Chapter 7

The sun had risen, casting its light across the morning sky.

"Ishak! We're out of rice. Can you go to the village to sell the herbs and buy some more?" Amanda asked, while Ishak was watching Aslan practice.

"Ah… Brother Galang! I'm heading out now. Amanda asked me to go to the village," Ishak said to Aslan. (For those who forgot, Galang is Aslan's alias.)

"Wait! I'll come with you," said Aslan.

They set off for the village. It was fairly busy, and many villagers glanced curiously at Aslan. Soon after, they reached a shop, and Ishak stepped inside to sell the herbs he had brought.

"I can only give you 4 silver coins for these," the shopkeeper said.

"Alright. I'd also like to buy five kilograms of rice."

"Just a moment… Here's your change: 3 silver coins and 5 bronze coins," said the shopkeeper, handing over the rice and the change.

"Thank you."

"Here, let me carry that," Aslan offered, lifting the bag of rice.

"Who are you? I don't think I've seen you around this village before," the shopkeeper asked suspiciously.

"Ah, he's the one we saved. We found him washed up in the river. He's been staying with us for a few days," Ishak explained.

The shopkeeper called Ishak over in a hushed tone.

"Why are you letting him stay in your home? What if he has bad intentions?"

"Don't worry. He's a good person. He even helped us gather herbs."

"You don't understand how the world works, kid. You'd better tell him to leave soon. You two live alone—it could be that he's just waiting for the right moment."

"What's wrong, Ishak?" Aslan asked, sensing something was off.

"It's nothing. Sir, we'll be leaving now," Ishak said, waving goodbye.

As they walked home, Aslan noticed a crowd gathered nearby.

"What are they doing?" Aslan asked Ishak.

Ishak glanced in the same direction, his expression turning somber.

"It's nothing… Every year, people gather to celebrate the harvest festival. They sing, dance, and give thanks for the abundance of food. The celebration is a week away. Right now, everyone is preparing—buying new clothes or chipping in money to buy a cow from the city. The day before the festival, the meat is divided according to how much money each person contributed."

"Then why do you look so sad? Isn't that supposed to be a joyful occasion?" Aslan asked.

"We haven't participated since our parents died. A kilo of meat costs five silver coins. That's the same as five kilograms of rice, enough to last us a week. If we join in and buy meat, we might not be able to buy rice next month. Plus, we need to save up for the winter. We usually only earn 2 silver coins a month. Sometimes, we only make one. We're lucky to have earned 4 this month—that's only because you helped us," Ishak explained.

Aslan was moved by Ishak's words. The boy was only 13, and Amanda 15, yet they had already endured so much hardship in life.

Lost in thought, Aslan suddenly remembered the pouch he had taken. It was large and heavy—surely, there was money inside.

"Come on, Ishak. Let's not go gather herbs today."

"Why not?" asked Ishak.

"Because we're going to buy meat," Aslan said with a smile.

"Huh?"

---

Once they got home, Aslan gave the rice to Amanda and went to retrieve the pouch he had taken from the soldier's corpse. When he opened it, he was stunned to find dozens of gold coins inside. There were also several black orbs he didn't recognize.

"So many gold coins… He must've looted them from other dead soldiers," Aslan thought.

"What's going on?" Amanda asked, noticing Aslan's sudden haste.

"Let's go to the village," Aslan said, grabbing Amanda's hand.

"What's happening?" Amanda asked Ishak.

"No idea. I'm just as confused."

When they arrived at the village, Aslan went straight to a clothing store. He grabbed a few outfits and handed them to Amanda.

"Try these. I think they'd suit you."

"Galang… we don't have enough money for new clothes," Amanda replied.

"Don't worry. I'll pay for them," Aslan assured her.

"But these are expensive. It's better if—"

Aslan gently placed a finger on her lips to quiet her.

"Shh… I have enough money," he said, showing her several gold coins.

"Where did you get that money?" Amanda asked in surprise.

"It's mine. Don't worry. Just think of this as my way of thanking you for saving me."

"Sir! Show us your best clothes," Aslan called to the shopkeeper.

The shopkeeper quickly brought out several fine garments.

"These are some of our best," he said.

"Go ahead and pick one," Aslan told Amanda.

She looked hesitant at first, but her eyes landed on a black dress with green patterns.

"Can I try this one on first?"

"Of course. The fitting room is right over there," said the shopkeeper.

"Hey! Don't just stand there. Pick something for yourself too. Sir, help him choose clothes that fit," Aslan said, noticing Ishak standing quietly.

A few moments later, Amanda stepped out of the fitting room, shyly walking toward Aslan. She looked graceful in the dress. Its color matched her green eyes perfectly. (Note: The dress was fitted, not puffy.)

"What do you think?" Amanda asked.

Aslan, momentarily mesmerized, stayed silent, but quickly snapped back to reality.

"Beautiful. You look beautiful. That dress suits you perfectly," he said softly.

Amanda blushed, her face turning red. Embarrassed, she ran out toward the pastry shop.

"Those pastries look delicious," Amanda said.

"Wait! Ishak's still in the fitting room, and that dress hasn't been paid for yet!"

"Brother Galang! Where's Amanda?" Ishak asked, emerging from the fitting room.

"She went to the bakery. Go ahead and catch up—I'll be right behind you," Aslan replied.

"Okay," Ishak said, then ran after his sister.

"Please prepare some clothes in the same sizes they chose," Aslan told the shopkeeper.

"Wow… Sis, you look really pretty," Ishak said, admiring Amanda.

"Really? Thank you."

To be continued…