He turned toward Chief Igris, who was observing the departing geniuses with his usual calm.
"When are we heading inside?" Max asked, his voice steady but carrying a trace of anticipation.
Chief Igris looked at him and answered with the same composure he always carried. "We wait for the arrival of the current Tribal Lord," he said slowly. "Only at his command are we permitted to enter the den of the Devouring Ants. Until then, we remain here."
Max nodded, though his curiosity deepened. The Tribal Lord—the one who ruled over all the dwarven villages—was a figure of mystery to him. He had heard the title before, but never met the one who bore it. If this person held the authority to decide when the trial began, then their power must be something extraordinary.
