You dared call them savages

You dared call them savages

The village was in a remote spot somewhere on the globe. With exaggeration and lack of any scientific evidence, the locals would believe it to be the centre of the universe. It was immensely beautified by its eye-catching landscape, a teeming river, fruitful trees, leafy woods, blossoming flowers, and the very noticeable green spaces that gave it a very special touch. The view of it would let one utterly immersed in full admiration, which would trigger full obliviousness of any adjacent motion. 

The sound of the flying larks and their colourful wings made every moment carnivalesque, bringing assortments of natural bodies all together in an amazing wild gathering. The nocturnal view was of no exception, and once you moved your eyes upwards, in the blink of an eye you got caught by the twinkling starts, a wow factor that would push every soul into experiencing and savouring exceptional moments of euphoria, emancipating it from all kinds of terrestrial links.

The inhabitants were very nice to each other and living in a remarkable harmony that emanated from the simple lifestyle they were leading. Their faces always shined with innocent and honest smiles.  The natural condition kept their bodies in trim, for they were breathing fresh air and eating quality food. Their houses were all alike with no scintilla of special embroidery, which would have been understood as being divided based on social ranks. Everyone had their daily intake, either by the fruit of one’s labour or as a handout once your being physically challenged is proven. You wouldn’t be famished or starved. That had never been included in this unique system nor even been able to cross their minds.

The barefoot man, who frequently strolled in modest clothes, was their leader. A look of an ordinary person who, by definition, knew nothing about the corridors of power. The children always gathered around him, craving for his warm hug, which was provided at once and without being lost in dark paths of conceit and scorn. They were all equal and that had been the prevailing belief since their coming into being; it had not been yet marred by any contaminating spirits, for the geological shapes surrounding the village were forming a shield that made the place apparently unreachable and impenetrable. For centuries, they had met no outsiders.   

The man was hiding behind the trees. With cautiousness he was peering at the villagers to scan their moves and countenances. When the man made a move backwards, he stepped on a sharp stone that cut his sole. He produced a silent cry. It appeared the injury had healed quickly, and the scar had left the skins under the effect of the shining metal. His eyes didn’t believe it at all. He stepped on golden stones that were coating the ground. The man made it back to the ship and whispered the salivary news to his captain, who immediately called his right-hand man to have a consultation on how to deal with the situation. The three agreed on a plan to visit the place the following day, and of course in total secrecy.

At first light, the three woke up and moved to their destination. It was only a matter of minutes before they reached the village. They chose the best spot they could find from which they would observe the place and its inhabitants.

Joe: Captain! This is it. As I told the golden stones are everywhere.

The captain: I am not blind.

Thomas (The captain’s right-hand man): You see captain! They don’t have weapons, and they are defenceless.

The captain: I am not blind.

Thomas: It’s an easy mission and we won’t have to fight to take over the village.

Joe: I couldn’t agree more. Besides, we are the lords, and many armies fear us. We are the unbeatable warriors.

Thomas: Without a doubt, Joe. We made ourselves a name that once uttered, our enemies got goosebumps.

Joe: But now with this fortune we will rule the entire world, and they are all going to be dancing to our tune. 

Thomas: All we need now is the say-so of our honourable captain. Our men are already set up for exterminating these savages.

After remaining silent all this time, while his men exchanging words, the captain turned his eyes towards Thomas, showing an angry face, because what had just heard made his blood boil.

With no hesitation, he slapped his man on the face with all the force he could produce.

The captain: You called them savages, you moron. Now I realise that I have been surrounded all these years long by the most stupid men I’ve ever known. Since you started this petty discussion, I have been studying these people carefully. I’ve noticed things you silly can never see. Your minds, your hearts, and your eyes are really beclouded by years of savagism.

Thomas: Captain! What are you talking about?

The captain: You see, these creatures over there are the purest souls existing on the earth.

Joe: What do you mean, captain?

The captain: The truth is that they completely differ from us in every aspect. You see that man over there, who is walking without bodyguards, he is their leader.

Thomas: What makes you believe so?

The captain: A flow of villagers and their kids has been coming to him, to show respect and admiration, and to exchange smiles. They are not afraid of him. In fact, they all love each other, which makes this place of a very special and unique system. What’s more, they all have the same buildings and wear the same attire. I am astonished at the fact that the man who controls everything accepts to live in a modest cottage. Not like those of ours who, at the expense of the poor, have accumulated an illegitimate wealth and let themselves enjoy the large spaces of their heavenly palaces.

Thomas: You can build yours with the gold under our feet, and for sure we will find out more and more treasures after we do away with them.

The captain: You dared call them savages while you know nothing about these pure souls. You both have to know that we are the real savages. We have killed thousands without even asking ourselves whether there were any victims among them. 

Joe: These are the rules of war and glory.

The captain: Though overseas warriors have terrible nightmares once they hear my name, I won’t commit a hideous crime. I was born a devil to fight the devils. These are the real rules of savagism I have immersed myself in for ages.

Thomas: Are you going to negotiate?

The captain: I won’t subject them to the same faith that my hometown had to face, when unprotected civilians, including my mother and my father, were mercilessly dispatched. Since then I have stuck to my highest principles that my sword won’t ever fight unarmed folks.

Thomas: What’s on your mind, captain?

The captain:  I will to kill both of you. This secret must be buried here and you are such untrustworthy devils.

Before they could run to save their skin, the captain, with an adept movement with his sword, put an end to their lives, and quickly found a place where to bury the two men. He then left the place for good, tucking the secret away deep in his heart.

                                                                                              By Ismail KAMAL