Part 17

To the north of Joremir lay the city of Olengrad. Just the name of that ancient city sent a shadow of fear and mystery into people’s minds. On the outskirts of Olengrad, where the light of civilisation dimmed, small scattered villages seemed to belong to another world entirely.

In the deep darkness of night, when even the moon hid behind clouds, the sound of two horses’ hooves echoed on the stone road. On the backs of the horses rode two friends—Usuf and Salih. Fatigue marked their eyes, yet their faces held satisfied smiles. They had successfully completed an important task for Hamad’s business.

Usuf was tall and handsome, his eyes flashing with determination. At twenty, his strength and mental resolve were equally renowned. Beside him rode Salih, slightly younger, with a serene gravity on his handsome face that drew people’s attention.

That day, they had traveled to a remote village at the edge of Olengrad for Hamad’s work. After a long, grueling day, when the sun had set with a reddish glow in the western sky, there was still work to be done. Now, returning through the dark night felt perilous.

The cold air made their bodies shiver. The horses were tired too, their breaths forming clouds in the night. On either side of the road, the faint light from small cottages glimmered through windows. Inside, people were warm and comfortable, while these two travellers shivered in the biting cold.

They knocked at several houses along the road, hoping to spend the night. Usuf knocked politely but firmly at the first door.

“Ar-Rauf di-hatep ra herek! Brother, we are travellers. We need some shelter for the night.”

But no one answered. It was as if the villagers had vanished like ghosts.

At the second house, Salih spoke in a pleading tone,
“Brother, please help us. We will leave by morning.”

Again, only silence responded.

By the third house, Salih’s voice carried a note of despair,
“Ar-Rauf! Please open!”

But still no one opened the door. Even those who did open the door offered no hospitality—turning them away immediately, their faces filled with fear and suspicion, as though these two young men were some kind of monsters.

By the fourth house, Usuf’s patience was nearly gone. Sweat beaded on his forehead, and the fire of anger started burning in his eyes. Salih, noticing his friend’s state, grew concerned.

This time, an old man opened the door. His white beard marked his age, yet his eyes were sharp and suspicious. The moment he looked at Usuf and Salih’s handsome faces, suspicion flared—why would two strong, beautiful young men wander the night like this? Surely they had ill intentions. In a flash, he slammed the door shut without a word.

The insult struck Usuf’s proud heart like a lightning bolt. Furious, eyes blazing, his handsome face twisted in anger. His muscular body trembled with rage.

Usuf roared,
“You old devil! You dare treat us like this?”

His fists clenched, ready to smash the door, sparks of fire seeming to leap from his eyes.

Seeing his friend in this state, Salih grew fearful. He knew the consequences of Usuf’s anger could be devastating. A shadow of worry passed over his face. Somehow, he grabbed Usuf’s powerful arm to hold him back.

Placing his hand on Usuf’s shoulder, Salih spoke in a calm but firm voice,
“Brother, hold on a moment. If the villagers think we are robbers and come at us, we won’t even be able to escape—we don’t know this road.”

Salih’s words made sense, yet Usuf’s anger had not subsided. The fire of rage still burned in his chest. Such treatment of two strong, handsome, and polite young men—this had wounded his pride deeply.

Usuf was fuming. His nostrils flared, breathing out like hot air. His eyes glowed red with anger.

“Let them hit if they dare. Tomorrow, I’ll bring Roham’s men and teach everyone a lesson. Anyone in this village who refuses to help deserves a beating.”

His voice was so terrifying that a nearby dog cowered, tucking its tail and fleeing. Salih realised immediately—his friend would not sleep tonight. The fire of revenge would continue to burn in his heart.

Through the darkness of the night, the two friends mounted their horses again. But now, their journey was no longer just about finding shelter—it had become a struggle for honour and vengeance.

The stars above seemed to witness the events of this night. On the outskirts of Olengrad, at the edge of civilisation, the darker side of human hearts became most apparent. But would young men like Usuf and Salih bow to that darkness?

This question lingered as the night deepened.

The sound of the horses’ hooves gradually slowed. After a long journey, carrying the weight of insult and anger, both their bodies and minds were exhausted.