49. The Savior

"See you next time, young man," Bill said.

"But, sir. Your hand-"

"Uh, this little wound? It's not a problem. It's nothing for a man to have a wound on his body, young man," Bill said.

Teenage Eland stared questioningly.

Bill smiled gently and then declared, "A wound can be likened to a sign of effort or struggle. So, isn't it cool that a man has this kind of mark?"

Eland was stunned. He was very amazed with those words. He never expected to hear such a thing.

"A man without a wound is a man who never fought, young man," Bill said.

The gallant soldier then flashed Eland a warm smile just before he left him alone there.

When he was only a few metres away, he turned around and waved his hand once more, "Be a strong soldier, young man!"

"Yes, sir," Eland replied with a shout.

"I will be a strong man, I promise," Eland added.

Bill then turned around and continued walking.

Eland stared at the sturdy back of his saviour who was walking away until he was no longer visible to his e