36- The symbol of union

-What happened here? —asks one of the recruits, very confused—.

—Those damned people ran away! —says Ferzan upset—.

-Who is it?

—The damned homeless people attacked us from behind, damned cowards, they went down that alley. —Ferzan says firmly, as he points to one of the alleys—.

The commander in charge of this mission was passing by and heard everything. He orders a small squad to search for these supposed attackers while he asks Ferzan for further explanations.

—How is it possible that six men let some simple vagabonds do this?

—They were helping me put the cart in its place and these idiots hit us all from behind with sticks and when they knocked us down they started kicking us. —Ferzan excuses himself—.

—I'm surprised that homeless people about to die have that energy. -replies the commander-.

—Maybe they have a guild or something. —adds one of the vagabonds disguised as a recruit—. They should investigate, they could be a problem, and maybe they weren't from this district.

-Well, you're right. —says the commander thoughtfully—. I'll talk to my superiors about it, and nothing. Let's get to work!

—Excuse me, commander. —says Ferzan, pretending to be worn out—. We are a little injured, couldn't we go to the military hospital?

—Hold on a little, we need to clean all this today, I'll let you leave before the others, but, give your best effort in everything, and that way you'll be able to gain some resistance.

—Of course, while you rest we die of thirst and hunger here. —comments a very indignant costumed homeless man—.

-What did you just say!? —says the commander upset—.

Ferzan intervenes abruptly.

—Ignore him, Captain, he's probably saying those stupid things because he's still dizzy from a blow to the head. We're already heading to work, thanks for letting us go a little early. Move assholes! Don't bother the commander anymore.

"They better..." adds the commander with some annoyance.

Ferzan motions for the fake recruits to follow him as he heads to piles of trash to clean up.

—Are you an idiot? —says Ferzan very annoyed—. How are you going to say that to a commander, I'm helping you and you come out with that nonsense.

—It's not stupid, it's the truth, it's just that no one dares to tell him.

—You are not in a position to criticize anything, now keep quiet, clean up, and don't attract attention if you want to get out of this.

All the false recruits, even in their deplorable conditions, did this exhausting work to be cared for and then try to lead a slightly more dignified life despite their situation. Ferzan, for his part, was afraid that they would be discovered and betrayed, however, he could not live in peace simply letting all these people die in the streets. The fact of being able to save at least five lives comforts him a lot. He already had a lot of weight on his mind after what happened with the girl who was escaping from the prince. Several hours pass and the sun begins to appear a little dim. These false recruits could hardly continue with this work for much longer. Emens in the distance detects that one falls on the floor with all the garbage on it, he approaches and Ferzan intercepts him.

—Hey Emens! Are you done there or do you need some help?

—I think they need more help from this side. —Emens says as he observes the uniformed homeless man on the ground passed out among the garbage.

—Don't worry, I'm in charge of helping him, those idiots hit us in the alley and well his body must hurt a lot.

Emens turns sideways, making sure the commander is not nearby, and whispers.

—Look, Ferzan, maybe the commander is an idiot, but I'm not, we both know that there is something strange here with these recruits I don't even remember seeing them in the palace.

—I'll explain to you later, okay? —Ferzan whispers—. For now, let's get this over with before they leave us eating leftovers again.

Emens looks at Ferzan with suspicion but understands that whatever he has done has a good reason, he trusts him a little, after the event with the prince's prostitute, so he just decides to wait and ignore his intrigue with these recruits.

The commander returns and sees the area a little cleaner, although there is still a bit to go, it is almost time to rest, so he orders Ferzan and the “wounded recruits” to go to the military hospital. Ferzan thanks him and leaves in the cart with the men. During the journey, he explains to them.

—Well, they have been very lucky, but listen carefully, in the hospital they will treat us for approximately a day or two depending on the condition of each one after they are discharged, whatever day it is, they must obey any order without fuss. Fuck them, okay?

One of the fake recruits comments:

—Okay, but what if any of the other recruits ask us something or notice?

—Ignore all of them, except the commanders, or people who seem important who wear different uniforms or fancy suits. That's why barely a day has passed after the departure.