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

The city awoke in a state of feverish activity. The guilds, accustomed to working independently, now moved as a single unit, each group contributing their talents and skills to strengthen the defenses. The old man, alongside the war mage, coordinated the efforts with almost military precision.

The blacksmiths were on the front lines, forging new weapons and armor, but also something different: specific metal components, as indicated by the mage, that would be used in protective rituals. The artisans, usually tasked with creating tools and everyday objects, now found themselves involved in the manufacture of talismans and amulets, which would be distributed among the soldiers and defenders.

The healers, meanwhile, were overwhelmed with the task of concocting potions and medicines to heal the wounds of war, but they were also beginning to work with rare herbs and exotic ingredients, necessary for the enchantments that the mage planned to perform. Even the merchants, who normally traded goods and provisions, were called upon to obtain the hard-to-find materials, traveling in haste to neighboring villages and even to enemy territory.

"Time is short," the mage repeated constantly, as he observed the movement in the city. "The enemy is reorganizing. We must be ready before they regroup."

The guild leaders, who had been reluctant before, now recognized the urgency of the situation. Each was committed to his task, hoping that this joint effort would ensure the survival of all.

Meanwhile, the old man dedicated himself to planning military strategy. He knew that magical defense could give them an advantage, but he was also aware that magic alone would not win the war. He needed to ensure that, when the moment came, his men would be ready to fight, even if they were at a disadvantage.

In private meetings with the commanders, he outlined contingency plans, assigned units to potential flanks, and prepared guerrilla groups that could operate in the shadows, causing chaos among the enemy forces. "Magic will help us resist," he said, "but our swords and courage will still be needed to win."

The wizard, in turn, began to prepare the ground for the rituals. At strategic points around the city, he marked symbols in the ground and positioned the metal components that the blacksmiths had created. These points would be the focal points of the magical barriers, designed to disorient and weaken the enemy before they could reach the walls.

During one of these markings, the wizard and the old man had a brief conversation at the edge of the walls. The sun was setting, tinting the sky with shades of red and orange.

"Are you sure this will work?" the old man asked, his voice thick with concern.

The wizard paused for a moment, looking out at the horizon before answering. "There is no certainty in war, old man. But with what we are doing, the odds will be on our side. Magic can be unpredictable, but when combined with strategy and strength, it becomes a powerful tool."

The old man nodded, without further questions. He knew that, despite the uncertainties, they were doing everything in their power. The city was more prepared than ever, but the true test was yet to come.

And so, with the sun disappearing below the horizon, the preparations continued. The night would bring rest to some, but for the old man, the wizard, and many others, it would be another night of planning, work, and hope that, the next day, they would be ready to face whatever came.

The war was in its decisive phase, and every moment counted.

Chapter 36: Preparations Begin