📌 Previously in Chapter 44:
Zayd uncovered the truth behind the rival carriage shop — it was backed by an old noble faction marked with a golden lion sigil, the same one seen in Mosul. Rather than confront them directly, Zayd began working on a new, advanced winter carriage model. Meanwhile, Faheem and Rayhan handled the shop as Aftab guarded the operations.
📍 Scene: Zayd's Office – Afternoon
The door creaked open. Qadir poked his head in, looking unusually serious.
QADIR:
"Zayd… there's a guest. He says he's from Isfahan. Carries no weapons, but speaks like a man with weight."
Zayd closed his ledger.
ZAYD:
"Show him in. And keep Nimr close."
Qadir nodded, and moments later, a man in an ivory cloak and dark green turban entered. His beard was trimmed short, his eyes sharp, observant.
STRANGER (bowing slightly):
"Zayd ibn Suleiman. A name already on merchant tongues in three cities."
ZAYD (gesturing to the seat):
"Names travel faster than truth. Sit, and speak yours."
The man sat, placing a leather case on the table.
STRANGER:
"I am Ishaq al-Zarhani, envoy of a trading guild based in Isfahan… and a quiet observer of innovation."
Zayd said nothing but narrowed his eyes.
ISHAQ:
"We saw your carriage. Sleek. Comfortable. Efficient. Something even noblemen would ride in."
Zayd smiled faintly.
ZAYD:
"You came to praise or purchase?"
ISHAQ (smiling):
"Neither. I came to partner. The Silver Stallion you've seen... It's just the first of many attacks. They'll steal, undercut, and if that fails—bribe or burn. What you need… is a shield."
Zayd leaned back.
ZAYD:
"And what would such a shield cost me?"
Ishaq leaned forward.
ISHAQ:
"A modest percentage of every expansion route. Five percent. We handle taxes, border bribes, merchant rumors. You focus on creation. We protect it."
Zayd studied him.
ZAYD:
"And if I refuse?"
ISHAQ (shrugging):
"Then others may come. Louder, and less polite."
📍 Scene Change: Tea Garden – Evening
Later that day, Zayd sat with Qadir, Faheem, and Layla beneath a fig tree. Nimr perched above, feathers catching the setting sun.
QADIR (grinning):
"So… mysterious noblemen, secret guilds, stolen designs… What's next? A princess with a flying carpet?"
LAYLA (smiling):
"You joke, but this is the world you asked for, Zayd. Fame comes with thorns."
ZAYD (calmly):
"Then I'll learn to walk barefoot."
He looked at the leather case Ishaq had left — unopened, lying on the table. A contract was inside.
ZAYD (to Layla):
"If you were me, would you accept his offer?"
Layla raised an eyebrow.
LAYLA:
"I'd read every line, ask who his enemies are… then write a better contract myself."
They all laughed, and Qadir added:
QADIR:
"Or just marry him and get it for free!"
Everyone groaned.
📌 Closing Narration:
The web around Zayd grew tighter. Friends became advisors, rivals grew in the shadows, and opportunity came cloaked in compliments. But he remained calm — not because the road was easy, but because he had already died once.
And a man who has died once… doesn't fear the next storm.
End of Chapter 45