-Western Outskirts of the Adiand Empire-
-Atu Tribe-
Deep in the heart of an ancient forest lies a captivating sight, a vibrant tapestry of towering trees. Their branches, stretching towards the sky, create a magnificent canopy overhead, filtering the sunlight into dappled patches of golden radiance.
Verdant foliage, a kaleidoscope of vibrant greens, creates a soft bed for delicate ferns and wildflowers to flourish. The gentle murmur of a nearby stream weaves through the forest, adding a serene backdrop.
This was what the tribe was used to seeing.
Shwaa.
Thuk. Thuk.
The sharp sound of an arrow hitting a deer as it fell onto the grass was the first thing to be heard before numerous birds flew into the sky. The birds nearby were frightened and flew away.
"Older brother, that's a good hit!"
Dirban yelled happily, seeing his brother shoot it with an arrow without effort. He added, "Your talent is really good, brother. It's a shame I'm not as good a hunter as you."
"Do not say that, little brother. You're the most talented out of all of us when pursuing the animals in the forest."
"Hehe."
An awkward laugh escaped Dirban's lips as he puffed out his chest.
"Of course. I wouldn't want to disappoint my soon-to-be-chief!"
He uttered, wriggling his brows teasingly.
"Hush. If Father's guardians hear us, you'll be beaten again."
This time, Hamada's eyes were full of warning. He pulled out his dagger and swiftly sliced the deer's neck, letting its blood flow down, dyeing the ground crimson as it slowly seeped into the soil.
"Be careful what you say."
He pointed the deer toward Dirban; let's see if you'll end up like this deer.
"Hey, hey, come on now, brother, it's not that I don't know our father's antics."
"Then don't say that, who knows if father's guardians are nearby or any of our tribesmen. That is bad for us."
"Fine, fine."
And just as they were about to change the conversation, they stopped and looked behind them, hearing footsteps getting closer.
"Hamada, your father is calling for you."
One of his father's guardians called out. "The visitors from the Adiand Empire have arrived."
Hamada nodded and gave the deer to Dirban, "Here, take care of this first. We will present this to Father the moment I come back."
Dirban nodded. "Alright, then I'll wait."
Not far from their father's tent, used for exchanges and receiving guests from other places, his father ushered him closer.
"Guard it."
"Understood."
Hamada's guardian stands in the doorway.
"I greet the Tribe Chief."
Hamada bowed and never raised his head, looking at the ground.
"So this is your firstborn?"
One of the nobles scrutinized him before he chuckled. "He indeed has more meat than those men before."
The man in the high chair merely snorted. His fleeting glance passed over Hamada as he signaled to a servant at the side, who nodded before bringing over a goblet. He poured wine into it and placed it on the table along with the other fruits and meat that filled the whole table.
"My dear son, you may raise your head and sit. Have a taste of their gift and tell me your thoughts. Now, tell me," His father looked at the two nobles, "Is it worth it?"
"Yes."
The two nobles grinned wider.
"Well, if it doesn't suit your taste, then tell us. After all, we know that you lot are too brutal with your honesty."
Hamada briefly glanced at these unscrupulous vermin, then at the goblet filled with wine.
Yes, they are indeed honest. And he does not like this wine. But since it was commanded by his father, the chief of the tribe, who needed to make a face, he had to obey. With one chug, Hamada finished the wine in one go.
Better, and shallow. Just like them.
"Ha, really. There's no etiquette."
The two nobles sneered, then looked at the Chief, Hamada's father, this time more neutral.
His father lowered his goblet and asked, "Hamada, what do you think?"
"It's sweet. Not something that I am used to."
Hamada answered evenly.
"Ah, that's too bad."
The nobles sighed as they stared at him.
With pity, that is.
Hamada became confused by their looks and turned to his father, who narrowed his eyes at him, as if asking why he was looking when he had not given him such permission.
Hamada looked down.
There's something strange.
His eyes blinked as black blotches appeared in his vision.
"This…"
What is this feeling? He then heard his father's voice.
"Men, close the door. Make sure no one comes here, even if it's my second son."
"Yes."
Hamada wavered as they tried to stand. His vision is getting even blurrier.
"Fath…Chief…"
"What a strong man! You are truly skilled at dosing your son. Such a beast, I thought he would have fainted the moment the wine touched his grazed tongue."
Their voices gradually faded from his ears.
Why…just why…
"Then…he is fully yours. Don't forget what we discussed."
"Of course, you'll have what you want."
"Fath—"
Alas, Hamada fainted.
****
Dirban became impatient. It's taking his father, whoever those visitors are, and his brother some time. The sun is about to set soon.
Then as if his impatience has been heard. The guardians moved away from blocking entrance.
He got up along with the deer meat that he had swiftly skinned and cut into many parts. However, he didn't expect the person his father's guardians were dragging toward a nearby dray.
"Brother?"
A dangerous premonition immediately stemmed in his heart as he rushed forward.
"Stop, Dirban!"
He didn't even care who was the first to scream for him to stop. He rushed forward with his axe, yet the remaining guardians of his father, who had been observing him, lunged forward and pushed him to the ground.
"Stay still!"
"My brother! Hamada! What are you going to do to him?! Father!"
Dirban screamed at the top of his lungs as he was restrained by a dozen guardians, making sure he wouldn't slip away. All of them were high in status, knowing full well the strength of the two brothers.
"Your father did this with good intentions."
One of them coldly uttered before whacking him on the head.
"You.."
"Make him unconscious, that's the only way."
"Understood."
"No!"
Dirban struggled, his eyes growing dim. He looked around as far as his eyes could see. There, he saw his fellow villagers looking on in fright, most of them backing away.
"Help…help. I beg you, help my brother…please."
But no. They looked at him hesitantly before looking away. Even those he recognized as acquaintances shook their heads.
They didn't get involved. They didn't want to experience the wrath of the chief if they helped either of his sons.
Dirban gritted his teeth, confused and resentful.
Why? Why won't they help?
Both of them, Hamada and he, had helped his tribe far more than his father, who had spent all day communicating with those hypocritical nobles!
Why are you just standing there and watching? You all know it! You know what's happening!
His brother is taken! This…this people!
"Fath—!"
Before Dirban could shout his father's name at the top of his lungs, he was stuck on the back of his neck. His world succumbed to darkness, with only the thought of his brother remaining in his mind.