Said "there's another"

The trio reentered the tent with renewed energy, their determined expressions cutting through the tension that filled the space. The noise and bustle of activity dimmed as the tribal leaders and warriors turned to face them. All eyes locked onto Rice, Ryden, and Darius, and for a moment, the weight of expectation hung heavy in the air.

It was clear that everyone in the room was waiting for something—a plan, a strategy, or even just a shred of hope. The warriors with their polished bronze weapons, the leaders hunched over their maps, even the scouts standing ready to report—all of them looked to the trio for guidance.

Rice glanced at Ryden, his confident grin faltering slightly under the pressure. Ryden shifted uncomfortably, running a hand through his tousled dark hair. Both of them hesitated, unsure of what to say.

Then Darius stepped forward. His broad shoulders squared, his steady voice cutting through the silence like a blade.

"I have a plan," he said firmly, his dark eyes sweeping across the room. The murmur of the crowd stilled instantly.

Darius turned to the three tribal leaders, nodding respectfully to each of them in turn. "Each of your ideas to deal with these monsters is valid. But there's something we need to consider. Some of these creatures seem perfectly suited to counter your strengths."

Arika narrowed her eyes. "What do you mean?"

Darius gestured toward the forest region marked on the map. "The forest beasts are agile. They dodge the Toquiri's spears with ease. Even with spear throwers, piercing their tough hides has been difficult. You've said so yourself."

Zovar leaned forward, her ocean-blue eyes narrowing as she caught on to his point. "And the goblins?"

Darius nodded. "The goblins rely on overwhelming numbers. No matter how advanced your weapons are, fighting them head-on in a battle of attrition isn't an option. Not even the Varuka can hold out against them indefinitely."

"And the mermen?" Orvek growled, crossing his thick arms over his chest.

"They're slow," Darius said, "but their natural environment gives them an edge against traps. Fighting them in the water or even close up is a losing battle for any tribe."

The tribal leaders exchanged uneasy glances. Finally, Arika asked the question hanging in the air. "Then what are we going to do?"

Darius leaned over the map, his finger tracing the territories of the three tribes as he spoke.

"We switch it up," he said, his voice steady and commanding.

The room was silent, all eyes on him as he explained.

"The forest beasts have hides that the Toquiri's weapons struggle to pierce. But with Varuka bronze weapons and skill? Those will slice through easily. The Varuka should handle the forest beasts."

Orvek grunted in approval, his scarred face softening into a faint smirk.

Darius continued, his finger moving to the hilly region. "The goblins are many, and meeting them head-on would be a mistake. But the Katalu are strong and fast. Hit-and-run tactics suit them perfectly. The Katalu will deal with the goblins."

Zovar inclined her head, her ocean-blue eyes gleaming with understanding.

"And the mermen?" Arika asked, her sharp gaze unwavering.

"The mermen are slow on land, and their crude weapons are no match for long-range attacks," Darius said. "That makes them perfect targets for the Toquiri. Your spear throwers and your hunters' precision will take them down before they ever reach us."

The leaders exchanged looks, nodding slowly. The logic of the plan was undeniable.

Darius straightened, his voice ringing out with quiet authority. "Once each tribe has dealt with its threat, we'll regroup and assist the others. We're stronger together. Rice will go with the Toquiri to ensure their hunters have the strength and strategy they need. Ryden will go with the Varuka to bolster their morale and keep their fighters united. I'll go with the Katalu to help organize their skirmishes against the goblins."

He paused, looking around the room. "Any objections?"

The room was silent. Even Orvek, ever the skeptic, gave a firm nod of approval.

"Then let's get moving," Darius said, stepping back.

The camp erupted into action once more, but this time the movement was purposeful, unified. Warriors gathered into their designated groups, their bronze weapons gleaming in the early sunlight. Scouts ran between tents, delivering messages and ensuring everyone was ready.

Rice made his way toward the Toquiri hunters, his silver-gray eyes scanning the group as he handed out small packets of dried herbs and roots. "Trust me," he said with a grin, "this stuff will keep you sharp and give you energy. You're going to need it."

Ryden walked alongside Orvek and the Varuka warriors, his calm demeanor a steadying presence amid their preparations. As they hefted their weapons and adjusted their armor, he began humming a low, rhythmic tune. The sound was grounding, a subtle reminder of unity and purpose.

Darius joined Zovar and the Katalu fighters, helping them adjust their tactics and refine their formations. His voice carried across the group as he demonstrated how to use their speed and agility to outmaneuver the goblins.

As the sun climbed higher, the three tribes moved out toward their designated battlefronts. The alliance had been forged in trust, but now it would be tested in fire.