Yusuf al-Kaysani
They call this a war to end all wars, but Yusuf has seen too many to believe that will ever be true. Andy knew someone, who knew someone, and this is how they’ve ended up here, not with an army but with a resistance. Hidden in the woods, adding their arms to the fight.
Not just fighting though. These raids are important, sneaking into cities, helping gather supplies, helping rescue those still trapped. In this case, a family. The mother and the older sister have made it past and into the woods, but the boy is terrified, and Yusuf stays with him, gun at the ready, carefully coaxing him forward, urging him to make the effort.
“A man can have nothing but what he strives for” He tells him, as the wide eyes stare up at him. “Repeat it. Believe it.” Then the world explodes, and all he has time to do is wrap himself around a small body and hope.
“Nothing but what I strive for” The child is whispering over and over as he clings to Joe, wide eyes staring when he comes back with a gasp. If he had time, he would spin some story, ensure the child did not think he’d seen what he saw. But they need to get safe and get safe now, and all he can do is hope this one is too young to truly realize what has happened.
“Come” he says, as the child jumps at his words, his movement. “Let’s get you free.”
***
The job is not yet done. They've taken down who they came for, but these men have allies that will have to be dealt with, so for now avoidance is key. They desperately need to be able to regroup, to rest. Thankfully the locals are supporting them in their fight, so they’re able to make their ways down backs of businesses unobstructed before they are waved into a small restaurant down one of the side streets.
The old man who runs the place keeps staring at Yusuf, which is not helping him relax, but he has locked the door behind them so they can hide out from any remaining enemies, and is soon filling their table with plates filled with good and hearty food, refusing payment.
A little discomfort is something he’ll live with for this moment of safety. Nicolo is definitely on edge from the look as well however, and is almost ready to take offence he knows. Until the man, dropping off his final plate, bows deeply at the table.
“A man can have nothing but what he strives for” He says to Yusuf, words accented but carefully spoken, and suddenly in the lined face he sees surprisingly familiar eyes. “Please enjoy”.