Book 5: Chapter 29: State of the Tribe

Book 5: Chapter 29: State of the Tribe

The door opened, revealing Ash, Vulcanos, and Gravitas. Their step faltered as their eyes landed on the figure waiting for them. The last time they had seen Zeke, he had appeared close to death. Now, he looked to be in peak condition, with a rosy complexion and boundless energy.

Gravitas was the first to react. “Master, are you alright?”

Zeke nodded, a cheeky grin on his face. “I told you I would be fine, didn’t I?”

Gravitas was momentarily at a loss for words. Even though Zeke had said it, wasn't this what everyone said to avoid causing worry? How could she be sure he was actually serious? However, Zeke didn’t give the trio any more time to think about it. “Come in for now. I want to hear what you learned.”

Shortly after, the four were seated around a table with a new fire roaring in the hearth. Zeke noticed that the expressions of the Chimeroi eased up due to the fire’s warmth. Despite their strong bodies, spending a day outside in this climate had still taken its toll on them. It was becoming clear to Zeke that his group would be at a distinct disadvantage in this climate compared to the members of the Icefang or Frostscale Tribe. After all, the two groups were likely fighting over this mountain exactly because of its unnaturally cold atmosphere.

“So,” Zeke said, “what did you learn?”

The Chimeroi exchanged glances, quickly deciding the order of their reports. Ash spoke first, his expression grim. “The situation is quite dire. The Frostscale Tribe has been besieging the mountain for the last six weeks. Usually, that wouldn’t be so concerning, but the lack of reaction from the chief has everyone on edge. There are rumors that he is severely injured and might even die.”

Zeke nodded. That was about what he had expected. Depending on the chief's condition, the situation could change greatly. However, it seemed that at least the Frostscale Tribe was still cautious of him. There was no reason to choose such a passive approach if they didn’t have to fear him.

“How much longer can the tribe hold out?”

Ash grimaced. “Not too long. Unlike human settlements, the Icefang tribe doesn’t rely on agriculture or horticulture. Their sole source of food is hunting and foraging...”

“...which they have been cut off from,” Zeke finished for him.

Ash nodded. “However, it’s not all bad. The reserves they do have will not spoil anytime soon, thanks to the climate and their special methods. I was told that they are able to preserve meat for a very long time.“

Zeke nodded. That was good news indeed, but it wouldn't save them in the long run. No matter how good their preservation method was, their supplies wouldn’t last forever. Zeke knew from experience how much food the Chimeroi needed and the consequences of not eating enough. Unlike humans, who used ambient Mana to cast spells, Chimeroi relied on copious amounts of food for their strength. After a few days of starvation, their bodies would simply shut down.

“How are the defenses holding up?” he asked.

Instead of Ash, it was Vulcanos who answered. “Very well. However, that is solely due to the fact that the Frostscale Tribe hasn’t launched a single serious attack yet.”

Zeke nodded with a stern face. It seemed the Frostscale tribe was content to wait them out. That was bad news. It meant that even though they still feared Snow’s father, they were also confident that he wouldn’t suddenly recover. Either his injuries were that bad, or there was another circumstance that he didn’t know.

“How about escape routes?” he asked.Điscover new chapters at novelhall.com

Vulcanos shook his head. “There is no such thing. This village is the first of three on this mountain and the entry point to the only traversable path up. As long as the fort holds, there won’t be any invasion. However, it also means the village is easy to besiege, being a choke point.”

Zeke sighed. No wonder the people were starting to get desperate. With their backs against the wall and no word from their leader, it was surprising that the panic hadn’t spread further. “How do they plan to deal with the situation?”

The one who answered this question was surprisingly Gravitas. Zeke had tasked her with investigating Snow’s family, but she seemed to have uncovered more than he expected. “They don’t have a single plan, but three.”

Silence followed his declaration. His words had been that surprising. Snow didn’t have a faction and many even blamed her for the current situation. Moreover, she was too young to hold any real power in the tribe. Her only support was her father, and the chief had not been heard from since his injury.

“Snow’s faction...” Ash repeated uncertainly. “Master, there is no such thing, and even if there were, it would be the weakest of them all.”

Zeke was unfazed by his words. “I am well aware of that.”

“Then?”

“We will create the faction ourselves,” he replied confidently.

The three Chimeroi exchanged uncertain glances. Vulcanos spoke next. “How are we going to gather support?”

Zeke’s expression remained unchanged, an easy grin on his face. “How else? We are going to offer the most benefits!”

“What are you talking about?”

Zeke swept his gaze over the three, a twinkle in his eyes. Then he spoke a single word. “Food.”

“Food?” Gravitas repeated. “Master, we don’t have much ourselves, let alone enough to feed the whole tribe.”

Zeke grinned at her. “Would I suggest it if I didn’t have a way?”

Gravitas’ eyes widened. “You have a way?”

Zeke nodded, his expression turning serious for the first time. “Before I led you here, I was well aware of the possibility of the Icefang Tribe losing the war. Therefore, I came up with a contingency plan...”

“To do what?”

“To escape,” Zeke replied.

“Does that mean what I think it does?” Ash asked with wide eyes.

“Indeed,” Zeke said, his grin returning. “This siege might work on others, but to us, their tactic means nothing. If anything, the current situation benefits us.”

“How so?”

“If we control the food supply, the concept of factions will become irrelevant. After all, who would bite the hand that feeds them?”

His grin took on a slightly sinister edge as he spoke those last words.