The World Greatest Magician Is A Fraud

With the dining area cleared, the children began to line up, their excitement palpable. Father Wingate stood at the front, ready to lead them. Luke watched curiously from the side as the children formed neat rows, their faces alight with anticipation. As the group started to move, Luke turned to Sister Maria, who was still tidying up the dining room.

"Where is Father Wingate taking them?" Luke asked.

Sister Maria smiled, pausing in her work.

"He's taking them to help plant some vegetables. The season's harvest has already been cleared, and the field is now back in its best condition. The farmers requested some help, especially since the cathedral and the farmers have a mutually beneficial relationship. The farmers provide food products and groceries for free, and in exchange, the children help grow the plants."

"So the boys focus on vegetables, and the girls plant flowers?" Luke's interest was piqued.

"Yes," Sister Maria confirmed. "But the flowers are not just for decoration. They protect the fields. Thorny bushes keep pests away, and flowers attract beneficial insects like bees, boosting honey production. It's a system that supports both the crops and the environment."

"Is this a regular schedule for them?" Fascinated by the thought, Luke asked.

Sister Maria shook her head.

"Not really. This particular call for help was informed last week. Usually, the children don't have a fixed schedule. If there is help needed, and if it's achievable, the cathedral accepts. Of course, there is always compensation. Some other activities include cloth making, restoration projects, singing practice, and even helping with wedding ceremonies."

Luke nodded silently, imagining all the fun and diverse activities the kids engaged in. He could see how these tasks provided not only learning opportunities but also a sense of community and purpose.

"Did Gareth do these activities too?" he asked, curious about the knight's past.

"Oh yes, Gareth was very involved. The clothes you're wearing now, which I mentioned were Gareth's, are evidence of his handiwork. He learned to sew and mend clothes here, among many other things," Sister Maria chuckled softly.

"I didn't know he was so versatile," Luke looked down at the clothes he wore, a new layer of appreciation settling in.

"He is," Sister Maria said with a smile. "He was always willing to lend a hand, and he learned a lot from his time here. The children loved him, and he was a great role model."

Luke felt a deep sense of respect for Gareth, understanding more about his background and the values that shaped him. It was heartwarming to see how Gareth's time at the cathedral had contributed to the man he had become.

"Would you like to see the fields and the work they're doing? It's a beautiful day, and the walk would do you good," as the last of the children filed out, Sister Maria turned to Luke.

Luke considered the offer.

"I'd like that," he said, smiling. "It would be interesting to see the children in action and learn more about this place."

"Wonderful," Sister Maria said, her eyes twinkling. "Let's head out, then. The fields are not far, and I'm sure the children would love to have you there."

Together, they left the cathedral, stepping into the bright morning light. As they walked, Sister Maria continued to share stories about the children and the community, painting a vivid picture of the life they led. Luke felt increasingly connected to this place, appreciating the harmony and cooperation that bound everyone together.

Sister Maria led Luke through the winding streets of Purewood, taking him to parts of the city he had yet to see. Ever since his arrival yesterday, Luke hadn't fully embraced the entirety of Purewood. Today, however, he was getting a proper tour. They walked east, where the city's water source lay—a serene stream flowing through this side of the city. A sturdy stone bridge spanned the river, connecting the bustling city centre to the more rural outskirts.

Luke marvelled at the sight. The city was larger than he initially thought, stretching beyond the areas he had already explored. Despite its size, the city had an outdated charm, a simplicity that spoke of a slower pace of life. Yet, it was clear that the people here were content, living harmoniously within their means.

As they crossed the bridge, Luke looked down at the water flowing gently beneath them. The river's banks were dotted with fields, their rows of crops reaching towards the sky. On one side of the river, a water mill stood, its wheel turning lazily in the current. It wasn't grand, but it was enough to keep the city alive and thriving.

On the far side of the bridge, a farmer noticed Sister Maria and hurried towards her. His face lit up with recognition and warmth.

"Sister Maria!" he called out.

"Mr. Ivory," Sister Maria replied, greeting him with a smile.

Ivory, a stout man with sun-kissed skin and a friendly demeanour, came to a stop before them.

"If you're looking for the children and Father Wingate, they're already inside," he said, pointing towards a cluster of buildings near the edge of the fields. Before Ivory could ask further, he glanced at Luke, curiosity evident in his eyes. "And who's this young man with you, Sister?"

Sister Maria turned to Luke, giving him a gentle nudge. Luke realized it was his cue to introduce himself.

"I'm Luke," he said simply, avoiding any mention of a last name. He had no desire to associate himself with his family.

"Nice to meet you, Luke. Ivory Marrow in your assistance. Any friend of Sister Maria's is a friend of ours," Ivory extended a calloused hand.

"Nice to meet you too, Mr. Ivory," Luke shook his hand, appreciating the man's straightforward kindness.

"Mr. Ivory, could you show us the way? Luke here is new to Purewood, and I think he'd appreciate seeing the fields and the work the children are doing," Sister Maria took back the reins of the conversation.

"Of course," Ivory said, leading them towards the fields. As they walked, he shared stories of the land and its significance to the community.

Luke listened intently, taking in the lush greenery and the rhythmic sound of the water mill. It was a far cry from the bustling city life he was used to. There was a peace here, a connection to the land and its bounty that was almost palpable.

They reached the fields where the children were already hard at work. Boys and girls moved through the rows of crops, planting and tending with care. Father Wingate was among them, overseeing the work with a watchful eye and a gentle smile. The sight of such a communal effort was heartwarming.

Ivory pointed out various aspects of the field, explaining the different crops and their uses.

"We rotate the crops every season to keep the soil fertile," he explained. "And those flowers you see over there? They for our honey farm we have here."

"The children learn a lot from this work. It's not just about the physical labour, but also about responsibility and cooperation," Sister Maria added.

Luke nodded, feeling a newfound respect for the simplicity and effectiveness of their way of life. This community, though humble and old-fashioned, was rich in values that truly mattered. It was a far cry from the superficiality he had known in his previous life. Here, every action had a purpose, every person had a role, and together they thrived.

As Luke continued to take in the sights of the fields and the bustling activity of the children, a sudden rustle caught his attention. He turned towards the sound and his eyes widened as he spotted an array of panthers lounging lazily in a nearby pen. His heart skipped a beat at the sight, though he managed to keep his body calm despite his startled mind.

"What are those panthers doing here?" Luke asked, his voice tinged with curiosity and a hint of awe.

Ivory chuckled at Luke's reaction.

"Ah, this is the main farm of the city. We don't just plant crops here; we also rear livestock. These panthers are part of our collection. We have a variety of animals: panthers, wolves, black bears, and even tigers. The black bears are smaller and easier to manage."

"Tigers? Do you have tigers?" Luke's curiosity was piqued even further.

"Yes, we do. You should try our tiger milk if you haven't yet. It's quite a delicacy around here," Ivory nodded enthusiastically.

"Tiger milk? I can't even imagine what that would taste like," Luke couldn't quite fathom the idea.

"It's surprisingly rich and creamy. And very nutritious. We use it for many of our dairy products," Ivory grinned.

The mention of tigers brought another question to Luke's mind.

"I was wondering about Tora, the male tiger that Gareth rides. So, do people here really ride tigers?"

Ivory's eyes lit up with pride.

"Ah yes, Tora. That small tiger boy had now grown strong. Lived in the castle stable now I believe. Male tigers are trained to be steeds. They are strong, reliable, and have a great bond with their riders. Female tigers, on the other hand, are bred for their milk. We only have a few tigers, as they're not bred for meat. Their meat is tough and a bit bland, not worth the effort to cook."

Luke was fascinated by this glimpse into the unique practices of Purewood. He had no idea. It's amazing, and also a bit frightening, how integrated and self-sufficient this place is.

"It's a balance we've worked hard to maintain. Every part of the farm has its role, and every creature has its purpose. It's a way of life that keeps us close to nature and self-reliant," Ivory nodded.

Luke looked around, feeling a growing respect for the community and its way of life. It was a stark contrast to the fast-paced, disconnected world he had known. Here, there was a sense of harmony and purpose that was almost tangible.

As they continued their tour, Luke couldn't help but feel a sense of belonging. He was still an outsider in many ways, but the kindness and openness of people like Ivory and Sister Maria made him feel welcome. The simplicity and sincerity of their lives were a refreshing change, and Luke found himself eager to learn more about this remarkable community.