Chapter 126: Return to the Village
After nearly a week of marching through the frozen valley, the wooden palisades of the Overlord Tribe’s main village finally emerged through the cold afternoon mist. The return journey had been quiet yet steady, allowing Ron and Lía to adapt to the group’s pace and Kellar’s imposing presence.
From the watchtowers, the hunters recognized the Great Shaman’s silhouette. The warning horn echoed throughout the compound, not as a danger alert, but as the announcement of a grand arrival.
The massive wooden gate swung wide open. Mila, accompanied by several of the village women and the youths who had stayed behind training, came out to greet him in the central yard with faces full of relief and joy.
"The Shaman has returned!" shouted one of the sentinels from atop the wall.
Mila quickened her pace and stopped a few meters from Kellar, offering him a broad smile while her eyes scanned the group. She noticed the two emaciated youths walking behind him: Ron, holding the scrolls with care, and Lía, who clung to Kellar’s back upon seeing so many people gathered, keeping absolute silence.
"You took nearly a week," said Mila, stepping closer to adjust Kellar’s cloak with a gesture full of warmth. "We were beginning to worry, but I see the mountain expedition was a success."
"Everything went according to plan," said Kellar, smiling faintly as Freyja hopped off his shoulder to stretch in the snow. "The mountain fortress is secured, the blast furnace is already producing pure iron, and Krag has everything under control."
Mila looked with curiosity at the two youths accompanying the leader.
"And who are they?" said Mila, observing the faint blush coating Lía’s cheeks.
"They are Ron and his sister Lía," said Kellar, pointing to them with his hand. "Ron is my new apprentice for workshop tasks, and Lía will be under my direct care as my personal assistant. Prepare a cabin for them and serve them hot food; they’ve had a long journey."
"Where is Mentz?" said Kellar, looking toward the workshop area.
"I am right here, Great Shaman," said Mentz, stepping forward through the crowd with a tired yet proud smile. "Welcome back. Everything has been executed exactly as you requested during the days of your absence."
Kellar nodded in satisfaction and began walking through the settlement alongside Mentz, accompanied by Mila. A week away had been a long time, and the main village was taking on an impressive shape. Kellar silently admitted that he had greatly underestimated the physical strength of the people of this world: even women and children could carry thick oak beams, working tirelessly to build the tribe’s new home.
The residential area was now massive, with organized rows of hundreds of wooden cabins surrounding the central plaza.
"The progress on the housing has been huge, Mentz," said Kellar, observing the solid walls of the new homes.
"We do what we can, Shaman," said Mentz, scratching his beard as they walked between the structures. "However, we have a problem with the finishing touches. Not all the houses have fireplaces yet. Suitable stone for thermal lining ran out in the immediate vicinity of the village, and now we must search much further away, near the western crags."
Kellar stopped in front of one of the incomplete cabins, inspecting the gap in the roof.
"That is delaying the final delivery of the houses," said Mentz, sighing heavily. "To prevent the people from freezing at night, I ordered them to temporarily share the cabins that already have finished fireplaces. Space is tight, but at least they stay warm."
"You did well not to risk them in the cold," said Kellar, looking toward the western mountains. "But we will solve the stone issue very soon."
They continued walking until they reached the communal dining hall, a massive structure made of reinforced logs that was now completely finished. Upon crossing the threshold, the aroma of hot meat stew and steam enveloped them instantly. At a nearby table, Kellar spotted Ron and Lía enjoying a hearty bowl of warm food. Noticing the leader’s entry, both dropped their spoons and attempted to scramble to their feet to greet him.
"Keep eating," said Kellar, gesturing gently with his hand. "There is no rush, enjoy your meal."
Ron nodded with a broad smile before serving himself another spoonful, while Lía watched him walk away, her cheeks flushing pink once more.
Kellar exited the dining hall and headed toward the riverbank and the fishing platforms. As he drew near, the metallic snap of bowstrings echoed through the freezing air. Lined up along the shores were at least twenty heavy crossbows mounted on wooden frames. To his surprise, it was no longer just veteran hunters operating the weapons; ordinary men and women were pulling the cranks and aiming toward the icy water, while the most experienced hunters dragged the massive aquatic prey out of the river’s current.
Brak, who was directing the efforts from the shore holding a heavy mooring hook, caught sight of Kellar’s approach.
"Cease fire! The Great Shaman is here!" shouted Brak, raising his hand.
Instantly, the villagers and hunters left their posts and approached Kellar at a brisk pace, bowing their heads with deep respect and visible joy at his return.
"You have organized an excellent system here, Brak," said Kellar, observing the prey piled onto the cargo sleds.
"We learned quickly, Shaman," said Brak, smiling proudly as he wiped snow from his boots. "With the mounted crossbows, anyone can defend the shore and fish. We let the ordinary people operate the weapons while my hunters handle the heavy hauling. We haven’t lost a single catch since you left."
"That is the spirit of the Overlord Tribe," said Kellar, looking at the crowd surrounding him. "Tomorrow we begin military training with the youths. The tribe will soon be ready to claim this entire valley."
"Keep up the excellent work," said Kellar, offering them a firm nod. "By the way, where is Ignis?"
Brak cracked a broad smile and pointed toward the edge of the frozen forest.
"That little beast has been unbearable without you, Shaman," said Brak, letting out a soft laugh. "He’s been hunting on his own in the surroundings to keep his sharp edge, but I’m sure he must have sensed your return by now."
As if answering his words, a sharp roar echoed through the snow-covered trees, followed by the rapid snapping of breaking branches.