Jeyne I

Jeyne sat on the edge of a workbench, swinging her legs absentmindedly as she watched Maron attack a piece of red-hot metal. The blacksmith's hammer rang down on his anvil over and over again, slowly molding a piece of steel into the shape of a pickaxe head. There were already a dozen of the metal crescents laying in a wagon nearby, ready to be sent to the carpenter to get wooden handles fixed on. Then it was off to Joseph's outpost in the south, or perhaps Ice Harbour by the sea. Jeyne had recently been handling Otto's paperwork while the Wolf Lord was searching for new bases in the mountains. She knew how thin their resources were stretched; both Joseph and Hadrian had been hounding Otto for more weapons, more tools, more men, more animals, more everything. The pickaxes were the best she could do for now, and perhaps the easiest to supply. After all, Jeyne had already commissioned ten pickaxes for her personal needs. Maron had created the metal heads yesterday, and she had gotten wooden handles fixed on by the carpenter this morning. The tools sat by her side in a leather bag.

Jeyne watched Maron working on the latest batch of tools. She hoped it would help their two newest bases get established in a timely manner, for fall was fast approaching. Joseph and Hadrian would have dire need of supplies by the time winter struck. They certainly shouldn't depend on the Wolf's Den for support, and would have to become self-sufficient themselves. It was crucial for the other outposts to become independent before winter struck and clogged all the roads with ice and snow.

Jeyne glanced up at the Wolf Den's tallest tower where Alys kept her argentavis, but neither woman nor bird was in sight. The sun had reached its peak and they were supposed to meet soon. Jeyne stood up from the bench and stretched her limbs. Maron had finished hammering the pickaxe head into shape and was now melting down more raw ore at his forge.

"Don't you ever get tired?" She asked.

The blacksmith stepped back for a moment to wipe the sweat from his brow and laughed. "Smithin' is my livelihood. So long as I have a drive to do what I love, it's not a burden."

Jeyne smiled apologetically. "It just seems rather repetitive to me. I'm sorry to put you through this but we need the tools desperately."

Maron waved her off. "It's no bother. This is just like any other day."

"Are you sure you wouldn't be happier working on another project? A new saddle, say. Or perhaps armour?"

"I've had my fill o'saddles for the moment," Maron grumbled, shaking his head. "Your friend's request set me back a few days. I'm a blacksmith, not a saddle-maker. Elk and wooly rhinos are fine but a bird's something entirely different."

That's true enough, Jeyne reflected. Alys had complained about how long it took for the smith to fashion a saddle for her mount. She was only anxious to take to the skies, Jeyne knew. Maron was not to blame either, for it was his first time building such an unorthodox contraption. Even with Willam's help designing the saddle, it had taken him nearly a week to hand the finished product over to Alys. Jeyne twirled her brown locks thoughtfully. "There must be something I can do to reduce the strain on you. Perhaps you'd be willing to train some apprentices?"

Maron paused to muse on the thought. "Apprentices. Aye, that could do."

"Perfect," Jeyne beamed. "I'll ask around the base and see if anyone's interested."

The blacksmith laughed and turned back to his forge. "Let me know if you manage to scrap together some poor fools. I'll be here 'till then." Maron prodded the fire of his forge until it was a roaring lance of red and orange. He grasped the handle of the cauldron using a pair of tongs and hauled it over to his worktable, poured the molten metal into a mold, then plunged it into a basin of cold water.

A shadow suddenly engulfed the hill, forge and all. Jeyne and Maron both looked up to see a massive argentavis spiralling down to the earth, its blood red wings outstretched in a controlled descent. The bird screeched as it touched down upon the hill, flapping its wings and folding them regally. Alys sat grinning upon its back. "I hope I didn't keep you waiting too long."

"Not a problem at all," Jeyne said as she made her way over to the massive bird. Its piercing yellow eyes regarded her coldly. She faltered a step.

"Don't worry, Crimson doesn't bite." Alysanne gave her reins a slight tug to the right, and the bird awkwardly trotted around to expose its flank. Alys extended a hand down to pull Jeyne up onto the saddle.

The other woman was surprisingly strong for her slim figure, but Jeyne still had to use a footstep on the saddle to fully make her way up. She swung onto the seat, behind Alys. The saddle was made of soft leather and hollowed bones. Crimson could carry nearly half his own weight and still lift off, a good five or six hundred pounds, but every bit of equipment slowed him down nonetheless. It was necessary to minimize weight so the argentavis could take to the skies. Alys turned her head to grin at Jeyne. "I bet you've never had an experience quite like this one."

Jeyne was already feeling anxious but she hid it well. "No, I can't say I have. It'll definitely be something new."

Alys laughed. "Just one piece of advice. You might want to put these on." The other woman dropped a pair of goggles into Jeyne's hands. The lenses were made of polished crystals from the mountains, similar to the magnifying glasses Otto kept in his study, or the telescopes that rangers carried. The circular lenses were rimmed by sturdy leather and held together by twine. Jeyne tried them on. The goggles were a bit loose but she tightened them up and they fit better.

"They protect your eyes from the wind, dust, and bugs," Alys explained. She pulled a similar pair of goggles over her own eyes. "Are we ready then?"

"Just one more thing," Jeyne said. She had almost forgotten the most important part of their mission. "Maron," she called out. "Could you pass me my bag? It's on that workbench right there."

The blacksmith found the satchel and lifted it. Even with his thick arms, he still struggled under the weight a bit. Maron handed the bag up to Jeyne. She thanked the blacksmith and lowered her satchel into one of Crimson's saddlebags. Jeyne tied the bag up tightly; inside were ten pickaxes, ten axes, and five metal spearheads — the products of two whole days of labour. After securing the items down, Jeyne did the same for herself. There were clasps and ropes all over the saddle to keep the rider's legs bound down. When she was finished, she straightened up and prepared herself for what was to come.

"Ready." Jeyne announced. She could sense Alysanne grinning like a madwoman. The argentavis rider kicked her heels against Crimson, and the massive bird strutted forward. At the edge of the hill, Crimson threw himself forward. Jeyne scrunched her eyes shut and grasped the saddle for dear life. Her stomach felt as if it had flipped inside out. She was plunged into a world of weightlessness. . . and then with a crack like thunder, all the pressure of the sky came crashing down again.

When Jeyne opened her eyes again, the Wolf's Den was falling away beneath her. Crimson's fiery wings beat the air, climbing higher and higher. The buildings below her turned into small blocks, grey and brown. The people were no more than ants. She could make out many of the guardsmen in the watchtowers waving up at her. Jeyne didn't trust herself to wave back. The icy winds tore into her flesh, pulled at her hair, and howled in her ears, thrashing and slashing. Jeyne's knuckles were white as she held onto the saddle for dear life. She was glad for the goggles Jeyne had given her, otherwise she would have been blind as well as deaf.

Crimson's mighty wings stopped beating and spread out on either side, stretching from horizon to horizon. Jeyne panicked for a second, thinking they were about to plummet to the ground. Instead, everything levelled out smoothly. The argentavis instinctively angled himself downward, gliding with all the leisure in the world. His wings would occasionally stir upward, but for the most part they remained still. Wispy white clouds raced along beside them for as long as they could, but even they were no match for Crimson. Jeyne could almost reach out and touch them if she wanted to. She found herself smiling despite the piercing cold and the constant torrent of wind assaulting her ears.

Alys was shaking up ahead. Laughter, Jeyne knew, even though she could barely hear it. The argentavis rider swept her arms out victoriously. Jeyne laughed too. The sky felt like an entirely different realm. Everything was so vivid and lively up here, with the wind and the clouds and the sun bearing down upon her back. The world below stretched on and on, countless miles of packed snow and tundra, interspersed with forests and hills. Alys followed a river, gently guiding Crimson whenever he strayed off course. The foaming white waters of the river rushed back toward the Wolf's Den, and eventually toward the sea; however, they were following the water the other way, upstream to the south. Jeyne had used this very river to find the Wolf's Den, back when it was just Kevan, Sam, Lori, and herself. Tracing it back upriver would lead her to the places she had visited on her way north. I wonder if the tribes that helped us on our way will still remember us. It's been months since we last passed by.

Jeyne was jolted from her thoughts by Alys poking her in the ribs. She wants directions. Jeyne took a moment to get her bearings. The dreary white landscape of the north had been replaced by dull green fields and hills. The trees were slowly turning into shades of yellow and orange, but many were still green. There was one tree in particular that Jeyne was looking for. She squinted through her lenses, scrutinizing every tree that grew close to the river. There! She pointed at the tree and Alys nodded, tugging her reins. Crimson banked to the left and started descending faster. They were headed toward a great sturdy tree standing triumphantly upon a craggy hill. Whereas the forests nearby were lighter shades of yellow and orange, this tree had already matured into a rich, noble red. It gleamed like a beacon amidst the fading summer landscape.

Crimson folded his wings and banked down, keeping his starboard wing angled toward the tree. The huge bird's shadow swept over the hill, swallowing well-camouflaged huts and hovels. Jeyne caught brief glimpses of survivors peeking out from their homes, while others gaped up at them from outside. A woman dropped her basket on the ground and fruits tumbled out. Others reached for weapons or shouted to each other.

Crimson spiraled down and down, until he was hovering above the top of the hill. Jeyne rose and fell with every heave of the bird's mighty wings, as if standing on a shaky raft in a storm-tossed sea. Crimson's wings flared one last time and then he touched down upon the ground with a shriek. They were alone atop the hill, save for the magnificent oak tree. Jeyne had a feeling that would change quickly.

Jeyne untied the clasps that pinned her legs down to the saddle and climbed to the ground, using handholds in Crimson's saddle as a makeshift ladder. "The flag," she called up to Alys.

The argentavis rider tossed a wooden pole wrapped in soft white fabric down to Jeyne. The flag was relatively compact and only came up to her waist, but it would get the message across. Jeyne unfurled the white cotton fabric as Alys climbed down to join her on the ground. "Might want to hurry," the other woman suggested.

Jeyne glanced up to see ten, no twenty, survivors and creatures approaching their position. The men wielded bone spears and wooden shields, while the women had arrows nocked to their bows. A single stegosaurus lumbered behind them, thrashing its spiked tail menacingly. A green dilophosaurus hissed and unfurled its frills. Two parasaur riders were circling around behind them, their sharp stone spear tips gleaming in the midday sun.

Jeyne untied the flag and lifted it in the air, waving it back and forth. The wind caught the clean white fabric and tossed it higher for all to see. The men and women hesitated for an instant but they kept advancing. Jeyne saw Alys reach for her sword and curse when she remembered weapons had been forbidden on their mission. Crimson was deemed more than enough. The argentavis flared his mighty wings out with a blood-curdling screech, daring any of the survivors to come closer. His wings are the same colour as this tree.

That stopped them all in their tracks. A few backed away, their eyes white with fear. None of them have seen an argentavis before, Jeyne remarked. And what a terrifying sight to behold. Jeyne took advantage of the momentary respite to step forward. She faltered when half the archers trained their sights on her. Don't let fear hold you back. She cleared her throat. "It's been a few months since I crossed through this way, but I hope the kind people of Heart Hill haven't forgotten the hospitality they showed me before."

She saw recognition flash through some of their eyes. Other survivors murmured suspiciously and clutched their weapons tighter. "I come to—"

Jeyne never got to finish her sentence. One of the parasaurs shambled over to her, a deep throaty rumble emanating from its core. The grey behemoth was nearly thrice her height, and seated upon its muscular back was a woman clutching a long spear. Alys was protectively stepping in front of Jeyne when the parasaur rider spoke. "Jeyne. . . I don't believe it. Is that really you?"

Crimson had taken to the air the instant the parasaur approached. Now the argentavis was circling around the hill, claws outstretched, ready to divebomb the rider at any moment. Most of the archers had forgotten about Jeyne and were now fixing their sights on the fearsome predator. Jeyne shot Alys a warning glance, and the other woman whistled for her bird to land. With crisis averted, Jeyne stepped forward to meet the parasaur rider. "It's a relief seeing you again, Merith. This is my friend Alys. We come bearing gifts."

Merith turned to face the other survivors. "Lower your weapons. These women have come to us under a banner of peace. I'll have the head of any man or woman that does them harm." Her gravel grey parasaur tossed its head back and bellowed, signaling for the defenders to scatter. With begrudging grumbles and a few more suspicious glares, most of the gathered survivors parted from the crest of the hill and returned to whatever they had been doing before. Crimson was perched on a jagged boulder, his sharp yellow eyes watching over Alys protectively. The departing men, women, and creatures gave the argentavis a wide berth.

The other parasaur rider galloped over to Merith, who sighed and waved him off. "That means you as well Bryndin."

"My lady, you should not be left alone."

"I can take care of myself. Off with you."

Bryndin shot her a concerned look. "I'll be down the hill if you need me." He kicked his heels against his mount and cantered off.

Merith shook her head when he was gone. "The other leader of Heart Hill," she said by way of explanation. "A reliable man, but too stubborn for his own good."

"I know someone of the sort," Jeyne smiled fondly. She saw Alys roll her eyes. "Anyways, I promised gifts, and you shall have them. Alys, if you would be so kind."

Alys coaxed Crimson off the boulder, then reached into his saddlebags and retrieved a satchel. Jeyne took the bag from her hands and dug around inside. She withdrew the items one by one and laid them out on the grass, amidst a handful of blood-red leaves that had fallen from the tree. Merith dismounted from her parasaur and gasped when she saw the offerings. Seven steel tools glimmered on the ground, their shiny surfaces reflecting vibrant red hues from the tree above and the leaves below. Jeyne had laid out two pickaxes, two axes, and three steel spearheads. She had chosen the best of Maron's work, and requested for the carpenter to fix dark oak handles onto the tools to match the bark of Heart Hill's central tree.

"Where did you come across such fine steel?" Merith asked in disbelief.

"A good friend, and a better blacksmith."

Merith chuckled to herself. "Figures. You leave on a borrowed parasaur and return to us on that flying terror. You must be living like a queen now."

It was Jeyne's turn to laugh. "Perhaps, but only compared to Heart Hill."

"Watch it. This is my home you're talking about" Merith jested with a smile. "It's great to have you back, Jeyne. Where are Lori and the others anyhow?"

Grief tore into Jeyne's gut like a ravenous monster. She had healed over the past few months thanks to Otto and all her new friends, but the pain still stung nonetheless. It must have shown on Jeyne's face, for Merith was quick to apologize. "I'm sorry, I didn't know. If you'd rather—"

"No, it's fine." Jeyne took a deep breath. Alys rested a comforting hand on her shoulder, and Jeyne managed a thin smile of gratitude. "We were attacked by the wildlife after we left. Not just once, but over and over again. Kevan was gravely wounded but he's better now. Lori and myself were fine thanks to Sam. . . but the way he kept throwing himself into danger to protect us. . ." Jeyne took a shaky breath. "Sam didn't make it."

Merith's eyes softened. "I'm terribly sorry to hear that. We thought you were all dead when our scouts found the parasaur we lent you laying on a blood-stained riverbank. Thank the gods you're safe now."

"Life gets better. I found out the hard way, but it truly does."

Merith smiled. "You're here now and that's all that matters." She eyed the newly forged tools again. "Come with me, we can talk inside where it's warmer. And I can't accept these gifts without giving some of my own in return."

She gathered the tools up and put them in her parasaur's saddle bags. Taking the beast by the reins, she guided them down the hill. "Come along now. Let's see if I can outdo you again."

Alys paused by the lip of the hill. "I should stay and watch Crimson. Will you be alright on your own?"

"I'll be fine. Merith has always been a great friend to me, as I told you before. Take care of Crimson, I should only be an hour at most."

Jeyne jogged to catch up to Merith. They followed a rugged dirt path that wound its way down the hill like a long brown serpent. All the houses were built directly into the steep hill-side; some buildings extended out of the ground, while others were completely submerged. A few survivors peeked out at Jeyne when she walked past, their eyes gleaming through shutters and doors. She passed the guest room that she had shared with Lori when they stayed at Heart Hill for a few weeks. It was one of the homes that was completely underground, with only a circular wooden door connecting it to the outside world. The current inhabitant had planted a few red and orange tulips in the grassy overhang ahead, Jeyne pleasantly noted to herself.

As they reached midway down the hill, the rugged dirt trail transformed into a flat gravel path. This was the most populated residential area, where the artisans and craftsmen worked. Jeyne was overwhelmed with memories of the past when she smelled the familiar scent of fresh-baked bread from the bakery.

All of a sudden, Lori was by her side again, giggling about some joke Kevan had just made. No, Jeyne thought to herself. Both of you are supposed to be back home at the Den. You shouldn't be here. When Jeyne tried to speak, no sounds emerged. It was as if her lips were sewn shut.

Lori turned back to her and beamed. "This isn't so bad, huh Jeyne? I could get used to this life."

"It's certainly better than living alone in the woods," Kevan agreed. "You don't mean to send us into the wilderness again anytime soon, do you?"

Jeyne spoke without ever meaning to open her mouth. "We can't live here forever. I know Heart Hill is a nice village but don't forget our goal."

Kevan frowned. "Jeyne, I don't mean to be blunt but hear me out. For all we know, this Wolfman might not even be real. I don't think it's worth risking our lives to find out."

"He is," Jeyne insisted. "There's just too many stories for him to be some elaborate fable. I wouldn't stake our lives on a whim."

"What I know," Kevan said. "Is that this village right here is real. It might not be your idea of civilization, but it's getting larger everyday. In the time since we first arrived, we've already seen so much progress. What's wrong with sticking around to see it through?"

"Another survivor showed up just last week," Lori added. "And I think the people here are really starting to warm up to us! Please just stay a few more weeks and give it a chance."

Jeyne shook her head, trying to make them see her side. We shouldn't settle for less. There's a whole world out there beyond this village. They just have to trust me and take that leap of faith. She sighed. "I know this place seems great — I would be lying if I denied the appeal of growing old in this cozy village — but this isn't all the world has to offer. You've heard the same stories as myself about the great kingdom to the north."

"Aye and what makes it any better than Heart Hill?" Kevan asked.

"The opportunity for a better life," Jeyne answered. "This is an entirely new world that we've ended up in. I don't know how any of us got here and I don't know if we can ever get out. But the great powers that will settle the fates of thousands are already taking shape. This kingdom has the potential to define an era and change the history of the island forever."

"You're talking all cryptid again." Lori complained.

Jeyne couldn't help but smile. "Then let me put it in terms you might understand. Heart Hill is a great place, I agree with both of you there. But there are dozens, perhaps even hundreds of villages just like it. How many have we passed through already? Six, seven? I've lost count. And some of them were no more than a handful of mud hovels and wooden lean-tos."

"You have a point," Kevan conceded. "But Heart Hill is the best we've come across so far. We can stay here and help these survivors make it better."

"And live under constant fear."

"When did anyone say we were doing that?" Lori asked.

"Well I thought it was on everyone's minds. Clearly not yours," Jeyne teased, tapping Lori on the head. She frowned again. "Every monster that wanders anywhere close to Heart Hill is a cause for alarm. Not to mention the slavers, marauders, and raiders we've heard so much about. If we stay here, we forfeit our lives to any power strong enough to have their way with the village."

Lori sighed. "All this talk about death and destruction is getting tiresome. Jeyne, just know that I'll be right by your side whatever you choose."

"The same here," Kevan added.

Well, Jeyne thought. I don't think I've convinced them quite yet but I did get through a bit.

"There you all are!" A familiar voice called. "Finally, I've been waiting ages."

Jeyne froze. No. You're dead. This isn't real. This can't be happening.

Up ahead by the bakery, Sam leaned against a wooden chair. A few other survivors were milling about the plaza after a hard day's work, chatting and enjoying themselves outside in the cool summer evening. Sam smiled and waved at them. "I saved us a table under the shade. Come here before the bread cools!"

"You're the best!" Lori dashed over to the table, grabbed a bun, and stuffed it into her mouth.

"What took so long anyhow?" Sam smirked. It pained Jeyne just to see him again. She couldn't bring herself to move any closer. You're dead! She wanted to scream. You're nothing but a ghost! A fragment of my imagination!

"The usual," Kevan groaned as he took a seat. "We were just trying to talk Jeyne out of her wild dreams again."

"Ah, give it a rest and just enjoy the moment," Sam shrugged. "Jeyne, are you coming or not?" She squeezed her eyes shut. Get away from me!

"Jeyne?" You're not real, you can't be real. I buried you. You're dead.

"Jeyne!"

Her eyes snapped open. Merith was frowning at her with concern.

"I'm here. Sorry. You were saying?"

"Come on in," the leader of Heart Hill waved. "We'll meet in my personal quarters."

"Yes. Yes of course." Jeyne shook her head to clear the memories away and followed Merith into one of the holes in the hill. She had to duck her head to get through the circular entrance, but fortunately there was lots of headspace inside the room.

Jeyne looked around, taking in the sight. The hole in the ground was richly furnished; the walls and ceiling were made of dark oak planks, while a thick red carpet covered the floor. A huge desk made of a polished oak trunk occupied the center of the room, with chairs on every side. Two painted maps hung on the wall, along with shelves containing tools and decorations. A dark oak door at the back of the room was half ajar. Jeyne could see some wool blankets behind it, presumably Merith's bedchambers.

The room was definitely more comfortable than Jeyne's own. Like many of the other survivors at the Wolf's Den, she lived in one of the group cabins. All her meager possessions were hung on the wall behind her cot or stored in the drawer that she shared with Lori. Eight other women lived in the same cabin as her, so there was rarely any privacy. She liked the cozy feeling of Merith's room.

"So what is it you wanted to discuss?" Merith asked as she took a seat.

Jeyne motioned at one of the maps on the wall. "Mind if I take it down? It'll be easier to explain."

"By all means, go ahead."

Jeyne rolled the map across the table and reoriented it so the north was facing away from her and Merith. She quickly located a big star by a river, which she presumed was supposed to represent Heart Hill. She followed the river up to the north, but unfortunately the map was incomplete. Most of the top was blank.

Jeyne waved at the top half anyway. "You remember when we left Heart Hill a few months ago to find out if the kingdom to the north was real?"

"Aye. You're back here now, so I suppose it does exist after all."

Jeyne smiled. "The stories were true. Well, most of them anyway. The North isn't that different from Heart Hill. We've got more people, true, but we share many of the same struggles as you."

"We have a whole host of problems here," Merith chuckled. "You'll have to be more specific."

"Food for one. It's hard to grow anything up north and our hunters can only do so much to meet demands. Safety for another. We command lots of manpower and tamed creatures, but there are other threats out there."

"You speak of the other tribes."

"Indeed. As of right now, we have no allies but ourselves. I have come seeking the friendship of Heart Hill."

Merith took a moment to mull that over. "I can't speak for everyone here, but I would personally welcome the friendship of the North."

"You have plenty of food and natural resources. We have steel tools and furs for when the seasons change. Establishing trade between our two groups would benefit everyone."

Merith smiled. "If those gifts of yours were any indication, I think my people would welcome more trade with the North. Well, there's not much more I can say to that. You have yourself a deal." Merith extended her open hand.

Jeyne took it with a firm grasp. "Let this moment mark the beginning of a great friendship for years to come."

"And so the alliance begins," Merith agreed.

Jeyne smiled. I did it. Otto will be pleased to know that I succeeded. Her heart skipped a beat. This is the beginning of something truly wonderful. I just have to care for it and it will continue to blossom.

"This occasion deserves some of my finest wine. Take a flagon to celebrate, my friend." Merith went to her cupboard and retrieved a cup, then moved to fill it from a cask in the corner.

Jeyne waved her off "Thank you for the consideration, but that won't be necessary. Unfortunately I have other visits to make."

Jeyne examined the map, in particular noting the bright dots along the river. All of them represent villages. I visited some on my way north but never set foot in the others. I always knew Heart Hill would be the easiest to forge a friendship with. The others will be harder.

Merith came to peer over her shoulder. "We have contact with some of these tribes. Honeysuckle, Keswick, and Oldstones look to us for protection. They'll follow Heart Hill into this alliance. I cannot promise anything about the others."

"Any information about them would be enough," Jeyne assured her.

"Then let this map be my first gift to you. Take it with you when searching for the others."

"That would be a great help. Thank you."

"One word of advice." Merith pointed at some dots near the bottom corner of the map. "You would do well to stay away from these villages. They may be small, but they are very hostile to outsiders. If you want to meet with them I suggest returning with a larger party."

"As you say. I will avoid them on this run."

Merith smiled and motioned for Jeyne to follow her outside. "Very well then. You're all set and I won't hold you back any longer. Before you go though, I need to give you some gifts in return."

"That won't be necessary, your friendship is enough." Jeyne rolled the map up and followed Merith outside.

"I insist. I will not let you return to your kingdom without anything to show for it."

Merith led the way up the gravel path that spiralled around the hill. About halfway up, she popped into a building by the side and returned a few minutes later with a basket of artisan goods. "Some of Heart Hill's finest produce," she announced. "Wheels of cheese, loafs of bread, bolts of cloth, and our sweetest jam."

Jeyne beamed and accepted the basket. "Thank you. Our survivors will enjoy these gifts greatly. We shall eat in your honor tonight."

"The men and women of Heart Hill shall do the same for you."

As Jeyne ascended the hill, she couldn't help but think of her friends again. Kevan and Lori would be delighted to know that she had successfully established an alliance with Heart Hill. Otto would be overjoyed as well. That alone made it all worthwhile. And hopefully Sam will rest easier knowing his sacrifice wasn't for nothing.

"I'll let the survivors of the Wolf's Den know the good knews once I return. You can expect a trade caravan anytime in the next few weeks with the first of our furs and tools."

"And you can expect it to be loaded with Heart Hill's produce on the way back."

Jeyne laughed. "If I recall correctly. When I left Heart Hill the first time I promised I would get that parasaur back to you safely."

"Well, the Island always has other plans," Merith shrugged. "Don't trouble yourself, nobody was expecting it back anyway."

"Well I won't stop that from making good on my promise," Jeyne insisted. "I'll tell Otto to send two megaloceros for you to keep. Even the largest bucks can't quite match a parasaur in sheer strength, but they make up for it in speed."

"That would be wonderful but unfortunately we can't spare any creatures to give in return." Merith frowned. "I'll think of something by the time your people arrive, mark my words."

Jeyne laughed. "That won't be necessary. I'm repaying you for your hospitality, remember? How else are we supposed to get even."

Merith couldn't help but smile as they reached the crest of the hill. "Very well, but just this once. I won't let you outdo me ever again."

"We'll just have to see, won't we?"

Jeyne waved at Alys, who was leaning against a rock beside her bird. She stood up and helped Jeyne get the basket of Heart Hill goods inside one of Crimson's saddlebags. When they were all set, the two women mounted the argentavis again. "Until next time!" Jeyne called down to Merith. The leader of Heart Hill waved back. With that, Alys spurred her heels into Crimson and the great bird took wing.

Author's note: Sorry for the longer than intended haitus. I'm back and will try to pump out more chapters during this break!

Girlbook, we shall see the wolves again soon, not to fret!

Raimon, thanks, I'm glad you enjoyed!

DinoNerd89, thanks for the review! There are many interesting possibilities to explore for sure with these new tribes, can't wait to see how you and the others enjoy them!

jamesduen, haha thanks! I'm glad you're starting to enjoy the creative liberties I took. I hope the story continues to please you in the future!

Bladerunner24k, thanks for the review! Sorry to disappoint but no mammoths. . . yet!

Caleb R. Waterson, thanks I'm glad you enjoyed the chapter! There will only be more and more inter-tribe action in the chapters to come so you'll get to see what I have in store very soon!

The-Library-Goblin, thanks that was fun to read! I liked how you jumped into action right away. The descriptions and imagery were all great and helped to immerse me in the story. I also really enjoyed how you described flight and the procedures that it requires, including saddle buckles and goggles (which I also used in my own story). All in all, this was a very good start and I enjoyed reading it, as I'm sure others would too if you published it. Just one question though: I noticed many parallels between my tribe and the Den you described in your story. Was the tribe my story is centered around the inspiration for the one in yours? Just curious, no harm done! It's fun to think about is all.

Thanks for taking the time to check out my work, I hope you enjoyed the chapter! Feel free to comment, ask questions, or criticize my story, review is always welcome! If you liked what you saw, make sure to check out the other ARK stories on this site! Have a great day!

- DaRumpyBurr