The old chief looked at the eager, sincere faces before him. His heart was warm, but he stood firm. "Nonsense! I'm old. I've lived long enough. You are the tribe's future! I have to go!"
"Because you are our future!" The young man who had been shouted at was stubborn. He stepped forward, nearly nose to nose with the chief. "If you live, the tribe has a future! Even if we die out there, as long as you're here, the tribe can survive!"
"Nonsense!" The chief raised his hand to strike, but the young man didn't flinch. He stuck his neck out even further.
Others shouted, "Chief, if you go alone, we'll follow! You can't stop us!"
"Yes! We're with you!"
"We'll all go!"
Some even grabbed their weapons, ready to follow.
The chief looked at his stubborn people. He couldn't strike them. He tried to scold them, but his throat was tight.
He could order them to stay. But he knew they would follow secretly. That would be more dangerous.
It was a beautiful, frustrating sight. The chief willing to sacrifice himself for the tribe's future. The tribe willing to sacrifice themselves to protect their leader.
Rhett leaned against a tree, watching.
He was moved. But wait.
Rhett had rarely faced betrayal. Thank the great Lord God Valley.
No betrayal on Roger's ship. No betrayal on the Blood Dawn. "Ah, my life has been smooth," Rhett thought. "Thank you again, Lord God Valley."
God Valley: "Tch."
Anyway.
Rhett watched the argument. He didn't interfere. This was their business. He had done enough.
He noticed the girl in the shade.
"Hey, what are you doing over there? We're having roasted meat tonight. Aren't you excited?"
Silence.
"Say, 'I want to eat!' and nod excitedly."
The girl opened her mouth, then froze. The question was too hard.
What could she do? Silence.
Rhett wasn't embarrassed. He didn't care about saving face.
He looked at her. She wasn't responding. He had to do something different.
Rhett: Good. You've challenged me.
Soft didn't work, so he went hard.
He picked her up, putting her under his arm. He laughed.
"If you don't answer, I'll..." He paused, thinking.
He needed a punishment that wasn't too scary, but not weird.
Holding her, she stiffened but didn't resist.
Rhett thought hard. He needed something that wasn't violent but wouldn't be cheap.
Finally, he got an idea.
"I'll make you eat burnt meat! Every meal! Until you talk!"
He shook his 'prize,' satisfied. It was a threat, but with a hint of concern.
Girl: "..."
She was surprised. Burnt meat was better than starving. She even felt a little happy. But she stayed quiet.
Rhett leaned against a tree, putting the girl on his lap. He felt her relaxed against him.
He looked at the arguing tribe and sighed.
"Fine," he murmured, to himself and to her. "She's my future vice captain. What can I do?"
He held her, watching the sunset. He enjoyed the calm.
The girl stayed quiet. But she leaned back, relaxing.
She might not understand safety, but her body had already found a safe place.