Another meeting with no conclusion was scheduled for the next day. Each side presented their own plans, yet no one was willing to compromise.
Snake Chief and Sorin walked together in silence.
"I didn't see that elder today," Snake Chief said lightly.
"I dealt with him. Another elder was working with him as well," Sorin replied, recalling the hatred in the eyes of the man who usually seemed so kind.
"You are teachable," Snake Chief said before walking away.
Sorin watched the Snake Chief's back. He was a decisive man, someone who looked as if nothing in this world could truly surprise him.
Unlike Sorin.
Two thousand five hundred beastmen.One hundred and seventy females.A journey across an unknown land.
All that trust… placed on him.
One wrong decision, and everything could be over.
Am I really fit to lead?
He thought of his father, the man who used to say that a chief must never hesitate. How Sorin wished he were still alive.
Sorin clenched his fists and ran into the forest, letting the cold wind hit his face as he tried to clear his mind.
Back in the hut, after a good nap, Astra, Ardis, and the cubs looked energetic. They ate together and then sat around Ravik as he told them stories.
"In the cold lands, snowstorms are common. There are white-furred bears, deer, and many other beastmen. They live in ice huts," Ravik said.
"You must have traveled to so many places with the caravan. I want to see those things too," Astra said curiously.
"With the caravan, it's exciting but very dangerous. More than me, I think Varek knows more. He's been with the caravan longer," Ravik said, thinking about all the near-death experiences he had during his travels.
Many young beastmen joined the caravan to grow stronger or find a new home.But how many of them never made it back?
Astra looked at Varek, who had just entered after hanging meat to dry. Ardis and the cubs stared at him with hopeful eyes.
Varek sighed helplessly and sat in Ravik's place as Ravik stood up to work on the furs.
"Since he told you about the cold lands, I'll tell you about the hot lands. In the desert, sandstorms are common. Camel, scorpion, and snake beastmen usually live there," Varek began.
"Like Aeron and Ardis?" Astra asked.
"They have rougher skin. Their scales look like sand, making them hard to spot. But because of the harsh environment, they are fiercer," Varek said.
The cubs made curious noises.
"They're asking what camels and scorpions look like," Astra translated.
"Camels blend with sand, but scorpions are mostly black. Unlike here, tribes there relocate often. Food is hard to find, so they travel far and hunt in forests. It's extremely hot during the day and freezing at night," Varek explained.
Astra, Ardis, and the cubs listened with shining eyes.
"For us, just surviving the cold season is already difficult," Astra said softly.
"I visited the Great Cliff Mountain one spring ago," Varek added, drawing their attention back to him.
"I heard there are huge mountains and many tribes," Astra said eagerly.
"Yes. There are rivers, forests, and countless tribes. There's even a black-and-white bear tribe that loves bamboo. Also, rabbit and brown bear tribes," Varek replied.
"What about here? I've never gone very far from this place," Astra said.
"The plains are vast too. There are cheetah, horse, ape, vulture, and many other beastmen," Varek said.
Just then, Sorin entered, carrying two rabbits by their ears.
"Welcome back. How was the meeting?" Astra asked.
"It was fine. We have another one tomorrow," Sorin said tiredly.
"You should rest," Astra said.
"I'm fine. Where is everyone?" Sorin asked, placing the rabbits down.
"Ravik is handling furs. Varos and Kaeris are hunting. Aeron and Sylas are gathering herbs," Astra replied. "They should be back soon."
As if on cue, Aeron and Sylas returned with baskets full of herbs and berries.
"I'll visit my tribe with Ardis now. We'll return tomorrow," Aeron said.
"Be careful. Don't come back too late," Astra nodded.
Ardis happily slithered over to him.
Once outside the settlement, Aeron transformed his lower half and sped across the plains. Small animals scattered in fear.
At first, Ardis watched the scenery with fascination, but soon she fell asleep.
Aeron shook his head helplessly.
If she were a male cub, I'd teach her to stay alert. But Ardis…
He couldn't bring himself to be strict.
By the time the sun began to sink, they reached the tribe.
"Look who's here!" a patrol beastman called.
Aeron transformed back. "And look at someone who still hasn't found a female," he replied coldly. His childhood friend.
"Aeron, that's too harsh for our first meeting in years," the man said dramatically. Then he smiled at Ardis. "She must be your cub. She's adorable."
Aeron said nothing and headed toward the chief's hut.
As soon as he entered, the smell of strong medicinal herbs filled the air.
"Mother, I'm here," Aeron said.
A beautiful woman was grinding herbs calmly.
So this is where Dad's looks come from, Ardis thought. The woman had a cold but elegant temperament.
"Sit down. You must be tired," she said gently.
She examined Ardis carefully, pressing her body and checking her pulse.
"She's healthy and strong," she said. "Perfect to bless."
"Mother, she's already been blessed," Aeron said hesitantly.
"That was her fox blessing. Now she needs her beastform blessing," she replied firmly.
Aeron stayed silent. He had always been slightly afraid of his mother.
The water soon began to glow softly. Aeron carefully placed Ardis inside.
The patterns on the surface moved.
They crawled onto her scales, sinking into her body like living marks.
Ardis felt burning — unlike the cold from her first blessing.
She looked at her father, who was visibly tense.
"Mother, she looks like she's in pain," Aeron said worriedly.
"Don't interfere," the woman said calmly. "She is being acknowledged by our god."
Just then, the Chief entered.
He looked at Ardis and nodded in satisfaction.
The symbols on her body shone brighter.
Ardis felt afraid.
It was as if something invisible touched her forehead.
A new symbol slowly appeared.