Commander

The guards' commander, whose name was whispered with respect and awe, paused. A breeze fluttered his cloak, and his gaze, hardened by countless battles, narrowed. He, a man accustomed to battle and the clash of blades, was witnessing a banal theft.

The boy, skinny and dirty, darted into the alley, clutching the stolen apples. The commander could have simply turned away. But something about this unpunished offense struck a chord with him. He valued order and justice, however harsh.

Without another word, he moved into the alley. The commander's heavy boots echoed in the narrow space. A stench pervaded the dim light. The boy, pressed against the wall, greedily gnawed on an apple, oblivious to his approach.

The commander loomed over him. "Hey, you, puppy," his voice was low and commanding, like the toll of a bell. "These apples aren't yours."

The boy winced, dropping his half-eaten apple. He raised his frightened eyes to the commander. They were filled with fear and the familiar anticipation of punishment.

"I'm hungry," he whispered, cowering.

The commander frowned. He was accustomed to heroes and villains, honorable warriors and traitors. This ragamuffin fit into neither category. "Hunger is no excuse," he snapped. "Give me back the apples, and I'll think about what to do with you."

He handed the commander the remaining apples, dirty and bitten.

The commander took them, examining them. He could have simply forced the boy to return them to the counter and give him a beating. But something told him that wouldn't change anything. Instead, he pulled out a few coins.

Handing the coins to the boy, "Take these apples back and pay for them. And with the rest, buy yourself some food."

The boy looked at the coins. He had never held so much money in his hands.

"But…"

"And remember," the commander interrupted him. "When you steal, someone else suffers. Be honest, and maybe your life will change for the better."

The boy nodded, clutching the coins tightly in his palm. He bowed to the commander and slipped out of the alley.

The commander watched him go. He didn't know if this boy would improve. But he gave him a chance.

He is a man