As dusk bathed the fortress in a golden hue, Cliff, accompanied by the clan leaders, passed through the imposing gates. The scene was impressive: carts laden with monster meat preserved under salt and snow, and bags of essence stones wrapped in creature hides. Cliff's arrival was a significant event, and the bustling activity within the fortress was palpable.
The unloading was a flurry of activity. The essence stones, precious and potent, were carefully transferred to the storage warehouses. The monster meat, directed to the food reserves, was prepared for preservation. Every movement underscored the importance of the cargo.
Before the preparations were even complete, Cliff was urgently summoned to a meeting. The tension in the corridor leading to the council chamber was palpable, amplified by the murmurs of the crowd.
