Chapter 031: An Invitation from Roach

In an instant, all members of the Tree Tribe, following Tree Stump's pointed finger, spotted Roach on the mountainside. Roach, too, heard the commotion from the creek below, particularly as his name was called out. He had taught the tribe how to pronounce his name in Mandarin during their previous interactions, and they used it now.

Turning toward the source of the noise, Roach spotted the Tree Tribe by the creek. "What brings them here?" he wondered, puzzled.

Their gazes met across the distance; familiar faces recognizing each other. Unfamiliar with the situation, War Major and West Gate started to noisily bark, quickly silenced by a couple of well-aimed swats from Roach.

Roach waved down to Big Tree, signaling him and his tribe to come up the hill. He wasn't inclined to trek back down, especially since he planned to mine later.

It took the tribe more than ten minutes to ascend the slope. Upon seeing their ragged condition, Roach frowned. They looked desperate, hauling their belongings and their children, covered in grime, a far cry from the tribe he remembered. They looked worse off than beggars.

Big Tree, wearing an expression of utter exhaustion, was awestruck again upon seeing Roach. He knew Roach had been searching for horned creatures but hadn't expected him to succeed in capturing so many live ones. If a few men from the cannibal tribe riding young behemoths had seemed formidable, Roach's feat appeared divine. It wasn't just about the size; the number of creatures Roach had tamed was staggering compared to any human group, and these blue deer were no smaller than modern donkeys.

Noticing their forlorn state, Roach didn't hesitate to distribute the remaining giant goose and roasted river beaver among them. He handed a flint to Tree Cask, instructing him to gather some wood for a fire.

As Big Tree watched Roach skillfully start a fire using smoldering wood shavings, he was impressed by the simplicity and effectiveness of the method. Roach then set a handsome clay pot over the flames, filled it with meat, wild vegetables, water, salt, and chili peppers. Within minutes, the delightful aroma of a meat and vegetable stew wafted through the air.

The soup was ready quickly since the meat was pre-cooked. Roach served Tree Cask first, urging everyone to take a sip. The warm, salty broth with a hint of spiciness invigorated them, the floating fat and succulent meat enriching the flavor. For many, it was a revelation, experiencing such a hearty dish for the first time.

After everyone had their share, the small pot was empty—hardly surprising since it was meant for one. Yet, the tribe's regard for Roach had transformed; they saw magic in the fire, the pot, the cooking method, and the delicious soup, not to mention the herd of blue deer.

Dismissing their awe as something he had grown accustomed to, Roach casually asked about their dire state. Big Tree and the others poured out their woes, painting a grim picture that made Roach gasp. Cannibals were in proximity, far too close for comfort to his own tribe.

"I'm preparing to return tomorrow," Roach announced, then asked about their plans.

"We… we don't know," Big Tree admitted, uncertain.

They had nothing left; their treehouse was destroyed, and winter was approaching. Without food or shelter, their options were limited.

"Why don't you join my tribe?" Roach suggested. "You're too few to defend yourselves, and without a place to stay or food for the winter, you won't survive. We have enough stores for all of us for the winter. You'll be safe with us."

It was a generous offer. Roach imagined feeding them with the blue deer, oblivious to Big Tree's interpretation of his herd as a potential food source. The tribe was almost persuaded, especially after tasting the soup, far superior to anything they had known.

Yet, Big Tree hesitated, concerned about acceptance by Roach's tribe. "Would your leader agree? What about your people?"

Roach laughed softly, realizing it was time to reveal more about himself. "I am the leader," he said. "And my people will welcome you." With a reassuring smile, he prepared to lead them into a new chapter of their lives together.