Meet César

Meet César

“ So how was your day?” asked Mr. Lowe.

“ Not that smooth sir, but I hope you had a pleasant day yourself.” I answered.

My wound was not that serious actually, as I can still hide from his observation. Looking at him, I smiled. Mr Lowe, how should I describe him? Well he was my savior, without him, I would have been long gone. He was a fisherman and sometimes worked in the field. His age is about middle fifty, together with Mrs. Lowe he spent his time usually in the house, preferred to repair his fishing net and be productive to the family. According to his wife, Mr. Lowe suffered a depressive blow after the death of his son, Iyam. I did not dare to ask the reason. I guess I was sort of a newborn son for him. They seems to preferred my accompany rather than living alone. All the while I just thought of living this place, but how would I dare to leave those two alone. Mr. and Mrs. Lowe are the people I really cared in Bodoh Kingdom.

“ Those stupid government and the sleeping king of ya. What the fuck are they suppose to think and plan to bring this fucking riot to the end. Ya know people are living is shit life here. Firs't they want to raise the tax, then the head tax, then they want us to supply them my fish for free. Go to hell with your mother's obligation! Charged me'e for treason and take my head ya fool!”

He was shouting and cursing when reading the latest law released. I do not know much of the law, but it seems like life is getting harder here. The parliament is corrupting the wealth of nation. King is living high with his concubine, threw party every evening and from what I heard, he tried to build the Moon Tower in the hearts of Bodoh Kingdom, so that his beloved mistress could go to the moon. They already built it to the height of two mountains. As I walked out and looked towards the sky, i saw the stone tower touching the heaven. The view was so beautiful there. Commoners like us are restricted in entering the area. Mone has been dreaming for going up the tower one day just to enjoy the eternal moon light in her eyes. I joked to her once, be the king's new wife then, which later she would be so angry with me. Oh yes, she is very serious in relationship. Ever since I met her, I have never seen her went out with men. Toying with love is not appreciated by god, she said. She just wanted someone who can give her a safe haven.... Oh I have to work hard then.

Yes I worked very hard everyday. Starve to death, I just do not care, all I want is to save some gold and buy her somethings in this coming Day of Heaven, just a tradition where all people exchange gifts and hugs for their love one. For this reason, I have to work hard just to buy a new necklace for her. Some new stocks arrived soon in the market, usually pearl necklace from Meer-city, cost around twenty golds. Gonna snatch it before too late, everyone is waiting for the merchant from Meer.

A group of schoolchildren passed by. Arr.. I always admired them for their talent and opportunity to learn something that I cannot comprehend everyday. Last time they showed me what they have done in their paper roll, all those symbols, just fascinating. And they showed me the “operator” on how to operate “numbers”. Wow seriously if I am capable to pay the fees, I am willing to learn it, no matter how hard it is. Kaysing even told me that the time taken for a stone to reach the ground is the same as a feather. I never believed in her though. Just a kid, what did she know about the nature.

The next morning Mr. Lowe and I went out to catch the early fish, since we need to do free labor for the king and have to feed ourselves. We arrived at the sea, anchored the boat and threw the net as hard, as far as possible. Day was still behind night, it was still dark. “Thump” a sound crash to our boat and suddenly creatures of six-feet tall dragged us up to their ship. Pirates! It is a big problem this time. We were tied and brought to the deck. The captain appeared out of his chamber.

“ Greetings gentlemen, no harm and offense to you I hope. Just looking for fortune ya mate. Hundred golds and let you go.” The captain talked with a typical sea-accent, dry sound, irritating and old.

“ Sir, we are just some poor fishermen looking for fish here, we have no golds for you sir. Please let us go. I beg your mercy.” Mr. Lowe begged him. What else could we do?

“ No gold? Oh well.... I guess the sharks are hungry now. Sorry.” Sword drawn.

I prayed and did not say a word.

“ Such a pathetic loser, captain.” a sound appeared out of thin air.

“ Tell you what, I will fight you off, one time. I win, you let go of them. You win, you do what you want.” He continued.

I looked at the direction of the sound. A guy, possibly eighteen years old, was sitting near the barrel, he was tied with rope too. Surprised by his action, yes I was. What was he thinking?

“ So, César, having your good days with the rain and wind I hope. All right, since you never taste my sword. You shall this time. Cause I am sick of your attitude, and I am sick of waiting for your messenger anymore. Untied him, let us see how I slice his parrot tongue.”

Both of them were ready, after this César was released. Sword drawn and both fight with their strength, speed and stamina. The captain looked a bit advantage with his light swinging long sword. On the other hand César is the younger person here. He swings very short, but quick enough to fence off the attack of the captain. Captain used his upper body strength just to force the sword to slash harder. But he was wrong with his tactics this time. Stone might falls faster but the arm suffered, I am sure Kaysing never learned that is school. César turned around and cursed! His rusty sword was placed near the captain's throat. One touch finish, very elegant skills.

“ Now captain, we have a deal.”

We were promised to be released as soon as we sail near the coast. César was tied again, he sat there and looked at the ocean. I went to him, just wanted to thank him.

“ Thank you for saving us, sir. My name is Kehr and he is Mr. Lowe, we are from Bodoh Kingdom. I just wanted to thank you again.”

“ The name's César, you are welcomed friend. Now dont call me sir again. Well I just have to sit here and wait for my man to come here and pay the ransom.”

“ Why? why would not just fight off the captain? With your skill, he is no match to you.”

“ I kept my promise to the captain, when he stormed our ship. We have a deal, he released all the passengers in the ship, I will be his hostage till my man come with the ransom.”

For such a high esteem of dignity and promise. He is the first that I met in my life. Fear is not in his eyes. It never exist in his mind. We were released once the ship sailed near the Bodoh Kingdom end coast. Of course we need to swim our way back to land. But I know, I will meet him again.

“ Remember the name, César” The last words he told me.