Soon after their long journey with the caravan, they arrived at the Free City of Zina. The city unfolded before them as a vibrant kaleidoscope of colors and sounds. Narrow cobblestone streets twisted between tall houses with tiled roofs and colorful shutters.
Life thrived all around them: merchants loudly beckoned customers to their stalls, street performers displayed tricks, and the scent of fresh bread and spices mixed with the sea breeze wafting from the harbor.
Nostra had settled things with the lead caravaner and left with Baios and Anfar. His eyes widened in amazement—he had never seen a city so majestic.
– The Teacher told us to visit the tavern Sleeping Giant, – Anfar reminded them, carefully studying a detailed map of the city that marked even the smallest alleys and hidden corners.
– And then, we're supposed to find the Opportunity. We must search until we find it.
Nostra watched him with interest, impressed by the map's precision.
– And where are we headed? – he asked, hoping to get some sense of their purpose.
Baios smiled warmly, his eyes sparkling with friendliness.
– I'm not exactly sure, – he answered with a slight smile. – The Teacher said that when we find the Opportunity, we'll know it.
Nostra frowned slightly, though his eyes held curiosity and anticipation. He had thought they were following a clear plan, like seasoned warriors or mercenaries, but he now realized their journey was far more mysterious.
Initially, Anfar had been against Nostra joining them. He saw him as useless and a burden, but after some thought, he decided that Nostra could handle practical tasks. Nostra accepted this role without resentment, hoping to prove his worth and learn something valuable from them.
Following the map, they ventured deeper into the network of narrow alleys where tall buildings blocked the sunlight, creating a semi-darkness even at midday. The locals, sitting on doorsteps or selling goods from small stalls, cast suspicious glances their way.
Strangers weren't welcomed in these parts, and the atmosphere felt tense. With each step, Nostra felt the probing gazes of those around him, as though he were being judged to see if he belonged.
Anfar walked ahead with confidence, his imposing sword strapped to his back gleaming faintly, and his sturdy armor and stern gaze warning others not to interfere. Baios followed beside him, exuding calm and reassurance. His light steps and friendly expression softened the severity of their group. Nostra, feeling less significant by comparison, tried to keep up, though self-doubt gnawed at him.
Finally, they emerged onto a bustling marketplace, lively and noisy. Here was a different world: bright signs, colorful stalls, music, and laughter. In the distance, they spotted a sign with a sleeping giant—the "Sleeping Giant" tavern.
– There it is, – Baios said, pointing forward.
– Let's go, – Anfar nodded, turning toward the tavern.
But their path was blocked by a sudden commotion. In the middle of the street, a small, skinny man in tattered clothes ran, glancing nervously over his shoulder, while a massive man in heavy armor pursued him, wielding a massive hammer. The crowd parted to make way for them, though no one tried to interfere.
– Help! Please, someone! – the small man cried, his voice full of desperation.
– Run, rat! – someone jeered from the crowd.
– Stop and accept your fate! – the giant roared, his eyes flashing with malice. – I'll crush you like an insect!
Despite his size, the giant moved surprisingly fast, closing the distance between them. The small man, realizing his strength was fading, spotted Baios and darted behind him, seeking shelter.
– Sir, I beg you, help me! – he pleaded, trembling all over.
Baios looked at him, and compassion flared in his heart. He saw not just a frightened man, but a soul cornered and in desperate need of help.
– Don't worry, you're safe now, – he said softly, stepping between the man and his pursuer. His voice was calm yet firm, like someone accustomed to defending those in need.
Anfar approached, his eyes narrowing, hand resting on the hilt of his sword. Anger simmered within him—anger at the injustice and cruelty he despised. His face hardened, his gaze icy.
The giant halted before them, his face twisted in fury.
– Step aside, pup, – he snarled, looking down at Baios.
– This doesn't concern you.
Baios raised his gaze, meeting the giant's eyes with unflinching calm.
– I can't let you harm this man, – he said firmly, his voice filled with steely resolve.
The crowd held its breath, watching the unfolding scene. Some exchanged glances, eager for a spectacle.
The giant smirked, baring yellowed teeth.
– You think you can stop me? – he sneered. – You don't know who you're dealing with.
Baios took a step forward. His face remained calm, but his eyes grew cold, like tempered steel.
– Perhaps I don't, – he replied, – but I know this: true strength doesn't lie in oppressing the weak but in protecting them. That's what separates us from beasts.
– Why should you get in my way? – the giant growled, clearly unprepared to back down.
Baios looked at him calmly, showing neither fear nor doubt.
– And why shouldn't I?
– Because I'm strong! And this runt insulted me, so I'll kill him. That's the law of nature—the strong hunt the weak! – the giant roared, thumping his chest and gesturing at the small man hiding behind Baios.
Baios frowned, trying to settle the matter peacefully.
– Maybe it's not worth dirtying your hands over such a helpless person? Why would a warrior as mighty as you chase someone so weak? Let him go, just this once.
– No! The weak are prey for the strong, – the giant snapped. – The heavens show no mercy for the weak, and neither will I. People like him are born to be slain, conquered, and made slaves to the strong, like me!
Seeing that Baios's words were failing, Anfar decided to intervene. His voice was cold, sharp as a blade:
– If you're so strong, why not test yourself against an equal opponent?
The giant scowled, his confidence wavering slightly. He glanced at their gear and bearing, realizing they were no ordinary travelers.
– Hah! Today's not the day to waste time on you, – he scoffed, taking a step back.
– But remember this—strength rules everything in this world.
With those words, he turned and, shoving onlookers aside, disappeared into the crowd.
The small man sagged in relief, his knees nearly giving way, but Baios steadied him.
– Thank you… Thank you! – he whispered, tears of gratitude glistening in his eyes.
– It's alright, – Baios smiled, helping him to his feet. His smile was warm, like a ray of sunlight piercing through the clouds.
– You're safe now.
Anfar, observing this, felt the tension leave him. He chuckled softly, trying to hide his smile, but his eyes revealed that his heart had also responded to this act. At that moment, he realized that, despite his stern demeanor, he couldn't remain indifferent to the suffering of others.
As the crowd began to disperse, Baios, Anfar, and Nostra resumed their path toward the "Sleeping Giant" tavern. Nostra walked beside them, his gaze filled with admiration and respect for his new companions. He hadn't expected to be among people who would so readily stand up to defend the vulnerable.
– I didn't think you were really like that, – Nostra said quietly, addressing Baios and Anfar. – It's… impressive.
Anfar looked at him and smiled slightly.
– True strength comes with responsibility, Nostra. We're not here to flaunt our power but to make the world better, however we can.
Baios nodded, adding:
– Strength without mercy is just cruelty. We must use it to protect, not oppress.
Nostra nodded silently, his eyes alight with newfound resolve. He realized he had much to learn, but now he felt he was on the right path.