I put on the clothes that were given to me when I went to the library, as I had nothing to hide. I was now a part of this city, even though the king may not think so.

But I also took my characteristic overcoat, which had accompanied me along with my journal and which I felt had become symbolic for many.

I headed to the mines at full speed, there was no time to lose and I already knew the fastest way to get there.

I entered the place, went to where the generator was and spoke into a radio, which was how they referred to the communication devices used in this place.

"Hello, can anyone hear me?"

I waited a while and tried different things.

I leaned against a wall while massaging my temple.

Until I heard a noise coming from the radio, which woke me up and I stood up straight as I approached the radio;

"Who's speaking? Who's out there?"

"It's Broken Forever."

"Broken Forever?"

There was background noise, someone asking him to pass the radio.

"Broken Forever? Is that you? It's me, Essoh. Am I coming with Dotia? Are you carrying..." He ends the sentence with a whisper. "Gold?"

"Call everyone, I want them to gather near the entrance of the place."

"Everyone?"

"All the miners."

He doesn't respond to me for a few seconds.

"Why?"

"I need to talk to them, it's important."

"Okay..."

Apparently, from his tone of voice, it wasn't what Essoh was expecting, but I would find a way to convince him somehow.

Some miners arrive in groups, others arrive alone.

There were fifty-four men, all with mining equipment of the same color.

They all took off whatever they were wearing on their heads as they stood in front of me, with roughly three or four rows, without going into too much detail.

"And so? What do you want?" Dotia inquires.

"First of all, let me introduce myself. I don't like to repeat myself, so listen carefully. I am Broken Forever and I am seeking your help."

"Hey... Isn't that the man wanted in the central plaza? I heard rumors about him recently." One responds from the crowd.

"And what did they say they were going to give you in exchange if you handed me over to the guards?"

There's only silence after that question answered with a question.

"Exactly, unlike the king, I have a clear and concise proposal." I walk back and forth with some slowness to focus. "You have equipment. Did you make it on your own?"

"Yes, although only some, not all. Some of us know more, some less, of course. Let's just say our knowledge varies. I'm sorry, I didn't mean to ramble." Essoh explains.

I take out the copy of the blueprints from my backpack.

"This is a handheld cannon, also known as a dragon or blunderbuss. It's a firearm that explodes and causes damage to those within its range." I explain.

"Could we use gunpowder as a weapon? Why didn't I think of that before?!" Dotia exclaims.

Suddenly, I hear a new voice, the roughest of all, who seems important as everyone looks at him equally.

"Therefore... What do you want us to do with these... 'weapons'?" He asks.

"Who's asking?" I reply.

"I am, Hudhayfa, leader of the miners." He introduces himself as he approaches with three steps forward, and everyone moves aside for him.

"I want you to make them and bring them along with the gunpowder. The king has been exploiting you for too long, and I'm not bringing you empty promises."

"I don't hear the part where you offer something." Hudhayfa responds, raising his eyebrows.

"I'll give everyone the opportunity to live in housing blocks one and two. Also, if you want, we'll have a vote on how each miner's profit should be distributed. I've heard complaints about the changes, and I'll do my best to benefit you, but you must help me."

"In two days, the weapons must be ready, as I will be executed by hanging, and I want you to provide me with the protection I need and follow me at all times."

"We can't listen to him. He's a man who wants us to fight against the merciful!" One of them exclaims.

"Silence!" Hudhayfa ordered. "We'll help you if you keep your promise to return us to the old profit system. Additionally, if you let some of us have the option to leave, this is my home, and I'm not leaving here for anything. I don't know what the rest think, but those are my conditions."

"Of course, those who want to stay here will do so, but those who want a new life will be welcomed to one of the best places in the central plaza."

"Excellent, deal."

I hand over the plans, point out where the gallows were, and leave the place.

When I return to my room and open the door, I find several envelopes on the floor.

They were the responses to the letters I had delivered. Nassoumi came through. In the letters I sent, I indicated that any questions or communications should be brought here when there are no guards nearby, as I was sure no one would be monitoring a place they had already searched.

The city was too big to search the same place several times.

All the letters I received were similar, but two let me know that everything would be okay.

Not everyone could write, but it wasn't only those who sent letters who were on my side.

The letter I liked the most was the following:

"Broken forever, I have fulfilled my part. We have convinced the blacksmith you told us about to help us make more weapons.

We know about your execution. The guards are announcing it. I don't know if it's a true warning or if they just want to see our reaction.

The only thing that makes me think is that, if we have to take a stand, at least I can tell you that I will be there when you need me the most.

Sincerely, Ghalib."

The one that caught my attention for its sincerity was this one:

"Making these weapons has been complicated, but several are working after the test.

Word has spread about what could happen, but the guards don't have the details, and I'm sure you have a trick up your sleeve.

One of us was pressured by the guards, but he said nothing. In any case, we have formed subgroups, so even if someone is pressured, they cannot betray all of us.

More and more people know what the king is doing with our crops, a rumor spreading like weeds.

I am surprised that the guards have not killed anyone who is involved with you. I suppose they know what awaits them if they touch one of us.

We are 'Brothers and sisters,' as you say.

We trust in you."

Since I returned to the mines, I have only read the messages that have been left for me.

The hours passed, and I passed the time writing in my journal.

In these days, it is worth noting that I had not gone to work in the underground warehouse. Did it matter to continue with something that would kill me anyway?

While I read the letters, I have been writing in my journal everything that has happened since I came up with the idea to infiltrate the palace. Tomorrow will be the last day of waiting.

I hear someone knocking on the door.

When I open it, I come across Bes, who shows me with a smile that he already had the gun made.

"I heard we were supposed to send you letters, but I didn't feel like waiting. Besides, I've already located some people. I'm not the only one who knows things, you know?"

"No problem, I suppose you made more than one, right?"

"Obviously." He huffs. "Even though I don't like Karim, he's very sensitive about the kind of person I am, but even with our differences, we've both done our part."

"That's good to hear. Anything else?"

"You're going to be executed. What do you want me to do?"

"Very simple, when they take me to the gallows... It gonna be the moment to act. I don't think I need to tell you exactly what to do, but you get the idea. I'm sure there will be a large crowd if they're announcing and summoning people like crazy, or at least that's what I heard. So the guards won't see it coming."

"You're taking too much risk, and I like that. Well, even if I'm the only crazy dude with a firearm, I want to die using this beauty, count with me." He says with his hand raised to chest height as he admires his gun.

"Have fun when the moment comes, but don't harm us, harm the guards."

Bes shakes his head from side to side.

"Sometimes I think you're taking me for a fool. Just so you know, I'm not like your friend Taleh."

"I don't know if he's my friend."

"Believe me, that's what the big guy calls you." He responds as he leaves.

I guess saying goodbye is not in his vocabulary.

I just woke up, even knowing that I might die, I slept like a baby.

I hope this is not the end of my diary.

I haven't come this far to end up badly.