Magic and Monsters

New World

Charles opened his eyes and he was no longer in the godforsaken cab. It was a lot brighter and hotter than a few moments ago. His eyes slowly adjusted to the sunlight.

Charles appeared to be in a town square swarming with people wearing a myriad of clothing. Warriors wearing plated armour with swords and spears marched in down the centre of the cobbled road. There were stone and wooden buildings which resembled medieval taverns and shops.

A fresh aroma of hot bread and roast meat reached his nostrils. His stomach rumbled in response at the prospect of a warm meal. Charles hadn't had anything to eat since lunch at his office. He located a few stores selling hot food and took a step forward. His foot stepped on a hard object.

Under his foot was the same handgun that the murderous taxi driver was using. Charles quickly picked it up and opened the holster. There were six bullets inside.

"Hey, you!" growled gruff voice from somewhere behind Charles, making his heart leap up his throat. He quickly pocketed the gun in his trousers and turned around.

"You ain't from 'round 'ere? Are Ya?"

A blacksmith hammering away at a glowing red metal rod in his combination of a store and forge. The blacksmith had a thick brown moustache and a shiny bald head. He wore a dusty black apron over his brown garments that were once white.

Charles looked down at his own leather business suit and tie. He stuck out like black against white, and passersby constantly snuck strange looks at him.

"No, in fact, I came from a long way away. What is the name of this town?" asked Charles as he approached the blacksmith. He had to gather information if he was to survive in this new world.

"HAAA HAAA HAA HAAAAAA HAA HA" roared the blacksmith. He dropped his hammer and clapped Charles on the shoulder. "You must be really lost, ma' friend. Welcome to the humble town of Abbotsford! My friends call me Barry the blacksmith! HAHAAHA!" he laughed.

Charles returned a smile and reached out his hand to shake. "My name's Charles," said Charles. Barry the blacksmith looked at the hand bemused and unsure of what it meant.

"Ya looking for a sword to put in ya hand?" asked Barry, misunderstanding the intention. He plucked out a medium length blade from a rack fit for a medieval fanatic's arsenal.

"This one looks like it suits you just fine, Charles!" he grunted.

"What's the local currency?" asked Charles as he handled the blade, which was a lot heavier than he expected.

"We use coppers n' silvers. A copper can get ya a good meal. 20 coppers to a silver." explained Barry. He picked up a wooden round shield and looped it around Charles' other arm.

Charles was about to ask more when he felt a heavy hand on his shoulder.

"You, suspicious man! Where are you from?" demanded a guard dressed from head to toe in armour. He spoke through the gaps in his red plumed, silver helmet.

"Ooi you, you're disturbing my customer!" interjected Barry.

"Silence, plebeian! You, strange man don't ignore me!" yelled the guard, looking back to Charles.

"Look, my name is Charles, I did nothing wrong!" exclaimed Charles with both palms in the air. The guard leaned in closer and scrutinised his clothing.

"Sir, is there a problem?" Charles asked.

The guard appeared as if he was about to spit out another retort when a sudden scream pierced the air. The whole market place went silent, and the scream sounded again.