The Fruit of Struggle - Part 15

"Then I suppose we'd be in trouble," Beam said.

"You're talking like it doesn't concern you…" Nila noticed, a twinge of sadness in her eyes.

Beam shrugged. "At the very least, I'll make sure you and your family are safe."

A shadow fell over Nila's face as they talked outside the bakery. Beam felt an ominous presence behind him, and he turned his neck with a frown on his face, looking to see who had interrupted them.

"Nila Felder," the village Elder said, flanked by one of his attendants – one of the expressionless dark robed twins that Beam had seen back at his residence. Beam flinched upon seeing the old man, but the Elder hardly looked at him. "Your family has collected a debt of ten favour points. Repayment is demanded."

Nila gulped. "My mother has already worked out a repayment plan…" she stuttered.