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Be it Leafshade Hamlet or any other settlement nearby them, they all know about a dangerous river which is surprisingly close to Leafshade. This helps in both stopping them from attacking other settlements and other settlements from attacking them. It is said that the brave one, Hamlet defeated a giant monster in order to save the tribe. After defeating the monster, the bones were kept as a reminder and held as a treasure in the Hamlet family. There are rumors about a weapon made from those capable of cutting enemies in half.
--In Leafshade Hamlet Next day--
(Groma's POV)
Today is both a celebration and a gentle reminder, the braves we lost yesterday were a formidable force and now we are short of people *SIGH.
"What's the matter? Did something bad happen?"
I look towards my friend and brother Gorak and answer truthfully
"The attack yesterday has caused many casualties and now I'm not confident in the monster hunt."
"Plus if the settlement gets attacked during our raid, we might lose everything."
He looks at me with furrowed brows
"Can't we just postpone the hunt? It's not like we will be attacked by those monsters. Also I have faith in my men and they can take on at least two crenhearts,"
"The Crenhearts are a problem, especially for those working on the fields. The only good land we have is near the river of nightmares and last time we lost a whole family overnight because of them!!"
Yes Crenhearts the absolute menace of these lands, able to survive on land and silent killers in the river. They have made around 50 people their victims in only a decade. It takes nearly 3 to 4 braves to just kill one of them, also their powerful jaws are able to snap bones.
'I do wonder how powerful was our ancestor Hamlet in order to not only survive his bite but kill one bare handed.'
"I'll lead 8 braves for the hunt and if there are more crenhearts than we can handle, we will retreat."
"Take this with you then."
I say this while giving Gorak a sturdy and tough armor made from back bones of the crenhearts we have killed in the last hunt.
"Cheer up chief, we need some powerful words in order to motivate the people."
Says Gorak while putting his hand on my shoulder.
With a smile I stand up and ask the old man 'Hama' who is smiling while listening to the whole conversation.
'If not for occasional coughing sounds I would have thought we were the only ones here.'
*Ahem "What do you think uncle? Should we go with my plan or Gorak's plan?"
Uncle looks at me with a smile
"You both have grown up, but I still stand with my words that Groma is the wise one hahaha *cough *cough."
When my father and uncle were defending the settlement from a cannibal tribe, my uncle was severely injured by their chief causing my father to become enraged and kill their chief after a brutal battle. Father was poisoned unfortunately and I still remember the anger it caused watching my father die painfully and slowly.
"Just my age catching up to me boys nothing to worry about, Also Gorak, you should tell your braves to use the recent net we have created. It certainly is strong and should be able to immobilize a crenheart at least."
With plans made I end the discussion, we exit the room and watch the braves waiting in anticipation outside.
"Brothers and Sisters, may the spirit of Hamlet guide us in our steps. And today I call upon the spirits to defend our land with us. Gorak and his braves will be the ones defending the riverside."
Everyone is looking at me and I sense awe, fear, confusion and admiration in their eyes.
I then walk towards the battle tent and greet the braves on my way.
(General POV)
There are sounds of yelling and discussions coming out of the tent but they all quiet down when the chief enters the tent. Everyone stands up to greet the chief and the chief then orders everyone to sit down except Ayla.
"We were able to save those braves chief, but unfortunately one of them lost his hand due the attack of the wolves while another is still unconscious due to blood loss."
"I advice against them participating in the monster hunt, at least 10 days rest should be given."
"Well done Ayla I knew I could count on you for this, I also apologize for overworking you but we will need your assistance tomorrow."
"Then I will do as you say chief" While saying this Ayla sits down while one of the elders stands up to covey his thoughts.
"I advice another team of braves to follow behind the team of Gorak and his braves. Not many braves are required as they will only help if something goes wrong."
Most of the people nod in approval of this suggestion.
"Ok then a new team of braves will be selected for the task of watching the vanguard"
"Any changes should first be discussed with me or Gorak before tomorrow, with this I conclude the meeting."
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