downstream along the river at night, the fishing boats were dotting the water like scattered lights. The air was cool, carrying the faint smell of river mud and reeds. I was on my way back from catching fish, rowing my small boat when suddenly, I heard a commotion on the shore.

It was a group of people shouting and making a scene. I couldn't see clearly from my boat, but I could tell there was a fight. My heart pounded as I rowed closer to the shore, trying to get a better look. When I reached the edge of the water, I saw a young man, no more than twenty, standing in the middle of the group. He was dressed in fine clothes, but now they were torn and dirty. His face was pale, and his eyes were filled with fear.

"Let him go!" the young man shouted, his voice trembling but firm. "I won't let you do this to him!"

I couldn't hear what the other people were saying, but it sounded like they were arguing. I saw a shadowy figure move behind the young man, and I braced myself, ready to jump in if needed.