Kopii woke from the jolts of the cart. Opening his eyes, he saw the familiar scene he had been observing for the second day now. "Ugh," – Kopii sighed, slowly rising and taking a sitting position. The pain in his muscles reminded him of how weak he was. Clenching his fist, he muttered:
– Ah, too weak, – he said, examining his body.
During this journey, Kopii had understood one thing: the thirst that had worried him so much had already saved his life for the second time. Without it, he would have died or become a slave.
«Perhaps this thirst isn't so bad after all… If I can control it, I'll become stronger. And if I can't…»
– Mm. – Kopii groaned in pain when the cart hit something again. He decided not to think about the worst outcome, but deep down, he feared that the thirst would one day completely seize him, turning him into a spectator of his own body, a puppet created for one purpose. Because of these thoughts, Kopii's mood worsened.
Thus two days passed. Kopii's condition improved; his muscles no longer ached as much, and he could move more or less. He had gotten acquainted with some of the merchants, but Kopii did not get along with them. He simply did not trust them, because they were obsessed with money.
The only person he talked to was Raven. But Kopii's thoughts were interrupted by a jolt. He looked at Raven, and his eyes narrowed.
– Don't touch me.
– Hey, hey, don't make such a face. I just wanted to talk to you, but you were daydreaming as always.
– Can't you talk to the others? Why are you always with me?
Coming closer to Kopii, Raven replied:
– Well, you probably understand it yourself and are just pretending. We're almost the same age, so it's no easier for them to find a topic to talk about with you than with the old men obsessed with trade. But even in that, there are pluses: if they were younger, they wouldn't need my help.
– Well, fine, I get it, – Kopii glanced at Raven. – Can you ever not smile?
But Raven's smile did not waver.
– You know, a smile is a very important element for a hero. Think for yourself, who would you trust more: a person who smiles, or… – he made a thoughtful face, – well, for example, an empty face without a drop of emotion? A hero must bring joy. And the most important thing a hero must bring… Do you know, do you know, Kopii?
– Well, and what is it?
– It's… it's… HOPE! – he shouted. At his shout, all eyes focused on them. Kopii's body tensed from such attention.
– Ah, – Kopii sighed, watching as everyone returned to their business. Raven did not even notice those glances and continued chattering about his own.
– Only hope is the most important part of a hero. If a hero cannot give hope for a better future… then he cannot be called a hero. Do you understand now?
– Yes, I understand, – Kopii said, trying to end this conversation. He was not against Raven's company; he was simply always rather quiet and had never had to talk so much with anyone. Kopii looked at Raven; on his face, there was the same little smile.
– I've been wanting to ask you for a long time, Raven.
– Oh, Kopii himself wants to ask me something! I'm honored!
– Ah, – Kopii sighed at Raven's behavior. – Why do you want to become a hero, Raven?
– Why? I don't know exactly.
– What do you mean you don't know? – Kopii was taken aback. – Raven, everyone has a goal they strive for. Maybe you want to be a hero because you want fame or power? Or to be surrounded by beautiful girls.
– I haven't thought about that. My mother always told me about the king of mercenaries, who sacrificed himself for the city. I always liked that story, and I imagined myself in the hero's place a lot. I asked myself very often what I would do if I were in the hero's place. How would I act? Could I save everyone? Could I save myself?
After Raven fell silent, Kopii looked at him, and instead of the usual smile, he saw a serious face. He was seeing him like this for the first time. Raven looked Kopii in the eyes.
– You know, Kopii, my father died of illness. I was only eleven years old. It was an ordinary day, but when I heard my mother crying, I don't know why, but from that cry, my heart clenched impossibly… I simply didn't know what to do then. It was the first time I heard my mother cry. I ran towards the source of the sound, but I didn't make it – my mother got there first, ran up and embraced me. Perhaps she heard me wake up. That was the first time I saw my mother's tear-stained face. And at the sight of my mother like that, my heart clenched even harder. – Raven looked away from Kopii, turning his attention to the drifting clouds.
– ...
«Why is he telling me this? Are we that close?»
– Then my mother told me that father had died. After those words, it was as if the ground disappeared from under my feet. Tears streamed down on their own. I remember how my mother comforted me. When I calmed down, I felt only emptiness. I remembered father's smile, his teachings, how we spent time together, his voice. Then I understood that all of that would never happen again… never see my father's smile, never hear his laughter. It hurt so much from these thoughts, not physically, but morally. But time passed, and I came to terms with it. I even envied people like you, well, I mean orphans. They were always free, attached to no one. They would never feel this pain. – But Raven was interrupted.
– The break is over, time to move out, – bustle could be heard. Raven looked at what was happening, then his gaze returned to Kopii, and he continued:
– Then I understood one thing – that life is not eternal. Our life is like a notebook; it has a beginning and an end. After these thoughts, I felt better.
Kopii looked at Raven.
– Alright, I understand you. But you still haven't answered why you want to become a hero.
Raven looked at him, continuing to remain silent. Kopii was about to say something, but Raven spoke first:
– No, Kopii, you already know the answer.
Kopii raised his eyebrows in surprise. – I do?
– Yes, Kopii, you know, – Raven confirmed.
– No, I don't get it.
– Ah. My father died of illness. Do you think these are isolated cases? No. People die from many things, and not only people, but all races, in principle. From war, from hunger, from disease. And then I understood one thing: I don't want anyone to feel the same thing I felt. In other words, why do I want to become a hero? It's because I want to carry that hope. Hope for a good future, without war, without disease, where everyone is equal to one another. I know it may be childish. But why not? I just want everyone to be happy. Those are my true motives, and to make it happen, I must be the strongest.
– Yes… I see.
Silence hung between them, which neither of them wanted to break. Thus half a day of their journey passed.
– Do you need help, Raven?
Looking at Kopii, Raven shook his head.
– No need, Kopii. You haven't fully recovered yet, and this is my job; that's why I was taken on this trip. So, Kopii, just relax. Alright?
– It's my job to offer, – Kopii replied after Raven as he left. He did not want to distract Raven from his work. A few minutes later:
– Are you done already?
– Yes, I only had a little left.
Looking at Raven for a moment, Kopii said: – You look tired.
– You know it yourself, Kopii, today we'll already arrive in Orario, so these old men decided to squeeze all the juice out of me. Lazy beasts.
– Yes, I understand; who would refuse free labor?
– Yes, yes, exactly. Nothing interests them except saving and getting more. Well, what can you do; probably all merchants are like that.
Kopii clenched his fists.
– Yes, you're right; merchants care only about money and nothing more.
Raven noticed the change in Kopii's voice, but decided not to pay attention to it; everyone had their own secrets.
– Oh, look, Kopii, it's Orario! – Raven shouted, starting to shake Kopii. Kopii wanted to tell him to calm down, but seeing Raven's face, full of delight and joy, without noticing it himself, a small smile appeared on his face.
«Perhaps I was the same when I saw Orario for the first time.» – He thought, reddening with shame.
– Orario – the city of gods and heroes! I've read so much about them, but in reality, it's completely different. A different impression… It's so beautiful! – trembling with excitement, Raven said. – Let's go faster, Kopii! I'm free now!