Chapter 074: End of Winter

As winter drew to a close, the Han tribe faced a new challenge: transporting the massive wooden ship they had constructed to the river. This ship, built from scratch by the tribe, was a marvel of their ingenuity and teamwork, but its enormous weight posed a significant logistical problem.

"The ship's too heavy for us to carry by hand," Beast Fang remarked, his arms straining under the weight of the ship's hull which barely budged. The realization that the tribe would need a more practical solution to move the ship sparked a flurry of activity and brainstorming among the tribe members.

"We need something like the sleds we use in the snow, but bigger and stronger," one of the elders suggested. The idea quickly gained favor, leading to a rapid construction of a large sled equipped with sturdy logs as rollers, which would allow them to transport the ship to the river using combined strength and the principle of rolling resistance to ease the burden.

Throughout this process, the shipyard became a hub of constant activity. Children played around the peripheries, their games often pausing to watch the adults work. The women of the tribe, while not directly involved in the heavy lifting, supported the efforts by preparing meals and repairing clothing, their presence a comforting constant by the fireside.

Meanwhile, the newly named Thundercalf, now called "Run Run" by the children and officially "Ben Ben" after Luo Chong's suggestion, was gaining strength and curiosity. Despite its premature birth, the calf was adapting well under the tribe's careful nurturing. Luo Chong often found himself watching the young beast with a sense of pride and accomplishment. It was not just surviving; it was thriving, thanks to the tribe's collective efforts.

The eight wolf pups, too, were growing rapidly, their initial helplessness fading as they began to explore their surroundings more boldly. With each passing day, their playful tussles and mock hunts became more vigorous, drawing amused and sometimes anxious glances from their human caretakers.

As the sled for the ship neared completion, Luo Chong organized a training session for the tribe, focusing on teamwork and coordination, essential for the upcoming task of moving the ship. "This will require everyone's effort," he explained as they gathered around the completed sled. "Think of it as moving the spirit of our tribe from land to water. This ship will carry our hopes and extend our reach beyond the riverbanks."

The day of the move dawned clear and cold, the ground still hard from the winter's chill, ideal for rolling the heavy ship. The entire tribe gathered, the men positioning themselves at the ropes attached to the sled, the women and children lined up along the sides, ready to push and steady the load.

With a unified shout, the tribe heaved, and the ship began its slow journey towards the river, the rollers under the sled creaking under the weight but holding firm. The ship moved inch by inch, every foot of progress cheered by the tribe, every slip or snag met with renewed vigor.

Finally, after hours of labor, the ship reached the riverbank. The tribe, exhausted but exhilarated, watched as the ship was carefully eased into the water. It floated—majestically, just as Luo Chong had promised.

Cheers broke out along the riverbank, echoing off the water, a triumphant sound that mingled with the rushing of the river. It was a moment of triumph over the harshness of winter, a testament to the tribe's unity and determination.

As the sun began to set, casting long shadows over the water, Luo Chong stood by the river's edge, watching the ship bob gently in the current. The end of winter had brought with it a new chapter for the Han tribe, one filled with promise and new horizons.

Luo Chong felt a profound connection to his ancestors in that moment, understanding more deeply than ever the drive to overcome, explore, and thrive. With a deep breath, he turned back to his people, ready to lead them through whatever challenges and adventures awaited them in the seasons to come.