It was hardly Damen's first time encountering the giant metal beast as it sped past them, but it was still breathtaking and terrifying in equal amounts. Erasmus went still at his side, staring with wide eyes and rooted to the spot as the clamor of metal and metal filled the air.

Neither of them moved until the thing had passed, at which point Damen gave Erasmus a playful nudge with his elbow. 'It's called a train,' he explained, encouraging Erasmus to walk with him. 'There are much small versions with wheels called cars. Incredible things, honestly. Ten times as fast as a horse. Everything here moves much more quickly, but you'll grow accustomed to it, Erasmus. I know you will.'

And it was Damen's hope that he could live a better life here than he could've had even in Patras. Though he supposed that would depend largely upon Erasmus himself.