Everything on here is purely symbolic and nothing more.

The City

The city bustled dustily around us as we dodged the carts and carriages. Byron spotted an inn to our left and we sought refuge there. He ordered beverages for both of us.

"Busy place," he observed.

"Indeed," I answered.

We were silent for several minutes as we watched the people pour in and out of the establishment. Two gentlemen introduced themselves and joined us. They talked about a momenteous endeavor they were undertaking - a feat of engineering that would last through the ages and be an inspiration for generations to come. Byron's eyes took on a sparkle as he listened to their grand design. Later, he leaned over to me.

"I'm going to join them," he said. "I have always wanted to part of something important - something that would change the course of history."

"So, you have finally found what you have been looking for?" I asked.

"Yes, I think I have."

"Then go in peace," I told him.

"What about you?" he asked. "Don't you want to be a part of this?"

"It is tempting, I admit, but what I truly want is to conquer the turmoil of my own soul and find peace."

"I understand," he said. "Or at least, I think I do."

I smiled at him as I stood up.

"Good luck, Byron. May it be everything you hope it to be."

"And I wish you the same," he said.

I tossed a few coins on the table and purchased some food before I left the inn. It was only and hour or so until dusk and I wanted to be back on the open road when it hit. I found the main road east and pursued it with determination.

As I made my way through the crowded streets, I caught a glimpse of the grand endeavor Byron had decided to work on. It's gleeming superstructure glittered in the evening sun. I found a spot to observe it from and contemplated it's purpose. "To inpsire", they had said. But for what purpose was this inspiration? To achieve the grand? To make a mark on this world? Were these actually useful things? To do one's best? That I could see use in. To aspire to beauty and greatness - I could almost justisfy the effort.

To achieve one's dreams......

Perhaps it was a worthy endeavor, after all. But still it was not one I wanted to be a part of. I rejoined the milling mob and fought my way to the other side of the city - surrounded, but very alone. As I reached the outer gate, fear griped me. I did not want to stay in the city, but the concerned looks on the guards' faces, made me nervous of the open road.

To be surrounded by strangers or solitude? Which was actually safer?

I decided to stick with my original decision and marched out of the city. I would let fate prove my wisdom.