Circa 1200 CE – Medieval Europe
The Middle Ages were a turbulent time, and Marcus found himself deep in the heart of Europe during the height of the Crusades. It was a world divided by faith and bloodshed. In the bustling streets of Jerusalem, the Crusaders had captured the city, and the Muslim forces were preparing for retaliation under Salah ad-Din.
It was here that Marcus encountered a knight by the name of Richard the Lionheart, a king known for his valor and determination. But unlike the legends that would be written about him, Richard was tired—drained by the endless wars.
"Why do you fight, Richard?" Marcus asked him one evening, as they gazed out over the battlefield.
"I fight for glory," Richard replied, his voice thick with exhaustion. "For my kingdom. For my people."
Marcus laughed softly. "Glory is fleeting, my friend. What if I told you that your true strength lies not in your sword, but in your heart?"
Richard's brow furrowed, and he eyed Marcus suspiciously. "You speak as if you know something I do not."
"I know that even kings grow tired of fighting for glory," Marcus said, his tone easy, almost careless. "But those who fight for something greater than themselves? They change the world."
The conversation was brief, but its effect was immediate. Richard the Lionheart, though a king, began to question his own motives. His desire for glory was tempered by a newfound sense of responsibility to his people. He wasn't just a ruler; he was a leader of men. And that realization would guide his decisions for years to come.
But Marcus, ever the wanderer, was already gone, leaving only the faintest trace of his influence in the air.