CHAPTER 1: The traveler's youth

Moment 1: End of trip for big brother! (Part 1)

School is over for today. I've been hearing the bells at the entrance of the village for quite a while now. The rumors were true, my big brother is finally back with us after his long trip! Hop, I tighten the straps of my backpack, jump the few exit steps and I start running towards the entrance of the village to check if it's my big brother. I see through the fence my dear friend Drea having his ears pulled by one of his teachers. I stop and he gives me a thumbs up signaling that everything is fine. His face, as so often, shows no emotion even though his ears are being abused. I wonder what he could have done this time. I also made him a sign and continue to move for reaching  the entrance of the village. I sneak between passers-by, donkeys, riders, grannies with agility and energy. I even manage to pick up the oranges that have fallen from a grandpa's bag in my momentum while putting them back in his basket. But, I also accidentally knock over a crate of apples from a shopkeeper:
"Dalamb! My apples! Wait until I catch you!"
"Sorry! My brother is back, I have to meet him at the entrance to the village!" I tell him while continuing to run.
"Eh ? Akar's son has returned?! He said under his breath. Say hello to him!"

Despite all these obstacles I manage to maintain a good pace. I approach more and more and I hear people talking among themselves about the return of Ralamd, my big brother. People ask me when they meet me if he's finally back... but "I don't know! I'm just going to go check it out", I tell them most often. The closer I get to the entrance of the village, the greater the crowd of people. Impossible to run. The tree over there will allow me to gain height and see more clearly what is happening. I ride it and ah! Finally! My brother is on a horse, with two other riders accompanying him. They seem to have some baggage with them. Mom and Dad should be coming to welcome him soon! When I decide to come down from the tree, my brother sees me. He waves to me, that distinctive sign that we created together to stand out! He often tells me that it's the sign of the 7P's organization!

The 7P are the six heroes who during the last war, participated in the liberation of the country. They are super discreet and they also fight against troublemakers on a daily basis! Nobody knows them and they act with their faces hidden. They are super cool! I would love to meet them. We play very often to imitate these heroes with my friends. I always wonder why they are called the 7P when there are only six. I will ask Master Lo one of these days. But they are also said to have collaborated with the "bloodthirsty assassins" of the country. I don't really believe in it but, hm, that too I would see with Master Lo. Here I am down from the tree, I hurry to join my brother by clearing my way and getting rid of the branches and leaves that have remained attached to me. After a few minutes, I manage to reach my brother surrounded by about forty people or more. He notices me.

"Heho, Ralamd!" I said.
"Oh there you are!"
"Your horse is beautiful," I said, following him.
"Yes go up!" He said, taking me with one hand and putting me in front of his knees.

He gives me a big hug in front of everyone, which tends to make me blush. Our parents finally join us, we both get off the horse. My parents and especially my Mum embrace Ralamd and ask him a few banal questions about his health. Dad also takes him in his arms and carries some things with him to help Ralamd. I try to do the same. Other villagers accompany us as we make our way home. Some of them congratulate my brother.

"Ralamd! How was your journey ?!"
"Very well thank you, it's a bit tiring anyway! And you Batik, I hope the wolves don't hang around your house too much anymore!"
"Congratulations Ralamd, you are the pride of the village!" Add another.
"Thank you, oh you know it's not as complicated as it seems to travel like that. I'll be visiting your son soon..."

People also talk to my parents: "Congratulations Madam, Mr. Zohie for the journey of your son!" they told. And it doesn't stop until we enter the house. As I hold Papa's hand, I glance at the luggage carried by the horse I got off. A strange noise and movements come from a grid covered with a fabric. I try to spread it with my hand to see what's there but Dad, changing direction, causes me to miss my deadlift. Either way, it's moving. I try again and "Ouch!"a little hairy paw appears, lightly scratching my hand. What's that?!

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