Urraca rose from the throne with determination and addressed those present in the council chamber. "Let's set aside asking the king for help for now," she began firmly. "The first thing we must do is remove the water. Mayor, Captain of the Guard, mobilize the population to gather all available buckets and start draining the flooded areas."
The mayor and the captain exchanged glances before nodding resolutely, ready to follow her orders. However, the master of the carpenters' guild raised his hand, requesting to speak. "My lady, we have nowhere to throw the water. It's better to wait until tomorrow when a good part of it has dried up."
Another master, from the cobblers' guild, intervened urgently. "My lady, what we need to do now is search for survivors in the flooded part. Those who have died must be buried as soon as possible to prevent diseases."
Urraca took a moment to reflect, understanding the importance of both points. "You're right," she conceded finally. "We'll leave the water issue until tomorrow. For now, mobilize the servants to dig a common grave large enough for a hundred people. We need to act quickly to prevent a health crisis."
The attendees nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation. However, Urraca noticed a moment of silence and recalled a crucial point. "Captain," she said, turning to him, "instruct those who dare to venture into the flooded area to search for survivors that they will receive a reward of one gold dinar each."
The captain of the guard bowed, acknowledging the order, and quickly left to organize his men. The council chamber, filled with guild masters and officials, began to buzz with frenetic activity as they prepared to face the day's challenges.
The captain of the guard exited the town hall and hurried to the guard's central office. As he approached, he saw many guards already gathered and prepared. With an approving glance, he approached the vice-captain.
"I was going to ask why everyone's here so early," the captain said, "but it seems we're ready to get to work."
He stood before the guards and spoke with a firm, authoritative voice. "Men, we have a dangerous mission ahead. We must search the flooded houses for anyone, alive or dead. If they're alive, bring them to the cathedral. If they're dead, take them to the grave the mayor is digging. Who dares to do this?"
The guards looked at each other, some with determination and others with a slight fear in their eyes. The silence broke as several stepped forward decisively, exclaiming, "I do, captain!" Others nodded, saying, "Count me in!"
However, some guards remained motionless, unsure whether to accept such a dangerous task. The captain stared at them intently, his gaze challenging the hesitant ones. As more and more guards accepted the mission and stepped forward, those who hesitated began to grit their teeth and eventually moved forward, overcoming their fear upon seeing their comrades' determination.
After a moment, the entire guard was lined up and ready. The captain, proud of their bravery, said, "I am very pleased with your decision. Each of you will be given a gold dinar as a reward."
The guards seemed to be further encouraged upon hearing about the reward. With new energy in their eyes, the captain concluded, "Let's go, you can start!"
The guards shouted in unison, "Yes, captain!" and began to run toward the flooded area. They formed teams to cover more ground and ventured into the inundated streets with speed and determination. The sound of their footsteps echoed in the water as they dispersed, ready to face danger and save whoever they could.
The guards were facing a desperate situation: to enter the partially submerged houses, they had to wade through the water and then stack themselves one on top of the other to reach the higher entrances.
In one part of the city, a group of guards faced a house where the water reached a height of one and a half meters. They formed a human chain, with the tallest guard perched on the shoulders of the others, battling the currents and the cold water that reached up to their necks.
With determination, the tallest guard kicked the rain-weakened wooden roof, making a hole large enough to pass through. Using their hands, they widened the hole further to allow safe passage one by one. Once inside, they advanced cautiously among floating furniture and debris dragged by the current.
"Hello! We're from the guard! Is anyone here?" shouted the guard, their voice echoing in the confined space. There was no initial response, only the constant dripping of water seeping through the roof. They advanced carefully, facing darkness and uncertainty.
Finally, the guard found a family trapped in a corner, embracing each other. Four of them still breathed weakly, but the two youngest children were motionless, wrapped in soaked blankets. The guard held their breath as they assessed the situation with their heart in their throat.
Meanwhile, in other parts of the city, guards faced equally heart-wrenching scenes. In houses where the water reached dangerous heights, they ventured bravely. "In here! Quick, we need help!" shouted one of them from inside another partially submerged house. They advanced with determination, searching for any sign of life among the debris and darkness.
The dialogues among them reflected fear and determination. "They're here! There's a family trapped in the attic!" shouted one, while others hurried to their side to help. "We're going to need ropes!" demanded another.
In every corner of the flooded city, the guards were saving lives, risking their own to rescue others.