Deyanik (Smoldering)

    Sadik picked up a glistening red apple from a stall, browsing through the morning markets, scrutinizing fruit, meat, and spices, mulling over what he wanted to make for dinner.  All of a sudden there was a cry of surprise and several people turned to look at what was causing the commotion.  A few stalls away a young man was being held roughly by the wrist, a pained look on his face.

    “Are you accusing me of being a liar?” The stall owner all but screamed.

    “I-I’m sorry, sir, I meant nothing by it, honest. I was just-”

    “I won’t hear of it!” The owner yelled, shaking the young man’s wrist.

    “Hey!” Sadik barked, people turning to look at him.  He stalked over to the small crowd that had started to gather around the scene. They parted for his tall form, his fiery gaze sending people back to their shopping.  He marched up to the shop owner who still had hold of the young man’s wrist.

    “What’s all this then, Calp?” The proprietor turned on Sadik, eyes blazing.

    “This man tried to steal from me. I clearly saw him snitch a piece of fruit from my stand and pocket it, the little maggot.”

    “Please lower your voice, do you want to make business worse for yourself than it already is?” A sinister hint of a smirk graced the Turk’s lips.  Calp let the young man’s wrist go, his voice straining in its calmness.

    “And he’s a foreigner, on top of it all.” He shot the young man a glare.  Sadik could see those light blue eyes widen in shock, fear.

    “I’m sure it was nothing. You’re blowing things out of proportion again. Calm yourself and let’s work this out civilly.” Sadik turned to the young man.

    “Did you steal from this man?”  He saw those eyes brim with tears, his small voice laced with emotion.

    “I swear to you that I did not.” He steeled himself. “Look in my bag if you do not believe me.” He held out the soft small leather sack. Sadik gripped it with a sure hand.  He flipped open the cover and peered inside, a small booklet, some pens, a half-eaten bag of dried pear slices, a small purse, probably containing what little money he had.  Sadik closed the flap and handed the bag back to the young man. He slung it over his shoulder protectively.

    “There is nothing in the bag, Calp.” Sadik replied. You cause more trouble than you’re worth sometimes. Sadik dug in his pocket and produced enough change for two apples and handed it over to the owner, gripping two shiny red orbs in his large hands.

    “That should be enough for the one you fibbed about, and a little extra for your…trouble. Now I expect to not have to deal with this again.”

    Sadik turned his back and walked past the stalls lining the market square, the young man following quickly, eager to get as far away as possible from that angry man.  He caught up to Sadik and pulled on his sleeve.

    “I wanted to thank you for rescuing me.”

    “No problem. He’s always been a troublemaker. Always had a bad attitude, it’s bad for his business, but he likes to cause a scene wherever we put him in the square. Such a disagreeable guy, I’m surprised he’s stayed in business as long as he has, but I suppose that all of the angry little old ladies who come to shop everyday frequently put him in his place, you think he would learn.” A small smile crossed Sadik’s features as he tossed the apple towards the young man.

    “Care to come have a drink with me?”  The sun was high in the sky, baking everyone down below with it’s threatening heat.  The young man nodded and gave a small ‘yes’ as he followed Sadik into a shop opening, the two taking a seat at one of the small round tables. The proprietor bustled over and took their order. Sadik turned towards the young man, elbows resting on the polished worn wood.

    “So, who are you anyway?” The question would have been more patronizing if Sadik did not wear that casual easy-going smile. The young man leaned back in his chair, avoiding Sadik’s eyes.

    “I should be asking you the same question. You saved my life and I don’t even know your name.”

    “That’s a little extreme.” Sadik laughed, “The most that he would have done was to make you pay the amount of what he thought you had stolen.”  The young man winced.

    “I…I don’t have that much money. I’m here because I….well, I ran away from home.”

    “Really now? Well, why would a young, bright boy like you do something so foolish as that?”

    “I had to get away. My father wanted me to go into his business. I don’t want to be a banker, I want to be an artist!” The young man raised his voice, emotion flecking every word.

    “An artist, well, then, why did you come here?”

    “I had to get out of that house! I was….I wasn’t needed anymore.” Sadik looked pityingly at the young man sitting across from him.

    “No one should ever feel like they’re not needed. And I’m sure that however bad your father may seem, he was only looking out for you, wanted the best for you.” The young man shook his head.

    :My father was a cruel, evil, controlling man.  He was always cold to me and my brothers.  I had to get out of that house.” His voice was subdued now. Sadik could hear the choke of emotion filling his words.  They sipped at their drinks and Sadik cut up the apples that he had purchased off of Calp.  He watched as they young man ate nearly ravenously. When was the last time he had eaten?

    “How long have you been here?” Sadik asked, snapping a piece of apple into his mouth.

    “Just a few days. Things have been hard so far. It’s like I am an outcast. I don’t have enough money to eat, let alone get a room for the night. I’ve been sleeping outside mostly.”

    Sadik couldn’t believe it, this young angel-faced boy had been living on the streets.  It was unbearable. He wanted to comfort him somehow, to reassure him that everything would be alright.  But already, Sadik’s mind had been hatching a plan.

    “That’s unfortunate. But, you’re lucky you met me, because I may have a solution for you.”  The young man’s eyes gleamed like opals, tears brimming in his eyes from happiness.

    “Oh, thank you! How can I ever repay you for your kindness?” Sadik smiled.

    “How can you say such a thing now, you haven’t even heard of what my plan is yet.” The young man settled down a little, finishing off his apple.

    “First of all, I must know whom I have the honour of saving today…”

    “Ah! Sorry, My name’s Heracles.” The young man beamed.

    “Heracles, huh?” The Turk smiled from across the table.

    “What a strong name. Mine is Sadik, pleased to meet you.” Sadik held out his hand and Heracles shook it vigorously.

    “Now that we’re finally acquainted, here is my plan….”

    The two men stepped out of the café and parted ways.  Sadik turned a smile on Heracles and hugged him tightly.

    “Everything will be ok, as long as you do exactly as I’ve told you.” He rested his head on the young man’s head in a fatherly gesture.  He desperately wanted to let Heracles know that he was loved even if it was something as simple as this.

    “Do you remember all that I’ve said?”  Heracles nodded and shifted his pack on his shoulder. They separated and went their own ways as the bright water color twilight began to spread out across the sky.