Talking to the dead

"Who are you?" Draven asked, his voice dripping with coldness.

"He's the leader of our tribe," Marcella snapped back, but the man's eyes held a smile mixed with sadness, as if he felt sorry for Draven.

"Come with me to my tent," the tribe chief suggested, motioning for Marcella to guide Draven and Sarah to his dwelling.

"But Karlan," Elder Carmell started to object, but Karlan calmly raised his hand, silencing her.

"I'll take care of this, Elder Carmell," he reassured before stepping away. Marcella then led Draven and Sarah into Karlan's tent.

Inside the tribe chief's tent, the atmosphere was simple and basic. Rough fabrics adorned the walls, and woven mats covered the ground. The warm light of a campfire danced across the space, casting moving shadows on the simple wooden furnishings, creating a feeling of rustic simplicity.