Chapter 59: No surrender!

Living outside of the protection of their village was harder than it should have been, especially with the plague going around.

The Typhon Tribe, while strong, still had to move with caution. Beasts ran rampant, the plague was still attacking them, and it was easier to spot their people since they were out in the open.

They had set up a small settlement, a temporary one until they took over the Nemean Tribe, where it would be safe to settle down.

"Chief Woton, everything is prepared. We can move out once you give the order." Telah informed him as she entered her hut.

"Good. This will mark the end of our long feud with the Nemean Tribe, a story that we shall tell our descendants. Just some months ago, we were suffering, but now, we shall triumph and reclaim our strength."

His words carried power, and every one of them touched Telah. She felt proud of what they were about to do, what they needed to do. It was an honor to be a part of the generation that would bring their tribe glory for times to come.

"Tell me, what of the Nemean Tribe? Are they still scouting our old village?"

"No, not anymore. A little over a month ago, I found and killed one of their scouts. I expected that his death would lure the Nemean Tribe in, but they didn’t fall for the bait. Since then, no one has returned."

"I see. But they still think we are living in our old village, yes?"

"That is correct, chief. The illusion stands, even now, and we’ve ensured that we do not catch their eye while we prepare."

Chief Woton nodded. He looked down at a map resting on the table with landmarks on it. One X marked where their old village was, another where they currently were, and the last where the Nemean Tribe was located.

"They do not know that we have relocated and will be expecting us to attack from the west. We use this to our advantage."

"Do we attack from the south?" Telah wondered

"In a way. Moving southward will be dangerous due to the threat of monsters. However, if we travel up the mountain while using the earth spirits to bless us, then we can safely make our way to the eastern forest and attack from there."

"What if their warriors spot us?"

"They wont. We’ll use the spirit of wind to mask our presence, the spirit of earth to hide any sound we make while walking, and illusions to fill out any gaps in the spirit’s abilities. They won’t even feel us crossing into their territory."

Telah ran through the possible scenarios in her head and agreed with her Chief. There was only one thing that worried her.

"I don’t think crossing the western forest is a good idea, though. We’ll have to travel up the mountain from the side and make the long stretch around before ending up in the eastern forest."

"Yes, you are correct. But worry not, we shall obtain victory and take what is rightfully ours. Come, let us inform the others. Is everyone ready?"

"Ready and waiting for your command."

"Good, very good." Chief Woton stood up from his chair and walked out of his hut, with Telah following behind.

There, already prepared and waiting, were the Warriors, Hunters, and Guards who would be participating in the attack against the Nemean Tribe.

They lost a lot of their people to the plague, so their forces were fewer than it was before, but over 250 warriors were still enough to decimate the Nemean Tribe, especially with the spirits on their side.

"Hear me, my brothers and sisters. We have long suffered at the hands of this sickness that has taken our loved ones, destroyed our home, and weakened our morale. But all of that ends today!"

Everyone gazed at their chief with pride and respect. He was leading them to a new future.

"We’ll journey up the mountain and make our way to the eastern forest, past the lands of the Nemean Tribe. The road ahead will be harsh. The journey will be long. But compared to what we’ve already endured, it is nothing!

For generations, the Nemean Tribe has been our enemy. Our sons, our daughters, our brothers, our sisters, our mothers, and our fathers have suffered at their hands. We’ve shed blood. We’ve buried our loved ones. We’ve endured their hatred for generations.

But no more! Today, we end that suffering. Today, we stand together as one! We will face our enemies; we will defeat them, and we will make our ancestors proud! And this plague will not destroy us! It will not take our homes! It will not take our families! We will survive!

Today, we march! Tomorrow, we fight! And the day after...WE SHALL BE VICTORIOUS!"

The crowd cheered, everyone from the warriors to the young children. All of them had hope in their people, hope that they would triumph, hope that they would return after a few days or weeks and share the good news with them.

Ever since leaving their village, the plague affected them less than before. Some were still infected, so they had to put them down, regardless of age. But once they are able to move to the Nemean Tribe’s village, they will survive.

"Before we go," Chief Woton said. "Say your final goodbyes to your loved one. Mate to ensure the next generation, and be prepared to never return."

Mates said their final goodbyes to each other; children did the same to their parents, and parents to their children.

They all knew that some would not return, but it was part of life, and they accepted that fact.

"We’ll depart at the dead of night so we aren’t noticed by the Nemean Tribe. Double-check your weapons, your supplies, and other tools needed for this journey. Once we leave, there is no going back until we win. WE WILL NOT SURRENDER!"

Everyone wasted no time and did as their chief ordered.