announcement:
Following the advice of my Patreon supporters, I decided to place greater focus on the story's development through Alexander's point of view. So after the next three chapters, we'll be seeing a lot more of Alexander.
Also, I've decided to release four chapters this week, which means there will be daily updates over the next few days.
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I accidentally uploaded Chapter 31 using the wrong draft and only noticed it now. Sorry about that, I've updated it with the correct version.
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It had taken the great caravan an entire week to circle around the Ikran Mountains, and by the end of it, everyone in the caravan was utterly exhausted. The journey had been difficult, and on top of that, food shortages had begun to set in.
When they left their village, they had taken all the food they could carry with them, but it had not been much. The attack had come during the rice harvest season, and most of the crop had been burned by the raiders. Whatever remained from the previous season, along with every piece of fruit and meat they could gather, had been loaded onto the caravan. The meat had been consumed quickly during the first days, before it could spoil. Now their rice supplies were also beginning to run out.
Aktar was worried about the growing hunger, but Loren reassured him by saying they were approaching the larger settlements and that there should be several small farms along the way. And just as he had said, they passed a number of small family homesteads and bought as much food as they could. With that, they continued their journey and eventually came upon a large village nestled among low hills, surrounded by wide fields and filled with clay-built houses. Another striking feature of the settlement was that it had been built beside a vast lake.
Seeing the village, Aktar and Loren stopped and looked toward it. Then Aktar asked, the tension on his face clearly visible,
"At last we've arrived… Which tribe is this?"
Loren answered calmly,
"This is the Sarentu tribe. They are not especially wealthy, but their population is large and their harvests are good. They will provide food for your people."
"And after that?"
Loren's tone grew slightly more serious.
"Sarentu is one of the main members of the Triple Council. You will speak with the council about your clan's situation. I hope you receive the answer you're hoping for."
Aktar's thoughtful expression was obvious. He did not hesitate to ask Loren what he needed to know about the council.
"So what kind of structure is this council? Who is it made up of?"
"The council exists to maintain the trade alliance between the three major villages in this region—Kame'Tire, Sarentu, and Tıpani—and to ensure they support one another in times of hardship. The small family farms we passed on the way here are also affiliated with the council. Each of the three tribes sends three representatives to the council."
"And what about the Anurai? I heard they're a large tribe as well. Aren't they also a main member of the council?"
Loren's expression stiffened. He let out a short sigh and spoke in a warning tone.
"I wouldn't recommend talking about the Anurai in front of the council."
"Why?"
"Because their relationship is quite unstable, and even I don't know what their situation is right now. There is a blood feud between them and the Kame'Tire. It isn't openly discussed, but relations between the two have always been poor. The main reason their standing within the council shifts so often is that the Anurai live as nomads. In truth, they have little choice. Since ancient times, the three tribes have left them with very little fertile land. As a result, they became a people who rely on herding and hunting in the northern tundras."
"But living like that is very difficult, and they don't really have stable production. Because of that, they are economically weak, and their population is smaller than any of the three tribes. Naturally, they don't have much to offer the others in trade. In order to survive—or sometimes to grow wealthier—there are years when they raid the coalition's lands. Without those raids, they would struggle even to obtain clothing. Honestly, it's a difficult situation for both sides."
Aktar's mind quickly filled with calculations. The relationship between the Triple Coalition and the Anurai, how it might affect them, what they could offer in order to be accepted—his thoughts raced through many possibilities. But after hearing what Loren had said about the Anurai, his worries for his tribe only deepened.
Before entering the village, he spoke further with Loren about many things, from the production systems of the great tribes to the structure of the land, the fertility of the soil, and the crops they cultivated. With this brief lesson, he tried to prepare himself as much as possible for the difficult days ahead—but deep inside, he had a bad feeling that it would not be enough.
At last, the caravan reached the entrance of the village. The entire village had gathered there, staring in astonishment at the crowd before them. Loren and Aktar stepped forward and looked at the villagers. Then Loren spoke in a loud voice.
"I am the merchant Loren. You know me. We would like to speak with Chief Talkar."
There was movement among the villagers, and a tall man with a long white beard and a flowing yellow robe that trailed along the ground stepped forward with confident strides.
''Loren… that's quite a caravan you've brought with you this time. I hope you're not expecting us to buy all of it.''
Aktar's expression tightened, but Loren answered without hesitation.
"You're very funny, old friend. But this time I've brought more than goods. I've come with people who are in need of your brotherhood."
Talkar's expression was unreadable. He stood silently for a moment, looking at the people before him. Then a warm smile appeared on his face as he spoke.
"Then I welcome you. You look tired. Come to the village square. Let my people offer you food and drink and show you their hospitality."
After these words, the chief signaled for the villagers to clear the path. The long caravan moved forward slowly, carrying their belongings on their backs as they made their way toward the village square. While the people began to move aside, the chief stepped closer to Loren and Aktar.
"Come with me, my friends," he said. "I'm sure there are important matters you wish to discuss."