There was a merchant of precious stones in the city of Armilli. His name was Hortin. The city had been a coastal, secluded settlement for almost a couple of centuries. The inhabitants made a living with the help of the resources, the place was abound with.So not much of a trade was carried out with the neighboring cities. It was prosperous and people spent their time peacefully, carrying out their respective occupations.
But Hortin, was an adventurer of sorts. Young as he was, he had spent last 5 years of his life, diving deep into the sea and bringing some unknown stones from its bosom, to the surface. He would sell some and keep the others, to admire for life..Now, he wanted to explore the land and discover new places and civilizations. He bought a sturdy, brown horse, named Nello.
From whatever little was known of the outside world - the closest city was a 7-day journey by a horse. After spending a few days of educating and equipping himself for the terrain, the route, the requisites - Hortin decided to embark on one, with Nello.
It had been 5 days of experiencing, discovering and wondering in an alien land with just a living soul around - to share his thoughts, his food, his company with. Nello, in turn had also been sentient enough to acknowledge his master's presence, reciprocate the occasional affection and although reticent being an animal - listen to him and offer a respectful, loving silence to Hortin's monologues.
By the 6th day - the duo was tired and had stopped coming across landmarks that should've guided the journey ahead. Fear of having lost the way had started gripping Hortin. Nello was slowly losing the strength to sustain for a few more days. By the day's end - resting against Nello's brown torso, shining in the luminosity of the moon, Hortin contemplated on what was to come. Disheartened - he slept with his friend.
They should've have been in a close proximity of the city by then. But there was no trace of a city in sight. More days went by. By the end of ninth day, they were running out of even water.. Nello was barely walking, though some signs of human life had started appearing.
Tenth day into the journey - it was afternoon and Nello had almost given up. He crashed to the ground. No mark of water could be seen, though Hortin sensed that they were just a few miles from the city. He thought he could cover the rest of it on foot. But how would he leave Nello, dying like this. Ten days with him, had been magical. And though all was non-committal - it had been special. Nello looked at him tenderly without askance. And as Hortin embraced him and caressed his manes, he felt bound.
After thinking for a while, Hortin picked up the bag of pearls, he had got and walked towards the city. Nello's gaze followed him, till he could see him no more and closed his eyes.
By evening - Hortin reached the city. Thick black clouds had covered it. It was going to rain. Something told him that his wish had been granted. His heart was bubbling with joy. It had started to pour. Hortin traded a few pearls, bought some food, and hired a horse. He dared the inclement weather and set back for the place where he had left his friend, hoping that the waters' from the heaven's above would have revived Nello.
The rains had letup.He paced his horse and eventually reached his destination.
But Nello was gone...
Hortin frantically searched around in the thick of the night - yelling his name aloud, for no response in return, except for the echoes of a hollow space. Teary eyed he kept the food he had got, and turned towards the city...
But Hortin, was an adventurer of sorts. Young as he was, he had spent last 5 years of his life, diving deep into the sea and bringing some unknown stones from its bosom, to the surface. He would sell some and keep the others, to admire for life..Now, he wanted to explore the land and discover new places and civilizations. He bought a sturdy, brown horse, named Nello.
From whatever little was known of the outside world - the closest city was a 7-day journey by a horse. After spending a few days of educating and equipping himself for the terrain, the route, the requisites - Hortin decided to embark on one, with Nello.
It had been 5 days of experiencing, discovering and wondering in an alien land with just a living soul around - to share his thoughts, his food, his company with. Nello, in turn had also been sentient enough to acknowledge his master's presence, reciprocate the occasional affection and although reticent being an animal - listen to him and offer a respectful, loving silence to Hortin's monologues.
By the 6th day - the duo was tired and had stopped coming across landmarks that should've guided the journey ahead. Fear of having lost the way had started gripping Hortin. Nello was slowly losing the strength to sustain for a few more days. By the day's end - resting against Nello's brown torso, shining in the luminosity of the moon, Hortin contemplated on what was to come. Disheartened - he slept with his friend.
They should've have been in a close proximity of the city by then. But there was no trace of a city in sight. More days went by. By the end of ninth day, they were running out of even water.. Nello was barely walking, though some signs of human life had started appearing.
Tenth day into the journey - it was afternoon and Nello had almost given up. He crashed to the ground. No mark of water could be seen, though Hortin sensed that they were just a few miles from the city. He thought he could cover the rest of it on foot. But how would he leave Nello, dying like this. Ten days with him, had been magical. And though all was non-committal - it had been special. Nello looked at him tenderly without askance. And as Hortin embraced him and caressed his manes, he felt bound.
After thinking for a while, Hortin picked up the bag of pearls, he had got and walked towards the city. Nello's gaze followed him, till he could see him no more and closed his eyes.
By evening - Hortin reached the city. Thick black clouds had covered it. It was going to rain. Something told him that his wish had been granted. His heart was bubbling with joy. It had started to pour. Hortin traded a few pearls, bought some food, and hired a horse. He dared the inclement weather and set back for the place where he had left his friend, hoping that the waters' from the heaven's above would have revived Nello.
The rains had letup.He paced his horse and eventually reached his destination.
But Nello was gone...
Hortin frantically searched around in the thick of the night - yelling his name aloud, for no response in return, except for the echoes of a hollow space. Teary eyed he kept the food he had got, and turned towards the city...
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