Lucas_Willian

Velho do Cangaço

Velho do Cangaço is a journey through the backlands of the Northeast, where the harsh reality of life intertwines with the wisdom of a man who has seen it all. With just one eye, the old man sees more than most — he sees the soul of the backlands and carries with him the stories and scars of a life lived on the margins.

In this work, the protagonist crosses arid landscapes and forgotten cities, resolving conflicts and unraveling mysteries wherever he goes. His slow, firm steps tell a story of resistance, strength and the weight of the past, in a land that does not forgive weakness.

Get ready to enter the world of a simple but profound man, where each decision echoes the struggles of a people who, even in the face of the greatest adversities, do not bow down.

The old man of the cangaço

Just as the city seemed to be enjoying a brief respite, an unexpected phenomenon began to form on the horizon. A large, dense, and threatening cloud of sand was rapidly advancing, covering the sky and obscuring the sunlight. The old man, experienced in reading the signs of nature, realized that this storm could be both a blessing and a curse for the defenders.

"The wind has changed," he muttered to himself as he watched the sand cloud approach. With a sharp look, he turned to the war council gathered around him. "This storm is a danger, but also an opportunity. We must act quickly."

The guild leaders were on alert, awaiting his instructions. The leader of the navigators, accustomed to dealing with the unpredictable sea, was the first to understand the gravity of the situation. "If this storm reaches us while we are fighting, it could cause absolute chaos. But if we know how to use it to our advantage, we can confuse the enemy."

The old man nodded. "Exactly. The storm will obscure everyone's vision, and if we move too quickly, we could disorient the enemy army. We need to prepare our men to fight blindly, while at the same time sending small groups to flank the enemy during the confusion."

Immediately, the leaders began issuing orders. The guilds mobilized their forces, preparing for the storm's arrival. The craftsmen and blacksmiths quickly constructed makeshift eye and skin protection, while the healers distributed cloaks and masks to minimize the damage caused by the sand.

The storm was almost over the city when the old man climbed the walls to observe the enemy once more. The opposing troops, who seemed ready to launch a new attack, began to hesitate as they saw the sand cloud approaching. Disorganization spread among them, as he had predicted.

"Now is our chance," the old man ordered firmly. "Send out the attack groups, and the rest, prepare to resist."

As the storm engulfed the battlefield, the guild warriors, guided by the old man's experience, advanced amid the confusion. The sand pounded hard, blinding and suffocating, but they were prepared, moving with precision between the enemy ranks, attacking where the disorder was greatest.

Chaos took over the battlefield. The enemy, unable to orient themselves, began to retreat in disorder. The old man, still on the walls, watched with a mixture of tension and hope. He knew that this maneuver could be decisive, but he was also aware of the risks it entailed.

After hours of intense fighting, the storm began to subside, and when the dust finally settled, it revealed a transformed battlefield. The enemy, disorganized and fleeing, had suffered heavy casualties. The guilds, united and disciplined, had resisted.

The old man descended from the walls, exhausted but determined. He knew that, despite the victory, the war was far from over. There was much work ahead, and every step taken would be crucial to ensuring the city's survival.

"The wind blew in our favor today," said the chronicler, who had stayed nearby, writing down every detail. "But we must be prepared for the next challenge."

The old man nodded, looking out at the horizon. "The storm has passed, but others will come. And we will be ready for each one."

Chapter 33: The Sandstorm