The Man’s Decree

They had just walked out of the hotel when a taxi stopped them in their tracks. Jared looked up and realized it was the short man who had sent him to the hotel earlier. He was confused as to why the short man had stopped him.

“Sir, do you have time now? My name is Shorty. Can I treat you to a meal?” Shorty asked.

Jared rejected his invitation at once. “No need. It was nothing. Besides, you didn’t ask me to pay for the ride, so we called it even. You don’t have to do this.”

However, Shorty seemed stumped. Seeing that, Jared knew it wasn’t just as simple as having a meal together. “Is there something else you need?” Jared inquired.

Shorty nodded awkwardly. “Sir, my gang leader, Mr. Thompson, dispatched me here to invite you. He wants to see you.” “Your gang leader?” Jared was surprised to learn that a taxi driver had a gang leader.

Shorty noticed his surprise and explained, “We Chanaeans who run businesses here, including taxi drivers, have formed The Chanaean Brotherhood to prevent being bullied. After I went back and told him about the incident at the airport, he expressed a desire to meet with you.”

upon Jared after he heard the man’s explanation. They were all Chanaeans, so Jared

to know if they knew about the ancient ruins

was overjoyed that Jared had accepted the invitation. He welcomed Jared and Gilbert

few houses within. Shorty led them into

burly middle-aged man descended the stairs with a slow, graceful

be a Martial Arts Grandmaster, but his rank was sufficient to garner admiration from the general

glancing at Jared and Gilbert, the middle- aged man couldn’t help but frown when he realized he couldn’t

have a seat,” he exclaimed and gestured for them to sit down. He then told Shorty, “Serve them

I know your name?” the middle-aged man asked Jared. “My name