“A language from your world, then. There are only two main languages I know. The common tongue, and Drathian’s speak. Perhaps some old tongues among Gnolls or other species.”

“What, everyone speaks English?”

Cara was astounded and incredulous. Ser Dalius looked at her with much the same expression.

“Why would we make communication harder?”

“Well—because each culture grew up independently and invented language on its own. It’s not about ease of communication—”

“Invented language? What a funny notion. Why would your world have to do that?”

“…What?”

——

Cara’s ‘artifact’ entranced Ser Dalius. Twice more he asked to see his video. The second time, Cara had to refuse. She felt like every time she turned it on, the battery dropped another percent.

“Can it not be recharged? With harnessed lightning?”

Cara had an image of her standing in a storm and holding her phone up. She snorted.

“I left my charger back home.”

“Then with magic?”

She doubted it, but hey, if a bearded man with a staff wanted to give it a shot…the thought of the iPhone running out of power wasn’t as terrifying now she could conjure light. But it was still a piece of home.

“What a wondrous object. And you say these are commonplace, Miss Cara?”

“Everyone has one.”

“What, everyone? I thought you were a [Merchant]’s daughter, or had saved up for this.”

Cara snorted.

“I wasn’t exactly rich growing up. Far from it.”

“Oh. But your artifact—”

“Anyone can buy one with a normal salary. It’s not exactly a suit of armor.”

Ser Dalius looked a bit hurt and Cara relented.

“Sorry. That was too harsh.”

“I did come from a noble household. I assume you did not?”

“…No.”

He looked abashed and ducked his head. Cara felt motivated to continue.

“That’s not the only reason I dislike…classes, Ser Dalius. Although it’s not fun to be in an environment where not having money works against you. It’s just that I’ve met…[Knights]…in my world that weren’t half the man you are.”

“Even as a ghost?”

He half-smiled, pleased at the compliment. Cara gazed at him seriously for a moment, such that his smile faded.

“Not even then.”

She looked around the dark tomb. And felt it pressing in all of a sudden. To distract herself, she switched topics again.

“Tell me about…about other continents, Dalius. Or just Terandria. Are there Dragons? You said there was a continent of them?”

“A continent where they are most commonly found, yes. Izril. Or Issrysil as some call it. But ‘common’

and ‘Dragon’ are not words I would use together. They are an ancient, rare breed. Terribly dangerous.

More so than Giants, and far more aggressive.”

“But what are they like?”

“Glorious. Moody. Arrogant. I met only three.”

“Three.”