The Deceitful One

Saturday, 28th November 1580.

Beautiful feathery snowflakes fell from the sky as they covered the city in a blanket of white. The roofs of the various buildings seemed to be enveloped by cottony carpets.

It was four in the evening and the sun had already hidden behind fluffy clouds as the sky turned grayish.

This sudden gentle drizzle of snow had completely changed the entire landscape. One moment everything was a mix of myriad colors, the next moment it had all turned to white. It was simply magical!

The people on the streets halted in their footsteps and looked up at the sky in pleasant surprise. The little children came out of their houses in delight, looking around in wonder.

Damascus had finally welcomed its first snow of the year!

Bryan stepped out of his apartment wearing a black three-piece suit, a gray overcoat, and a black fedora hat. He looked at the surroundings and smiled faintly, "Winter has arrived."

He was about to take a public carriage and go to Ron's house but now, seeing this gentle snowfall, he decided to walk and enjoy the first snow.

Although it was freezing, his layers of clothing ensured that he remained warm in this weather.

Walking in a slow and calm manner, Bryan looked at the scenery and breathed in the fresh air as he headed toward the direction of Ron's house which was on 11 East 23rd Street.

Ron had mentioned to him on Monday that he and his fiancée, Celine, were throwing a small party at their house. They had invited all their close friends.

Bryan was quite looking forward to this. Along with some of the people from the Silver Owls HQ, there would also be Celine's friends present at the party.

As he walked further east from Robinson Street, Bryan saw little kids playing outside on the footpath, throwing snowballs at each other while giggling away. He couldn't help but smile faintly.

He recalled the first snow of 1579 and how he had to keep himself warm under the torn blanket in his small one-room apartment on Deshawn Street.

Looking at how far he had come, Bryan could only shake his head as a sigh escaped his lips, "Nothing is permanent…"

Just like the changing seasons, every situation in life is temporary. When life is good, one should enjoy and appreciate it with open arms.

And when life isn't so good, one should always remember that it will not last forever and that better days are still yet to come. The key is perseverance!

He looked at the little children in warm clothes playing and thought about the kids he used to beg in the streets with back in the day, 'Perhaps I should take some time out to visit the needy children in the slums one of these days.'

Now that he had a lot of money with him, he would definitely help out those he could. After all, if he were still a child begging on the streets, he would really appreciate it if someone lent him a helping hand.

Moreover, Bryan always had a soft spot for the poor and needy in his heart. Hence, he wouldn't mind helping them out.

Of course, he would only help out the ones that deserved it. He knew from experience how most of the poor people in the slums were in nature: selfish and cutthroat.

Bryan continued to walk along the footpath as he pondered about his life experiences and goals for the future. This is why he liked to walk as much as he did. It allowed his thoughts to flow more naturally.

About twenty minutes later, Bryan finally arrived at the address given to him by Ron. He pretended to take something out from the inner pocket of his gray overcoat.

When, in fact, he was looking for something within his silver pocket watch through his spiritual force. A moment later his eyes lit up, as he took out an expensive-looking wine bottle.

Bryan looked at it with a smirk, thinking, 'Courtesy of Jack Brown? Or was it Jeffrey Gill? Kekk.'

His pocket watch was filled with barrels of ale and wine along with very expensive wine bottles. Naturally, he had looted this from the safes of Jack and Jeffrey. It finally came in handy.

This was the first time that he had taken any sort of wine or alcohol that he had stolen, out of the pocket watch.

Bryan never drank alone at home, afraid that he might get addicted to it. He always preferred drinking in the company of his friends. Like right now, he was planning to get absolutely drunk!

He twisted the hand-turn doorbell on the main door of the two-storied house and patiently waited. A few moments later, Ron, who was wearing brown pants, a white shirt, and a black cardigan on top, opened the door.

"Bryan! You're finally here." Ron gave him a warm hug as he welcomed him inside.

Bryan replied with a smile, "Sorry for being late. I was enjoying the snow outside."

"Ah, the first snow is always the most beautiful. Come in." Ron laughed.

Bryan stepped inside the house and gave the wine bottle to Ron. He then took off his overcoat and fedora hat and put them on the hanger.

He walked toward the living room and saw dozens of people drinking and socializing with each other. Some were sitting on the couches while some just stood and talked.

Noticing a few familiar faces, Bryan was about to walk to them but was stopped by Ron, "Not so soon, my friend. Let me introduce you to my fiancée first."

Ron then put his arm around Bryan's shoulder as he led him to a corner of the room where a few women were drinking and laughing.

"Celine, This is Bryan. My new co-worker that I told you about." Ron smiled as he introduced Bryan to a young lady in her 20s.

This lady had a head full of long, shiny, black hair and brown eyes. She was wearing a white dress that had a bateau neckline. The hems of the skirt reached to her knees, displaying her milky white calves.

Celine's eyes lit up when she saw Bryan. She gave him a side hug as she smiled, "Nice to finally meet you, Bryan! Ron has told me so much about you."