The tribe was alive with the sounds of celebration. The hunting party had returned victorious, their hands and hooves dripping with the spoils of their successful hunt. The deer were heavy, their pelts glistening in the fading sunlight, and the scent of blood and sweat hung in the air. Kael stood at the outskirts of the gathering, watching as the centaurs laughed and ate, but he could feel the tension beneath the surface.
Thorn, towering over the others, was the center of attention. His chest puffed out with pride as he recounted the hunt, his booming voice echoing through the clearing. Many of the centaurs gathered around him, hanging on his every word. Kael noted the looks of admiration—mixed with fear—on their faces.
Despite their initial acceptance of him, Kael could feel the divide growing wider. His victory over the wolves had earned him a place in the tribe, but it had also painted a target on his back. Thorn, especially, had taken notice. The centaur's narrow eyes flashed with hostility whenever they landed on Kael.
But Kael wasn't here to be liked. He had no illusions about this world or his place in it. His goal was survival, and if that meant taking control of this tribe by force or cunning, then so be it.
As the celebration wound down, Garth, the tribe's leader, approached Kael. His weathered face was unreadable, his muscles tensed beneath his rough hide as he spoke. "Kael, a word?"
Kael nodded and followed Garth away from the crowd. They walked in silence for a while, moving towards the edge of the camp, where the night breeze was cooler and the voices of the tribe were distant murmurs.
"I see you've been gaining the trust of some of the younger centaurs," Garth said without looking at him.
Kael kept his tone neutral. "I'm just doing what I can to help the tribe survive."
"You're different," Garth said, finally stopping and turning to face him. "Not like the others. Thorn thinks you're dangerous."
"He's not wrong," Kael admitted. He wasn't one to deny the truth.
Garth's eyes narrowed. "You haven't been with us long, but I can see that you're clever. Thorn, he... leads with strength, with brute force. But you... you use your mind."
"I have to," Kael said. "I'm not like him. Or you. But that doesn't mean I can't contribute."
Garth crossed his arms, studying Kael. The older centaur was no fool. He had led the tribe through countless battles and had seen many would-be leaders rise and fall. "The tribe needs a strong leader, Kael. One who can lead in battle, yes—but also one who can think. Thorn doesn't think. He reacts."
Kael's eyes flicked to the side, his mind racing. "And what do you think of Thorn?"
"He's strong, and he's loyal. But he's rash. If the humans ever come for us, Thorn would lead us to a slaughter. But the tribe still respects him."
Kael understood the underlying message. Garth was testing him, weighing his potential against Thorn's. "And you? What do you want?"
Garth's expression didn't change. "I want what's best for the tribe. But Thorn... he won't just step aside."
Kael met Garth's gaze, understanding that if he wanted control, he'd have to be patient. He couldn't challenge Thorn outright—not yet. The tribe still needed convincing. But he would bide his time.
"If Thorn makes a mistake," Kael said carefully, "the tribe will suffer."
Garth nodded slowly. "Yes. And when that happens, someone will need to step up."
With that, the older centaur turned and walked away, leaving Kael alone with his thoughts.
---
Later That Night
Kael sat by the fire, sharpening the crude stone spear he had crafted with the help of a few of the tribe's younger members. His mind was a whirl of calculations and possibilities. He had to find a way to prove his worth, not just to Garth, but to the entire tribe. Thorn was a fool, relying on brute strength alone. Kael knew that in this world, strength wasn't enough. Intelligence, cunning—that's what would keep them alive.
Footsteps approached, and Kael glanced up to see Thorn looming over him, his eyes filled with disdain.
"I don't like you, outsider," Thorn growled, his voice low enough that the others couldn't hear. "You don't belong with us. You're weak. You fight like a human, with tricks and words."
Kael set down his spear calmly, meeting Thorn's gaze without flinching. "I use what I have. Maybe you should try it sometime."
Thorn's lips pulled back in a snarl, but before he could respond, one of the younger centaurs approached. It was Lorne, a quick-footed centaur who had helped Kael during the hunt. "Kael," he said, his voice urgent, "we spotted humans near the river. Garth is calling for scouts."
Thorn's eyes narrowed. "I'll handle it."
Kael stood, stretching his limbs. "I'll go too."
Thorn glared at him, but Garth's earlier words echoed in Kael's mind. If Thorn made a mistake, the tribe would suffer. Kael couldn't afford to let that happen.
---
Scouting the River
The small scouting party moved swiftly under the cover of darkness, their hooves making little noise on the soft ground. Kael stayed near the back, observing the way Thorn led them. His leadership was based on sheer force, relying on the tribe to follow him without question. It wasn't sustainable.
They reached the river, and Kael's keen eyes spotted movement across the water. A group of humans, their armor glinting faintly in the moonlight, were setting up camp. They were armed with metal swords and shields—far superior to the stone weapons the centaurs carried.
"We should charge now," Thorn hissed, his muscles coiling as if ready to attack.
"No," Kael said firmly. "We don't know how many there are. If we charge blindly, we could be walking into a trap."
Thorn sneered. "You're afraid."
"I'm careful," Kael replied, keeping his voice steady. "If you want to lead the tribe into battle, you need to think beyond your own pride."
The other centaurs exchanged glances, uncertainty creeping into their expressions. They respected Thorn's strength, but they also remembered Kael's cleverness during the hunt. Thorn's rashness was starting to look more like recklessness.
"We should report back to Garth," Kael suggested. "Formulate a plan before we act."
Thorn's jaw clenched, but he said nothing. With a curt nod, he turned and led the party back toward the camp.
---
Cracks Widen
When they returned to the tribe, Garth listened carefully as Kael and Thorn reported what they had seen. Thorn pushed for an immediate attack, his anger barely restrained, while Kael urged caution.
Garth looked between the two of them, his face unreadable. "We'll wait. I'll call a meeting with the elders tomorrow."
Thorn stormed off, his frustration clear, but Kael remained calm. Garth's decision had been a small victory, and the cracks in Thorn's leadership were beginning to show.
Kael knew that Thorn would continue to act rashly, and when the time came, the tribe would need someone capable of leading with both strength and wisdom. And when that moment arrived, Kael would be ready.