Chapter 1
The Sun isn't the only Thing rising as a young man whos awoken from his slumber has decided that it's time for his journey to commence. It is a short 15 year old boy with a big smile who's currently on his way to his next destination as his brown hair is ruffled in the gentle and calming breeze. As he continues to follow the road ahead until running into what seems to be a horse carriage standing in the middle of the road. The young Man looked in blissful intrigue intending to just walk past it before hearing a rough voice in a threatening tone.
Kareem (Bandit) : Look I don't wanna do this either but I have my own family to feed, so please just cooperate and let me take a couple of bags I don't want to have to use force.
The Bandit says with a underlying tone of desperating uncertainty and shame as he holds his sword with a quivering grip.
The man on the carriage sighs in disappointment while his eyes are closed as he prepares to fulfill the Bandits Demands, but before he could a voice chimes in from behind making both men turn around in confusion.
It was the boy (Dane) looking at them with a small frown.
Dane: Sir isn't there a alternative to the predicament of you two?
He said with a tone of curiosity and slight disappointment, obviously trying to help both of them solve this so both men can go back home with good consciousness.
Wernum (carriage transporter) looks for a second in confusion but sighs: good job young man now you've put yourself into danger to, Should've just walked past while u had the chance to boy.
He said in a bitter and disappointing tone
The Bandit (Kareem) looks to the boy with an air of disappointment and disbelief begrudgingly holding the weapon at him with a very weak grip and technique.
The Bandit (Kareem): Just please...one of u give me something I just...
He said torn between the love for his family and morals, as his words carry a desperate and emotional note. Before the young man could say something the man falls to the ground in desperation and almost starts to cry.
Dane: u dont seem to be aquatinted with what u are doing sir, and quite frankly I don't think u need to be.
The young man says in an empathetic way putting his hand on the bandits hand wich is holding the weapon in a reassuring way
The Bandit (Kareem): I don't know what to do my family has become poor because the (Placeholder) have made taxes rise significantly and we don't have that kind of money, i desperately just want to support my family I...
The young man goes down with one knee to be on the same eye level as the Bandit putting a hand on the bandits shoulder, while the Carriage transporter just looks at them with sympathy.
Dane: a good man like u should not have to kneel on the ground.
The Bandit (Kareem) cries silently: I don't wanna do this, please just go back to your father!
Dane: I don't have one. Im a traveler
The boy said while stretching out his hand toward the man, who begrudgingly takes it, helping him to his feet.
The young man waves his hand in a departing manner towards the carriage transporter keeping it respectful as he keeps eye contact. The Carriage transporter takes the sign nodding and tipping his hat off to him to signal his gratitude and departure as he whips at the horse to continue moving.
Dane: why don't we go for a walk sir?
The young man requested the bandit with a relieved expression and reassuring expression
As the two take a stroll around some fields, a few Dane asks:
Dane: so as u have mentioned before there seems to be a problem with the taxes? I've heard...it quite a lot of times from others while travelling.
The boy said in a frowning and thoughtful expression
The Bandit (Kareem): yes it's no secret that the (Placeholder) have increased the taxes on almost everything to an unhumanly amount and only the nobles are able to come by acting as if the majority of us whom are middle class arent even a part of the Citizens even tough we make out the majority of the City/Country
The Man said in a frustrated and aggressive tone.
The bandit (Kareem): wich lead to me
Having to sigh mid sentence
Resort to these Measures.
He said in disappointment
Dane gestures for the man to take a seat on a hill they've reached while their stroll wich the man complies to.
After seating himself on the hill and looking up at the falling sun.
Dane: I think a man should never resort to those action
Te young man said still looking up at the sky.
Making the man sigh disappointed in his own actions
The young man not having finished his sentence continues
Dane: all though a man should never be forced to those action by someone or by his circumstance wich is the hands of others.
He said:
I don't blame your way of handling this situation, many other would've done the same for those whom they love, even i wouldve done the same if i was raised where you have been and was in your shoes.
As he stood up gesturing the man to do the same, to wich the man complies in a thoughtful and reflective expression still carrying a small frown.
Dane: Please take this
The young man said as the took the man's hand in a gentle manner placing a pouch of money on them making the man react in shock and in outrage
The bandit (Kareem): No! Please young man! Take it back I din't deserve this money I haven't done anything to earn this it is yours! I have disrespected u and threatened u please.
He said as he desperately tries to place it back into the young man's hands, seeing as he refuses the man tries again by putting it back into his pockets but before he could do that the young man stops him by grabbing his arm.
Dane: No I Insist, use this as investment and let your income be of use to those whom u love. It should be enough money to at least buy a couple of cattle.
He said in a reassuring but serious and respectful tone wanting for the man to take some pride in himself.
The bandit wanting to just kneel before him in gratitude doesn't do it becouse he knows that the young man wants them to be able to look eachother in their eyes to have his own integrity. Knowing that the man's face turns from shocked and thankful to serious, and determined.
The Bandit (Kareem): I will, and I promise to u. I will repay u back double of what u gave me on day.
He said reaching out his hand for a shake, as Dane takes it creating a promise that both of them wont forget so easily.
The both smile as Dane excuses himself informing that it is time for him to depart to his next destination but as he already has traveled a good bit the Man suddenly shouted.
The Bandit (Kareem): BOY!!! WAIT
which makes the young man turn around with a confused expression
The Bandit (Kareem): I NEVER GOT YOUR NAME!!
He shouted somewhat worried and frowning
Dane: it's Dane.
He said smiling
The Bandit (Kareem): Kareem
They looked eachother for a few moments in silence as they both know and are determined and eager to meet eachother again in the near future. Knowing that they both nod their head not even speaking a single word anymore as Dane turns around and rising his fist in a way to signal his departure still carrying a smile on him. Kareem without looking back does the same looking slightly more at his own left hand as the other is up at the sky clenching his fist as to not demonstrate his struggle anymore but to demonstrate his determination to fulfill that promise he made.
