241 Tribe (2/2)

This small tribe of Humans consists of at least 200 people upon initial estimations. The males were at least as many as the females, and there are certainly children with them. They even saw some females breastfeeding their babies, even so it still a pitiful sight.

Just from one glance, one could already tell that these people are starving. Their cheeks were sunken, some of them could even fit the word 'Skin and Bones' by how terrible they look. Their faces exuded sadness and hopelessness. For the most part, it seems that they have already given up on life. They were just waiting for doomsday to come and claim them.

They even saw some children crying, maybe due to hunger. While some of them were forced to work and push themselves into danger in order to feed themselves.

”How terrible…” Luna gasped in horror as she watched on. She felt a stinging pain in her chest as she saw their pitiful state.

”They must've been suffering for a while now.” Raven said, his voice slightly shaking as well. ”Though their tribe is somewhat hidden, it's not completely safe. Their fences could be broken down by a strong gust of wind or a rampaging boar easily.”

Raven then shifted the imaging a bit and continued speaking: ”Look what's nearby.”

Jackson who had been watching all this time gasped as he hurriedly sat up and exclaimed: ”Lair!”

”Yes, a Lair.” Raven confirmed, earning a gasp from the rest who were listening. ”If any beast in this place wandered just a little to far, they would be able to sniff out the tribe. Assuming that it didn't happen before. But looking at their situation…”

Raven didn't even want to finish his own deductions, it was just too ugly to even think about it.

”The children aren't getting proper nutrition as well.” Raven continued, ”I can tell from a glance, some of them are sick. The temperature at night is quite low, and this patched up huts won't really do a proper job of keeping them warm, it will only give them a shelter from the harsh sun during the day and it's not even doing a proper job at that.”

”Their men don't look strong enough to hunt for food. I guess they must've been feeding off by catching some wild hares and poultry due to their isolation. But that's not nearly enough for any of them. Look at the nails of that kid…” Raven pointed out.

Everyone looked at the kid he was referring to, more specifically at his nails. They were heavily damaged, most likely from bite marks. It seems that suppress his hunger, the kid was biting his nails and eating it. It was such a horrible sight that made anyone's heart clench in pain.

Luna couldn't bear it anymore, she clasped Alexander's hands and said: ”Father, we have to do something. We can't leave them in a situation like that!”

”I agree, Dad.” Balmung added as well, his face was somewhat somber. Even though this people aren't technically aren't their subjects, he still felt responsible over them. Specially after knowing their situation.

”No need to tell me twice.” Alexander smiled as he patted Luna's head, ”How could I call myself a King if I turn away from the people who needs me?”

He then gazed at Jackson and said: ”Can I entrust this to you and your men?”

”Absolutely, Your Majesty.” Jackson replied, ”We will also take down that Lair while we're at it.”

”Good.” He then looked towards Luis and asked: ”Can I trouble you to search for a safe route towards this tribe?”

”Of course, Your Majesty.” Luis replied immediately, he then urged Raven to manipulate the array so that he could start searching for a good path for the Lair Hunters to take.

”Noel.” The King called out.

”At your command, Your Majesty.”

”Select a few of your men to join the lair hunters. How much you send will depend on your discretions but keep in mind that you're escorting at least 200 people. Is that clear?”

”Loud and clear, Your Majesty.” Noel replied.

Then the King looked at Raven, who's looking at him as well. He smiled and nodded: ”Yes, you may go along as well.”

”Thank you, Uncle.”