Chapter 113: Chapter 113

Tyhgak walked with Metsaitti and the others into the Sacred Den for yet another hunting trip. Tyhgak, however, was strangely silent. The others were giving him looks but he didn’t notice, lost in his thoughts as he was. He had much to think about lately.

When Tyhgak first saw the Sacred Den…he couldn’t say he was impressed. The older generations had told him all sorts of stories about Sacred Dens. Some were labyrinths of death meant to push their challengers to the limit. Others were the bastions of mighty armies, led by imperious warlords who demanded submission.

This one opened with a field of flowers.

Sure, a pit trap could be dangerous but it was a far cry from the magical bombs and invisible blades he had heard stories of. And the bees? There were a lot of them and they were big for bees, but they were just bees. They didn’t come close to the monsters Metsaitti and Chief Rohsuak had taken down. Most of the hunters had taken down something worse during their journeys through the Underway.

And the Sacred Den Master? He was a sickly young runt, barely older than Tyghak if at all. He was even smaller than Noiggakuq, and most of the fur had fallen off of his body, if it had even grown in the first place! Now Tyghak knew that the strength of a person did not indicate their value, but he also wasn’t going to feel threatened by someone like that. And if even Tyghak could take him, then he wouldn’t last five seconds against Metsaitti, much less the chief, the Blazing Berserker herself.

So, he didn’t understand why the chief and Metsaitti were bending over backwards to be all submissive to the Sacred Den Master. He had heard of the daring raids they had led on the tigerfolk and the lizardmen and assumed that it was his time to follow in their footsteps. And this Sacred Den…well it seemed like land for the taking!

…ok, Tyhgak wouldn’t go that far. Sacred Dens were connected to the gods and attacking one was a huge taboo. But still, Tyhgak thought they should at least be negotiating more confidently when they held the clear advantage. Like the mana flowers! Those things were super valuable! He knew after Juosiutik and the Chief had tore him a new one when he knocked over a pot with one inside it back in the day! He figured they’d be pretty happy if he brought one back!

But no, he had to stay away because of a couple of bees. They had plenty of flowers all over, what was the harm of taking one?

At least, that is what he once thought. Then he saw the bees in actual combat.

“It’s, um, for the Sacred Den Master.”

Chief Rohsuak frowned.

“The Sacred Den Master? Tyhgak, be honest with me. Are you envious of Noiggakuq’s deeds? Are you growing impatient that you have not been blessed?”

Tyhgak lifted his hands and quickly shook his head.

Chief Rohsuak’s eyes narrowed on him, making him gulp.

Tyhgak trembled a bit but took a deep breath.

Chief Rohsuak tilted her head.

“I, um, was pretty rude to the Sacred Den Master, talking about taking his flowers from his bees and stuff. But…he’s a good man who didn’t deserve that. He’s strong, he’s treated us well, and he even helped Noiggakuq…when we wouldn’t. So, um, I wanted to apologize, and maybe do something for him.”

Chief Rohsuak stared at him for a moment before her face softened.

She hummed and rubbed her chin.

“Noiggakuq found a cave panther and a wolf-mole den too close to the entrance for comfort. I had intended to organize an expedition to scout the Underway and identify the dangers in our surroundings. If Metsaitti approves, I will consider including you in the group.”

Tyhgak started to smile when Chief Rohsuak frowned and glared at him once again.

“Be aware, though, that, even if you are allowed to join, getting something for your own purposes, including to give to the Sacred Den Master, will come third to the expedition and your own survival.”