Two weeks later, Tyler stood quietly at the edge of his territory, watching the scene unfold before him.
Small houses were being built at a surprising speed. Wooden frames rose steadily, smoke curled from newly lit cooking fires, and villagers moved back and forth carrying supplies. The once-empty area now showed clear signs of life.
Two weeks ago, when Volks and the others had come for trading, they had made a careful request.
They asked whether their village could move closer, temporarily.
In the forest, this was an unwritten but absolute rule. No village could enter or settle near another's territory without permission. Ignoring it was an invitation to conflict, sometimes even war.
Tyler had listened quietly.
In the end, he had agreed.
But under one condition.
Now, that condition was being fulfilled.
