📌 Previously in Chapter 35:
Zayd finally took a breath after weeks of effort — but not for long. Qadir returned triumphantly with twelve newly crafted carriages. They agreed to sell them at 400 gold coins each to build a reputation of consistency. Now, with a shop in the heart of Baghdad and beautiful carriages on display, the business had truly begun.
📍 Scene: Nimr Caravans Courtyard – Morning
Sunlight poured over the freshly polished carriages lined up outside Zayd's shop. Each bore the mark of a soaring falcon — the insignia of Nimr Caravans.
Zayd leaned on the doorframe, watching a nobleman and his assistant inspect a blue velvet-lined cart.
CUSTOMER (grinning):
"This is finer than anything in Basra. We'll take it. 400 gold, yes?"
Zayd bowed politely as the deal was sealed.
📍 Scene Change: Inside the Shop – Later That Day
Zayd counted the coins, stacking gold dinars neatly.
QADIR (excitedly):
"Eight carriages in three days! At this rate, we'll need a gold vault just for ourselves."
ZAYD (smiling, but thoughtful):
"True… But this speed brings problems."
QADIR (pausing mid-bite):
"Problems? Like what?"
Zayd pulled out a parchment filled with scribbled notes — delivery times, blacksmith schedules, supply routes.
ZAYD:
"The blacksmiths are doing fine. But delivery and protection are an issue. The roads aren't safe. And if we both stay here selling… who expands the business? Who negotiates with other cities?"
QADIR (nodding):
"You're right. We can't be shopkeepers and traders at once."
Qadir leaned back, thinking. Then he snapped his fingers.
QADIR:
"Wait, remember cousin Aftab?"
ZAYD:
"Aftab… the tall one who used to beat us at wrestling?"
QADIR (grinning):
"That's him! He used to be captain of the border guard — until he refused to burn a village and got kicked out. Honor got him fired."
ZAYD:
"Does he have men loyal to him?"
QADIR:
"Last I heard, his old unit still respect him. Some even left with him."
Zayd's eyes lit up. He paced slowly.
ZAYD:
"If we bring Aftab in to handle logistics, defense, and transport… we can scale up. We'll need a trustworthy core group who treats this like family."
QADIR (nodding fast):
"I can send a message. He's been working cleaning drains lately. City won't hire him with his history."
ZAYD:
"Then let's change his history. Call him."
📍 Scene Change: Public Well Near the Slums – Afternoon
AFTAB, tall, broad-shouldered, and tired, hauled a wooden bucket of black water from a drain. His tunic was soaked, his hands calloused.
A young boy ran up and handed him a folded note. He opened it:
"Brother, we have a place for you in something greater.
Come tonight. – Zayd ibn Suleiman"
Aftab stared at the name. A slow smile spread across his worn face.
📍 Scene Change: Nimr Caravans Courtyard – Sunset
Zayd and Qadir sat on low cushions under the shop's awning, a kettle of tea steaming beside them.
The sound of a strong, deliberate step echoed toward them.
AFTAB (deep voice):
"Is this where cousins become kings?"
Zayd stood, smiling, arms open.
ZAYD:
"No, brother. This is where family builds an empire."
They embraced, laughter filling the air.
📍 Closing Note:
With Aftab returning to the fold, Zayd's growing business now had its first commander. What began with wood and wheels was evolving into something more — structure, discipline, and loyalty.
Eight carriages sold. Four remain. But now, there were more hands to carry the weight — and more dreams to chase.
End of Chapter 36