Beastmen: She Tames the Land-Chapter 97: The River Clan elder

Visha and the three men were escorted to a large open space.

As they walked through the River clan, they noticed the clothing they wore. It was made with reeds, woven and dyed. They could see some people wearing polished stones, fish bones, and shells.

As Reeva led the way, Visha noticed that they no longer looked at them with wary eyes. The children had once again started playing. The women continued about their business. Except for some especially curious ones who continued to stare, most people left them to their own devices.

As they approached the place Reeva was leading them to, they heard, before seeing, the rush of water. It cascaded over a rock, muffling the sound outside its reach.

Reeva approached an older female. He spoke calmly, "This is the Warm Pack; they are here to offer their friendship." He gestured to Visha and her group, introducing them individually as well. Straightening up, he turned to the group, "This is Mira; she speaks for our clan."

Visha and the others noticed that the otter clan had their own mother tongue. To Visha’s ears, it didn’t sound like a language. It was similar to chittering. She assumed it was a way they used to communicate when they didn’t want others to know what they were saying.

"Reeva has told me that you have brought a gift. A salve that will help with healing." Mira’s voice was melodic and clear. It made people feel as though she was singing. "Thank you for the gift. You wish to speak to us?"

Visha bowed her head, a sign of respect that she learned was universal. "We are grateful for your hospitality. We are new and wanted to introduce ourselves. We are from the Warm Pack."

Xeno stood behind her, an imposing mountain. Uri stood on her other side, his eyes taking in every detail.

Mira’s gaze was shrewd. "Introducing yourself is fine. But I’m sure there is something else you want. No need to speak in circles. Do you want to trade? Information?"

Even though Mira was straightforward, Visha still chose her words wisely. For this female to be the one who came forward to speak with them showed she had a great deal of respect among her people. She was not as easy to talk to as she seemed.

"For now, we are only interested in friendship. We believe that having a good neighbour is valuable." Visha spoke steadily and clearly.

A small, polite smile appeared on Mira’s lips. "I understand, however, friendship, like rivers, flows both ways. There is often mutual benefit. What do you think your value is?"

"We are builders," Visha said. "We have a way to help your people make stronger dwellings. We have knowledge of herbs that may be able to help you as well."

Visha knew they didn’t have a lot to offer. But the knowledge of cement, houses, and herbs should be enough to entice. Even slightly. If they had more people in the pack, they would be able to start a forge. By then, it wouldn’t be a matter of what they had to offer. It would be a matter of whether they were willing to help others.

"Every tribe had builders and healers." Mira’s interest was piqued, but her tone remained noncommital. "Why do you think yours are different?"

Uri’s posture shifted slightly, and his eyes became more direct. "Your tribe spends most of its time in the water. So your prosperity comes from the water. I have noticed there are people in your clan who look at the river with a sense of worry. There is tension you are trying to hide. May I ask...is there an issue with the river?"

The question hung in the air. It was presumptuous and perceptive, but the silence let Visha’s group know that they hit the nail on the head. The River Clan was experiencing issues stemming from the river. Now they know there is a problem, all they need to do is hone in on the issue and see if there is a way to use it to their advantage.

Whatever the issue is might create an opportunity for them to become allies with the River Clan, which would ultimately achieve their goal without much fuss.

The faces of the other otters in the space changed. It was no longer passive. Traces of worry found its way through. Mira sighed.

"You are more observant than most, Leader Uri." Her shoulders rested as if setting down a burden. "There is a problem. Small worms have started infesting our primary fishing grounds. The fish are restless. Those affected have a bitter taste and are more often than not inedible. Our main food source is being threatened."

Visha took the chance to speak out. "We may be able to help. I won’t make any promises, but I do have a great deal of knowledge about herbs that may be able to help your situation. We are willing to take a look. You said friendship is mutual benefit, so let us help you with this to prove our friendship."

The offer was so unexpected that it made Mira and the others speechless.

A smile appeared in Visha’s eyes. She didn’t show it too much outwardly, but their soul bond felt her satisfaction. The feedback on emotions made Visha aware that they approved of the way she decided to help.

To the River Clan, this wasn’t a simple act of friendship. This was something more. They were offering to save them from a possible famine. This was a life-saving favour.

Mira turned to the other elders standing there and started chittering. The sound was rapid and hushed. Mira turned back to them with hope in her eyes. "If you can help us, our River Clan will be your lifelong allies. We will help you in whatever ways we are able to. We will share both information and help with trade."

Visha knew what this promise meant. Her heart swelled, and she smiled a bright, genuine smile.

Mira continued, "To show our gratitude, we will share a secret with you. As builders, you must have a use for clay. There is a hidden deposit of pure white clay a day’s journey to the south. We call it White Mud Flats. We will give you the location."

Now, this was a true benefit. Visha had been thinking about clay for some time. But like everything else, things take time. She wanted to make a forge. She was thinking of using cement, but if she wanted to make any ceramics, she needed clay. It was one of the many things on her mind. She loves her small pack, but it has the disadvantage of not being able to do many of the things she had planned.

"We accept your offer, Elder Mira," Visha said, her voice filled with warmth. "Please let me know if there is a place we can stay. We can start at first light."

Mira called a few young otter beastmen, who led them to the place they would be staying for the night. Kaelen had a place to himself since Uri and Xeno would not be leaving Visha’s side.

They allowed him to do as he pleased. He could return to the pack or he could wait. He decided to stay with them as he wanted to see how they would deal with the river issue.