8 Maya (1/2)

For the second time that day, Will opened his eyes. Instead of a forest floor in which he was expecting, he was in a hard wooden bed with what felt like a worn out mattress. Whatever it was, it was the softest thing he had slept on in days. He wanted to pull the covers over his eyes and fall back asleep before he realized that once again he was in unfamiliar territory.

Will sat up slowly, noticing that everything was still on him including his jacket, dog tags, and cross. His joints yet again aching from over exertion, he took in his surroundings. He was in a small stone walled room. The only furniture was the bed, a small wooden table and a chair. On the table a half a loaf of bread was placed with a cup of water, next to the bed rested his bag. Will silently thanked whoever brought him to the medieval hotel room with all of his belongings. He couldn't imagine the trip without his bag.

Looking at the bread, Will remembered the woman who had been in trouble on the path, instantly he jumped out of bed and went to the door. Flinging it open, he was instantly greeted by a surprised face.

The woman had been stoking a small cooking fire, making what looked to be stew. ”I didn't expect you to be awake for some time now,” she said with a smile. She was clearly happy to be back at home rather than being brought to who knows where by those guards.

”I mean no offense ma'am,” Will said as he looked around the small cottage, clearly not remembering the one of whom he saved, ”but where am I?” the last thing he remembered was saving someone and passing out.

”You collapsed after saving me from those evil men,” the woman said as she looked at Will with a smile. ”I brought you back to my home so you could rest, it was the least I could do after what you did.”

”What I did?” Will had a confused expression on his face, clearly not knowing what he did to deserve such hospitality. ”I'm sorry, the last thing I remember was feeling angry at the way those men were treating a traveling woman.” He said trying to recall the events. Will's eyes wandered around the small cottage, landing directly on the woman. His eyes widened when he remembered her.

”My name is Maya,” she said in a small voice, ”thank you so much for saving me.” Her face gradually taking a pink complexion.

”You can rest some more if you'd like,” she said with shining eyes. ”I do not have much for food, but you are welcomed to my table for as long as you wish.”

Will remembered what Maya said about the bag of provisions. He went back to his room for his bag. If there was anything he could do, he would help to ensure she had everything she needed as payment for her hospitality.

Will placed the bag on the bed and summoned up the food he had. By the time he had finished, he brought out fifty packs of jerky and fifty packs of top ramen. The more trips he took with food in his hands, the more surprised Maya looked.

When Will finally finished with the food, he brought out a campfire cooking grill, a pot, four bowls and four forks. ”I'm William Carter, he said to Maya, somewhat embarrassed that he didn't introduce himself earlier. She could only giggle at his attempt to correct himself

Will looked at Maya. ”I'm glad they didn't hurt you,” said honestly. If he was as powerless as he was in Colorado, he wouldn't have been able to do anything. Will thanked whatever allowed him to help.

”I could have been in a lot of trouble if you didn't show up,” she said with a concerned look. ”I'm very grateful for your assistance.” She said as she looked at Will. ”You aren't from around here are you?” She asked as she looked at the clothes he was wearing. ”I've never seen garments even close to what you have.”

Will looked at what she had on compared to him. ”I suppose you could say that,” he said, scratching his head while looking at his clothes. ”I don't think you would understand to be honest.”

”What realm are you from then?” She said plainly. Will could only stare at her, trying to find words to reply.

”Ummm, Earth?” he said somewhat confused. He didn't necessarily know what she knew of realms. He had only gotten a brief explanation from Michael before he had to leave. He didn't know what else he was supposed to say. What if just saying that, she would bring him to the guards and tell them he was an alien?

Maya giggled yet again. ”So you are from a realm with no magic whatsoever huh?” She seemed to have a hard time to believe that. ”If that were true, how would you be able to control the Royal Flame?” She looked at him as if he were a science experiment.

”I don't even know what a royal flame is,” Will said slightly annoyed. ”I'm sorry I'm not giving you the answers you wish for, but this is all I know. You were in trouble and I helped.” Will's agitation was starting to grow a little.