The Eye Of The Snake

4 ZAYO

Zayo was preparing to leave the house. As he stepped outside, a scorching sun beat down on him, so he decided to pull up his hood to protect himself from the sun's rays. He crossed the street and saw his younger brothers, Kayo and Jinai, begging for coins from anyone who passed by.

–You won't get anything here. If you want a decent haul, you have to go to the neighborhoods closer to the castle –Zayo told them.

–But what if someone does something to us? We'd be far from home –said Kayo.

–You're more likely to get mugged here than there; at most, they'll tell you to leave –his older brother responded–. Besides, we could use your help to find our next target. If you see anyone with a piece of jewelry that catches your eye, let me know.

–Alright –Jinai said.

The two boys were very much alike, with dark skin and curly black hair. They always stuck together as if they were best friends, even though they never stopped arguing at home. However, they always defended each other if the fight involved Sairo or Taira.

Zayo continued on his way. After walking quite a bit, he slipped into a narrow alley. He stopped in front of a door and knocked twice. A voice answered from the other side.

–Yes? –said a gruff voice.

–It's Zayo, let me see that fat guy.

Silence filled the air for a few seconds before the sound of chains could be heard, one after another. Zayo knew this noise came from the six or more latches hidden behind the door. Suddenly, the door opened, and a big, dark-skinned man with dark eyes stared at the boy.

–What's up, big guy? Rough day? –Zayo said confidently.

–Come in –the response was curt.

Zayo entered and found another man as big as the one who had opened the door. Between them, sitting behind a table, was a fat man with a black beard, no hair, and a stern expression. This was Heros, who controlled all the money, food, and water in Wet Sand.

–Sit down, Zayo –the boy obeyed and took a seat–. So, what do you have for me?

–Look what I brought you –Zayo opened his small bag and showed him the bracelet.

–Mmm... –Heros began to laugh–. This boy has been working well since he was young, working well.

Zayo joined in the laughter, but Heros suddenly stopped.

–What do you want in return?

–Two loaves of bread and two containers of water –the boy said seriously.

–Impossible –Heros replied firmly–. You know how expensive potable water is. That deal, just for the bracelet, is madness.

–Alright, you name your price then.

–I can give you the two loaves of bread.

This was a hard blow for Zayo, as what he needed most was the water.

–I can't leave here without the two containers of water.

–Sorry, kid, but this bracelet isn't even worth half a container nowadays.

Heros sensed Zayo's desperation, and like any good businessman, he took advantage.

–Alright, I'll give you half a loaf and the two containers, but you'll owe me the bracelet and something of great value to cover the cost of the water –the man extended his hand to close the deal.

–I have no other choice –Zayo shook his hand and handed over the bracelet.

–Your debt must be paid before the end of the month.