Jack’s words

Our caravan stopped in an open clearing of the forest, and the officers quickly started to make camp. They scouted the area, some left into the forest, and most stayed behind to keep their eyes on us. If I were going to run, this was the best moment.

But run where? To die in the forest that held a terrifying beast? Even escaping the officers without being cut down would be a challenge in itself.

The old man quickly hopped out of the wagon, stretching his sore arms and legs as if his life depended on it. He truly was an energetic man. Bren and Maten also exited with the wagon, walking over to the officers and rubbing their bellies.

I didn't want to move. I stayed in the wagon motionlessly, hugging my knees. After Jack's tales, my muscles untensed, and my headache eased.

Jack's aged voice reached my ears. "Are you better, Kuire?" 

"Of course I'm okay," I said, trying to give him a reassuring smile, but it couldn't quite reach my eye. I didn't want this old man to worry about me, I didn't need anyone's pity.

"No need to lie, child, this old man hasn't gone blind yet. Why are you dead in the eye?" He inquired.

I didn't know that, I wasn't aware of how my expression seemed. Sensing my surprise, Jack rummaged through his bag with the sound of steel knocking steel eventually pulling out a handheld mirror. What did he have in there, chains and knives?

 Now I was truly curious as to the origin of that satchel, was it perhaps a legendary space bag or was he just a master of fitting objects into small spaces?

"You look as if you lost all your coin. You've got the kind of smile that'd make a pauper feel rich in comparison. What's eating you?" he spoke holding the mirror in front of me.

I hadn't seen my face in a while. It was something that held no value to me, it had never helped me survive.

Looking into the mirror, was an unfamiliar figure, the crooked smile on his face reminded me of the street girls who worked at night and had no hope for the future. His sunken eyes were a deep hollow black with exaggerated dark circles beneath them. The hair was a black,dirty and tangled mess which was smudged with grime. I pulled my patched shirt tighter, trying to hide the hollows where hunger lived but the gaunt face with sharp features that might've been handsome with more meat on his bones was a giveaway to his condition.

"Why should it matter?" I muttered, lowering the mirror. "It's not like a pretty face will keep me alive."

The old man harped, "Who knows? An old merchant lady may spoil you if your face satisfies her. It's more common than you think."

I sat, silence staring at the old man. I didn't know what he wanted from me, what was he trying to achieve?

"Just tell me what you want, Jack." I said

Jack pressed his lips tightly together and his eyes twitched. " I don't know why you feel the need to wrong me Kuire. Y'know kid, you remind me of my younger self."

Putting the mirror back into the satchel, he pointed his finger at me.

" An aimless sad piece of work who had nowhere to belong, I wish I could tell you eventually you will find a place to rest but.."

The old man spread his hands wide as if welcoming me.

" I have no one but myself, no family of note, hell I can't even go back to the Empire. Kid, It is these moments of bleak hopelessness that people like us have to fight back to gain any control of our fate even if we die."

He pulled an object out of his bag, grabbing my hand he placed a knife within it, "This is what I wish I knew when I was younger, maybe I would've been at a happier place now if I did but it is never too late to fight. Remember that,"

Jack's words hung heavy in my mind, as I stared at the dagger. I had thought this old man was someone who had no regrets and always lived his life as he pleased but even he had demons. the dagger was small and Its darkwood sheathe covered the blade. Drawing the dagger, I ran my thumb along its blade, not sharp enough to cut but sharp enough to remind me it could.

I had never dismissed the idea of fighting, but because I was too interested in survival I had never truly tried. Jack's words helped me realize, I was going about it too half-heartedly. That fighting meant more than survival but what am I supposed to fight for? Money? Women? Power?

Jack's gaze was steady and unwavering.

"What am I supposed to fight for?"

Jack's eyes were stalwart faltered and his voice grew quieter " That is something that I do not know myself. Maybe the purpose of my fight is to find something worth fighting for. It may be different for you."

This old man was right, I couldn't wallow in despair. I looked up at him "Thanks mr jack"

He slapped my back, with a smile on his face. It had hurt quite a bit but I didn't let my grunt escape.

"Haha, I hope you can live with a bit more confidence now."

Jack walked away toward the directions of Bren and the others. Looking at the dagger, I stashed it into my belt. It was well hidden beneath my baggy tunic. Jack's words didn't give me hope but a will to continue at least and see what lies beyond.

 I felt tired, all that had happened today drained me to my very core. Struggling to keep my eyes open as I hugged my legs. It closed over and over and eventually, I gave in.

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"We're under attack!" The captain shouted, stirring me awake.

The terrifying howl of wolves encroached upon our camp.