Atticus

District 8 - Part 2

What brings you here young man ? asks Alexandra . Philippe still looking over his shoulder . The nurse still tending over his wounds .

Philippe gathers his thoughts , and starts to respond to Alexandra .

Madam , I'm sent here by the king himself , from the empire . I'm his lead counsel .

Alexandra was shocked , A lead counsel of a king , comes here hurt and without any protection . That is very surprising to me .

I come here on a private mission for the king . No one knows that i have travelled outside the kingdom . So I intent to keep my travels a secret .

Alexandra laughed , you sir have arrived on a horse and you intent to keep your travels a secret . The nurse too laughed , which pleased Philippe .

Does your search involve a District or something of some sort , asks Alexandra

Yes Madam , i have been sent here to search for a person from this District who is no longer here

The areas here are vast , replied Alexandra . So I suggest you to take rest and learn our ways, lead counsel .

What makes you trust a complete stranger , asked Philippe

Your cloak , replied Alexandra

Glad I did not remove it , smirked Philippe

The nurse and Alexandra left the room , leaving Philippe to himself .

Philippe fell into a deep slumber , sleeping for a day full

The next day

As Philippe got up the next day , only the old man was present . Philippe tried to compose himself . No need of that , you are not fully healed , said the old man

It is better you take some more rest , the nurse shall come visit you again in a short while .

Yes Sir , said a retreating Philippe back to his lying position .

I heard about your story from Alexandra . It is indeed a great honor for us to host you young man

The gratitude is all mine , replied Philippe

The sad passing of the prince is a misfortune to all of us , the king and the prince have ensured peace to all of us to Andora . Even though we live in different spheres of the planet , we are at all times aware of the happenings of the kingdom .

I'm surprised and glad to hear that , remarked Philippe

The kings goodwill has reached all parts of the land , indeed . Remarked Philippe , once again

I do not want to greatly interfere in your mission Sir , so I would leave you to yourself now .

After a few hours...

The nurse arrives to see how the wounds have healed on Philippe and whether the medicine is working . After looking at the wounds , she looks at Philippe

It will another couple of days for it to completely heal , said the nurse . I shall apply medicine and come again tomorrow

Philippe simple smiled and nodded.....

The nurse takes leave and Philippe begins to rest again

A couple of days later

As Philippe begins to heal ,
The old man enters the room and tell Philippe to get ready . It's time to go for a walk say the old man
Philippe obliges ...
I don't suppose we can take the horse , Philippe laughs
You have a funny side too , oh that's great remarks the old man
The two of them begin to stroll down the district , Philippe walks the same way he rode the horse in . The cloak still intact
They walk down a few meters , Philippe keenly observing the happenings . This was after all a strange new world for him . A new civilisation . These are things he has just read up on . But to experience it in real life was a bit humbling and overwhelming too . All he ever knew was the kingdom . As he took more strides , he thought to himself . How will a man brought up in these lands take control over the kingdom . That is the kings wish and it shall stay the same .
Philippe , called out the old man . These are the districts famously controlled by the corporations . These people make money of our work , give us a place to live and provide us with enough money to survive .
Philippe nodded
We are paid in green paper , not like the coins of your land . No small businesses run here , only major corporations . No trading takes place , not like your land . The king is a fair man , these owners aren't so much .
Philippe nodded again , he has read about these things after all . But chose to stay silent . Some people do manage to get rich in their lifetimes , I have not . So I would say , not all is bad
This is District 8 , a total of 15 districts are present . The other districts are much better off , I have heard . We faced a big problem during the floods long ago , and no repairs have been made . We are left to fend off on our own .
They would have walked a mile by then .
Philippe responds , Sir I must say I much admire the resilience of your people .
I'm worried that our people have known good times for far too long that they have forgetting how to be resilient
The old man now nodded .
I if I may , asks Philippe
Sure , replies the old man
Have you not received any assistance or any high ranking individual offering , at least a few words of courtesy . Philippe questions the old man
I'am afraid not , replied the old man
That sir , is not a fair way to govern . Remarks Philippe
But a few years ago , there was a messenger . Who arrived in a horse much like yours . But he was no lead counsel , he was just a messenger . He offered us amnesty in the jungles , that we live under the rule and protection of their lord Darticus . It was a rare proposal , as it was never heard of that Darticus offered amnesty to outsiders . So , many of us did consider his offer .
Eventually we passed up the opportunity
Why Sir ? Asked a surprised Philippe
We are an ageing population, we have our ways that we have known forever . And they have their ways . Only a young man much like yourself can adapt to different environments.
Philippe quietly nodded again.....