- A Bet -

They continued going. Eliza asked Owen.

 Who is the wise old man we will meet?

 He is my stepparent. I need his advice.

 Oh, I do not know much about you. Can you tell me about him?

 His name is Carsten Heidrich. Carsten had been my teacher since I was six. He gave me many lessons for life. Great man.

 What lessons he gave you?

 Act with people how you do want them to act with you.

 Such a good quote! I am waiting for the meeting with him!

Great landscapes are speaking - Look at us! You have not seen anything more beautiful.

Two days later, they reached Amedee.

 Wow!

 Everything has changed since I was here.

Owen created a tactic for making rumour by using advices, written in the book. He gave one silver coin to every soldier. Their mission was to rent rooms in all parts of the town and make good relationship with people there. Those, who accept their invite in opposition, will meet Owen on Saturday.

Owen with Eliza went to mentor’s house.

 First of all, we need to buy flowers for his daughter and wife.

 Of course, I wanted to ask you about it!

 Give me two bouquets of flowers: one with carnations, second with roses. Oh, and one amaryllis, please.

 Seventy-eight copper coins.

 Thank you.

 You are welcome.

 Why have you bought one amaryllis?

 For you!

 How did you know that this is my favourite type of flowers?

 Grandma told me.

 *Owen tied the flower to Eliza’s hair*

 Ah! *Eliza is embarrassed*

 What is wrong?

 Nothing. Let’s go to your mentor already!

 Yeah…

When they reached his house, they were amazed. Three-floor house emerged in front of them.

 In former times, an old wooden house was staying here.

 I am stunned!

Somebody appeared on balcony of house.

 Hello, son. Come in, please!

 Hello, dad!

 Hey! Owen!

 Oh, Shelly! Long-time no see! This is for you.

 Thank you!

 Hello, Owen! How are you?

 Hello, mommy. I am fine. Moreover, how are you?

 We are fine, how you can see. What a great bouquet! Thanks!

 This is my friend, Eliza.

 Hello!

 Hey! Come in, please!

Inside, it looks like outside. Antiquarian bookshelf, armchairs, sofa. Amazing!

 So, how are you, Owen? Where did you meet this beautiful lady?

 She is from Valley village and it is one day by horse ride from here.

 It is far away. How did you get here?

 It is a long story, so we need to sit. I shall tell you the reason why I came here.

Owen told Carsten everything about last week. Carsten started laughing.

 Are you kidding me?

 No, that is true.

 Okay, so, where is your army?

 My squad split to disseminate rumour about recruitment in opposition’s army.

 Do you think that anybody will join you? People do not want to die!

 Let’s get a bet. If more than fourteen people join me, you will give me some advices.

 I agree. How many people do you have right now?

 Seventeen without Eliza and me.

When the conversation ended, all family congregated in dining room to have lunch.

 How long are you two in relationship?

*Everybody into the table, exceeding Mr and Mrs Heidrich, embarrassed.*

 We are not in relationship yet, mom.

 “Did he say ‘yet’?”

 Great confidence!

 “He really said it!”

 Thank you for great dishes, mom.

Owen left the house to have a walk around the town.

 He goes for a walk to think, how I taught him. This is a good practice.

 Excuse me, Mr Heidrich. Can I ask you about Owen, please?

 Of course. What do you want to know?

 I want to know about his childhood.

 Sit down, please.

 When he was 6 years old, I found him on a street. He was sick, tired, in blood… I brought him into my house. Two days after that, he could walk, but still could not talk. I took care of him like his true father. When he called me ‘father’ first time, I was pride of my choice. He was growing up; I taught him everything I knew. When he got seventeen, he left our home with words: “Thank you, dad, for everything you did for me. I shall find my mission for this life. I hope you will be pride of me.”

 I had never seen anyone braver than Owen is. He is a great person.

 Thank you for your care of him, Eliza.

 Thanks for your story, Mr Heidrich