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The Silent Beggar
The Silent Beggar
The Silent Beggar
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The Silent Beggar

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The Silent Beggar  


    When the sexual desires of a clergyman in a village lead to a tragic incident, it is only a brave 12-year-old boy who defies all odds and stands against the powerful clergyman, his own brother, and the villag

LanguageEnglish
Release dateSep 30, 2023
ISBN9780977974719
The Silent Beggar

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    Book preview

    The Silent Beggar - Ata Servati

    MARRIED TO THE WELL

    (Trilogy Of Three Volumes)

    The Silent Beggar

    (Volume 2)

    Ata Servati

    To obtain more or other books by this author go to:

    www.loveata.com

    www.ataservati.com

    Copyright@ 2007 Library of the congress of USA.

    Registrations #

    ISBN print: 978-0-9779747-3-3

    ISBN eBook: 978-0-9779747-1-9

    All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

    This book was released in 2022. This book was printed and bound in the United State of America

    ALSO BY ATA SERVATI

    (In English, Farsi, and Chinese):

    I AM A LOTUS (Spiritual Poems from the Heart)

    IN SEARCH OF HEAVEN (The Howard Baskerville story)

    IN SEARCH OF LOVE

    MARRIED TO THE WELL (INCLUDES 3 Volumes)

    ASYEH (Volume 1)

    THE SILENT BEGGER (Volume 2)

    THE SHRINE (Volume 3)

    ========

    Plays (In Farsi)

    OVER THE BRIDGE, BOTTOM OF THE RIVER

    Windows

    TABLE OF CONTENTS

    Chapter 1The Dark New Year: When a Simple Incident Changes the Foundation of a Man’s Soul…

    Chapter 2 When the Old Miller Becomes a Stranger to His Own People…

    Chapter 3 When a Stranger Knows You Better Than You Know Yourself.

    Chapter 4 It Makes Sense to Do Good to Others.

    Chapter 5 Where Can Reason, Logic, and Faith Be ...!?

    Chapter 6 When Consumed by Lust, Each Day Feels Like a Fresh Beginning, Akin to a New Year...

    Chapter 7 When a Seemingly Ordinary Incident Instills Fear, Casting a Shadow Over Your Every Step...

    Chapter 8 When Desire Clouds the Clarity of Reason and Logic...

    Chapter 9 When Love and Tragedy Collide, They Unleash a Destructive Force That Shakes the Very Core of Humanity...

    Chapter 10 When you deceive yourself to escape the truth...

    Chapter 11 In the Field of Politics, the Friend Appears as the Enemy, and the Enemy Appears as a Friend…

    Chapter 12 When No Power Can Defy or Rival Fate...

    Chapter 13 When What the Eye Beholds Fails to Resonate with the Intellect and the Soul...

    Chapter 14 When Blood Obscures One's Vision...

    Chapter 15 When There is No Difference Between Living and Dying...

    Chapter 16 When One Thief Steals From Another Thief ...

    Chapter 17 When One Finds Themself In a state of Uncertainty About Their Own Identity...

    Chapter 18 When the Unexpectant Life's Events Cause You to Become One With Nature...

    Chapter 19 Once Enlightened, the Heart will be Detached from Materiality and Naturally Lost in Natural Drunkenness at Last…

    Chapter 20 When the Beggar Becomes the King, and the King Becomes the Beggar…

    Chapter 21 When Fond Memories of the Past Come Alive, Even if Only for a Fleeting Moment...

    Chapter 22 When the King Transforms Into an Invisible Elf...

    Introduction

    I always struggled with writing introductions in my novels and plays. I often left this crucial section to others, giving them complete freedom to write whatever they felt was appropriate for the three books in my trilogy. However, in this particular case, I felt compelled to write the introductions myself as they required some explanation.

    Several years ago, I embarked on a month-long journey in San Rafael, California, with a new girlfriend. It was during this time that I wrote the first volume Asyeh of what would eventually become a trilogy. Unfortunately, as I completed the volume 1, I realized that I lacked any emotional connection to her, and I ultimately made the difficult decision to leave and return to Los Angeles. This decision was made even though I was going through a six-month period of homelessness at that time. For a long while, I carried a sense of guilt, uncertain about what steps to take next.

    However, following my departure, I came to the realization that the novel I had written was excessively long and incomplete. While still living in my car, it took me approximately two months to complete the remaining two parts and transform it into a trilogy. The trilogy now consists of three books: Asyeh, The Silent Beggar, and The Shrine

    During my time at the College of Dramatic Art in Iran, I had the opportunity to travel extensively throughout the country with my best friend, Kamran Norad. These journeys provided us with countless opportunities to learn and experience the diverse cultures and customs we encountered. We were always on the lookout for stories during these trips, engaging in conversations and connecting with local people, including the elderly.

    On one of these trips, I came across a story that deeply fascinated me: Married to the Well. The story lingered in my thoughts for many years, until one day, while sitting alone in silence, it resurfaced in my mind. Inspired by its essence, I decided to write a short story based on it. However, as I delved into the writing process, the story expanded far beyond my expectations, eventually spanning over 900 pages. Realizing its magnitude, I made the decision to turn it into a trilogy, consisting of three distinct books. Through this trilogy, I aimed to explore how religions can influence and alter individuals' lives, especially when they are wielded by unscrupulous religious leaders driven by greed, power, and a lack of spiritual grounding. These leaders manipulate and deceive innocent individuals who blindly follow their lies, believing in promises of heavenly rewards and salvation after death.

    Regrettably, the misuse of religion for personal gain extends beyond individuals, infiltrating governments, and institutions throughout history. This unfortunate reality has inflicted more harm than good upon people. The fundamental principles of all religions revolve around nurturing better human beings, fostering love, respect, forgiveness, and construction rather than destruction. They are meant to inspire individuals to help rather than harm others. Witnessing the manipulation of religion in such a manner deeply saddens me.

    Note: To ensure clarity for English readers who may not be familiar with the names of the characters in the book, I included a description of the characters at the end of the book for reference. This will help readers better understand and connect with the characters throughout the story.

    Yours sincerely,

    Ata Servati

    Chapter 1

    The Dark New Year

    When a Simple Incident Changes the Foundation of a Man’s Soul…

    It was the day before Nowruz, the Iranian New Year, and heavy snowfall had begun a few days earlier, showing no signs of abating. In the villages, both children and adults eagerly awaited the arrival of the new year, their anticipation growing with each passing day. As the date drew nearer, joy filled their hearts.

    Amidst the snowy and frigid night, a few days prior to the New Year's dawn, a sturdy rider with a tall, rosy face and captivating, attractive eyes pressed onward. His thick mustache indicated that he was in his thirties, as he urged his horse through the thick blanket of snow. To shield himself from the cold, he had placed a colorful Persian rug beneath his feet, now obscured beneath the pristine white snow. The horse he rode was as white as the snow itself, while a group of pack donkeys followed closely behind, carrying a heavy cargo. Additional riders trailed behind, their faces and heads concealed by scarves, moving cautiously through the snow-laden landscape to avoid any prying eyes.

    Upon reaching the entrance of a narrow and towering rocky passage, above the village of Kohesang, the lead rider came to a halt, his gaze filled with worry as he peered into its depths, contemplating whether they should proceed. This treacherous pathway was renowned as Abu Abbas, named after the infamous bandit and thief who emulated the legendary figure of Robin Hood from English folklore. Abu Abbas and his men had disarmed several lawmen, seizing their belongings and weapons within this perilous passage, thereby gaining notoriety across the surrounding regions.

    Abu Abbas, the enigmatic leader of the bandits, remained a mysterious figure to all. This air of secrecy only enhanced his notoriety and struck fear into the hearts of many, particularly the wealthy and their hired enforcers. Countless tales and legends circulated about him in every corner, amplifying his legend. Consequently, no lawman dared to traverse Abu Abbas’ passage alone, particularly on cold, rainy, or snowy nights. If they found themselves compelled to cross the treacherous passage, they did so with caution, fully prepared with rifles in hand and vigilant eyes scanning every movement.

    As the rest of the group caught up from behind, donkeys and riders alike congregated beside a sturdy man known as Kal Abbas. Peering into the passage, a frail elderly man named Mash Heydar anxiously addressed the lead rider:

    Kal Abbas, he called, his voice filled with concern. I have an unsettling feeling about this. My heart tells me that this passage is different from before. Is something amiss? After a brief pause, he continued, Let us turn back and approach it during daylight when we can thoroughly assess the situation before proceeding.

    Kal Abbas, a robust rider with a burly physique and a thick mustache, remained lost in thought as he gazed into the pitch-black passage. Snowflakes adorned his mustache, lending him a regal air, even in the depths of night. Eventually, he turned to Mash Heydar and spoke:

    Mash Heydar, for over thirty years, I have never been separated from my family on New Year's Eve or New Year's Day. Each morning, the needy and impoverished come to my home seeking charity and gifts. How can I be absent during such a time? He continued; his voice resolute. Moreover, no lawman would dare to brave this perilous passage on a stormy, snow-laden night. Their courage falters, especially with tomorrow marking the arrival of the new year. They will surely be by their families' side. Have faith in God and banish these negative thoughts from your heart, Mash Heydar. God is great.

    With that, Kal Abbas shifted his gaze to his companions, then turned back to survey the passage once more. Though plagued by doubts, he cautiously ventured into the gorge. After a brief pause, Mash Heydar and the others followed suit, traversing the dark and frigid night. Snowfall intensified, obscuring their surroundings. The only discernible elements within the gorge were the falling snow, the biting cold breeze, and the unsettling stillness of the night. Somehow, Kal Abbas remained convinced that the lawmen would be incapable of crossing the treacherous Abu Abbas Gorge on such a snowy and midnight-laden night. He aimed to swiftly secure their stolen goods in a safe location and return home before dawn, coinciding with the arrival of New Year's morning. On each New Year's Eve and New Year's Day, Kal Abbas spent his time with the needy, distributing food and necessities to assist them throughout the year. Those in need were well aware that, if they found themselves destitute during the new year, they could turn to Kal Abbas for aid.

    After a few moments, Kal Abbas began to regain his composure and proceeded forward, his mind filled with thoughts of New Year's Day and how he would celebrate. The air was eerily silent, enveloping everything in pure stillness. Suddenly, the tranquility was shattered by the thunderous roar of gunfire that pierced through the passage, shattering the night. The sound was so unexpected and devastating that it echoed as if a barrage of thousands of bullets had been unleashed within the confines of the gorge.

    Still reeling from the deafening sound, Kal Abbas found himself struck by a wounded wolf that tumbled down from the canyon's edge, landing squarely on his head. The impact sent him sprawling from his horse, crashing onto the cold, unforgiving snow. As he lay there, dazed, and disoriented, the injured wolf gasped for breath, its warmth mingling with the snow on Kal Abbas’ face. For a while, everything appeared hazy and indistinct to Kal Abbas and his companions.

    Amidst the chaos, the startled donkeys panicked at the sound of gunfire, scattering in different directions, and inadvertently dropping their cargo, which now obstructed the narrow passage. Kal Abbas and his comrades were momentarily stunned by the sudden turn of events. Their surprise and confusion were compounded when they caught sight of lawmen aiming their rifles from the rear of the narrow pass. They struggled to comprehend the unfolding situation.

    Similarly, the lawmen themselves were taken aback and bewildered. They had not anticipated encountering a starving wolf that would launch an attack. Nevertheless, the lawmen outnumbered Kal Abbas and his men fourfold, and they had prudently readied their rifles. The Chief of Police, accompanied by Colonel Teymur Khan, rode at the forefront of their group, cautiously surveying the passage. Their gaze fell upon the lurking wolf perched atop a rock, biding its time for the opportune moment to strike. Reacting swiftly, the Chief of Police took aim and fired, causing the wolf to tumble off the rock and vanish from sight. Unbeknownst to them, just beyond the rock lay Kal Abbas and his companions, mere moments away from turning the corner and coming face to face with Colonel Teymur Khan and his men.

    As Colonel Teymur Khan and his forces paused, ensuring there were no further wolf threats, their eyes locked with the wounded wolf's bloodied and malevolent gaze in the darkness of the night. It seemed as though the wolf held Kal Abbas responsible for its demise, as if blaming him for the fatal shot. Oblivious to the wolf's sacrifice that had inadvertently saved him, Kal Abbas and the wolf locked eyes, their gazes mere inches apart, captivated in a moment of intensity and mutual incomprehension.

    The sudden, deafening noise of bullets reverberated through the passage, resembling the clamor of countless church bells. After a moment of disorientation, Kal Abbas regained his senses and noticed the wounded wolf wriggling in his arms. In a desperate bid for freedom, the wolf sank its teeth into Kal Abbas’ hand, causing an intense surge of pain. Adrenaline coursing through his veins, he forcefully flung the wolf to the ground. Frantically, Kal Abbas scoured the snowy terrain, searching for the rifle he had lost when he fell from his horse.

    At last, he retrieved his rifle, finding himself perched on a cliff, concealed, as Colonel Teymur Khan and his men turned the corner. Kal Abbas cautiously surveyed the scene, attempting to identify the shooter. Meanwhile, a group of distressed donkeys, their plaintive cries piercing the air, unwittingly drew the attention of the lawmen, who responded by firing in their direction. Tragically, several donkeys fell victim to the gunfire, their lifeless bodies obstructing the passage.

    With the situation now clear, both factions surged forward, engaging in a desperate struggle to defend themselves. In the shroud of darkness, shots were exchanged haphazardly, with bullets reverberating and bouncing off the mountains and the narrow passage. The resounding noise echoed for miles, reaching even the inhabitants of the nearby villages of Kohesang. Stirred from their slumber, villagers anxiously bolted their doors and windows, apprehensive of the ongoing confrontation between the bandits and the military forces. The proximity of Ghaleh to the passage intensified the cacophony, amplifying their fears.

    Despite their disadvantage, the military forces held the upper hand in the skirmish. Their greater numbers and preparedness became evident within minutes, as two of Kal Abbas’ men succumbed to the cold snow, battling for their lives. However, the fallen donkeys obstructed the military forces' progress, impeding their swift advance. Capitalizing on this opportunity, Kal Abbas, and his two remaining gang members sought refuge in a secure location for the time being.

    The presence of the dead donkeys and their cargo proved to be a hindrance, thwarting the military forces' movement, and affording Kal Abbas the chance to rein in his horse. Raising his rifle, he unleashed a volley of shots towards the lawmen, momentarily pushing them back. Seizing the moment, Kal Abbas leaped onto his horse and galloped toward the entrance of the passage, through which he had originally entered. Undeterred, the lawmen persisted in their pursuit, determined to close in on the bandits.

    Kal Abbas approached Mash Heydar, who lay on his back on the frigid snow, grievously wounded and fighting for his life. Eager to carry him to safety, Kal Abbas swiftly dismounted his horse and attempted to lift him, but Mash Heydar halted his efforts.

    Kal Abbas, do not waste your time... Go. Leave before it's too late. I'm finished. I implore you to escape; there's no hope for me. The bullet pierced my heart. While I'm still alive, I'll buy you some time to flee. Everyone else is gone. Go. I beg you. Go, pleaded Mash Heydar.

    Resolute, Mash Heydar sought refuge behind his fallen horse, bravely returning fire at the advancing lawmen. Yet Kal Abbas hesitated, torn between his loyalty to his comrade and the realization that all their allies had perished. Even Mash Heydar’s survival seemed improbable given his severe injuries. If Kal Abbas stayed, he would undoubtedly meet the same fate, unable to provide any assistance to Mash Heydar. Regardless of his decision, it seemed there was no right choice.

    Eventually, Kal Abbas mounted his horse, his mind clouded with indecision. As he gazed at Mash Heydar, still pondering his options, a bullet struck his hand, followed by another piercing his horse. Startled, the horse threw him from the saddle, causing him to collide with a sharp rock at the passage's edge before landing on the icy snow. A few yards away, he observed his horse struggling to rise, battling to survive.

    In that moment, the gravity of the situation enveloped Kal Abbas—an imminent life-or-death struggle with no chance of prevailing against ten or twelve armed adversaries armed with only a few remaining bullets. The searing pain in his side reminded him of the open wound caused by the sharp rock. Bullets rained down incessantly, tearing through the surroundings and scattering snow and debris upon him. Remaining was no longer an option.

    With urgency, he swiftly rose to his feet and dashed towards the passage's entrance, firing back at the encroaching military forces. Though they closed in on him, Kal Abbas possessed an intimate knowledge of the passage acquired through years of experience. He navigated it deftly, as if traversing a familiar path with closed eyes. He was aware of an opening along the passage's side, overlooking a deep valley. However, seeking refuge there would offer only temporary respite, leaving him with no escape route.

    Thus, he embarked on a frenzied sprint through the labyrinthine passage, maneuvering through narrow crevices and zigzagging amidst its twists and turns. Almost as if by magic, he swiftly reached the passage's end, emerging into the safety of the night. Seeking shelter behind the protective cliffs, he contemplated his next move, desperately searching for a way to ensure his own survival.

    The bitter cold seeped into his bones, distracting his mind from the relentless pursuit of the Law men. In the midst of it all, he managed to momentarily forget the agonizing pain coursing through his body, numbing his legs and stinging his hands.

    The growling and howls of the hungry wolves mixed with the sound of the cold winds and snowy storms. Kal Abbas was hiding from the blizzard outside of the passage, getting pummeled by the chill winds on his head, face, and body. It was so strong that he had a hard time holding to his balance. And he could have fallen and crashed deep into the steep rocky hill below. He knew that the military forces would exit the passage any time and would be within a few steps of him. He also knew that he should not, must not and could not surrender to them under any circumstances. Because with his arrest, they would make the rest of his life hell, and after they find out his true identity, they would go after his family too. They would parade him from village to village, relishing in his capture and using him as a cautionary tale for those sympathetic to his cause or susceptible to a life of outlawry. The lawmen would take great delight in people stoning him where they went as well because it was a great honor for any lawman to arrest someone like Kal Abbas and reveal his identity as the famous Abu Abbas. He knew even his dead body must not get into their hands, as they would do the same with his dead body as well as they would to his living, parading him and bringing suffering and embarrassment to his family. Kal Abbas preferred to die rather than let that happen. So, no matter what, he made it his resolve that he would not be found by the lawmen dead or alive.

    He could hear their voices that they had exited the passage, and at any time, they would check the crevice and would find him. As Colonel Teymur Khan and his men carefully began searching their surroundings, Kal Abbas knew that the only way to save himself was to jump off the cliff before they saw him. Live or die; that was the only choice left for him. Contemplating the situation, he thought that even were he to die, the wolves would eat him before his dead body was found, so his family, children, and reputation would be saved from the shame and dishonor.

    Kal Abbas was still thinking of what to do when a few hungry wolves that had smelled food suddenly jumped and attacked a few of the lawmen from the rocks above. Their fight gave Kal Abbas a bit of time to think, but not much. He was still pondering when a hungry wolf hiding above him and, in his blindside, jumped on him, and its sudden attack made Kal Abbas instinctively yell. Abbas cursed as he struggled with the wolf, neither party having much room to maneuver in the tight passage. They lost their balance and fell off the rocky site as Kal Abbas was holding the wolf in his hug. And again, luck had come to Kal Abbas’ aid. By holding onto the wolf, Kal Abbas subconsciously used the wolf’s body to reduce the impact of the fall as they slid and hit the sharp rocks before him. On their way down, Kal Abbas and the wolf continued to fall from one cliff to another until the clutch of Kal Abbas’ gun got stuck in a cliff and stopped them. Now they were both hovering in the air. Kal Abbas was still holding on to the badly injured wolf, soon came to his senses, and immediately released the wolf; as the wolf fell, he was still holding to his rifle and was hung in the air between the earth and ground, busy thinking what his next move should be, when he heard two lawmen talking above on the top of the rock:

    The growls and howls of hungry wolves intertwined with the sound of cold winds and snowy storms. Kal Abbas sought refuge from the blizzard outside the passage, enduring the relentless assault of icy gusts on his head, face, and body. Struggling to maintain his balance, he teetered on the edge, risking a treacherous descent into the steep, rocky hill below. Aware that the military forces would soon emerge from the passage, he understood that surrendering to them was not an option, regardless of the circumstances. His arrest would condemn him to a life of torment, and once they uncovered his true identity as the legendary Abu Abbas, they would ruthlessly pursue his family as well. The lawmen would delight in the spectacle of public stoning’s wherever they went, a twisted honor for any officer to apprehend someone as notorious as Kal Abbas. Even in death, he vowed not to fall into their hands, for they would subject his lifeless body to the same humiliation, inflicting suffering, and disgrace upon his loved ones. Kal Abbas was resolute: he would rather die than allow that fate to befall him. Thus, he pledged that he would not be found, dead or alive, by the lawmen.

    The voices of the lawmen indicated their exit from the passage, and it was only a matter of time before they searched the crevice and discovered him. Colonel Teymur Khan and his men meticulously combed their surroundings, leaving Kal Abbas with a sole option for salvation: plunging off the cliff before they spotted him. Live or die, that was the solitary choice that remained. Pondering the situation, he contemplated that even in death, the wolves would feast on his body before it was found, thereby sparing his family, children, and reputation from shame and dishonor.

    Caught in the turmoil of his thoughts, Kal Abbas found himself facing a new threat. The ravenous wolves, enticed by the aroma of his blood staining the snow, descended upon the unsuspecting lawmen, springing from the rocky heights. This unexpected diversion granted him a fleeting moment of relief, allowing him to contemplate his next course of action. However, time was slipping away. Amidst his deliberation, an unseen wolf lurking above him seized the opportunity and leaped upon him from behind, catching him off guard. Startled, Kal Abbas let out an instinctive cry as he wrestled with the wolf in the confines of the narrow passage. Their struggle sent them hurtling over the rocky precipice, with Kal Abbas tightly clutching the wolf in his arms. Fortune smiled upon him once more, as his unconscious actions employed the wolf's body as a shield, mitigating the impact of the fall as they tumbled and collided with the jagged rocks below. Their descent continued, cascading from one cliff to another until Kal Abbas’ rifle caught on a ledge, arresting their fall. Now suspended in mid-air, Kal Abbas, regaining his senses, swiftly released the gravely wounded wolf, allowing it to plummet. Still gripping his rifle, he dangled between earth and sky, contemplating his next move, when he overheard two lawmen conversing above on the pinnacle of the rock face:

    Teymur Khan, even if that despicable Abbas survived the battle, he would still meet his demise from the fall. No one could possibly survive such a treacherous plunge off the cliff.

    As Kal Abbas dangled in mid-air, he overheard the lawmen gunning down a few wolves, causing the remaining creatures to flee in fear of the shots. Positioned atop the cliff, the two men scanned the valley below, unaware of Kal Abbas clinging below them, out of their sight. They sought any sign of the individual whose cries they had heard during the fall, but their eyes failed to detect anything suspicious. The wolves, terrified by the sound of gunfire, sought refuge, and regrouped in hidden locations, awaiting another opportune moment to resume their attack. Though they had inflicted minor injuries on a couple of security personnel, the echoes of their howls reverberated throughout the passageway and the surrounding area. At that moment, another lawman chimed in:

    Colonel Teymur Khan, whoever this man is, he must have sustained gunshot wounds. In any case, he cannot survive such a fall, particularly in this bitter cold storm, with ravenous wolves prowling the area. There is no way he will make it. If not from his injuries or the frigid weather, the wolves will undoubtedly tear him apart.

    Another officer interjected:

    Teymur Khan, he is unlikely to survive. We must prioritize the well-being of our own families; it's New Year's Eve. We should consider what to do with the abandoned goods. Who else deserves them more than our own kin?

    Yet another officer added:

    Teymur Khan, he speaks the truth. Nobody has any knowledge of these stolen items they left behind. Our families' welfare must be our primary concern—our wives and children. Moreover, even if any of the deceased were to miraculously survive, it is highly improbable they would reappear to reclaim their stolen goods. And even if they did, could we arrest them and send them to prison?

    As Kal Abbas continued to hang in the air, he eavesdropped on their conversation. It dawned on him that the leader of the lawmen was none other than his dearest friend, Colonel Teymur Khan. They had been inseparable since childhood, spending countless hours together playing and visiting each other's homes. It was crucial for Kal Abbas that his true identity and this illicit side of his life remained unknown to his cherished friend. He couldn't bear the thought of putting Colonel Teymur Khan in a position where he would have to choose how to handle his capture. All the lawmen were well-acquainted with Kal Abbas and had enjoyed his hospitality at his mansion on numerous occasions. Yet, none of them were aware that Kal Abbas had transformed into the enigmatic bandit. In the region, he held the highest level of trust, power, and respect.

    While lost in thoughts about his best friend, Colonel Teymur Khan, Kal Abbas suddenly realized that the strap of his rifle was tearing apart, causing it to become unstable. However, it was too late to react, and the strap gave way, sending him crashing onto the snow-covered rocks fifty feet down during his descent. Despite the fall, he managed to hold onto his rifle. In that fleeting moment, his entire life flashed before his eyes, and he felt as if he were facing death once more. Unbeknownst to him, he found himself begging God for forgiveness, reflecting on any wrongs he may have committed or harm he may have caused others.

    Finally reaching the bottom, he landed on a mound of snow that had accumulated in the valley. Sliding a few meters on the snow, he eventually came to a stop, motionless for a prolonged moment. His face was buried in the snow, and his eyes felt heavy and gloomy. Struggling, he lifted his head out of the snow, his vision still blurry. It took him a few moments to regain his senses and realize that he was still alive. His entire body ached, and he was uncertain of the extent of his injuries. The pain permeated every inch of his being, yet he understood he couldn't lie there, consumed by the agony. He comprehended that if the lawmen didn't pursue him, the wolves would eventually find him and bring about his demise. Additionally, he knew that the lawmen wouldn't easily abandon the pursuit, especially after hearing his cries when the wolves attacked him.

    Despite the tremendous exertion and pain that engulfed his body, he had to keep moving. Before the lawmen arrived in the village, he needed to seek refuge there and find a secure hiding spot for a while. He made the conscious decision to believe that God was on his side, guiding him through these hardships and allowing him to survive thus far by His grace. Falling from such a great height and still clinging to life must have been the will of God’s testament that He desired Kal Abbas to remain strong and alive. There

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