Beastmen: She Tames the Land-Chapter 201: The Renaming

The next day. The trio did not call for a meeting during the day, but rather waited until after midday. They expect what they say to cause some to slack off in their tasks. Not that it is an excuse, they expect it.

The half-day sun was shining down on the caldera. The spring breeze brought the scent of flowers. Uri and Xeno had asked the pack to try to finishmost of their work early.

Granted, there wasn’t much to do during the spring months. Spring was a time of renewal, so both plants and animals were relatively young during this period.

The meeting began without much stir. The trio did not give a specific reason for the meeting. The pack was only told it would be important.

"We call this meeting today to speak on an issue that will change our pack. It could mean the loss of some members. It could also mean additional members. Both these things depend on you all."

Uri’s voice carried. The caldera was silent except for the sound of animals and the rustling of plants.

"We have received news of the inter-tribe festival. For those of us who do not know, it is an elite gathering. Those who have attended are some of the strongest tribes on the continent. This gathering happens every three years. This year, it is no longer limited to the strong."

"This is not to say we are not strong. But we have not been recognized. We are merely a small tribe, not worthy of anyone’s notice. But this year...we have a chance."

Uri paused once again. He allowed them to take in what he had told them thus far. Not only he, but Visha and Xeno, needed them to understand what the festival was.

"This isn’t an easy thing to be a part of. We have no idea why they decided to make it open to everyone. And frankly, there is a lot we don’t know about it. We know it starts with trading."

"There are a myriad of tribes that will be going to trade. They could trade things we have never seen in a lifetime. They could trade things we see every day. The type of things they trade might determine the strength of the tribe."

"There are also days when people from different tribes will look for partners."

Xeno’s talk of trading and partnering got the crowd bustling. They did not speak loudly, but their murmuring was obvious. Their voices travelled to the trios. Their excitement was palpable.

Raising a hand, Visha silenced them.

"I know you are all excited, but there is more to say. This will change our pack going forward."

She nodded towards Xeno and Uri, indicating that they continue.

"Regarding selecting partners. We all know that females tend to follow the tribe the man is from. But, with the knowledge of vital energy, we hope that if you find someone, you can convince them to come to the tribe."

"Unless they already know about the energy, then you may stay in their tribe."

Another outburst came from the crowd. It was unheard of for females to stay in their original clan. Unless the male’s clan had been disbanded or the male was a wanderer.

Some understood the reason for wanting secrecy. Others thought it made no sense to hide. If they did find partners, they would leave the pack.

"We know many of you think it doesn’t make sense for females to stay in the tribe. That’s why this is a request, not a command. Travelling to the inter-tribe festival is a privilege, not a must. We do not have to bring unmated females with us."

Visha’s voice was steady, authoritative. She let them know this is not something they have to do. They could just as well go by themselves and not allow anyone in the pack to follow.

This statement was able to shut the mouths of those who wanted to leave with tribe secrets.

Xeno continued, "The reason we brought this up was that we were thinking of bringing the unmated males and females in the tribe. If this becomes an issue, none of you go." The authority in his voice stunned the crowd.

No one dared speak. Xeno scrutinized the people standing before him. The murmurs that had been going on stopped. Each person there felt his authority.

Visha sent a slight nudge through their mate bond. Not to distract, mainly to let him know she approved of what he did. And lesserly to acknowledge her attraction to his authority.

She saw his body tremble lightly. She also sent a nudge to Uri, letting him know not to be jealous. For as much as they were mates, both men got jealous.

They got jealous of who spent more time with Visha. But they got jealous equally as much when one of them did not give the other enough attention.

"Now," Vishe started gently, "let’s all take our time and talk about this. We aren’t forcing you all to stay. But we must make this clear. You are a part of this pack. What you do outside reflects on us. We want you to find partners, but not at the expense of the pack’s safety."

"Those who wish to leave, we will not stop you. But you must ensure that anything about vital energy that your partner doesn’t already know is kept from them. If your partner knows nothing about vital energy, do not initiate a conversation about it."

"This will give our pack time to grow. I’m sure that if any of you females leave, you don’t want to hear news that your loved ones have been affected by you."

Visha calmed the crowd. While Xeno used his authority, she used reason, mixed with guilt.

"This brings us to the next item on our agenda." Uri’s sharp eyes found a young boy in the crowd. The pack followed his gaze. They saw it falling on Kit.

Visha and Xeno’s eyes followed his as well. Visha’s eyes softened.

"Kit," Uri called, his voice softer than usual. "You have given us the name Warm in our darkest winter. Now we are stronger and faster. We do not need to fear the cold. Let me ask you, should we keep the name, Warm? Or should we rename ourselves as a testament to what we have gone through?"

Many pack members’ eyes went wide. Their pack leader actually asked a child if they should rename the pack. To them, this was a stupid decision on the part of their leader.

However, those who had been with them since the beginning of their journey only smiled. They still remembered being cast out. How little Kit cried when he left all his friends, how he cried when he could finally shift. The look on his face when he named them ’Warm’.

Nevertheless, no matter whether they thought the leaders’ question foolish or sentimental, they waited for the cub to speak.

Kit was not shy with everyone staring at him. He felt proud that he could be called upon to name the pack again. His little chest puffed out, and he grinned.

"Tribe leader, I think our new name should be Spirit Fang. The Spiritfang tribe."

"Spiritfang. Why?" Xeno asked, genuinely curious.

"Because we absorb spirit, and it makes us faster, and we use our fangs in a fight."

The answer was so simple that Visha couldn’t help chuckling softly.

"Very well, Spiritfang." Then Uri looked out at the crowd. "Does anyone have an objection?"

Even if anyone did, when Uri, Xeno, or Visha’s eyes fell on them, they swallowed the complaint.

"Now and in the future, we shall be called the Spiritfang Tribe."

Uri’s voice resounded in the caldera. There was finality. The decision had been made, and no one could change it.