Joken entered the camp while Cadin continued observing the ongoing training of cavalry. Behind a straight fence, they charged from the left in a group towards a few dummies on the right, trying to keep formation while holding their spears and swords, prepared to strike at their targets.
"The majority of leaders agree with our proposal, mainly due to our improved trade with the horses. Though a few have denounced this expansion."
"Write down the names of those who have denounced us and leave it on the table. Then call on them to join us for a meeting here."
"Yes my lord." As fast as he entered, Joken ran to his horse. Tugging at the lead, he sped off through the forest path.
"Those few need to be dealt with quickly." Cadin rubbed his hands together. Planning on what must be done with those few that had denounced his wishes.
'Convincing them should be easier, hopefully my way of words works on them.'
One of the trainers approached Cadin, "My lord, these men show good skill with horseback. They shall be ready after a few more drills once they prove themselves." The trainer spoke.
"Good, continue until they are ready." The trainer, after hearing this headed back.
After speaking, Cadin walked back to his horse and mounted it. Moving the horse's lead, he headed out, set on returning to the camp to meet Joken for the plan.
The trip was shirt, passing by a few prisoners bringing their horses full of supplies, bound for other tribe camps outside or for the horse camp.
He entered through his improved camp's gateway, now fortified with more wood and sections of stone for fortification. Nets were scattered out into the river, held by rope tied to the shore with prisoners pulling them back, retrieving large bounties of different colored fishes.
Cadin opened the door to his home with haste, on the table he grabbed the large map, rolling it up quickly.
On the table, next to a quill and ink, a paper with a few names written down on it.
With the map, Cadin grabbed the piece of paper, heading back out quickly.
Walking back to his horse, he read the paper.
'Corlin, Vektis, Delan, and Hester.' He read their names, mounting his horse after walking few more steps.
Clouds above slowly covered the sun's gaze, obscuring the bright shine.
While looking at the map, Joken arrived next to him.
"They have agreed to meet us in Corlin's camp my lord."
"Very well, we shall head there at once."
They sped off into the pathway, the strong cold breeze of the forest hit them. Cadin still gripped onto the rolled paper and map.
While they sped off, Cadin unrolled the map, checking to see where Corlin's camp was.
'Just at the border of our territory. A few neutral camps are nearby, but they should not pose much of a threat.'
After minutes of moving through different paths they arrived at a decently sized camp. Fortified wooden walls stood around the camp, soldiers walked around with their armor and weapons.
"State your purpose here." A guard near the gate questioned the two as they got closer on their horses.
"We are here to meet with your leader."
After getting his response, the guard opened the gate to the inside.
The two entered, dismounting their horses at the side of the gate.
Wooden houses were built inside the camp, some made for storage and food while the rest for housing many people. Camp guards walked around protecting the place.
"Despite our wishes for gaining more land, they will not allow us to expand, even after trading fish and lumber for other goods like weapons." Joken remarked.
A single large wooden building stood in front of them, protected by a group of soldiers surrounding it. The building was 3 stories tall, with windows peering into the outside. And the home of their camp leader.
A few horses from Cadin's camp, having been introduced to the other camps for trade and other services rested, their cargo being removed and handed off to the people while being prepared to leave.
The scent of cooked fish filled the air, emanating from one of the buildings with people inside already making food for the camp from recently delivered crates.
Through the camp, the two approached the leader's home.
"State your purpose?"
"We have a meeting with your leader."
The two entered inside the now opened door, escorted by the soldiers from behind.
The room was large, tables strewn around with papers scattered on top of them. Armor, weapons, along with other items were stored on racks and on the dark brown wooden walls, all lit up by torches burning brightly. In the middle of the room was a stairway heading to the next floor.
Cadin and Joken ascended up, placing their hands on the railings, still followed by the guards. With each step, the stair let out a faint creaking sound to it.
On the next floor, a single large table stood in front of them upon stepping off the stairs. With eight chairs on both sides. Awaiting them, sitting in chairs next to the camp leader were the four others, looking at Cadin with unamused faces.
A sense of dread and annoyance rose in Cadin's body after looking at them.
'Those irritating runts...'
Cadin pulled the nearest chair to him back with a single motion. Sitting down with Joken on the opposite end to him, they looked at the leader.
"Cadin, the leader of the fishing camp. We thank you for your trade and resources. Without them, this camp would have still stayed with tents and short loosely tied walls." Corlin began speaking from his chair.
"But despite this trade, you seem to have forgotten your status as a man under your old leader."
"I understand fully, though through these trades, i have gotten more autonomy to operate."
Corlin nodded his head, understanding Cadin's point.
"Indeed, though despite this, a sudden attack on the nearby camps will merely trigger a war with them, and may seep into other camps. Thus, we denounce this expansion." He continued.
The others started talking, explaining their reasons of denying his plan. All were different but all boiled down to a single reason. Fear.