📌 Previously in Chapter 41:
Zayd and Qadir enjoyed a rare day of rest. Around a bonfire in their village, Zayd's father revealed the lost legacy of their family — once known as the noble House of Zaq. Spirits were high, food was shared, laughter rang across the fields. For a moment, peace returned.
📍 Scene: Al-Qarah Village – Morning in the Courtyard
The smell of fried onions and warm bread floated through the courtyard. Zayd, hair messy and still half asleep, sat cross-legged on the rooftop as Qadir brought up two plates of breakfast — eggs, soft flatbread, and lentils with spice.
QADIR:
"I had to trade half a melon for this egg, you better appreciate it."
ZAYD (yawning):
"You eat like a king and complain like a beggar."
QADIR (grinning):
"Balance. That's how I survive."
As they dug into their meal, a rider approached below with a sealed letter in hand, looking slightly nervous. Zayd narrowed his eyes.
QADIR (peeking):
"Did we order something?"
ZAYD:
"No. That's not a merchant. Look at the seal."
He leapt down with quiet grace, barefoot on warm stone.
The letter was wax-sealed with a golden lion, its mane etched in fine curves. Familiar — Zayd had seen it once before in Damascus, marked on a silk crate that had been mysteriously stolen.
Zayd took it, thanked the messenger, and turned it over in his hand.
QADIR (nervous):
"If it bites you, don't say I didn't warn you."
ZAYD (smirking):
"Only gold coins bite. Letters whisper."
📍 Scene Change: Inside Zayd's Room – Shortly After
He broke the seal. Inside, the letter was written in refined calligraphy:
"To the young wolf hiding in wool,
I see your wheels turning.
Build your empire. But know this — you're not the only merchant with memory.
We shall meet… when your second shop opens. Until then, rise well, Zayd ibn Suleiman.
— A Friend with a Lion's Heart"
Zayd folded it silently.
QADIR (peeking over his shoulder):
"Friend? That sounds like a threat dressed in poetry."
ZAYD (chuckling):
"Maybe. But at least he has taste."
QADIR:
"Should we be worried?"
ZAYD (serious now):
"No. Not worried. Interested."
📍 Scene: Village Stream – Afternoon Relaxation
With work still going smooth, the two cousins went for a walk near the stream. They dipped their feet in cool water, tossing pebbles at leaves.
QADIR (leaning back):
"Do you think rich enemies write better threats? Because that was the fanciest letter I've ever seen."
ZAYD:
"Only rich enemies write poetry. Poor ones just throw rocks."
They both burst into laughter.
Just then, Aftab appeared, shirt off, carrying two goats under his arms.
AFTAB:
"Cousins! I caught dinner. Also, I may have scared three children while doing it."
QADIR (grinning):
"You catch goats like a tiger, brother."
AFTAB:
"I am a tiger. I even named the goats. This one's Qadir. It eats too much."
QADIR:
"Rude."
📍 Scene: That Evening – Outdoor Feast
The family gathered again. This time, the workers were also invited. The village lit lanterns in trees, and the air was warm with cheer.
Zayd sat beside his father, who watched the scene with tired but proud eyes.
SULEIMAN:
"You're not just reviving a family… you're reviving a people."
Zayd didn't answer with words — only a smile.
Nimr glided down and perched on a tree above, letting out a low cry into the night.
📌 In Chapter 42:
A mysterious letter arrives from an unknown rival — intelligent, watchful, and respectful. But the tone remains light and joyful, as Zayd and his cousins continue to enjoy their village and growing business. More talent, more jokes, more food, more dreams.
End of Chapter 42