"How did the tribe react?" Naga asked carefully.
"Not well," the young bear admitted.
"Everyone's worried. Chief's still strong, but he's not young anymore, and females don't want an old mate. Plus, if he steps down without an heir..."
He trailed off, clearly uncomfortable.
"The tribe weakens," Alex finished quietly. "Other territories might see it as an opportunity."
"Exactly." The young bear looked impressed. "You understand politics."
"I've had practice," Alex said dryly.
[UNDERSTATEMENT OF THE CENTURY!]
They followed the young bear—whose name turned out to be Clay—up the mountain path. The terrain grew steeper, rockier, but the path was well-maintained and clearly traveled frequently.
After about thirty minutes of climbing, they emerged into a massive clearing.
And Alex's breath caught.
The bear settlement was built into the mountainside itself—dens carved directly into the rock face, multiple levels connected by carved stairs and natural ledges.
