"Don't come any closer, Kevin. This sword isn't a toy, it's razor-sharp!" Ken admonished, swiftly pulling his younger brother back from the gleaming weapon that lay on the table in the center of their tribe's main hall in Logan.
"But I want to play with the swords!" Kevin protested, his small face scrunching up in frustration.
"I want... I want it now!" His voice grew louder and his small body began to thrash about as he tried to break free from Ken's firm grip.
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"What on earth do you think you're doing? You're a good four or five years too young to handle something as dangerous as this sword," Logan interjected sternly, giving Kevin a gentle but firm tap on the backside as he lay sprawled on the ground, playing up his tantrum like a little actor.
Kevin, not yet five years old and only at level one in their tribe's ranking of strength and skill, was far from ready for such responsibilities. It was commonly estimated that a child would reach level two by six, and by nine, potentially level three or four if they were diligent and strong.
"You all just bully me!" Kevin pouted, his voice trembling with a mix of fear and defiance towards Logan. After the light reprimand, he sniffled, pushed himself up off the ground, and dashed off to find Fenrir, the family's large but reclusive hound, who had little patience for Kevin's energetic antics. Predictably, Fenrir darted away to hide as soon as he saw Kevin approaching.
Watching his younger brother's retreat, Logan mused aloud, "Kevin, you've reached level four now. Isn't it time you started thinking about your future, about contributing more significantly?"
Logan had always been protective of his siblings, but with Kevin now recognized as a mid-level powerhouse within the wild, untamed expanses they called home, expectations were higher. As the chief's brother, Kevin was destined for an important role within the Silver Mane Tribe.
"It's fine to shelter you while you're young, but without challenges, how will you grow strong and tall, like the trees after the rain and sun nourish them?" Logan added thoughtfully.
Kevin paused, slightly confused, then shook his head, his eyes widening with a distant dream. "When I'm of age, I want to join the military. But I'm not old enough yet."
His voice carried a hint of longing; the desire to gallop across battlefields and stand valiant among legions was a common dream among young warriors. Unfortunately, he would have to wait at least another year before the military would even consider his application.
"Joining the army, huh? That's an excellent ambition!" Logan replied, his face breaking into a supportive grin.
"Brother, we want to join the army too!" chimed in Ken and Relk almost in unison, their faces alight with youthful eagerness.
"You?" Logan raised an eyebrow, his smile tinged with amusement. "We'll see about that when you both reach the fourth level."
Logan turned to Ken and Relk, their anticipation palpable. "What about you two?" he asked, eager to see if their enthusiasm matched Kevin's.
"We're ready!" Ken and Relk replied with palpable excitement, their heads bobbing in eager agreement.
"Great, grab your gear and let's head over to the conference hall. There's a morning meeting scheduled and my second uncle will be there. We'll get everything sorted out," Logan instructed with a commanding tone.
The three brothers, Kevin, Ken, and Relk, couldn't contain their enthusiasm as they slung the heavy knight's swords, a gift from Logan, across their backs. With the swords weighing them down, they felt every bit the warriors they aspired to be.
"Let's move!" Logan beckoned, leading the way with a confident stride.
For Kevin, Ken, and Relk, this was their first time stepping foot inside the sacred tribal meeting hall, a place usually reserved for tribal leaders and special invitees. They followed closely behind Logan, their eyes wide with awe as they entered.
Inside the conference hall, Logan greeted the assembly with a charismatic smile. "I appreciate your patience, everyone!"
It was Logan's first morning meeting since his return, and all the tribal leaders were present: Uncle Begob, Uncle Reynolds, Commanders Kro and Begon, Kodiak, Kvos, and Astari, the leader of the snake people.
"Greetings, Chief!" they all responded in unison, showing their respect with a prompt salute.
Once Logan was seated, he gestured amicably. "Please, everyone, take your seats. Kevin, you and your brothers should find a place to sit as well."
Acknowledging the command, the three brothers nodded and found seats next to their Uncle Begon.
Uncles Begon and Reynolds exchanged puzzled glances as they observed the young trio, wondering about the reason behind Logan's decision to bring them.
Logan then turned his attention to Chief Astali. "Chief Astali, Isabel has briefed me about the dock project, but these young men aren't yet in the loop. Please, share your insights with them. Let's discuss this together."
Astali, whose presence was as commanding as it was elegant, nodded enthusiastically. It was clear that the proposal of building a new dock intrigued her greatly, and she was eager to discuss the potential developments with the young chief and his promising new guards.
The atmosphere in the room was charged with anticipation, not just for the discussion of the dock but also for the roles the young brothers would play in the future of the tribe. Their journey was just beginning, and the morning meeting marked a pivotal moment in their lives, setting the stage for their leadership and contributions to the tribe's growth and security.