📌 Previously in Chapter 42:
Zayd received a mysterious letter sealed with a lion emblem — a veiled message from a hidden rival who claimed to be watching his rise. But Zayd, Qadir, and Aftab chose to enjoy their peaceful days in the village. The workshop ran smoothly, families were happy, and the legacy of the House of Zaq began to quietly return.
📍 Scene: On the Road to Baghdad – Early Morning
A light fog rolled across the winding road. Zayd rode calmly on his chestnut horse, Nimr perched on his shoulder, silent and watchful. Behind him trailed a small escort of guards on horseback — led by Aftab, his cousin and newly appointed commander of Zayd's delivery corps.
Beside him rode Qadir, who munched roasted chickpeas from a cloth pouch.
QADIR (casually):
"You think they've kept the shop clean while we were gone?"
ZAYD (smirking):
"If rats are gone and customers are not… I'll be happy."
AFTAB:
"I left my brothers in charge. They'd argue over who breathes first, but they're sharper than most traders I've seen."
ZAYD:
"Good. We'll need sharp minds now."
📍 Scene Change: Baghdad – Market District – Noon
The familiar sound of city life greeted them — donkeys braying, children running, bells ringing as silk stalls opened under striped awnings. Zayd's carriage shop stood firm and shining on the corner of the Golden Avenue, banners flapping gently.
As Zayd entered, his younger cousin Faheem, one of Aftab's brothers, rushed to greet him.
FAHEEM (excited):
"Brother Zayd! We sold four carriages last week! A governor's wife even asked if she could paint her name on the side!"
ZAYD:
"Good work. I see the gold jar's grown."
FAHEEM (grinning):
"We counted 1,230 gold dinars total in sales this month so far. After salaries and upkeep, we've saved around 900 dinars."
ZAYD (nodding):
"Perfect. Keep records exact. Reputation is gold."
📍 Scene Change: Back Room of the Shop – Afternoon
Zayd and Qadir reviewed ledgers while sipping lemon water. But soon, a delivery boy arrived with a folded flyer.
BOY:
"Someone asked me to deliver this to 'the cart prince.' I think that's you?"
Zayd opened the flyer. His eyes narrowed.
It was an advertisement — showing a carriage almost identical to Zayd's latest model.
"New Comfort Carriages! Elegant. Fast. Made in Nine Days. Available now in southern Baghdad."
QADIR (frowning):
"Hey… that's our curved seat design… the underframe too!"
ZAYD (calmly):
"Copied… already. That was faster than I expected."
QADIR:
"What should we do?! Sue him? Challenge him to a sword duel? Tell Layla?"
ZAYD (smirking):
"None of that. We'll test them first. See if it's form or function they copied."
He held the flyer in the light, inspecting the ink.
ZAYD (thoughtful):
"Besides… I already had plans to evolve the next model. Let the world chase what we've already left behind."
📍 Scene: Rooftop of the Shop – Sunset
That evening, Zayd stood atop the shop, watching the orange haze over Baghdad. Nimr perched beside him, eyes following the people below.
ZAYD (to Nimr):
"If they can copy my carriage… can they copy my mind?"
Nimr blinked, unimpressed.
Behind him, Qadir called up:
QADIR:
"We have leftover lamb from lunch! You coming down or should I throw it?"
ZAYD:
"Throw it and I'll invent flying shoes to catch it mid-air."
Laughter echoed across the roof.
📌 In Chapter 43:
Zayd returns to Baghdad to find business booming — but a copycat has emerged, selling knock-off versions of his carriages. Calm and clever as ever, Zayd prepares to evolve beyond imitation, determined to stay one step ahead.
End of Chapter 43