A Timeless Encounter

The inscriptions were in some form of writing that Lucas, a medieval blacksmith, did not recognize. Apart from those strange markings, the surface was mostly featureless, save for two tiny indentations near one end. He turned the small, smooth, rectangular item over and examined the other side. Some craftsman had gone to considerable effort to seamlessly insert a rectangular black pane in the other side. The craftsmanship was exquisite, although its purpose was a mystery. Was it magical?


"It's a smartphone," said the traveler, a time-traveling scientist named Victor, "and you're holding it wrong." Apparently, he was under the misconception that this comment was in some way helpful. "You can surf the Net, play games, all sorts of stuff."

Lucas, not wanting to admit his ignorance and intrigued by the device, remained silent. He was having difficulty understanding how this small object could be a useful aid to fishing. However, he thought it could possibly be part of a game of some type, like a chess board with many movable pieces.

"Where is the rest of the set?" Lucas asked.

"Unfortunately, I left the charger behind," replied Victor, his face contorted with concern.

Lucas, imagining a small carved figurine depicting a jousting knight, was disappointed that the rest of the game was missing. Still, what he saw had a certain novelty value, and would make a fine conversation piece. Knowing that Victor was in need of assistance, Lucas decided to make a trade.

"I'll offer you two carrots and a warm meal for it."

"Done!" replied Victor, gratefully.


As the two men sat by the fire, they exchanged stories of their lives and began to understand each other's worlds. Victor explained the concept of a smartphone to Lucas, while Lucas shared the ins and outs of medieval life with Victor. Both realized the value of knowledge and the beauty of friendship, transcending the boundaries of time.