في هدوء الصباح الباكر، ظهرت إميلي، إحدى الفتيات الصغيرات، أمام الكوخ، وهي تحمل سلة مليئة بالطعام. وقالت بصوت حيوي:

"تعالي يا سيرينا، دعينا نحضر الطعام قبل وصول الأب."

أجابت سيرينا بثقة،

"حسنًا، إيميلي، أنا قادمة."

The two girls were in the prime of their youth, brimming with vitality and energy.

In the northern hall of sovereignty, Idris sat on his gilded chair, a throne that carried with it a history of power and authority. At that moment, Ibrahim, the commander of the guards, hurried into the hall and said,

"My lord, one of the people who tried to infiltrate the kingdom has been caught. I believe he is from the South."

Idris responded, with a hint of reproach in his voice,

"Think well of people, Ibrahim. Not every enemy of ours is from the South. We have foes all around us, both within the kingdom and beyond its borders."

But Ibrahim, always vigilant about protecting the kingdom, replied with astonishment,

"I can’t believe it. Despite everything they've done, you still think well of them! My lord, I've never seen anyone like you. You are an example to all the soldiers. Despite your kindness, you are just in times of seriousness—supportive of the weak, firm against the oppressors, and compassionate to the wronged."

Idris smiled warmly, a blend of kindness and modesty in his expression, and said,

"No matter how tough the challenges or how dire the circumstances, you must always be a role model for those around you."

He then turned toward the window, gazing into the distance, and continued,

"Look out there. We bear responsibility for all of them. If you cannot protect those who trust you, then do not call yourself a leader."

Idris then pulled out a pouch of gold coins and handed it to Ibrahim, saying,

"Take this pouch and go to the market. Leave no hungry person unfed and no naked one unclothed."

Ibrahim raised his hands in respect and replied,

"At your service, my lord. I will do all of that."

As Ibrahim was about to leave, Idris turned to him and said with confidence,

The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation.

"I know that if the entire world were to conspire against me, you would be the one to fight by my side."

Ibrahim smiled proudly and said,

"Of course, my lord. I will always stand by you."

Ibrahim opened the door and stepped out. He headed to the market, where he was well known among the people of the kingdom. They knew that Lord Idris never forgot anyone, no matter their status. Ibrahim began distributing the money among the townspeople—feeding the hungry, clothing the destitute, and even buying fruits. He then decided to return to his daughters, Serena and Emily, feeling a sense of peace after witnessing the joy on the faces of the townsfolk.

When Ibrahim entered his home, his daughters greeted him with joy, exclaiming in unison,

"Father is back!"

The two girls said excitedly,

"What did you bring us, Father? We’re so curious and excited to know if you’ll like the meal we prepared!"

Ibrahim laughed and replied with a smile,

"My dear, wonderful daughters, no matter what you do, I will always be proud of you. You are the best of character and upbringing."

The next morning, Ibrahim headed to the training ground of the soldiers. He stood before them, observing their faces with determination, and raised his voice to address them,

"The sword you carry protects people and defends them. Each of you must wield it with sincerity and use it for justice and fairness."

The soldiers were motivated and trained with full strength and courage. Each one gave their utmost effort for the kingdom. Ibrahim stood aside, watching them with pride, certain that his efforts and those of the brave soldiers would not go in vain but would yield great results in the future.

After finishing his work at the training ground, Ibrahim returned home after a long and exhausting day, as was usual for him. When he reached his house, he paused for a moment, hearing the sound of crying from inside. He quickly opened the door and rushed in, only to find Serena crying. He looked at her with concern and asked,

"What’s wrong, my daughter? And where is your sister?"

Serena replied, her voice trembling,

"My sister has been missing since morning. I searched everywhere for her, but I couldn’t find her. I’m so worried about her."

Ibrahim took a deep breath and said firmly,

"Don’t worry, Serena. I will go and look for her now. Lock the door and do not open it for anyone."

Ibrahim left immediately and began searching for Emily everywhere, refusing to give up. Months passed with no news of her, and no one was able to find her.

One day, as Ibrahim stood at his doorstep, he heard a knock. He hurried to open the door, the sound of a crying infant filling the air. When he opened the door, his face was struck with shock. Standing before him was Emily, crying bitterly, with clear signs of abuse on her body and carrying an infant in her arms.

Ibrahim took his daughter Emily inside, then said to her in a serious tone full of concern,

"Before you sit down, you must tell me everything that happened to you."

Emily sat on a nearby chair and began to recount her story hesitantly, her voice trembling as if she were still reliving those bitter moments. She said,

"It was Adnan, Father... Adnan, the brother of Laloris, the lord of the South. I was wandering alone in the forest, searching for some fruits and enjoying the beautiful scenery. Suddenly, someone struck me on the head, and I lost consciousness. When I woke up, I found myself tied up in a dark, miserable cave. From afar, I heard a laugh, and its owner said to me,

'You have finally arrived after such a long wait.'"

Ibrahim stood still, his eyes filled with shock and sorrow as he listened to his daughter. Emily continued slowly, her face marked with terror,

"ثم ظهر وجهه واعترف بأنه عدنان، وفعل ما فعل، فصرخت بأعلى صوتي حتى كدت أفقد صوتي، ولكن لم يأت أحد لإنقاذي، ومرت الشهور واكتشفت أنني حامل، وحين علم بذلك طردني من البيت، وتركني وحيدة تائهة على الطريق، فوجدتني أسرة وساعدتني حتى أنجبت هذا الطفل".

توقفت ثم التفتت إلى والدها وقالت بصوت بالكاد يُسمع،

"أرجوك يا أبي سامحني... سامحني."

وقف إبراهيم أمامها مذهولاً من هول ما سمع، كانت كل كلمة تزيد من صدمته، وتجعله يشعر وكأن الأرض تنهار تحت قدميه، أخذ الطفل بين ذراعيه، ونظر إليه بتعبير غير عادي مملوء بالشك والارتباك.

كانت نظرة غريبة، تحمل شيئًا غير مرئي - شيئًا لم يستطع تفسيره. بدأ شعور غريب ينمو في قلبه تجاه الطفل، إحساس لا يمكن تفسيره لم يستطع تجاهله أو فهمه وهو يحدق في الطفل في صمت، وكان الشعور يزداد مع كل لحظة تمر.