The pilgrim felt the hardest chapter of his life had closed
a world he couldn’t fathom full of mystery exposed
the guards who stopped him at the gate just laughed and waved him through
staring at their shining armour, as a child would do
The boy recovered quickly from the overwhelming sight
of endless waves of people walking to his left and right
he ventured through the noisy crowd not sure where he should go
but confident that when he met his fate that he would know
Suddenly a big man missing half his teeth or more
brushed against the traveller then fell upon the floor
before the boy could stop and help the fallen man to stand
another man approached the boy and grabbed him by the hand
“How dare you push that old man down and try to steal his things
you’re about to see the consequence that stealing brings
someone call the guards, this boy should surely pay a price
even all the gold that he could pay would not suffice”
Before the boy could understand the trouble he was in
he looked back down and saw the toothless man now wore a grin
a guard appeared and asked the boy what he could sell for gold
and if he couldn’t pay the fine himself, then he’d be sold
The wide-eyed boy attempted to appeal to passers by
but such a common scene would make no stranger bat an eye
the guards who confiscated every item he possessed
didn’t even hear the desperate pleading of their guest
This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.
Confused and stripped of everything except his ragged pants
he tried to talk his way of his chains, but had no chance
his first night in the city was in jail, confused and cold
his company a sleeping drunk who stank of beer and mold
The night was long and sleepless but the sun did rise again
maybe on his second day, he’d find adventure then
he ate the bit of moldy bread the guard tossed in the cell
when first it crossed his mind, he hoped his family was well
His stomach turned but he resolved to face adversity
if he gave up, he could never face his family
as he sat in silence trying to formulate a plot
a man appeared before the boy who took him to be bought
“Sinner, now the time has come for you to go and pay
Stand up straight so we can get you sold and on your way”
the jailor dragged him out in chains into the busy street
dreaming of a warmer place with something good to eat
He, along with half a dozen other sorry men
chained upon a platform, saw the city once again
standing there without his shirt and shoes he wasn’t sure
if life in this big city, was a life he could endure
After several hundred pairs of eyes had stopped to stare
the boy in chains was guided off the platform in despair
a guard removed his chains and said, the payment will suffice
and then he heard a voice cry out, “you went for quite a price”
“Pilgrim I must say I’m happy, you took my advice
I’m sure that you’ll agree that city life is rather nice”
a man with sharp blue eyes emerged from somewhere in the crowd
he paid the auctioneer a fee and then politely bowed
The merchant laughed and threw the boy a blanket laced with gold
and fed him with some meat and cheese which drove away the cold
“to think that we could meet again so soon, I’m truly blessed
Although it cost a little more to buy you than I guessed”
Your lesson here is twofold and it’s best you learn it well
luck and friends are all that stop you falling into hell
so keep your state in mind, it doesn't matter where or when
you can work for me, or you can try your luck again”
The boy could not deny the fact that he’d been caught off guard
and getting used to city life might be a little hard
so just this once he’d listen to the merchant’s free advice
sometimes even heroes needed saving once or twice
“Pilgrim I can see you made it this far on your own
but honestly, you might not get much farther all alone
in the end, I cannot help you mend your wounded pride
but when misfortune comes to call, no man alive can hide”
The pilgrim, now employed, could only sigh and shake his head
“I’ll return the gold you paid, as sure as blood is red”
the merchant cheered and slapped the shoulder of his new young friend
“I have blood and gold to spare but do as you intend”