NOVEL NEXT Chapter 13: The Bean Harvest
Chapter 13: The Bean Harvest
The dawn light filtered through the leaves of the trees, creating a mosaic of dancing shadows on the farm's soil. Alex, with a shovel over his shoulder, made his way to his bean cultivation section.
Each section of the farm was dedicated to growing three types of food, a method established out of necessity to maximize production and diversify harvests. The choice of crops was not random; each plant was carefully selected, considering pollination and nutrient exchange. The interaction between plants was fundamental; the airborne pollen from the flowers allowed seeds to germinate in an environment where each crop benefited from the others.
Alex, as an experienced farmer, observed how his plants grew under the sunlight. In his section, he cultivated beans, lentils, and chickpeas—three legumes that thrived in the rich soil laden with prana. Each plant contributed its own strength to the soil, and their joint pollination ensured that the harvests were abundant and varied. The beans gracefully climbed the trellises he had built, while the lentils covered the ground, protecting it from erosion and enriching the nitrogen in the soil. The chickpeas, with their soft flowers and green leaves, created the perfect balance, establishing an ideal microclimate for the growth of their plant companions.
The functioning of the farm depended not only on the skills of the farmers but also on the ancestral knowledge passed down through generations. Alex remembered the stories told by the elders about how, over a century ago, the Empire had transformed these lands into a bastion of agricultural production. Although today the farms could not supply the entire population of the Empire, they remained a vital source of food.
From a distance, the plants stood proudly, their green and vibrant leaves shining under the first rays of the sun. It was a sight that never ceased to amaze him: the beauty and fragility of plant life, which depended so much on his care and dedication.
In his day-to-day life on the farm, Alex knew that the success of his crop depended on a careful and methodical process. The beans, his most prized crop, required constant attention. As he walked through his section, he remembered the teachings of the elder farmers about the importance of composting and nitrogen in the soil.
Each year, bodies of beasts were brought from the Empire's borders—bodies that, due to their toughness, could not be consumed by humans. Instead of being discarded, they were transformed into a vital source of nutrients. Alex and his fellow farmers collected these bodies, ensuring that every part was utilized. The bones were especially important, as they released nitrogen into the soil as they decomposed, a nutrient essential for plant growth.
Over time, Alex realized that although he did not understand the chemistry behind nitrogen, he knew that its presence was crucial for the health of his crops. He observed how the prana in the soil combined with the nutrients released by the compost, creating an ideal environment for the beans. The combination of these elements allowed the crops to thrive, providing abundant harvests.
During the long workdays, while he tended to his plants, Alex felt a deep respect for the land. He knew that the composting process was not just an agricultural practice, but a cycle of life connecting all farmers with nature. The ancestral wisdom of his predecessors manifested in every plant that grew, reminding him that his effort had a lasting impact on the community.
Beans, in particular, were a special crop for Alex. Not only were they delicious and nutritious, but they had also been influenced by the prana circulating in the earth. This prana, a vital force that nourished everything that existed, endowed the crops with a higher level of nutrition and resilience. Beans grown under its influence were sturdier and tastier than any other variety, but also more susceptible to pests, complicating the farmer's work.
With quiet determination, Alex knelt among the rows of beans. Each plant was a testament to his effort; their strong stems and shiny leaves defied the wind. He began to inspect each one, looking for signs of pests. He had learned over the years that careful observation was essential for maintaining the health of his crops.
The first batch of beans he had planted was beginning to bloom, filling the air with a fresh and sweet aroma. The white and purple flowers were a sign that the harvest was near, but Alex knew that the appearance of flowers also attracted insects. With a mix of hope and concern, he started his work.
Insects, although part of the ecosystem, could quickly devastate a harvest if not controlled. Alex stood up and took a jar containing a natural mixture he had prepared with plant extracts and spices. This mixture not only repelled insects but also promoted healthy plant growth. With patience, he began to spray each plant, making sure to cover both the upper and lower leaves, where pests often hid.
As he worked, Alex recalled the stories he had heard from his grandfather about how beans used to be cultivated without prana. The plants were weaker, susceptible to diseases and pests, and the harvest never reached its maximum potential. But since the flow of prana in the earth had been restored, the situation had changed dramatically. Now, beans were a symbol of resilience and abundance, although the work to maintain their health was arduous and constant.
The sound of the wind whispering through the leaves helped him focus as he applied his mixture. At that moment, every leaf he touched, every bud he protected, was an act of devotion. He knew that the fight against pests was unending, but the reward was worth every effort. The nutrition and flavor offered by the prana-infused beans were incomparable, and even the mightiest warriors needed to eat.
Suddenly, a slight movement at the base of a plant caught his attention. With a swift motion, Alex leaned down and found a group of aphids, small insects feeding on the sap. Without thinking twice, he applied the mixture he had created. Sometimes, he felt like a warrior on the battlefield, fighting against an invisible enemy, but each victory, no matter how small, was a triumph.
As the sun rose higher in the sky, Alex continued his work, feeling the satisfaction that came with every bean he protected. Hours passed, and sweat beaded on his forehead, but he did not stop. There was something meditative in the repetition of his movements: observe, spray, check. Every plant he tended was a reflection of his own life, of dreams for a prosperous and loving future.
After several hours, Alex sat on the ground, his back against the sturdy trunk of a tree. His hands, covered in dirt, were a symbol of his dedication. He looked out at his section of beans, which spread before him like a green sea dotted with flowers. At that moment, he understood that his work not only nourished the Empire but also created a legacy.
While resting, a thought crossed his mind: the fight against pests would never end, but with every step he took, he was contributing to something greater than himself. The farm, with its peace and serenity, was a bastion amidst the storm. He knew that as long as he continued to care for his beans, there would be hope, even in times of uncertainty.
Finally, after a long day, Alex stood up, feeling tired but satisfied. The work on the farm would always be hard, but it was also a path to happiness. Every seed he planted and every bean he harvested were steps toward a future he longed for—a future where he could share his life with someone and teach them the art of farming. As he returned to his cabin at nightfall, the sounds of life on the farm became a familiar song, a reminder that in the heart of the Empire, there was always a place for peace, love, and daily effort.
A land of abundance.