Across the blue sky, gray clouds could be seen in the north, indicating an approaching storm. This news brought dismay to everyone, especially the vendors who had set up their booths to sell their wares. The rain had only stopped that morning and had already caused significant damage. Puddles had formed, and every time someone ran or children jumped in them, water splashed everywhere. The horses only added to the mess. The prospect of more rain made the situation even worse, as it would create even more waterlogged conditions. Everyone, except for the guards and a few working men, would seek shelter in their homes. This left the vendors in a difficult position, wondering how they were supposed to make a living if no one ventured out to buy from them. Occasionally, a passing wagon or two might come by, but the likelihood of a purchase was doubtful.
To add to their frustration, just half an hour before, the guards had attempted to arrest a vendor for theft. The poor man swiftly fled, causing chaos in his wake. He knocked over people's booths, trampled over fruits, and even knocked some people down in the process. Some of the individuals who had previously been cheated by him found amusement in the situation. The ones responsible for reporting him happened to be the king's son and the grandson of a general. They may have appeared like ordinary peasants, but they had guards standing nearby who knew about the vendor's dishonest practices. It was their decision to put an end to his cheating ways. The two young men laughed throughout the whole ordeal, even when the general's grandson was knocked over. But he was never caught, which brought disapproval from all, save the angry vendors. Now, many of the vendors were closing up until the rain would stop.
"Hey," a voice called out, "I need you to sell me some fruit." It was a person passing through.
"Nope," replied the vendor. "I am not selling anything to anyone. Big or small, king or queen. I am done."
"Really, what happened here? This is the worst place I have been," replied the passerthrough. "There are even abandoned booths."
"Yeah, well, blame it on the rain," the vendor grumbled. "It started pouring this morning and hasn't let up since. Everything's a mess, and nobody wants to come out and buy anything."
The passerby looked around at the deserted and disheveled market, nodding sympathetically. "I can understand why. It looks like a disaster zone."
"It is," the vendor agreed. "And to top it all off, we had a thief causing havoc just before you got here. He knocked down our booths, ruined our goods, and got away scot-free."
"That's terrible," the passerby said, a mix of concern and curiosity evident in their voice. "Do you know who he was?"
"Oh, we know exactly who he is," the vendor replied bitterly. "But he's slippery, that one. Always manages to elude capture. It's like he has some sort of ally with connections."
The passerby raised an eyebrow. "Connections? You think someone is helping him?"
"I wouldn't be surprised," the vendor replied. "There are rumors that he's been scamming people for years, but nothing ever happens to him. Some people as oh, you know I don't care. But he is just to good for oh to notice."
"That's infuriating," the passerby said, anger tinting their tone. "Someone needs to put an end to his deceitful ways."
"Like any can, you know this is the first time some one has actually reported him."
“ Uh, well my friend I must be going, but keep trying to sell don't give up. Everyone has troubles. "
The vender smiled " see ya'll some day soon I hope"
Meeting the thef chapter 2
The passerthoughs name was winder. He went to the inn stay the night he had troubles of his, own and he was not gonna travel in rain. So he decided to get some food and stay a couple in town.
As Winder entered the inn, he immediately noticed the bustling crowd. It seemed that many travelers had sought refuge from the rain as well. He made his way to the counter and ordered some warm soup and a room for the night.
Sitting at a small table near the window, Winder observed the comings and goings of the inn's patrons. There was an air of weariness and frustration among them, evident in their hunched shoulders and tired expressions. The rain had dampened more than just their clothes; it had dampened their spirits as well.
Winder couldn't help but think about the vendors he had encountered earlier. Their plight resonated with him. He knew what it was like to struggle, to face obstacles and setbacks. But he also knew the importance of not giving up.
Determined to help in any way he could, Winder finished his meal and headed back out into the rain. He made his way to the deserted market once again, hoping to offer a glimmer of hope to the downtrodden vendors.
The rain poured relentlessly, soaking Winder to the bone as he navigated through the muddy streets. As he approached the market, a familiar figure caught his eye. It was the vendor he had spoken to earlier, closing up his booth.
"Hey, you!" Winder called out, running towards the vendor. "I have an idea!"
The vendor paused, a mix of surprise and curiosity on his face. "What's that?"
Winder caught his breath and explained his plan amidst the sound of raindrops hitting the ground. He proposed organizing a small gathering at the inn, a makeshift market where the vendors could display their goods and sell them to the patrons seeking shelter from the storm.
The vendor's eyes widened with a glimmer of hope. "You think people would actually come?"
Winder nodded, a determined look on his face. "I've seen the resilience in those who face adversity. They're not afraid to support local businesses and lend a helping hand. We just have to give them a reason to."
The vendor considered Winder's words for a moment, then a small smile formed on his lips. "Alright. Let's give it a try."
With renewed determination, Winder and the vendor made their way back to the inn, spreading the word about the impromptu market they were organizing. Excitement began to stir, and soon enough, the inn's common area was transformed into a vibrant marketplace.
Despite the rain still pouring outside, people flocked to the inn, seeking respite and a sense of community. The vendors displayed their goods proudly, showcasing their craftsmanship and passion. The atmosphere was filled with laughter and chatter, a stark contrast to the desolation of the earlier market.
Word spread quickly, and even the passerby who had shown sympathy earlier made an appearance. He embraced Winder, a look of gratitude in his eyes.
"You really turned things around," the passerby said, with a touch of admiration. "You gave these vendors hope when all seemed lost."
Winder smiled, humbled by the praise. "Sometimes, all it takes is a little perseverance and a helping hand. Together, we can overcome any obstacle."
And so, the makeshift market at the inn became a success, offering a glimmer of hope amidst the torrential rain. The vendors, once on the verge of giving up, found renewed purpose and the realization that they were not alone in their struggles.
As for the elusive thief, his days of deceit were numbered. The unity and support shown at the impromptu market had brought the community closer, and they were determined to put an end to his dishonest practices once and for all.
In the end, it was a story of resilience, compassion, and the power of coming together in the face of adversity. And Winder, the passerby who had stumbled upon the market, became an unexpected hero, bringing light to a dark and rainy day.