Raphaello left Roger's workshop and walked along the dirt road towards the village's main square. His steps were determined, but his mind was filled with thoughts about the challenges he would face. As he approached the square, he carefully observed his surroundings.
The square wasn't exactly a pleasant place. The ground was covered in dirt and dust, with some stagnant pools of water. The surrounding buildings looked worn and lacking in maintenance. Raphaello noted the lack of trees and vegetation, which gave the square an arid atmosphere.
However, Raphaello was not there to appreciate the aesthetics of the place. He was looking for someone, someone who had become an important part of his life since his arrival in the village. Raphaello tilted his head to one side and looked around, as if he were looking for something or someone specific.
As he surveyed the square, he spotted a young man in modest clothing sitting on a worn wooden bench. The young man seemed focused, as if he was wrapped up in his own thoughts. It was Draxer, the village's homeless man who Raphaello now considered a brother and informant.
- Draxer, how have you been?
Raphaello greeted his friend with a gentle voice. Draxer looked up, surprised by Raphaello's presence. His face lit up with a tired but genuine smile.
- Ah, Rapha, it's you! I am doing well. And you? How has your stay been in our lovely village?
Raphaello sat next to Draxer on the wooden bench. He valued Draxer's friendship and, at the same time, wanted to use him to obtain relevant information to be aware of what was happening in the village.
- I'm adjusting, Draxer. This place is very different from what I'm used to, but I'm finding my way here. And, of course, you have been a great help in this.
Draxer nodded, seeming grateful for Raphaello's words.
- It's always good to help, especially around here. But tell me, what brings you here today? You seem to be looking for something or someone.
Raphaello nodded, looking around the square once more before responding.
- I'm looking for information, Draxer. Information about how things work here, who has influence, how people survive during the winter. I want to better understand the dynamics of this place and, perhaps, find ways to make a difference.
Raphaello softened his words before asking what he really wanted. He nervously moved his fingers on the edge of the wooden bench, his expression showing some hesitation. He didn't want to scare Draxer, because despite having known him for a short time, he was afraid of how he would react.
- You came to the right place, Raphaello. I can tell you a lot about this place and its shadows.
Draxer's response was surprisingly easy for Raphaello, who hadn't expected such a receptivity. For a brief moment, he felt genuine relief and realized that he could count on Draxer as a reliable ally. Raphaello nodded, understanding the meaning of Draxer's words. He knew he would have to give back in some way for the help and information he was seeking.
Raphaello, after feeling a hint of confidence in the conversation with Draxer, decided to advance a little further in his search for information. He chose his words carefully and asked:
- Draxer, could you tell me how often Baron Jericho's soldiers visit the village? Whether to collect taxes or to carry out checks?
Draxer, initially receptive, showed a sign of distrust. His gaze became penetrating, and he began to suspect Raphaello's intentions. Curious about what he planned, he enjoyed the feeling of being part of something bigger and was eager to understand Raphaello's plan. After a brief silence, Draxer finally responded:
- There are some things you need to know, Raphaello. Here in the village, it is not allowed to cut down trees or use their resources without the Baron's authorization. Even access to the river is controlled, and people pay taxes for it. Furthermore, all the food that the inhabitants buy is provided by the Baron. He has a firm grip on the resources and lives of the people here.
As Raphaello acquired more knowledge, his perplexity grew. It was evident that the people of the village were facing difficulties due to Baron Jericho's complete monopoly. With this reality in mind, Raphaello clenched his fist with an expression of disagreement and continued with his question to Draxer.
- Tell me Draxer, do you consider in any way the hypothesis of being able to explore wood without being discovered by the Baron's lookouts?
Draxer cautiously looked around, checking to make sure no one was around. He knew that discussing this issue could have serious consequences for both of them. With a low and worried tone of voice, he replied:
- Friend, it's practically impossible. Those who had already tried were discovered, and the Baron did not hesitate to eliminate everyone involved, even their families. This is not something that can be accomplished easily.
- I understand that hiding logs would be highly suspicious. However, I'm thinking of a different approach. I want to produce coal, and I can do it efficiently and discreetly. What I need to know is how the Baron's soldiers' patrols work, to ensure we don't get caught in infractions.
Draxer listened intently to Raphaello's words, and when he heard the mention of producing charcoal, a realization began to form in his mind. He realized that Raphaello was a unique person, someone with remarkable determination and skill, someone capable of dealing with any challenge that presented itself.
Raphaello's idea of producing charcoal in the village was bold, and Draxer was aware of the challenges it posed. In those lands, few people had the necessary knowledge to produce charcoal, and the process itself was laborious and time-consuming.
Coal was a valuable resource for its effectiveness in generating heat and its durability. Compared to firewood, charcoal burned more efficiently and lasted much longer, making it a preferred choice, especially during harsh winters. However, due to its scarcity and Baron Jericho's monopoly on its distribution, coal was expensive and unaffordable for the majority of the village's inhabitants.
Many chose to buy firewood from Barão, despite it being less efficient, simply because it was more affordable. The cost difference between coal and firewood was significant, and people were willing to make this switch to save money, even if it meant less efficiency in heating their homes and preparing food.
Charcoal production, therefore, could be a valuable opportunity for the village, as long as it was done discreetly and efficiently, without attracting the attention of Baron Jericho's soldiers.
Draxer began to understand Raphaello's vision and believed that if they could find a way to produce coal without being detected, they could offer a more affordable and effective alternative to the local community, easing some of the burden of the harsh conditions imposed by the Baron.
- So, if you really have the necessary knowledge for charcoal production, I am willing to help. Last winter was extremely cruel, and I lost many friends to frostbite hypothermia. I'm willing to share all the information you need so we can create coal, but on one condition.
Raphaello tilted his head slightly to the side, carefully observing Draxer's reaction. He couldn't help but feel a hint of surprise at how quickly Draxer agreed to help. The homeless man's words indicated a deep and urgent need for solutions to the problems that afflicted the village.
However, even with his surprised expression, Raphaello maintained his composure. His look was serious, indicating that he was serious about the deal, and that he was ready to listen to Draxer's condition. His body remained motionless, except for a slight movement of his fingers as he clasped his hands in his lap, demonstrating a silent expectation as to the response that was to come.
- I would like to participate in everything you are planning from today, use me however you want.
Draxer's sentence echoed in Raphaello's ears, leaving him surprised and, at the same time, pleased to have gained yet another ally. The young man couldn't help but smile slightly, showing gratitude for Draxer's willingness to collaborate.
- I'm glad to hear that, Draxer. Your help will be invaluable to what we plan.
Draxer's surprising willingness to become deeply involved in his plans was a valuable asset that Raphaello was eager to utilize.
- So let's start. There's something I'd like to show you, but to do that, we need to leave the village.
with a gleam of expectation in his eyes. Raphaello felt a shiver of anticipation run down his spine, even though he didn't know that he would soon discover something that would accelerate his plans.