Before the Events at Lunar Mountain.
Back in the forest, the Bear Wolf tribe's hunters were on the move tracking Lina's whereabouts.
"Gabo!" one of the younger hunters shouted, his voice came through the trees. "It seems she went this way! There are traces of someone passing through the treeline!"
Gabo, hearing this, he quickly approached the tribesman, then proceeded to scan the faint trail left behind. "...Hmm. someone call over Head Hunter Bak-am!" He ordered them.
After a few moments, Bak-am finally arrived, his weathered features showing the experience of a seasoned hunter. Bak-am is one of the chieftain's most trusted trackers, his presence here commanded immediate respect from the others, especially among the younger hunters.
Bak-am crouched low, touching the ground as he examined it. "Based on the direction she's taken, this path leads toward the Lizardmen's newly built outpost," he said, his voice calm but mixed with frustration.
"...Those damned marsh lizards," he growled. "They're always trying to push further into our forest, and now they dared to build an outpost here."
"But Gabo," Bak-am said as he stood upright, "why would she head through this direction? What is her purpose for coming here?"
Gabo's lips curled into a smug smile. "I know her very well. She's not foolish enough to walk blindly into danger. After we've searched the clearing and found nothing, not even a sign of her, it's already clear, she's chasing the fallen light."
He clenched his fists, as his tone sharpened. "She's been watching the sky every night for years, as she denied my courting. And what happened last night, she wouldn't miss this chance to chase after what she's long sought after."
Bak-am narrowed his eyes, studying Gabo for a moment before nodding. "Very well, then. Lead the way, Gabo."
As they moved deeper into the forest, Gabo's thoughts slowly darkened. 'These fools never showed respect to me. They didn't even call me the rightful tribal heir.'
He glanced at Bak-am, his expression hardening. 'Hmph, Once I inherit the ancestral mark of our clan, I'll kill all those who've disrespected me, and I'll be starting with you, Bak-am, and those arrogant elders.'
"Let's move!" Gabo shouted, snapping himself out of his thoughts.
The group followed behind the faint traces of Lina's path going through the forest. Then eventually, they came upon a feathered spear embedded in the ground, its head marked with the symbol of a hunter. The trail seemed to have disappeared here.
But after thoroughly searching the surroundings, they found faint footprints redirecting away from the Lizardmen's outpost. Lina had clearly avoided entering the marsh lizards' territory, she took a longer but safer route.
"This way," Bak-am whispered. "It seems she circled around their outpost. She's a smart girl… but this new direction leads straight to the Living Bridge."
The group moved cautiously and thoroughly as they are aware of the dangers near the Lizard Men's hunting grounds.
As they slowly crept forward, Bak-am suddenly froze in place, his sharp senses detected some movements above the trees. Then without using words, he gestured upward, signaling the presence of a hidden enemy hunter.
The younger hunters exchanged astonished glances with each other.
'Is this the power of the tribe's ancestral marks?' Gabo thought while watching Bak-am with a mix of curiosity and jealousy.
Utilizing silent hand signals, Bak-am communicated with one of the other experienced hunters. 'Activate the trap.'
The other hunter nodded and silently moved into position. A few moments later, he triggered the trap which caused the bushes below to rustle.
Then above them, the concealed Lizardman that was perched on a tree branch tensed up, his attention was drawn to the disturbance happening below.
"…What's that? A prey?" the Lizardman muttered while slowly peering down suspiciously.
But before he could react, Bak-am leapt from the shadows of the tree trunk, he grabbed the Lizardman mid-air by the throat. And with a swift motion, he threw the spear from his back into a nearby tree and used the attached vine to swing them safely to the ground.
One of the Lizard men positioned farther saw this and retreated, quickly vanishing on the trees.
While the captured Lizardman struggled, hissing in anger, but Bak-am pinned him down effortlessly. The other hunters quickly gathered and tied the Lizardman's arms and legs, securing him tightly so that he couldn't escape.
Bak-am crouched in front of the captive then asked the bounded lizard man, "Have you seen a young girl pass through here recently?" he asked him coldly.
The Lizardman looked at him clearly confused. "...I don't know what you're talking about. No one's passed here," he hissed.
Gabo scowled, stepping forward. "Why bother asking this scaled bastard? He would've killed her the moment he saw her. Let's just end this trash."
"No!" Bak-am snapped him, his voice was firm. "If we kill him now, it'll make negotiating with the rest of his kind impossible. Think ahead before acting on impulse, Gabo."
A nerve was struck on Gabo and he shot Bak-am a glare but relented. He then turned his attention back to the Lizardman on the ground. "Listen here. I, the tribal heir of the Bear Wolf tribe, will spare you this time," he said, emphasizing his position and authority.
Some of the younger hunters nodded eagerly. "As expected of the tribe heir! The heir is merciful!" they exclaimed currying favor to Gabo.
The older hunters, however, remained silent, their expressions were clearly unreadable.
Gabo ignored the older hunters, then he leaned closer to the Lizardman. "Now, guide us to the Living Bridge," he demanded.
The Lizardman hissed, his eyes darting between the hunters, before finally nodding in a reluctant agreement.
Back at the Living Bridge, Padtok stood vigilant in the middle of the clearing, his piercing gaze sweeping across the bridge and the surrounding area, he made sure that nothing passed through him as the previous event left a bitter taste in his tongue. And the tension in the air was palpable as he kept watch. Suddenly, a commotion broke out behind of him.
"Hm? What's going on?" Padtok shouted, while turning to see one of his tribesmen running towards him.
"Tribal Heir! There's bad news!" The Lizardman was catching his breath when he arrived, his voice also sounded strained. "One of our kin who came from the south reported that a group from the Bear Wolf tribe is on the move, and a large one at that, they have been spotted near the southern border. One of our hunters stationed there has also been captured."
Padtok narrowed his eyes. "What? Then what about our messengers? Have the messengers we sent to the Great Marsh returned with reinforcements yet?"
"No, not yet, Tribe Heir," the scout replied grimly.
Padtok clenched his fists and sounds of popping can be heard, he instantly realized the precariousness of their situation. After a brief pause, he spoke decisively. "We will wait for them here. If the Bear Wolf tribe didn't kill but only captured one of our kin, it means they're planning to talk… for now."
He turned and faced the gathered Lizardmen. "Get ready my people! Arm yourselves and take positions you're confident in. If they come with hostile intentions, I shall challenge their leader to a blood duel. I will fight so that you may remain safe!"
His declaration was met with the sounds of cheers and shouts of support from his kin. The Lizardmen trusted Padtok implicitly, their faith in him was as hard as steel.
Before long, the Bear Wolf tribe finally arrived at the Living Bridge, the group led by Gabo and Bak-am. Padtok and three of his guards stepped forward to meet them.
Standing taller than the rest, Padtok greeted the newly arrived Tribe of man. "I am Padtok, the Tribal Heir of the Feather Spear Tribe!"
Bak-am was about to step forward to respond, but Gabo quickly interrupted him, puffing out his chest.
"I am Gabo, the Tribal Heir of the Bear Wolf Tribe!" he declared proudly, his supporters were cheering behind him.
Bak-am cursed inwardly, the veins on his forehead bulging visibly. 'This foolish boy… doesn't he know Padtok's reputation as the Lightning Spear of the Marsh? If Padtok challenges him to a blood duel, Gabo won't be able to refuse. Refusing would disgrace the ancestors of our tribe…'
Padtok ignored Gabo's arrogance and he got straight to the point. "What is your purpose here?" he asked, his tone steady and cold.
"Hm? It seems you're mistaken, Lizard man," Gabo said dismissively. "No one owns this place, especially the Living Bridge. It belongs to all beings, as decreed by the forest deity."
Padtok's jaw tightened, his teeth grinding in frustration because of Gabos arrogance.
Gabo still continued, "First of all, answer our question. Have you seen anyone pass through here recently, specially one heading towards the sacred mountain?"
Padtok's eyes flickered at the mention of the person that passed him, a slight twitch betraying his reaction. Gabo noticed this immediately.
"So you have seen them," Gabo pressed on. "Then tell us-"
Before Gabo could even finish his words, Padtok raised his hand, cutting him off. "Before I answer you, release our captured kin first. Only then will I respond to your question."
Gabo clicked his tongue clearly annoyed. "Tsk… Fine. Release him!" he barked, snapping his fingers.
Then the captured Lizardman was brought forward, his bindings were cut before he was shoved toward his tribesmen. The Lizardman stumbled towards his kin, falling to the ground.
Padtok suppressed his anger and stepped forward, extending a hand. "Stand up, young warrior," he said.
The Lizardman looked up at him, gratitude was visible in his eyes. "...Thank you, Great Heir."
After ensuring his kin was safe, Padtok turned back to face Gabo. "The person you seek went toward the sacred mountain," he said, pointing in its direction.
Gabo's jaw clenched tightly. 'I knew it! That B#tch!.'
"Then let us pass. We have business with that person," he demanded.
Padtok took a glance at the Bear Wolf hunters and then at his own tribesmen. 'They slightly outnumber us. It's better to avoid unnecessary casualties.'
"Alr-" as Padtok was about to agree, he suddenly stopped mid-sentence as reinforcements finally arrived from the southeast, a group of Lizardmen approached, it was led by a veteran warrior of their tribe.
"I greet you, Tribe Heir!" the older Lizardman called out. "The tribe received your message and has come to assist you, I was sent by the Great Chieftain Tadpatik."
"HeadHunter Kalid!" Padtok said, he instantly recognized him. "Thank you for coming along."
"It is my honor to assist you, Tribe Heir," Kalid replied before spotting a familiar face. "Hmm? Is that you, Warrior Bak-am?"
"It's been a while, Warrior Kalid," Bak-am said, nodding in greeting.
The two exchanged respectful words, their mutual admiration was evident in their conversation.
Meanwhile, Gabo watched them silently. 'This bastard didn't even acknowledge me…'
Gabo Interrupts their cordial exchange, by raising his voice. "Will you let us pass? Or are you underestimating us?"
Kalid heard this then turned towards him with a smirk. "Who's this young one? He seems very spirited."
Bak-am cleared his throat, embarrassed by Gabo's action. "Ehem. This is Gabo, the Tribal Heir of the Bear Wolf Tribe," he explained.
Kalid looked at Gabo but said nothing further. Instead, he turned to Padtok. "What is your decision, Tribe Heir? Will you let them pass?"
Padtok carefully weighed his options. 'Even with Kalid here, we're still in their territory. Reinforcements would take longer to reach us than theirs. And even if we won, their chieftain… the Beast of the Forest… would destroy us all before help arrived.'
After a few moments of silence, Padtok finally spoke. "We will let them pass. There is no need for unnecessary bloodshed today."
Kalid chuckled. "It seems our battle is postponed once again, Warrior Bak-am."
"…It seems so, Warrior Kalid," Bak-am replied with a faint smile.
With the decision made, both sides reached an agreement. The Bear Wolf hunters crossed the Living Bridge unimpeded, heading straight towards the sacred mountain.
As they disappeared into the distance, Kalid turned to ask Padtok. "Why did you let them pass? We had the advantage."
Padtok shook his head. "We may have had the numbers, but this is still their territory. If a battle broke out, their reinforcements would arrive far sooner than ours. Even if we won the battle, their chieftain, the Beast of the Forest would ensure none of us survived."
Kalid nodded in understanding. "...You are wise, Tribe Heir," he said, then watched as the Bear Wolf tribe vanish beyond the bridge.
End of chapter