Following Vedik into the dimly lit tavern, the scrawny boy cast a wary glance around.
The people and their faces flushed with drink and laughter, seemed a world away from his own desperate reality.
Jasmin, her eyes alight with concern, asked gently "What would you like to eat, child?"
Vedik, sitting comfortably replied,
"Whatever you like, Mom I will also eat that only ".
The boy was still feeling awkward and a little hesitant to sit .
Suddenly he flinched at the sudden deep voice, turned to see Edgar, who had materialized beside him like a shadow. "I won't hurt you, boy," Edgar rumbled, his voice surprisingly kind despite his imposing build. "Sit down."
Hesitantly, the boy lowered himself onto the bench next to Vedik. Though hunger gnawed at his stomach, fear kept him silent.
Vedik, noticing the boy's apprehension, decided to take the initiative. "What's your name?" he asked in a calm voice. "I can't very well keep calling you 'boy.'"
The boy hesitated for a moment, then mumbled, "my name is Ray."
A smile tugged at the corners of Vedik's lips. "Nice to meet you, Ray. What would you like to eat? They have a good stew here."
Ray's eyes darted around the room once more, then back to Vedik. Finally, he whispered, "Stew sounds good."
The waiter, a little fat man with a gruff demeanor, arrived with their food. Although the dishes weren't adorned with fancy garnishes, the aroma of hearty stew and freshly baked bread filled the air.
Everyone dug in, except for Ray. Vedik, understanding the boy's reservations, didn't pressure him. Instead, he focused on his own meal, a comforting warmth spreading through him with each bite.
After a while, perhaps emboldened by the safe atmosphere and the delicious smell, Ray tentatively took a bite of the stew. His eyes widened in surprise.
"It's good," he mumbled, a flicker of hope replacing the fear in his gaze.
As the meal progressed, a comfortable silence settled around the table. Edgar and William, with their hearty appetites, polished off three servings each, while Vedik and Ray, having skipped breakfast, managed a staggering five. Jasmin chuckled at their ravenous appetites.
Soon the night fell , and the tavern became more lively . Edgar announced, "I've already booked rooms upstairs."
Vedik, glancing at Ray, blurted out, "Maybe you could stay with us, Ray? At least until your wounds heal?"
Ray's eyes flickered with uncertainty. He seemed torn between his newfound trust in these strangers and the fear of the unknown.
Taking a deep breath, he shook his head. "Thank you," he whispered, his voice barely audible. "But I can't. I have somewhere to be."
Though disappointed, Vedik understood. He knew Ray wouldn't believe anyone after one meal . Even if he were in Ray's place he would do the same.
So , Jasmin casted a healing spell on Ray and all the injuries of Ray slowly healed.
With a final wave goodbye, Ray slipped out of the tavern, disappearing into the bustling night. As the door closed behind him, a heavy silence descended upon the table.
Jasmin placed a hand on Vedik's shoulder, her voice filled with warmth. "Don't worry, Vedik. We'll see him again."
William nodded in agreement. "He'll find his way, son. But for now, let's get some rest. We have a long journey ahead."
Vedik felt that there was a hidden meaning in his parents words but he ignored it.
Vedik, , wanted to help Ray but he knew they were right. He had a feeling their paths would cross again with Ray, but for now, they had their own destination to reach. With a weary sigh, he followed his parents and Edgar upstairs.
They had booked two rooms one for William and Jasmin while the other would be used by Edgar and Vedik.
Edgar said to Vedik , "Sleep Vedik I have to talk to your parents."
Vedik lay in bed, his mind racing with many thoughts . He couldn't shake the feeling that they were being watched, that their presence here was known.
Jasmin said " Did you see Edgar , Vedik my son is such a good child, it is fate that we met him ".
William laughed , " But you didn't like him when I first introduced him to you".
Jasmin with a scary smile said I don't remember that dear .
Anyway Edgar what are your thoughts on our child .
Edgar with a soft smile replied , "You are right , he is a good child , you both are lucky."
Listening this both Jasmin and William laughed and said yes we surely are.
Jasmin said anyway you noticed right? Edgar replied how could I not .
Meeting Ray can't be a coincidence.
The timing of the fight was planned,
I think they wanted that we rescue that Ray and he would befriend Vedik.
William nodded listening to the explanation.
Anyway , should we tell Vedik or not .
" Let's wait we can tell him anytime and I don't want him to become too untrusting ".
Jasmin said I have the same thoughts.
Mr Edgar can you see to it .
Edgar nodded and then vanished from the room . While Jasmin and William laid on the bed.
Jasmin while holding the hands of William asked will we be okay .
William with a smile said I won't let anything happen to our family.
The Back Alley
Ray after exiting the tavern came to a dark alley where three men were waiting for him . They were the same people who have beaten Ray in the morning.
Suddenly a fat man asked , "did you succeed , Ray."
Ray was lost in thoughts when the burgly man shouted loudly, did you succeed Ray.
Ray came out of his thoughts and replied " No , I couldn't become friends with Vedik ".
Seeing Vedik's treatment towards him , Ray didn't want to betray him . As far as he can remember nobody has ever treated him as better as Vedik.
The face of the three men shrouded with anger. The fat man shouted do you not understand your situation boy.
Then he said with a cruel smile , don't forget what we have .
Ray just wanted to kill these men but he didn't have a choice . So controlling his anger he nodded with a smile.