Fiction

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Gratitude
Also titled Marco's Valet


Marco and the caravan were making camp. Then Marco noticed that the family valet, a Turkish captive they had aquired in the last town was missing. He asked the Caravan Captain. The reply came, "He has strayed off. It happens sometimes."
Marco replied, "Aren't you going to go after him? You can't let him die."
The Caravan Captain said,"No one can survive in the desert alone. I'll not waste more lives going after him."
Marco said, "My life is my own to waste." Then despite everyones protests he set off into the desert.
Alas! The Caravan Captain proved right. After seeking for many hours a dust storm blew up. Marco was lost. He crossed himself and prayed for his sins forgiveness then settled down for a horrible death.
But suddenly he saw the Turk who said, "Come with me." Marco followed him. And behold, the Turk led him back to the Caravan.
Years later when Marco died, he freed the Turk and willed him his families wealth. The Turk settled down and became a wealthy man in Venice. And lived his days telling tales of his days with Marco at the end of the world.

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