The night fell low from the sky, and the campfires sparkled in the camp. The harsh cold wave had passed, but the autumn nights of the wilderness were still warm. Thousands of Samurai slept in open grass nests, conserving their energy for the fight. The patrolling squad was on high alert, roaming back and forth on the edge of the camp. Further away, scouts on night watch vigilantly guarded within the mountains, always ready to combat the red-haired Canine Descendants.
In the vast grass nests, the generals’ tents were strikingly conspicuous. And at the center, surrounded by dozens of tents, was the commander-in-chief’s grand tent. A Royal Banner of Black Wolf was planted in front of it. Hundreds of trusted aides, clad in Armor and armed with bows, guarded around the Royal Banner and the grand tent. Their expressions were devout and vigilant, as if guarding a divinity.
"Great Chief, your loyal general, Keka, salutes you!"
Inside the grand tent, Chieftain Keka of the Red Frog Tribe kneeled on the ground, respectfully saluting Xiulote. Your journey continues at NovelHub.Côm
Keka had been confined by Xiulote’s side for almost a month, almost isolated from his tribe. His daily tasks were to eat and drink, and to receive preachings from the priests at regular intervals. His round face had grown plumper. Now, he had donned the attire of a Mexica Samurai, wore a silver Chief God’s Amulet, and had learned the etiquette of the Alliance. At first glance, he seemed like a minor noble of the Alliance. Only his hair remained red, as adored by the people of the wilderness.
"Great Chief, Miwa salutes you!"
Behind Keka, the red-haired trusted aide Miwa, wearing a Canine Descendants’ Leather Robe, also followed suit and kneeled to salute.
After the chieftain was taken away, he had been the acting head of the Red Frog Tribe, managing the daily needs of three thousand warriors. After surrendering, the tribe’s food supply depended on the Alliance. The Cactus Tribe’s War Priests came daily, distributing ample food while spreading their faith within the tribe. Hundreds of seasoned Samurai were also stationed around the tribe, often exchanging archery skills with the red-haired people, competing in Martial Arts, and promoting honors bestowed for military achievements and land grants. After just a month, some among the tribe were swayed.
Miwa watched as the tribal warriors began to praise the Chief Divine, drawing ever closer to the Alliance. He often felt uneasy, yet did not know what to do. At this moment, a rare look of anxiety appeared on the face of this red-haired warrior.
Xiulote smiled, patting Keka’s shoulder. Then, he looked at Miwa and said generously,
"Miwa, the Red Frog Tribe has now joined the Alliance as an independent force. You are the Deputy Legion Commander of the Red Frog Legion! How can this simple Leather Robe reflect the dignity of a Deputy Head? It’s not durable enough even for combat."
"Someone! Reward Deputy Commander Miwa with a fine set of Leather Armor and a noble’s robe!"
Xiulote ordered loudly. Instantly, trusted aides came forward with the prepared Leather Armor and robe, dressing Miwa. Miwa looked helpless, seeking guidance from Chieftain Keka. Seeing that Keka remained unmoved, making a slight gesture with his hand, Miwa obediently donned the Mexica noble’s robe.
The King raised an eyebrow and stared at the dazed Miwa for a while, then unclasped the Sun Amulet from his neck and personally placed it around his neck.
"Miwa, the Chief Divine will protect you! He promises you hope and victory, to turn peril into safety! Praise the Chief Divine!"
"Ah, I... Praise the Chief Divine!"
Miwa muttered, lowering his head, praying to the Chief Divine for the first time. Then, the instincts honed from years of wilderness fighting suddenly surged, filling him with doubt.
"Did the Great Chief just mention... peril?"
Xiulote glanced at the two men, smiled, and then returned to his seat. His expression turned serious as he earnestly asked,
"Miwa, how are the Red Frog warriors doing?"
"Great Chief, the warriors’ morale is high, ready to fight for you at any time!"
Xiulote nodded, asking again.
"The Alliance is at war with the Red Dog Alliance. Do the Red Frog warriors have any reservations?"
"Great Chief, the tribes of the wilderness often fight each other. Unless it’s the rare bountiful year, tribes hunt each other’s weak. Besides, our three tribes to the west have never gotten along with the five tribes of the East. Fighting the Red Dog Alliance, the warriors’ morale remains high!"
This time, Keka answered first.
"Oh? In that case, are the soldiers familiar with the Red Frog Tribe from the Red Dog Alliance?"
"Uh? We don’t have much contact with the Red Dog Alliance, and there is rarely any interaction between us, mostly unfamiliar to each other."
The Red Frog Chieftain speculated the Great Chief’s intentions, cautiously answering.
Xiulote mused silently. After a moment, he looked expressionless at the wide-eyed Keka.
"Keka, have you had any contact with the opposing Red Dog Alliance?"
"Ah! Great Chief, I am utterly loyal to you, with no divided loyalties!"
Keka’s back chilled, and he prostrated on the ground with a thump. He indeed wished to contact the other side, but being in the main camp of the Cactus Tribe, his own life was hardly secure, let alone finding an opportunity.
"Keka, the Guajili people stem from the same stock, so it’s alright if there is contact. You could persuade them to serve the Alliance together!"
Xiulote smiled lightly, his gaze fixed intently on Keka’s expression.
Keka shuddered, like a frog stared down by a snake. His expression turned fearful as he raised his right hand to swear.
"By the ancestors! Great Chief, since joining the Alliance, I have not had any contact with the Red Dog factions!"
Xiulote watched for a while, smiling. He then turned to Miwa.
"By the ancestors! Great Chief, neither has Miwa!"
Miwa paused, imitating Keka’s gestures, and swore,
"If I betray this oath, may my soul never return to the embrace of the Earth Mother!"