"Well. Since the cat's out of the bag, I guess there's no need to mince words then."
Zuman declared.
Stepping to the middle of the room, he looked at them and switched from the casual guy persona he's been donning so far into the fiercely strict professor who will not take no for an answer.
"Yes, I came from the stars. I fell here 20 seasons ago as you said. However, I've been spending the past 20 seasons observing your world. The boy Garim finding his way to my doorstep is pretty much fate guiding him towards me. After all, for all this time, even though you all live quite near, a mere 10 sunshines at most, none of you ever mustered the courage to explore the mountains where I fell. Then along came this little boy barely 10 seasons in and he faints directly on my doorstep? Such coincidental accuracy can only be called fate."
He finished his statement with a disdainful look towards the Elders.
"Lord. We do not encroach upon the mountains because Elder Ramiz gave us the injunction to stay away from the mountain lest we anger the fallen spirit… errr…. you. The injuction was given 2 sunshines after the event when we were certain there no more earthshakes coming."
Chief Malim explained their seeming cowardice, his eyebrows knitted close in worry, lest this mighty spirit takes offense. Then looking at Garim, he explained further.
"As for the boy Garim, I can only attribute it to his curiosity. While I don't know the details, I did recall one of his friends telling us that he has a fascination towards the mountains. This was during the memorial service dedicated to him and the other fallen hunter."
The last part was delivered with an apologetic glance towards Garim.
"So be it. However, how do we move on now? My initial purpose of visit was to pass myself as a sage and quietly observe but thanks to Elder Ramiz, my plans are ruined now."
Zuman could only helplessly say this while giving a vexed look at Elder Ramiz who looks rather unapologetic everything considered.
"Lord. We don't dare to order you nor would we attempt to block your way. However, our only plea is that you have mercy on us and don't obliterate our home. The villagers and children are innocent!"
Chief Malim could only beg for mercy at this moment, the quick slaughter of the Crimson Fur Bear giving him new dimensions of fear at the moment.
(Ummm…. I don't recall saying anything about wiping out this village?)
Zuman was momentarily nonplussed seeing this begging.
"Chief Malim calm down. And Lord, I might have the perfect solution for you."
This voice of reason came from Elder Ramiz, the culprit for the current standoff.
All eyes in the room turned towards him, Zuman's with curiosity while the rest with hope and dread mixed in.
"And what might that entail, Elder Ramiz?"
Zuman asked.
"Please become our Sage, Lord."
Zuman was momentarily surprised, before perceiving that it tallies with his initial plan. However, he needs to make it clear that he will not be used as borrowed knife nor will he take kindly to being embroiled in the local politics.
"I will not be ensnared in any schemes among you."
"Lord, we do not dare to put fetters on you. As long as you would give us your guidance, that would be enough."
Elder Ramiz attempted to assure him. However, the last part in his sentence drew the attention of the others.
"Guidance? Elder Ramiz, hasn't that always been the role of the Spirit Elders before?"
Chief Malim asked in puzzlement.
"True. But think on this. Can my guidance be better than someone from the stars?"
Elder Ramiz's answer set the other elders to nodding and agreeing, as it does seem to be fine idea now that they think about it. However, Zuman needs to ensure there aren't any unrealistic expectations held towards him.
"Elder Ramiz, please don't think too highly about me just yet. You don't even know me before today."
"But I have known OF you for a long time now Lord. And your arrival would herald prosperity for this village, this I was told by the spirits."
Elder Ramiz explained the reason behind his confidence. However, his answer triggered a worry inside Zuman's heart.
"Hmmm.. Spirits again. (I will need to look into this.)"
While he knows what spirits are, having spent some time in his old world reading to pass the time, today is his first actual encounter with the supernatural. Since he has already put one leg in the door, might as well learn all he can about these spirits. Also, since the spirits seem to have some precognitive abilities, he will need to dig further on this and see whether he can exploit it somehow.
"It seems that is the best choice for me for now. I accept. The terms are that I will be your Sage in exchange for letting me have free rein as I observe and learn more about your world and society. Is that agreed?"
"Yes Lord. We accept these terms."
The Elders was unanimous on this.
"On another note, Lord, will you be living here with us? Or you will go back to your abode in the mountains?"
One of the elders asked, which set Zuman to thinking. Should he stay here? Or stay in the habitat. Both have their drawbacks and advantages. Staying at the habitat ensures he has the technology required for easy and quick research. However, then he would not be able to observe the village's society and lifestyle closely. After thinking for a moment, he arrived at this decision.
"I will return to my home first to fetch some items. After which I will stay here in this village until a time of my choosing. That time will be the time I return home."
He will need to return and bring medicines, communicator and maybe some extra weapons. And maybe some herbs, to ensure his stomach doesn't suffer.
"I will take my leave then. Also, please ensure this boy is reunited with his family. Expect to see me again within a moon at the most."
While saying that, he gently tousled the boy's hair. Though he estimates that it would be faster than that, it is better to give a slightly longer estimate.
"Lord, will it be safe for you to travel alone? Will you need an escort?"
One of the elders asked this question, hoping to curry favor in advance.
"If you think you can afford to not have those men in the village for almost a moon, I don't mind them following. Having baggage carriers are convenient after all."
Zuman was amused upon hearing that question. However, upon thinking that he might need to carry some items, he realized that another pair of arms would be most welcome after all.
A moment of discussion among the elders when they realized they might lose the protection the hunters for almost a moon.
"Why don't we have Adika and another 2 follow you Lord?"
In the end, they came to a compromise of 3 hunters. After all, not sending anyone would be disrespectful while sending any more than that for such a long time would leave them vulnerable.
"Acceptable. I am happy that we can reach an agreeable outcome to our negotiations."
Saying so, Zuman held out his hand towards Chief Malim for a handshake, of which the latter only looked blankly at it, not understanding the significance of the gesture. Realizing this, Zuman explains.
"From where I come from, you shake each other's hands as a gesture of trust and friendship."
The light of understanding flashed in Chief Malim's eyes and he reached out his hands to receive the handshake. And thus, the meeting and negotiations came to an amicable end for all.
After that, Zuman bid his goodbyes to them before immediately leaving for his mountain home. He was joined by Adika and 2 more hunters.