Averkane stepped slightly away from the crowd, but the noise made it difficult to continue his story. Nearby, a vendor was setting up a display of hot rice and vegetables. The appetizing aroma tempted passersby, making it nearly impossible for the hungry and weary to resist.
As they were both hungry and tired of the main street's clamor, Averkane invited Shahin to sit down, enjoy a meal, and listen to his tale. The two men settled down in front of two generous plates. Little Milo was brimming with excitement, leaping and meowing incessantly like the hungry kitten he was.
He jumped onto the Bull's shoulder, then on the table and tried to paw the plate toward himself. Averkane scooped some rice into his hand, which Milo devoured under Shahin's amused gaze. After savoring their first bites, Averkane resumed his story:
