In the harsh, barren lands of the Godoka kingdom, the Ironwood Clan's permanent settlement finally appeared.

Long, rough-hewn wooden fences had been pulled up, forming a formidable protective boundary against the wilderness and the lurking threats.

Inside the compound, life was following its quiet, necessary rhythm. The women were busy with their chores—tanning hides, stirring pots over communal fires—while the younger children ran around the perimeter, their laughter echoing against the wood.

Above, in the hastily constructed fence towers, a few vigilant men kept a sharp eye out in the surrounding scrubland.

One of the tower guards suddenly leaned forward, squinting. He spotted a cloud of dust and then the distinct, slow movement of a crowd arriving from the distance.

At first, the figures were indistinct, but as they drew nearer, he recognized the imposing frame of his Chief and the familiar gait of his tribesmen.

He immediately raised the horn to his lips and blew a long, resonant blast. The sound spread around the whole tribe, shattering the peaceful afternoon quiet.

All the people inside stopped their work. Their faces, usually grim with the constant worry of survival, became alight with excitement and hope.

They rushed toward the front gate, gathering and huddling in front of the massive wooden barrier.

With a deep groan and the screeching sound of old hinges, the gates slowly opened.

The sight of the returning warriors was met with immediate, overwhelming joy.

"Hahahaha! The smell of home!" Chieftain Varek exclaimed, taking a deep, satisfying inhale of the camp air.

He spread his massive arms wide and laughed heartily, the sound booming with genuine warmth.

A powerful cheer erupted from the crowd. Small children screamed and rushed toward their fathers, clutching at their legs.

Those without children ran to their wives, embracing them with fierce hugs and kisses, relieved to be home after the tense journey.

A middle-aged lady, whose features bore a softened, kinder resemblance to the Chieftain's, stood with a loving smile plastered on her face as she gazed at Varek.

Varek strode directly to her, his harsh battle demeanor dissolving into tender affection.

"Oh, how much I missed my lovely wife, Ekara." He kissed her forehead and pulled her into a tight, secure hug.

"Welcome back, honey," Ekara said, kissing him back, her voice filled with relief.

Varek pulled back slightly, looking around the faces pressed against them. "Where's Shina? I don't see her anywhere."

Ekara rolled her eyes affectionately. "She's in the forest, looking for the last of the autumn hunt. She says since she's the only Awakened One in the tribe, and also the daughter of the Chieftain, it's her responsibility to take care of us. She's too proud for her own good sometimes."

Varek chuckled, a flash of pride in his eyes. "Hahahaha! That's my daughter for sure."

Just as Varek turned to address the warriors, Ekara's eyes fell upon a sad, solitary figure lingering at the back of the group.

The figure—a young male—was looking around him with a wistful expression. His lips curled into a fleeting, gentle smile as he watched the families reunited, but his eyes were undeniably sad, gazing with a profound longing for the love and embraces he would never receive again.

"Who's that, Varek?" Ekara asked softly, pointing toward Austin.

"Oh! I forgot in the chaos," Varek said, turning. He clapped his hands and his voice returned to its commanding tone.

"He's the young man, Ekara. The one who gave us the opportunity to kill the Shadowheart. He's the hero who saved all of our lives."

Varek turned and called out, his voice carrying clearly across the assembled crowd.

"Austin! Come forward! Let me introduce you to the woman who rules this whole camp!"

Austin, his shoulders hunched, shyly came forward, navigating the happy throng of reuniting families.

His appearance—exhausted, bruised, and still coated in ash—was a stark contrast to the healthy, weather-beaten Ironwood people.

Varek put a heavy, reassuring hand on Austin's shoulder. "Ekara, this is Austin. He's lost everything—his family, his village, wiped out by an Eclipse Beast attack. But when a Shadowheart came for us last night, he put himself in harm's way and laid the trap that let us kill it." Varek gave Austin's shoulder a squeeze, his pride evident.

"He's family now. He belongs to the Ironwood Clan."

Ekara's affectionate gaze settled on Austin, replacing the usual tribal wariness with genuine compassion.

She moved forward and gently touched his cheek, tracing the edge of the fading bruise where the hammer had struck him.

"Austin, welcome," she said, her voice warm and sincere. "Your home is here now. Think of this stockade, these people, and the fire in the great hall as your own. You have earned your place tenfold." She then turned her attention to the periphery of the crowd.

"Someone! Fetch a clean mat and bedding for the boy, and escort him to a quiet corner. He needs rest."

A younger helper immediately stepped forward.

Ekara smiled again at Austin. "Go now. Take a long rest. You will be formally introduced to the tribe and given your share of the bounty this evening."

Austin nodded mutely, feeling overwhelmed by the sudden, undeserved kindness. He bowed his head slightly and allowed the helper to guide him away from the bustling gate.

As Austin disappeared deeper into the camp, the joyous mood between Varek and Ekara turned instantly serious.

Ekara's hand reached into the folds of her rough woolen tunic and pulled out a small, parchment scroll, sealed with the intricate, unmistakable mark of the royal crest.

"Varek, honey, before you even sit down," Elara said, her voice dropping to a low, anxious whisper. "This arrived this morning. It's a sealed message from the palace. King Alvan himself."

Varek's eyes hardened, the smile vanishing entirely. A direct, sealed summons from the King, especially now, could only mean one thing: trouble from the Godoka Council.

"Show me," Varek commanded, his demeanor shifting back into that of the Chieftain who faced death and conspiracy.

"Take me to my office immediately. I need to see what the King wants, and why he chose to send it directly here."

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