Chapter 26 Revelations

The following morning, after the embers of the night's fire had cooled and the village had woken to another day, Brandon sought out Naman, the old shaman. The man was busy grinding herbs for an upcoming ceremony, but he paused, sensing Brandon's urgency.

"Naman," Brandon began, taking a seat opposite the old man, "you spoke of cities and chosen ones last night. I've been on this earth for more years than I can remember, and yet I've never encountered such places or people. Can you tell me more about them?"

Naman studied Brandon for a moment, seeing the genuine curiosity and hunger for knowledge in his eyes. "The tales I speak of are passed down through generations. I myself have never seen these cities, but our ancestors spoke of them, great shining places where the chosen ones live."

Brandon leaned in closer, intrigued. "And who are these chosen ones?"

"They are said to be individuals blessed by the gods, possessing knowledge and tools beyond our understanding. To us, it seems like magic, but it's whispered that it's not spells or charms but rather advanced... creations. Things we wouldn't understand," Naman explained, choosing his words carefully.

Brandon pondered this for a moment. "Why don't they interact with tribes like yours? If they have such advancements, surely they could help or guide."

Naman sighed. "There are tales that some of the chosen ones believe they are superior, that tribes like ours are beneath them. There are others who fear us, thinking we might desire their knowledge and 'magic.' But mostly, they keep to themselves, engrossed in their vast cities, away from the wilderness and tribes."

Brandon frowned. "It sounds divisive. An entire section of people, living with advancements and not sharing it with the rest."

Naman nodded. "It's a sorrowful truth, but it's the way of the world. The cities have their own issues, politics, and power struggles. Maybe they are too consumed by their own worlds to notice ours."

The conversation deepened Brandon's understanding of this world's dichotomies, and he thanked the shaman. As he walked away, thoughts swirled in his mind. He had so much more to learn, so much more to see, but for now, he was grateful for the tribe and the knowledge they shared with him.

Days turned to weeks and weeks to months, with the rhythms of tribal life ingraining themselves deeply within Brandon's existence. Each morning, after a brief meditation and cultivation to align himself with the energies of the world, he would join in the daily activities of the tribe. Whether it was joining the men in their hunts or learning the delicate art of herb gathering from Ninsianna, each day was a new experience.

Kadash and Surim's antics continued to be a source of amusement for the tribe. Their adventurous spirits often led them to explore new areas, and Brandon, drawn by their infectious enthusiasm, would sometimes accompany them. Together, they discovered hidden waterfalls, secret meadows, and even once stumbled upon a grove filled with luminescent flowers that shimmered in the moonlight.

Every evening, the tribe would come together around the communal fire. The soft glow of the flames, combined with the melodic hum of the songs and the rhythmic beat of the dances, created an atmosphere of unity and belonging. As Brandon immersed himself in these traditions, he felt an overwhelming sense of kinship with these people.

His cultivation, done consistently at dawn, was starting to show more profound effects. His senses were heightened, he felt more attuned to the energies around him, and his connection with nature deepened. And with each day spent under the sun, his once pale skin began to bronze, marking him even more as a part of this land and its people.

One evening, as the embers of the fire danced into the night, Naman spoke of an important event. "The time is approaching," he began with a solemn tone, "when, once every five years, tribes from all over the region gather for the Grand Assembly."

The news brought forth a wave of excitement among the tribe members. The Grand Assembly was not only a time for hunting but also an occasion of significant importance, where tribes exchanged knowledge, formed alliances, and celebrated together in a display of unity and brotherhood.

"It is a time of deep significance," Naman continued, "where we come together as one, setting aside differences, and embarking on the great hunts that the Assembly is known for. There, we also share stories, trade valuable goods, and renew our bonds with other tribes."

As the tribe began its preparations for the journey, Brandon felt a sense of anticipation. He had heard tales of the Grand Assembly, of the vast gatherings, the exhilarating hunts, and the deep spiritual ceremonies that were a part of this event. And now, he was about to be a part of this age-old tradition.

With the Grand Assembly looming on the horizon, the tribe was abuzz with activity. There were weapons to be forged, clothes to be mended, and provisions to be gathered. And as the days passed, Brandon found himself eagerly awaiting the day they would set out, ready to experience another facet of this world and its rich tapestry of cultures.