The initial days of my apprenticeship were rigorous. Waqas didn't go easy on me, but I appreciated his straightforward approach. Each task, no matter how menial, was an opportunity to learn.
One morning, Waqas took me to the bustling market. "Today, we'll buy and sell grains," he announced. "Pay attention to the quality, the weight, and the way deals are struck."
As we navigated through the market, Waqas explained the subtleties of trading. "Watch how the merchants haggle. They know their product's worth and aren't afraid to walk away if the deal isn't right."
I observed him closely as he inspected sacks of grain, discussing prices and terms with the sellers. He demonstrated how to judge the quality of the grains by their texture and smell, and he taught me the importance of building relationships with other merchants.
"Trust is a currency of its own," he said, shaking hands with a seller. "People will come back to you if they know you're honest and fair."
By midday, we had bought several sacks of high-quality grain at a good price. As we loaded them onto our cart, Waqas quizzed me on what I had learned. His questions were tough, but they reinforced the lessons of the day.
In the afternoon, we set up a stall to sell the grain. Waqas demonstrated how to attract customers and make a compelling sales pitch. "Highlight the quality and the fair price," he advised. "And always be polite, even if they don't buy anything."
When a few potential buyers approached, he let me handle the negotiations under his watchful eye. I was nervous but excited. I repeated what Waqas had taught me, emphasizing the high quality and reasonable price. To my surprise, I managed to sell a couple of sacks.
"Not bad for your first time," Waqas remarked. "You have potential, Roy. Just remember, every deal is a learning experience."
As we packed up for the day, I felt a sense of accomplishment. The hard work was paying off, and I was starting to understand the complexities of the trade.
Over the next few weeks, I continued to learn under Waqas's guidance. Each day brought new challenges and lessons. I learned how to keep detailed records of transactions, manage inventory, and even handle disputes with customers and suppliers. Waqas's stern demeanor never wavered, but I grew to appreciate his dedication to teaching me everything he knew.
Meanwhile, life at home remained busy. Elara's presence was a blessing, as she managed the household chores with grace and efficiency. Her knowledge of plants and herbs continued to benefit our garden, and she began teaching me more about the healing properties of different plants. Her recovery had instilled in her a sense of purpose, and she was eager to contribute to our little community.
Eric and Joshua were supportive of my new endeavor. Eric, in particular, seemed relieved that I was gaining practical skills that could support us in the future. He often reminded me to be cautious but encouraged me to make the most of the opportunity.
One evening, as we all gathered for dinner, Eric asked, "So, Roy, how's the apprenticeship going?"
I smiled. "It's tough, but I'm learning a lot. Waqas is a great teacher."
Elara chimed in, "And how are the markets? Have you been to many different villages yet?"
"Not yet," I replied. "For now, we're focusing on the local market. But Waqas said we'll start traveling soon. I'm looking forward to seeing more of the region and learning how trade works in different places."
Joshua grinned. "You'll be a master merchant before we know it. Just remember us when you're rich and famous."
We all laughed, but deep down, I knew that my journey was just beginning. The path ahead was uncertain, but with the support of my family and the guidance of Waqas, I felt ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.
As the weeks turned into months, my confidence grew. I became more adept at negotiating deals and managing the complexities of trade. Waqas started to trust me with more responsibilities, and I began to see the fruits of my labor. The skills I was acquiring would not only help secure our future but also bring us closer to achieving our dreams.
And so, amidst the trials and triumphs, we continued to build our lives in the town, united by our shared goals and the unwavering bond of family and friendship.