20 Sally Forth (1/2)

Dimwald was leaning against a tree when Tyre approached him. The heat of the sun was scorching. Thankfully, this tree was here to shade him.

”Fresh supplies just arrived” Tyre stretched his arms to Dimwald offering the apple that he was holding. ”I happen to grab some.”

”You mean steal.” Dimwald laughed ”Well, it's about time. I'm starting to get sick of eating salted food every day. My tongue is starting to have blisters.” Dimwald said as he accepted the apple and took a bite from it.

Every week, fresh food from Tulosa arrives along with other supplies. Tyre was one of the people in charge of storing the supplies so of course he would not let go of his chance to 'acquire' some resources.

Tyre was a strange man. He was a lanky man in his mid-twenties with a curly hair. Dimwald just met him about a month ago, but he acts like they were best of friends already. At first Dimwald kept his distance, but Tyre did not stop on pestering him. In the end, he gave up and accepted him as his friend.

”Did the letters also arrive?” Dimwald asked as he took another bite.

”Yes.” Tyre sat beside him ”You've been waiting for a letter? I didn't know you are literate.”

”From my sister.” Answered Dimwald.

”Your sister is also literate?” Tyre looked at him with a surprised expression

”Yes” Dimwald smiled. ”An old merchant taught us to read and write a few years ago” He explained. What he didn't reveal though was the identity of the merchant. It was their father. Their father was a small-time merchant in Tulosa. He was a good father and taught both he and his sister how to read and write. But one day his father was killed by bandits and stole everything from them. Dimwald did not want to discuss or even remember his father so he just labeled him as a 'merchant'.

”Oh. Good for you then. My father is literate and he sends me letters from time to time. But I can't read so I still have to pay an officer to read it for me.” Tyre said.

”You want me to teach you then?” Dimwald offered

”No don't worry about it.” Tyre shrugged. He leaned on the tree ”I paid a merchant to teach me once, but I gave up after a month”

Dimwald couldn't help but feel pity for his friend. Like many people, Tyre must have once dreamt of being able to read and write. Literate people can have high-paying jobs. It was a shame he gave up.

”Well if you change your mind just tell me. I'll do it for free. It looks like we're stuck here for a long time so why not make use of the time.” Dimwald smiled. It will help him pass time anyway. Sieges were boring.

”Yeah I'll think about it” Said Tyre. He then pointed at the Castle in front of them ”These damn Castonians are stubborn though. They would rather starve inside the Castle rather than surrender. Are they still hoping that help would arrive?”