It was just after midnight when William approached the gates to the town of Greensville. “Who goes there?” a guard called out into the night. William paused, then sighed.

“A simple traveler seeks a warm room and a drink,” William said. He had recited the line many times since first hearing it.

“You travel alone? It’s a long trip from here to the closest village, and you without even a horse?” the guard said.

What, did I say it wrong? William thought. Go to the gate with three torches, say the line, the guard will say ‘Don’t we all,’ then go meet the scout at-

“Wait,” William said. He looked up. “That’s four torches.” The two guards turned to look back, then returned their attention to their guest.

“What of it?” one of them said.

I swear I was heading for the gate with three torches. I must’ve counted those stupid torches a dozen times on the walk. William noticed that one of the guards was pointing a sword at him.

“There’s no need for all that now,” the guard said. William furrowed his brow, then looked down. He was now holding Kuru.

That’s odd, I don’t remember taking -

If I may interrupt, a familiar voice said. William hadn’t heard the weapon speak since sunrise. We are taking a slight detour. William noticed one of the guards open his mouth to say something, though there was no sound. Then the world went dark.