The young man nodded. He had only offered his advice, nothing more. He owed much to the tribes scattered across these mountains—they had sheltered him, fed him, and taught him things no European doctor ever could. Because of that, he felt a natural empathy toward them. Still, he knew better than to push further. Krugger was a general, not a diplomat, and more importantly, not the true power behind this expedition.
That authority rested with the old patriarch, Carlos.
"Okey," the young man said after a brief pause. "Let's go. I know one of their settlements. They helped me when I was younger."
Krugger studied his face for a moment, then nodded. He turned to one of his aides and spoke in a low but firm voice.
"Wait here. I'll take two soldiers and speak with them directly. Prepare the weapons just in case. I've heard too many reports of indigenous attacks on Europeans to be careless."
The aide glanced at the young man and leaned closer to Krugger, lowering his voice.
