Mike was startled by the sudden changes to his rider, but after experiencing changes himself to become a centaur, it was not scary. He stared at the former child in amazement. "I thought he was just a little kid pretending." He could see the disappointment flash across both faces. "But this could be really interesting. A warhorse is even bigger than me, right? At least the horse parts?"
The young fighter nodded, looking hopeful. "A Shire or black Clydesdale stallion, one of the biggest horses anywhere. The Wizard cold make you perfect."
"Indeed, centaur. For a willing transformation, I would grant you anything you desired now, and again when your service to this knight is done." The Wizard smiled slightly. "I know this is not your world or normal form, and that your human name is Michael. You came seeking a Wizard. I am that wizard, and if you help us, I will aid your friends in their quest."
"How did you...?" Mike broke off and grinned. "I guess if you can turn me into a horse, knowing my name is not all that big a deal. How long would this service be?" He looked over to Aaron. "Being a horse would be really different, but I don't want to spend the rest of my life as your mount."
"How about ten years, with half already served?" The Wizard grinned at Mike's puzzled look. "I can alter reality so that you will have been his horse for the past five years, with all of the experience and training that goes with it. Then another five years starting now. If we allow three years for you to have grown up, that would make you 13 years old when your time is up. Still in your equine prime. And if you are tired of being a horse by then, I will transform you into anything you wish, and provide you with all you need to live a full and happy life."
Mike frowned. "So, that would be, like, five years game time to me, right?"
Now Aaron looked puzzled, but the young Wizard nodded. "Yes. Five years of game time, not your world's real time."
Now that sounded pretty good. In the game, you could got through weeks and months in an evening. "OK!" Mike nodded. "But I want to remember, not just be a horse. What happens when you change reality?"
"Oh, not all that much." The Wizard chuckled and waved his hand and spoke what sounded like gibberish.
Mike blinked, suddenly seeing Aaron as a long-time companion and master. Master? Although he still remembered his human past, Mike knew he had served Aaron since he was old enough to have a rider. He remembered months of training, and years of adventuring. It was weird to consider anyone to be his owner, yet Mike had no problem accepting the fact that he was Aaron's property. Except.. now his body felt all wrong. He had memories of being born and raised as a horse, of having a bit between his teeth, a bridle over his muzzle. Not this flat face and ungainly human chest and arms.
At the same time, outside of town, an elf, a dragon, and a drow elf suddenly forgot about the centaur that had gone into town, and began arguing over who would approach the village first. Tye, the one who had brought them all there, blinked and stared back at the town and muttered to himself. "What have you gotten yourself into, Mike?"