You ride on in a furious madness, unsure whether you’re retracing your steps or zigzagging blindly toward the nearest city. Exhaustion overcomes you, and you doze off on the reins, barely conscious of your surroundings.
You’re stirred by the swell of voices, the hum of life—the unmistakable murmur of a city.
– Where are we? – you ask the first passerby.
– This is Zahrabad, – he replies, his eyes widening as they fall upon your bounty.
You ride into the main square, and in moments, a swarm of traders flock around you. Your goods vanish like water on desert sand. In exchange, your pockets fill with coin like a clear night sky with stars. One of the vendors lingers on and asks you,
As the commotion settles, one vendor lingers. With eyes sharp from years of bartering and a voice worn by dust and shouting, he asks,
– Tell me, stranger—where does a lone rider come by such treasure?
– That I can’t tell – you answer, impervious to his scrutiny.
– Who are you? – he then inquires. Around him, the square bustles with the leftover echoes of haggling.
– A lost traveler, – you answer.
– Aren’t we all?
– Except for those of us who wander aimlessly.
– Where do you come from?
– From a long, arduous journey. I was abandoned in the middle of nowhere, with no resources and no idea how to find safety.
– Who would do something like that to you?
– That’s a question that parches my mind more than this merciless sun—a question more unquenchable than my thirst in this desert.
— Say no more, my dear friend. I have just the cure for your affliction.
Something about him stirs your trust. You ride alongside him, following through winding, narrow streets, until you reach a splendid house—an elegant mansion nestled among flourishing gardens and graceful fountains.
— This is my cousin’s residence, — the older man says. — For a fair price, she can offer you shelter and nourishment to soothe your weary soul—giving your heart the time it needs to mend and grow strong once more.
You yearn for a moment of solace from your draining journey, though you’re wary of growing too complacent. At last, you make up your mind. You turn to the man and say, with quiet resolve:
***
— I’d gladly accept your offer, kind sir.
You follow the man into the abode, where a steadfast woman greets you and leads you to a room. Overwhelmed by the weight of your sorrows, you collapse onto the bed as if struck by a single, crushing blow—and fall into a deep, untroubled sleep. – go to this page
***
— I thank you with all my heart, kind sir, but I must continue my journey.
They gift you a dromedary and some food and water and ask you where you’re headed to. You mention the city of Zalenica, to which they answer by raising their eyebrows in disbelief. – go to this page
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