With a roof over his head and food to eat, The nomad's journey became more complete. And though they were from different worlds apart, Their friendship bloomed and touched each other's heart.

For in this vast and lonely land, Two souls found solace, hand in hand. And though their paths may someday diverge, Their bond will remain, an eternal merge.

all the poetry at the start of each chapter links with the book either now or in the future

A Cosy Welcome

I felt a surge of surprise and gratitude as Markus offered me a place to stay in exchange for my help at his shop.

He went on to describe his small shop in the nearby village, where he sold an assortment of goods ranging from exotic spices and fine fabrics to exquisite pottery.

I nodded in agreement, "I'm happy to work for you, sir."

A warm smile spread across his face as he placed a reassuring hand on my shoulder. "That's settled then. You can stay with me as long as you like, Jack. But first, we need to get you some proper clothes. Your attire is rather unusual."

I looked down at my clothing, realizing how out of place I must have looked. I nodded, "Thank you, sir. I appreciate your help."

Markus patted my shoulder gently before leading me down the stairs. "Don't mention it, young man. We'll get you sorted out in no time. Oh, and please don't call me sir. Just Markus will do."

This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.

As I stepped inside the old man's house, I was immediately struck by the dim lighting and the musty smell of aged wood. The interior was surprisingly spacious, with a large central room that appeared to serve as both living area and workspace. The walls were lined with shelves, filled to the brim with papyrus scrolls, clay tablets, and various other ancient artifacts. In one corner, there was a low wooden table, surrounded by cushions and a few animal skins, which seemed to serve as the primary seating area. The room was lit by a few small oil lamps, giving it a warm and inviting feel.

To the left of the main room was a smaller alcove, which appeared to be a sleeping area. There was a low bed covered in simple linens made from rough-spun linen, and a small chest at the foot of the bed. The walls were adorned with a few colourful frescoes, depicting scenes of daily life in ancient Egypt.

To the right of the main room was a small kitchen area, with a simple clay stove, a few clay pots and pans hanging on the walls, and a small table with a couple of stools. The floors throughout the house were made of packed earth, and the walls were made of mud bricks, which had been painted in a faded shade of ochre. Overall, the house had a cosy, lived-in feel to it, with a clear sense of history and tradition.

I could feel the weight of the centuries bearing down on me, as if the walls themselves held the memories of generations past. The flickering light of the oil lamps cast strange shadows on the walls, and the musty scent of the ancient wood and stone filled my nostrils. I followed him to the main room where he pulled out a set of linen clothing. They were simple, yet well-made and comfortable looking. He handed them to me and said, "Here, put these on. They should fit you well enough."

As Jack made his way to the corner indicated by Markus, he couldn't help but feel a little nervous. He had never worn clothing like this before, and he wasn't sure how it would fit or feel. But as he slipped on the loose linen shirt and the wide-legged trousers, he was surprised at how comfortable they were. They were light and he could move around much more freely.

Jack emerged from the corner, feeling like a new man. The linen garments felt cool against his skin in the warm Egyptian climate, and he felt like he finally belonged in this time period.

"Wow," said Markus, nodding approvingly. "You look like a real Egyptian now."

Jack grinned, feeling a sense of relief wash over him. He was grateful to Markus for helping him out.

Markus gestured towards a small alcove to the right of the main room. "You can rest here for the night, Jack," he said kindly.

Jack followed Markus's lead and walked over to the alcove. The sleeping area was modest but comfortable. There was a low bed covered in simple linens, with a few pillows and a thin blanket. The walls were adorned with a few colourful tapestries, depicting scenes of ancient Egyptian life.

As Jack laid down on the bed, he felt a sense of relief wash over him. The new clothing Markus had given him was comfortable and breathable, a far cry from the heavy coat he had been wearing before. He closed his eyes and allowed himself to drift off to sleep.