A Boat for a Favor

Nicolas woke up to the sound of birds chirping and the sun shining through his window. He felt a surge of excitement and anticipation. Today was the day he would buy a boat and start his journey to the vast oceans. He had always dreamed of becoming a pirate, and he was finally going to make it happen.

He got up and prepared his meal, a simple bread and cheese. He ate quickly, while thinking about his plan. He had decided to become a solo pirate, even though it was hard and risky. He didn't have anyone to join him, and he didn't want to depend on anyone. He wanted to rely on his own skills and courage. He had nothing to lose, anyway.

He packed his bag and checked his sword, the fake one he had bought from a scammer. He didn't know it was fake, and he thought it was a good deal. He hoped it would serve him well, at least until he could get a better one. He left his house and walked to the city, feeling hopeful and adventurous.

He arrived at the city, and headed to the port, where he hoped to find a boat. He saw many boats of different shapes and sizes, some new and shiny, some old and rusty. He looked for the cheapest one he could afford, but he was disappointed. Most boats cost at least 50 golds, and he didn't have that much. He only had 10 golds, which he had saved from doing odd jobs.

"Damn it, I can't afford these boats. They're all 50 golds. Damn. Wait, if I buy a cheap one, then it will break easily and I'll die," Nicolas muttered to himself. He felt frustrated and desperate. He wondered how he could get a boat, without spending too much or risking his life.

He was about to give up, when he heard a voice behind him. "Hey, young man. Do you want a free boat?"

He turned and saw an old man standing next to him. The old man had a long beard and a ragged cloak. He looked like a beggar or a wanderer. He didn't seem to belong to the city or the island. Nicolas was suspicious and wary. He said, "Uh, hello, sir. Yes, I want a boat. But for free? Sir, may I ask if you're scamming me?"

The old man laughed and said, "Ho ho, no, young man. I'm not scamming you. I'm offering you a deal. A fair and generous deal. You see, I have a boat that I don't need anymore. I'm willing to give it to you for free, if you do me a favor."

Nicolas was intrigued and curious. He said, "A favor? What kind of favor?"

The old man said, "A simple and easy favor. You just have to travel south and bring me some stuff that I forgot there. I left them in a cave, near the beach. You can't miss it. It's not far, just a few hours of sailing. You can do it in a day, and come back with my stuff. Then, I'll give you the boat, and 100 golds as a bonus."

Nicolas was surprised and doubtful. He said, "Wait, that's all? You want me to bring you some stuff from a cave? I thought you'd ask me to kill some monsters or a kraken. But is this really true? A free boat? And 100 golds?"

The old man nodded and said, "Yes, young man. It's true. I'm not lying to you. I'm just an old man who needs some help. And you're a young man who needs a boat. It's a win-win situation. What do you say? Do you accept my offer?"

Nicolas thought for a moment. He wondered if the old man was telling the truth, or if there was a catch. He wondered what kind of stuff the old man had left in the cave, and why he needed them. He wondered if the boat was any good, and if the 100 golds were real. He wondered if he was making a mistake, or a bargain.

He decided to take the risk. He had nothing to lose, after all. He said, "Alright, sir. I accept your offer. I'll go south and bring you your stuff. But where's the boat?"

The old man smiled and said, "Follow me, young man. I'll show you the boat. It's not far from here. Come on, let's go."

He led Nicolas to a small dock, where a small and simple boat was tied. It looked old and worn, but sturdy and seaworthy. It had a sail and a rudder, and a small cabin. It was big enough for one or two people. Nicolas looked at it and said, "This is the boat?"

The old man said, "Yes, young man. This is the boat. It's not much, but it's reliable and fast. It's served me well for many years. And now, it's yours. Well, almost. You just have to do the favor first. Here, take this map. It will show you the way to the cave. And this key. It will open the chest where I left my stuff. Don't lose them, or you'll regret it."

He handed Nicolas a map and a key, and said, "Now, go, young man. Go and do the favor. And hurry back. I'll be waiting for you here. And don't forget, the boat and the 100 golds are yours, once you bring me my stuff. Good luck, and farewell."

He waved at Nicolas, and watched him board the boat. Nicolas untied the rope, and raised the sail. He looked at the map, and set the course. He sailed away from the port, and headed south. He felt a mix of excitement and nervousness. He wondered what he would find in the cave, and what the old man's stuff was. He wondered if he had made a good deal, or a bad one. He wondered what adventures awaited him. He said to himself, "So much for becoming a solo pirate. But hey, I think it's worth a try."