –maybe we could visit the temple, you could meet a certain interesting person.

–I didn't really have any plans, I'd love to go somewhere where I can see something other than your ugly beard –he joked –and what do you think about it Genghis? –he asked turning from the table and looking at his pet, who immediately tore himself away from the bowl full of delicious food when he heard that, he loved walks and even when his legs hurt he still loved it.

–Well, that's great, hah, and you'll still miss my stylish beard someday, you fool! –he replied to his friend's provocation and added –now let's get ourselves together and go!

They did as he said, finished their meal, packed a few things into their backpacks, and this time Kowal didn't have a bundle the size of a large cow but a small, funny backpack that looked on his back as if it had been taken straight off a kindergartener, which caused quiet, uncontrollable outbursts of giggles from Dilijon standing behind him.

They left the forge, of course so as not to arouse unnecessary attention they put hoods on their heads, only they did not think of a disguise for Genghis, but decided that he would not be conspicuous. They went through the alley behind the town hall, then up a few steps to higher levels, where there were stalls and numerous merchants from the surrounding lands behind the cracks.

–Oh my, my friend –the Blacksmith said suddenly –it's a good thing I took some coins with me, because today is a big market day, you can buy some steel and stones for the forge! Come quickly, old Edek is standing there, he deals in the best iron ore in the area, oh, and that one there is Zbyszek, if you want good herbs, you go to him –the blacksmith, excited like a small child, nudged his companion in the shoulder with his elbow –if you know what I mean –he winked and smiled broadly. He was so pleased that Dilijon had completely forgotten his worries and concerns and was enjoying his friend's happiness.