Chapter 83: A Past Revealed

Night fell over the city, and silence mixed with tension in the air. Rodrigo, sitting in a small room lit only by the flame of a candle, allowed himself a moment of rest. His hands were calloused from work, and his thoughts, always focused on the survival of the city, now wandered to the past.

Sebastião, noticing the old man's distant gaze, sat down next to him. "You're thoughtful, Rodrigo. Is something worrying you?"

Rodrigo sighed, his eyes fixed on the flickering flame. "These days have reminded me of other battles... other wars I've faced. Not under the same circumstances, but the feeling is the same."

Sebastião remained silent, respecting the moment of reflection. He knew that Rodrigo carried with him a past rich in experiences, but one that he rarely spoke about.

"Before I arrived here, I fought on many fronts," Rodrigo began, his voice low and serious. "When I was young, I worked as a merchant, traveling throughout the hinterland. It was during one of these trips that I was caught in the middle of a conflict between two rival towns. I was just an outsider, but I ended up being forced to choose a side."

"I joined a group of men who, like me, just wanted to survive. We were not warriors, but we learned to fight because we had no other choice. It was a hard time, full of uncertainty, but also of lessons. I learned that, in times of war, the real enemy is despair."

Sebastião listened attentively, intrigued by this new side of Rodrigo. "And how did it end?"

"With losses," Rodrigo replied, his voice thick with sadness. "I lost many friends, people who should never have taken up arms. When it was all over, I returned to my life as a merchant, but I was never the same. I learned to value peace and to recognize the importance of fighting only when necessary."

Rodrigo paused, looking at Sebastião. "This city... it reminds me of that time. A place full of good people, fighting to protect their lives. And here I am again, doing what I can to help." Sebastian nodded, understanding the weight of Rodrigo's words. "You are a man of many battles, Rodrigo. And your experience is what gives us a chance." Rodrigo gave a tired smile. "Perhaps. But it is the courage of everyone here that will truly make a difference." The two remained silent for a few moments, sharing a silent understanding. Rodrigo knew that there were still many battles to be fought, but the city, with its renewed strength and the determination of its inhabitants, had a real chance of surviving. And as the night deepened, Rodrigo once again prepared himself for what the future might bring. He had weathered many storms before, and he was ready to face another one, knowing that he was not alone in this fight.