Chapter 77. Temporary Shelter
By midday, the towering, intricate wooden gates of the deer tribe materialized through the winter fog.
The reception we received was shockingly hospitable.
The guards didn't draw weapons, instead, they welcomed our bedraggled caravan with open arms, immediately distributing heavy, clean quilts and offering wooden bowls of steaming hot water to the shivering females.
Axis soon stepped out from the main longhouse, flanked by the older deer chief.
He looked thoroughly professional, though his eyes instantly locked onto me with a mixture of intense relief and lingering infatuation.
"Welcome to our lands," Axis announced, his voice carrying over the murmurs of the crowd.
However, before our chief could even ask about lodging, Axis held up a delicate hand, looking appropriately apologetic.
