Beastmen: She Tames the Land-Chapter 95: The world beyond the walls

The pack has now set a steady rhythm. They no longer had to work on the gates. They made two extra houses for people who might join at a later time. Now their tasks mainly consisted of hunting, foraging or farming and scouting. They have set a comfortable pace.

Visha has recently been asking them to collect the loose rediron she found in the caldera. She remembered the sulphur vents and the section with the hot springs and geysers. She hadn’t visited them since the first time she checked the perimeter. She thought to herself that it might be time for her to take a look.

She didn’t expect to use the sulphur vents, but the thermal pools could still be used for something. Especially if she intended to start a forge. But she won’t think of that for now. There are other things they need to do. Like, look to the outside world. They can’t be isolated in the caldera forever.

It was a lazy morning for the trio when Visha asked. "Do you think we should check and see what tribes are close by?"

Xeno perked up as he heard what she said. Uri’s eyes moved from his notes to Visha.

"Definitely!" Xeno replied.

"We should," replied Uri.

"So why haven’t we?" asked Visha.

"I wanted to make sure we are safe at home before going out. We are new to the area, and we are few in number. We do not want to step on anyone’s toes. We did not meet any tribes when we made our way to the caldera, but that does not mean there aren’t any." Uri put down the bark in his hand and leaned back. "If we really want to look for allies, we can ask Kaelen. He has the advantage of the skies. He can scout for us."

"That sounds like a plan. I don’t mind meeting new tribes. We might be able to get things from them that we don’t have. Our home is great, but I think we need to think outside the box. The thirteen of us can’t stay inside forever." Xeno rolled himself off the bed while he spoke.

Uri nodded. The trio decided they would talk to Kaelen at lunch.

The trio found Kaelen when he was eating lunch. As soon as he saw them, he got up from where he was sitting.

"You don’t need to stand." She smiled softly as she spoke. Visha’s easygoing mentality made it easy for others to relax around her.

"It’s fine. How can I help you, leaders, priestess?" Kaelen spoke respectfully.

"We need to ask you to do something for us," Xeno said, his posture relaxed.

"For the pack," correct Uri.

Xeno nodded.

"We wish to venture into the outside world. We have been at the caldera for some time, but we do not truly know the place around us. We want our pack to venture outside. We need to grow. And to do so, we need to meet more people." Uri’s speech was even, no ups and downs.

"We would like to ask you to scout the surroundings. Find the closest tribes. We need to know if they are a liability or an asset," Visha said.

Kaelen nodded and said, "In order to do this, I will need to be gone for a few days. Will that be alright?"

Uri responded. "We know. We appreciate your scouting when at home. Now, we need you to go out and take on this task for our pack. You need to ensure your safety, and we will ensure ours."

That day ended with Uri and Xeno informing the pack members that Kaelen would be gone for a few days on pack business.

Kaelen was gone for three days. On the day he came back, he was told to rest before going to report. Leaving the caldera was not an urgent task.

The following day, Kaelen went to the home of the trio. He arrived early, ready to tell them everything he had seen.

Visha offered him some tea. She had found a small tea tree. When the leaves were brewed, they helped to soothe the mind and enhance focus.

"Tell us everything," Visha said in a soft voice.

Kalen nodded. "I have identified three tribes within a two-day journey. One to the west, another to the north, and one to the east."

He began with the one in the west. "They are the River Clan. They are otter and beaver shifters. It is small, no more than fifty members in total. They don’t look like warriors. Their living space is mainly made of mud and reeds. They move quickly in water. They are loud and playful. They trade with other tribes. Their females make pottery and woven items, better than those in our pack. They are non-threatening. They seem more concerned with fish than enemies."

Xeno grunted. "They aren’t an asset, but they aren’t a threat either."

"An asset doesn’t always have to be a fighter." Uri countered. "They have knowledge we don’t. That in itself makes them an asset. They are potential allies."

Uri gestured for Kaelen to continue.

"The Stonefang Pack. They are wolf shifters. I counted three hunting parties, which means they have approximately three hundred members. Their territory is heavily scented and they have constant patrols. They live in a series of caves. They are strong, organized and wary of outsiders. Their females are fierce and they train their young with ruthless efficiency."

Xeno leaned forward with interest. "They’re like the Tiger tribe, but without the arrogance. They are either a powerful enemy or a useful ally."

Kaelen’s voice dropped slightly as he continued. "There is the Giggling Cackle, hyena shifters. They have about forty members, but they are...different. There is no order or discipline. They don’t kill for food. They do it simply because they can. They harass smaller animals for fun. They are unpredictable and vicious. They are a threat. Not in the normal sense of the word. They will try to destroy the peace we have built. That is where they are a threat."

As he finished speaking, silence fell over the room. They took in the information they had gotten. The choice felt obvious, but they still had to discuss it.

"We know what to do," Xeno said, leaning back. "We avoid the hyenas. Take a second look at the wolves and get close to the otters. It’s the safest path we can take right now."

"The River Clan is the safest path, but they have nothing real to offer except their trading information. And while valuable, it doesn’t give us any security. The Stonefang Pack is closest to us. We can’t ignore them forever if we start to get closer to the River Clan. If necessary, we need to ally with them." Uri tapped his finger on his knee.

"And if we get close to them and they attack us? What then?" Xeno asked.

Visha listened. The bond between them showed their conflicting thoughts. There were many things they needed to consider. There were many things they had no way of controlling. They were both right to some extent.

"We need to choose the best option for us now, and that is the River Clan. If we come across the Stonefang pack, then we will deal with it at that time. We aren’t choosing one over the other. We can take our time to get to know both. This is only the first step." Visha tried to keep her voice calm as she spoke.

"But you are also right. We can’t afford to conflict with the Stonefang Pack. While we try to establish a relationship with the otters, Kaelen can keep a watch on the wolves. We won’t make contact until we are strong enough. Maybe at that time, we will have something they need. By that time, they will have to see us as allies."

Turning to Kaelen, she said, "Kaelen, you will guide us to the River Clan. It will be just the four of us."

[Task: The first impression]

[Objective: Establish peaceful contact with the River Clan. Your approach will set the tone for future diplomacy.]

[Reward: 100 EXP, 50 CP, trade routes unlocked.]

Visha sighed at the system notification. It seems they are on the right path. The wider world awaits.