The current tribe was just a collection of small, outcast tribes that had aggregated together, many of which had gone extinct.
After that, they moved to the Jawra territory, a small tribe, and managed to resolve things peacefully.
In the wake of the recent agreement with the Jawra tribe, Evan found himself deep in negotiations with their chief.
With the negotiations complete, the current meeting was focused on Evan trying to learn the political situation of the tribal communities in the region.
As they sat in a makeshift meeting area, the Jawra Chief, a stern yet resolute figure, began to explain the broader tribal situation of the region.
"There are other tribes beyond our own," the Chief began, his tone serious. "Among them are the Onge, the Great Andamanese, and the Nicobarese. But the Sentinels..." His voice trailed off, a shadow of unease crossing his face.
Evan leaned in, his interest piqued. "What can you tell me about the Sentinels?"
The Jawra Chief sighed heavily. "The Sentinels are the most formidable of all the tribes. They are isolated and fiercely protective of their territory. Their community numbers over a thousand have long-standing traditions of violence and are vastly known for their aggressive tactics. They rarely interact with outsiders and view any intrusion with extreme hostility."
As Evan listened, the Chief continued, detailing the Sentinels' appearance. "Their warriors are easily recognizable. They wear elaborate clothing adorned with intricate patterns and tattoos that symbolize their strength and achievements. Their attire often includes animal hides and feathers, and their bodies are covered with tattoos depicting their tribal history and achievements."
Evan nodded, absorbing the information. "What kind of tactics do they use during fights?"
"They are known for their ambushes and guerilla warfare," the Chief explained. "Their fighting style is ruthless and strategic. They use the terrain to their advantage and are experts in hit-and-run tactics. They have a reputation for being both cunning and brutal."
_____
In the days that followed, Evan, accompanied by a large contingent of Jawra men and a few from other tribes, set out to engage with the Onge, Great Andamanese, and Nicobarese.
The negotiations with Onge and Jarwa were relatively smooth, as both were more open to dialogue and less resistant to change. However, the atmosphere grew tense as they approached the territory of the Sentinels.
The Sentinel tribe's territory was marked by a heavy fortification of natural barriers, including dense jungle and steep ravines. As Evan and his entourage neared the borders of Sentinel land, they were met with a stark warning.
SWISH!SWISH!
With a glance, one could discern that each Sentinel stood at least 6ft tall. Also, just the people guarding the place numbered in the dozens and likely had means to alert others.
Evan took a deep breath, weighing the pros and cons, then turned back and ordered, "Let's retreat for now. Their numbers are too much for us to take them down."
"Are you sure?" Both Suri and the tribal chiefs accompanying him asked with their brows raised.
Suri asked out of concern, while the other chiefs simply wanted to see Sentinels fall.
"For now, yes..."
_____
After the tense encounter with the Sentinels, Evan and his team made a strategic retreat.
As Evan disembarked from the cruise ship, he was greeted by Elina, who approached him with a worried expression. Despite her attempt to appear indifferent, her concern was evident.
"Brother Evan, where have you been?" she asked, a hint of frustration in her voice. "Why didn't you take me on the tour with you?"
Evan smiled warmly, sensing her worry beneath the words. "Elina, it was a dangerous situation. I needed to make sure that we had the right team in place for the negotiations. But I appreciate your enthusiasm. Starting tomorrow, you can begin touring the land. It will give you a better understanding of the area."
Elina's frown softened slightly. "Are you alright, oneechan?" Her use of the affectionate term for "older brother" made Evan cringe.
"What did you say?"
"Oneechan! You don't like it?" Elina blinked her eyes a few times.
"Where did you learn it?"
"From anime,"Elina answered with twinkling eyes.
Evan swallowed his discomfort and hid his unease before gently ruffling her hair. "I'm perfectly fine. Everything is under control. You'll have your chance to explore and help out. For now, focus on preparing for tomorrow."
Reassured by Evan's words, Elina's expression brightened. "Alright, I'll start preparing. Thank you."