As the sun began to set, Syka smiled at Usato. "You must be tired from your journey. Get some rest, and feel free to explore the village tomorrow."
Usato nodded, grateful for the hospitality. "Thank you, Syka. I appreciate your kindness."
Syka's eyes sparkled. "You're welcome, Usato. And don't forget, in three days' time, my grandfather, the Tribe Leader, will host a banquet in your honor."
Usato spent the next few days exploring the village, marveling at the tribesmen's way of living. He watched as they expertly crafted tools from stone and wood, and as they gathered berries and edible plants from the surrounding wilderness.
As he wandered through the village, Usato stumbled upon a clearing that seemed to be some sort of training ground. A group of burly hunters were engaged in a fierce battle, their movements swift and deadly.
Usato's eyes widened as he took in the intensity of the training session. The hunters were using crude but effective-looking weapons, and their movements seemed almost... barbaric.
One of the hunters noticed Usato watching and strode over to him, his eyes narrowing. "What are you doing here?" he growled.
Usato held up his hands in a peaceful gesture. "I didn't mean to intrude. I was just exploring the village."
The hunter eyed him warily, but seemed to relax a fraction. "You're the stranger Syka's been talking about. I'm Gorthok."
Usato nodded, trying to commit the names and faces to memory. "Nice to meet you, Gorthok."
Gorthok grunted, his expression unreadable. "You're not like the others we've met. You're... different."
Usato's instincts screamed at him to be cautious, but he tried to keep his tone light. "Is that a good thing or a bad thing?"
Gorthok's expression didn't change, but his voice dropped to a low growl. "We'll see."
As Gorthok and Usato spoke, Kael's eyes narrowed, his gaze fixed intently on the stranger. Thaggar, who was training nearby, noticed Kael's expression and raised an eyebrow.
Thaggar's eyes flicked to Usato, taking in his slender build and smaller stature. A sly grin spread across his face as he whispered something in Kael's ear.
Kael's face darkened, his eyes flashing with anger. He strode over to Usato, his massive frame towering over the smaller man.
"You're the one who's been healing our wounded," Kael said, his voice low and even. "I've been wondering what kind of skills you have in combat."
Usato met Kael's gaze calmly. "I can hold my own."
Kael snorted. "I doubt that. You're not exactly... imposing."
Usato's eyes narrowed slightly, but he kept his tone even. "Size isn't everything."
Kael sneered. "We'll see about that. I challenge you to a sparring match. Let's see if you can even keep up with me."
Thaggar's grin grew wider as he watched the scene unfold. "This should be interesting," he muttered to himself, his eyes glinting with amusement.
Gorthok's eyes narrowed, sensing the tension. "Kael, I don't think that's a good idea..."
The two men faced off in the center of the training ground, their eyes locked in a fierce stare. The air was electric with tension as the tribe's warriors gathered around to watch.
Without warning, Kael charged at Usato, his massive fists swinging in wide arcs. Usato dodged and weaved, his slender frame allowing him to avoid Kael's powerful blows with ease.
But as Kael attacked, Usato noticed something peculiar. Every time Kael's fists swung, a blurry image seemed to form on his back. It was a fleeting glimpse, but Usato could have sworn he saw the outline of a red lion.
Usato's mind flashed back to a novel he had read, one that introduced the concept of bloodlines and beast totems. He had always thought it was just fiction, but now he wondered...
Is this what they called a bloodline? Or a beast totem?
Usato's thoughts were interrupted by Kael's next attack. The bigger man swung a massive fist, and Usato dodged just in time. But as he counterattacked, he caught another glimpse of the red lion image on Kael's back.
This time, he was sure of it. The image was too clear, too defined. It was as if Kael's body was channeling some kind of primal energy.
Usato's eyes narrowed, his mind racing with the implications. He had always thought of himself as a rational person, but now he was faced with something that defied explanation.
The fight continued, with Usato using every trick in the book to keep Kael at bay. But his mind was elsewhere, trying to make sense of the strange phenomenon he had witnessed.
Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, Usato saw his chance. With a swift, deadly motion, he struck, his blow landing with precision on Kael's exposed neck. The bigger man's eyes widened in shock, and then he crashed to the ground, unconscious.
The tribe's warriors erupted into cheers, their faces filled with a mix of awe and respect. Usato stood tall, his chest heaving with exhaustion, his eyes gleaming with triumph.
But his mind was still reeling from what he had seen. The red lion image on Kael's back... what did it mean? And what other secrets lay hidden beneath the surface of this mysterious tribe?
As the news of Usato's victory over Kael spread, the entire tribe began to buzz with excitement. The stranger who had healed their wounded hunters had proven himself to be a capable warrior.
Thaggar's face darkened as he watched Usato bask in the praise of the tribe. He had been planning to use the stranger's healing abilities for his own gain, but now that Usato had proven himself to be a formidable opponent, Thaggar's plans would have to change.
Thaggar sought out his father, Thornek, the younger brother of the tribe's leader. "Father, I need to speak with you about the stranger," Thaggar said, his voice low and urgent.
Thornek's expression turned serious. "What is it, Thaggar?"
Thaggar's face twisted in a scowl. "He's gaining too much influence, father. The tribe is starting to look up to him, and that could be a problem for us."
Thornek's eyes narrowed. "I see. And what do you propose we do about it, Thaggar?"
Thaggar's grin grew wider. "We need to make him feel unwelcome, father. Make him doubt his place among us. I have a few ideas in mind."
Thornek's expression turned thoughtful. "Very well, Thaggar. Do what you must son. Dont fail me, be careful.
Thaggar's eyes gleamed with malice. "Don't worry, father. I'll take care of it."