Chapter 7 - 07 - The Shadow of War
The familiar figures of Gyes, Hontar, and a small group of warriors appeared on the horizon.
In the village, murmurs of anticipation quickly gave way to worried expressions. Children ran to their mothers, while the elders exchanged tense glances.
Gyes, the seasoned tribal veteran, walked at the forefront, his demeanor serious and his eyes scanning the village. Beside him, Hontar bore the hardened expression of someone who had faced difficult days. Their leather armor was worn, marked with fresh battle scars that told their own story.
Gustav, the tribe's leader, quickly approached, his eyes scrutinizing the group.
"Just you?" his voice came out colder than he intended, but the question was unavoidable.
Gyes stopped and motioned for the other warriors to disperse and rest. Turning to Gustav, he responded gravely:
"The others stayed behind. There were... many problems."
Hontar, standing beside him, added:
"We found clear signs of movement from the underworld. Large groups. Too large for us to face directly. Part of our group remained at the borders to monitor them, but..."
"But we don't know if they'll return," Gyes finished, his voice heavy with the weight of uncertainty.
The news hit the village like a stone. Villagers began murmuring, and a tense atmosphere spread quickly. Some mothers clutched their children tightly, while others searched for answers in the warriors' eyes.