The journey was not quiet. The journey itself took two days but the first day was the most turbulent.

After we left our territory things were eerily quiet. At some point, I realized that we were being stalked. The fish was good at hiding itself but the lack of any other living creatures lead to this conclusion. We Mrentoni lack a way of identifying the position of other fish other than the regular five senses.

Usually, fish use sonar and communicate through this but we lacked that ability. Back then I mentioned that we were being stalked and that was my first mistake. That fish that stalked us noticed that we became aware and promptly left the area.

Now that we knew that the fish was stalking us ever since we passed the Steery Woods we were warier but it never came. Being on edge constantly from the danger of an ambush broke down our mental fortitude.

Ironically the fish itself got impatient at some point and made its presence known once again about almost at night. Now on edge, exhausted both physically and mentally, we knew that it was stalking us lead to the most stupid fight I have ever participated in.

Both the staked and the stalker were exhausted from traveling had to fight in the dark waters. The fish had a significant advantage as it demonstrated its ability to see in the dark. We countered that by exposing our Inferno Stalk to give us some light.

The battle of attrition lasted hours. The fish itself was another one of those fuck-off massive fish. However, this one trumped the previously hunted fish, it was bigger by a small amount but it still gave off an eerie impression. Given the vendetta that this fish had on us by chasing us throughout the ocean, I assumed it was a parent of the other fuck-off massive fish we hunted before. I really should name them.

We won the battle, I got bitten by its jaws in the leg and was out of commission for a good portion of the fight, it penetrated quite a few bones and my flesh wasn't looking too good. I was the only one hurt in that fight so after finding a small area to relax in we fell asleep, taking shifts to ensure we won't be attacked again. I happen to not be on a shift due to my injuries, they said I needed rest in order to be in peak performance during the visit.

I got forced into sleeping on Panara's lap as she took the first shift with the Inferno Stalk giving off light for protection.

I woke up mostly mended. The bones on my leg were aching in phantom pain and the flesh wasn't fully closed but generally, I could move. Thankfully we had no other attacks from anything else during the night. Having some of the Big Bertha as I named it for breakfast we set out again. No more attacks took place and we arrived at their village soon after.

Looking at their village I could see that they were much more established than us. Buildings were built out of Steery Wood as it would seem and they were cramped together with entrances on the roofs. Smart, might steal that idea. No, I already stole it, my experience with Earthen houses made me realize that I'm still thinking in human. But still, it looks nice, not changing it.

They also build a few watchtowers around the perimeter. We were looking over the village on a small hill so they didn't notice us right away.

"Is this the village?" I ask. They did say that it's a small village, but it seems much larger than they explained previously.

Delka answers. "Should be, but it still does seem way too big and the people are lacking to fill all of those houses." Intriguing. We should probably present ourselves to not arouse suspicion.

"Let's go, we need to make ourselves known to them, you did say they are overly defensive about other people. We will walk slowly to a watchtower and ask for a meeting." I state.

We slowly walked towards one of the towers, it was near and stationed on another hill. Looking at the watchtower itself it was shabby and hastily put together. We were noticed pretty fast, granted we had about half a fish sticking out from us carrying the bastard that we killed yesterday. The Mrentoni on watch sounded a horn looking thing and that stirred the nest.

He waited for reinforcements and 4 more Mrentoni showed up with spears. They went to meet us but stood their ground a small distance with their spears held high.

"What brings you here fellow Mrentoni? We don’t take kindly to strangers around here!" He calls out.

"I am one of the Chieftan's of the Gornag tribe and I am here to meet with your Chieftan to discuss important matters!" I state.

He looks back at his village, unsure of what to do, he might need more convincing.

"You people sent us away when we asked for shelter after calamity struck our home, at least give us a meeting with your Chieftan!" He caves in and sends a subordinate to convey the information.

Silence. No words are exchanged as we both stand our ground and wait for confirmation to return. The Mexican stand-off lasted for about five minutes until the same subordinate returned with news. The first Mrentoni calls us. "You have been granted a meeting with Chieftan Garran, please follow us to the throne room, drop all of your weapons near the room to ensure the safety of our Chieftan!"

Well, basic requirements that seem fair. "We agree, lead the way."

They swim off and we follow. I whisper to my compatriots. "Ok, here is the plan, me and Panara head into the throne room, while you two cook the fish and present it to the village people. We can get them on our side if we can convince some of the people of the hierarchy with this bribe."

They nod.

Well then, let's begin. We land in a small area in front of a grand building, most likely the Cheiftans house and are led by in-doors. Delka and Shetlka stay outside and guard our stuff as they begin cooking themselves some fish.

We step inside and see a basic wooden throne with the Cheiftan sitting on it. His scowl pointing at us, trying to intimidate. Beside him are two more Mrentoni that have spears, acting like guards but not treated as such. The Chieftan holds them as friends given how he whispers something to them.

We don't kneel since I am the same standing as him and hell naw, I'm not kneeling to anyone. He waits for me to kneel but realizes that we won't and starts. "Greetings, my name is Chieftan Garran, what would be your name and purpose of your visit!" He certainly holds himself in high regard.

"My name is Gherman, Co-Chieftan of the Gornag tribe here to propose a deal for the betterment of our people." I give a strong front to not expose any weakness. I purposefully called myself Chieftan after my name, hopefully, he understands what I meant.

He frowns yet again. "You say you have a deal but I don't see why you would give us one, we, we don't even know where the Gornag tribe have settled and even then, I don't remember seeing you there." He strikes.

"You wouldn't believe me even if I told you but I have now become Co-Chieftan of the Gornag tribe and I have ambition."

"Hit me Gherman, what could possibly be that unbelievable that you wish to hide it?"

"If I say that I am a chosen champion of our people, backed by a goddess and given the ability to lead our people to greatness, would you believe me?" Our showdown pauses.

He goes silent. Not expecting that bombshell, he frowns and says. "No, I wouldn't believe you that seems like something someone would make up to get an edge on someone. Granted you didn’t hide it I think you have an ulterior motive for coming here. If It's hostile, we won't be kind!"

"Garran I only come with a deal for us to unite and join together. Two tribes to unite and relocate to Halamar, our village."

"Why would I undermine my authority to serve under you in an unknown location, you could be planning our downfall as far as I know it."

"Why would I come here with three other people to trick you. Not everyone wants you dead and your tribe under another one's rule. Besides I don't propose you to serves me, I propose you to serve our people as Co-Chieftan's with Zarhan and myself in Halamar."

I continue. "Besides it is obvious you are concerned for your people's safety. Our warning of the Zekriken some time ago has made you take action in defending yourself. Don't think I didn't notice the shabby watchtowers or the packed village. You are afraid of the Zekriken and I want to extend a hand of friendship and to relocate to Halamar even if you said no to us before."

His face scowls, hinting he is guilty of not accepting us. "This seems like a trap to me. No great deal comes with no strings, tell me the truth and I might consider it."

You want the truth, fine take it.

"I need manpower Garran, I need manpower to build and thrive in Halamar, the Gornag tribe only had 30 people and I require more if I want to bring our people into greatness. Waiting for natural growth is too slow with our numbers and your tribe was the closest known one to us. I need all of you as much as you need protection from the Zekriken."

He stops to think. For a good while as well.

I add in. "If you can't decide yet, we brought a little something to convince you of my people's sincerity. Dalka! Shatlka! Bring some cooked fish for the Chieftan!"

The door is flung open as they both waltz in with a skewer of cooked fish, a crowd had gathered during our negotiations. They step closer to the Chieftan and kneel whilst presenting the skewer. I'm feeling slightly peckish as well, I need a slice.

He picks up an examines it, some waft of steam escapes the fish and goes into his nose. That triggers something inside of him. Something primal but sensible. He opens his mouth wide open like a hippopotamus and takes a bite. Nothing was left of the fish.

He starts chewing, his face losing all previous scowls that have wrinkled his forehead and looks up into the sky with bliss. That fish isn't even marinated yet and this is their reaction to cooked food? The crowd at the doorstep in slightly as well. Saliva dripping down from their mouths.

What the fuck? My tribe didn't have this unreasonable reaction. Taking another glance tells me what happened. They are thin. Thin enough that I would notice, they don't have food. Another good playing card dropped into my hand. Garran sure is stubborn but you can't hide something like this.

"It would seem Garran that you are lacking food and are obviously preparing for some attack. Why not avoid all that hassle and join us in Halamar where we can teach you how to cook fish and you can all live as free people." I turn towards the crowd and continue. "What do you say, people, I propose you to join my tribe in a union. Your Chieftan here would become Co-Chieftan and all of you will get all the food and other commodities you need if you help us back in Halamar."

A stake through the heart. My short speech made them seriously consider it. In the end one of Garrans close aids caves in and whispers something into his ear.

"Gherman. Although I still don't trust you, I still trust my people, we will follow you back to Halamar as here is unsafe. Fellow tribespeople, begin packing your things, we are leaving this place. If Halamar is a sham, we will leave right away and never consider an offer from you again."

A new tribe acquired! This will speed things up. "Then we will wait outside. Holler when you are ready and we will lead the way."

The crowd disperses and I'm left with my group standing outside.

"Want some fish Chieftan Gherman?" Asks Shetlka.

"Give me a big slice, please."