The next day, Eric took me to meet Chara at the guard barracks. As soon as Chara saw me, he smiled and said, "Eric told me you want to become a merchant and travel around."
I responded with a firm, "Yes," and then asked, "Why was I called here?"
Chara's smile widened. "Well, Roy, even if you want to be a small merchant, you have to understand the basics. I know you have some experience, but you are still a novice, and sometimes people take advantage of children. That's why I'd like you to work under my friend Waqas. He will guide you on how to make deals. It would be beneficial for you to apprentice under him."
I felt a mix of excitement and nervousness. "Do you think he will accept me as his apprentice?" I asked.
Chara nodded confidently. "I've already spoken to him. He's willing to take you on. Waqas is a seasoned trader with a wealth of knowledge and experience. He'll teach you the ins and outs of the trade, help you understand how to negotiate, and show you how to avoid common pitfalls. This apprenticeship will give you a solid foundation."
Eric added, "It's a great opportunity, Roy. You'll be able to learn from someone who knows the business well, and it'll give you a safer way to start your journey."
I looked at both of them and felt a surge of gratitude. "Thank you, Chara. Thank you, Eric. I promise I won't let you down."
Chara clapped me on the shoulder. "That's the spirit! We'll introduce you to Waqas tomorrow. Be prepared to work hard and learn as much as you can."
With that, we finalized the plans, and I couldn't help but feel eager for the new adventure that lay ahead. The chance to learn from Waqas was more than I had hoped for, and I was determined to make the most of it.