"Shall we take them back home?" The question resonated through the council hall, stunning everyone into silence.
The mere suggestion was monumental, laden with a profound weight. Logan scanned the room, his gaze imbuing the air with a gravity that seemed to anchor every soul present. "Remember, it is our solemn duty to bring back our fallen. Only by returning them to our tribe can their sacrifice truly hold meaning," he declared, his voice echoing off the ancient stone walls.
The assembly rose as one, the sound of shuffling feet and rustling garments filling the air as they acknowledged their leader with a unified, "Yes!"
After the meeting, Logan addressed Crow and Lotts specifically. "Stay behind, both of you. We need to discuss arrangements for our departed brethren," he said, his expression serious.
The true measure of a nation or tribe is revealed in how it honors those who have fallen. This truth was not lost on anyone present, especially Crowe and Bagan, who exchanged solemn nods of agreement.
Though the chief's intentions were not entirely clear to them, his words about bringing their comrades home struck a deep chord. As warriors themselves, the prospect of being respectfully returned to their homeland in the event of their death was a profound comfort.
"Let's proceed, everyone take your seats. Crowe, continue with the report," Logan instructed, his voice steady.
Crowe cleared his throat, nodding once before he resumed. "Turning to the casualties from the Youwa tribe," he began, "we lost 159 warriors. This includes 136 from the infantry and 23 from our wolf cavalry, with 45 infantrymen killed and 18 critically wounded."
"Of our wolf cavalry, eight were killed, three seriously injured, and three more slightly wounded," Crow continued, his report detailing the significant toll taken on the Youwa tribe.
It was important to recognize the tribe's contribution, as their bravery and sacrifice were key to the victory. Logan nodded approvingly. "Excellent. The Youwa tribe has shown great valor. We owe it to their wounded to provide the best care possible."
The council echoed back in strong agreement, "Yes!"
"By the way, where is the Youwa Young Chief, Tyton?" Logan inquired, his interest piqued.
He had learned through Crow that the Youwa tribe was ready to align themselves with the Silver Mane tribe under Tyton's influential leadership.
"Master Chief, Tyton is right outside the door. Shall I invite him in?" Crowe responded promptly.
Anticipating the Chief's desire to meet with Tyton, Crowe had prudently asked him to wait nearby.
He then brought up significant captures, "Moreover, we captured key leaders including the coalition's commander-in-chief Mamuti, and Chiefs Samo and Kela. Unfortunately, Chief Gaila was killed by our first group of wolf cavalry during his attempted escape."
"This concludes the full report of the battle," Crowe concluded, stowing the animal skin document before returning to his seat.
The room, filled with tribal leaders like Begon, Reynolds, Kodiak, and Cobos, initially brimmed with concern over potential losses. However, as they absorbed the details of the report, their worry turned to astonishment. Despite facing an enemy of equal strength, their casualties were minimal while they inflicted severe losses and made significant captures.
This overwhelming victory only highlighted the wisdom of Logan's leadership decisions, a point he intended to make clear in this gathering, especially to senior tribal figures like his two uncles. The meeting was not just a briefing but a strategic move to solidify his standing and validate his strategies within the tribal hierarchy.
There was no need for Logan to speak further; the comprehensive battle report had already swayed every doubter in the room.
Turning his attention to more strategic matters, Logan addressed his second uncle directly, "Uncle Begon, tomorrow morning, I'm dispatching Crowe and Bagan to integrate the people from the four tribes. Have you any reservations about this plan?"
Begon, having already taken proactive steps, responded with assured calmness, "Chief, preparations are well underway. I've arranged for a zero-hour camp to resettle the newcomers. Rest assured, everything will be ready."
The magnitude of their recent victory solidified Logan's intention to incorporate the four tribes fully. For Begon, while he might have reservations, the triumph in battle had laid any doubts to rest, convincing him to embrace the inevitability of the integration.
Acknowledging his uncle's unusual compliance, Logan expressed his gratitude, slightly surprised but relieved by the lack of resistance, "Thank you, uncle. Your efforts are greatly appreciated."
With administrative matters addressed, Logan's curiosity about the young Beastmen leader mentioned by Crowe resurfaced. "Crowe, please, bring Tyton in. I'm eager to meet him."
"Yes, Chief." Crowe promptly rose and strode to the door, returning moments later with a young werewolf trailing behind him.
Upon entering, Tyton quickly knelt, demonstrating his respect. "Chief Tyton at your service," he declared, his head bowed.
"Rise," Logan commanded gently, offering a welcoming smile.
As Tyton stood, Logan took a moment to appraise him. The man was only a few years older than himself, with striking brown hair and a demeanor that combined both a warrior's ruggedness and a certain charismatic allure. Tyton, in turn, was discreetly assessing the young chief of the Silvermane tribe, his future leader.
The reality of his situation was not lost on Tyton, recently a leader in his own right, now poised to become a subordinate in a formidable new alliance.