103 Rathes Rushed Return (1/2)
The sun was high in the sky, hanging over the council building in Iron Town. It set a warm mood for the council's latest gathering.
”Before I get started, is there anything unusual for you all to report or anything that needs our attention?” asked Vloz, currently taking the lead role of the council.
Hollen shook his head. ”Not that we know of. Thanks to the help of the wildebeests, we're more organized than ever before as a tribe. Like this, I believe we'll make a great army.”
”Perfect, that's exactly what we wanted.”
”There's nothing to report about the lake,” added Chief Defar. ”It's ecosystem is plenty strong for us to be fishing daily, so long as it's regulated.”
”Good, then we'll keep you and your tribe in charge of that.”
Chief Gar also shook his head. ”I've got nothing. There's still more than enough game surrounding the town. In the future, we'll have enough natural resources to support a small city.”
”Hmm… Then we'll have to raise more beasts in the future.”
”What do you mean?”
”We don't plan for this city to be small. We've already planned for a medium-sized city, the only one in the surrounding territories,” explained Vloz. ”We want to be a trading hub, and for that we need a city, but preferably at least a medium-sized city.”
”Do you think we can actually pull that off?”
”Chief Gar, you'll have to trust me. It may seem early, but we've already designed and laid out how the city will be organized and built, section by section. Eventually, it will incorporate all of your tribes and clans and gain a strong city wall.”
Pulla blinked, surprised at Vloz's ambition. ”Really? Can we afford to hire that many humans? It would take at least a decade to become a medium-sized city, maybe two decades…”
”No humans will be hired to handle the building. Us gorillas are stronger and don't need as many men to get the same job done faster.”
”But how can you gorilla's compete with the humans in terms of building expertise?” stated Puula. ”I'll admit that your house designs are quite advanced, but didn't you just buy that design?”
Vloz sighed and looked at all the chiefs surrounding him. ”We made no such purpose. It was our clan that designed those homes and we'll start proceeding with further construction once Rathe returns. I can guarantee you all, that our city designs won't lose to those of the humans. In fact, I'd say we can rival or surpass them in some aspects.”
”I refuse to believe that without proof,” stated Chief Gar. ”Show me the design, and we'll understand you better.”
”I won't, you'll have to believe me. Remember, you've all sworn to work together with us to build this city. If you want to back out, then so be it. But if you impede or halt our motives, you can be treated as an enemy of the Iron Territory,” stated Vloz, reminding everyone of their situation.
”Either way, we'll be constructing a medium-sized city over the next year or so,” continued Vloz. ”We hope that you all can help us reach that goal and share in the glory of the achievement as well. If you don't want to bet on our ability to do so, please make it known now.”
”Our Thick-skinned Stallion tribe will be staying and supporting you in whatever the Iron-body Gorilla clan does,” stated Hollen, not hesitating in the slightest.
”Thank you, Chief Hollen. Everyone else, please, take your time to think. No need to rush the answer, I can wait.”
The other chiefs all looked to each other, sighing in relief to have some time to ponder.
After a couple of minutes, Chief Defar chuckled, ”My Small-mouth Frog tribe has never had it easier, and we've never grown so much so soon. Thanks to you're help, My eldest son will be entering the divine class shortly and we'll finally become a clan. For that, my tribe is more than willing to stay and support you in anything.”
”Thank you, Chief Defar, and think nothing of the help. It's what's best for Iron Town, not just your tribe,” reasoned Vloz, still patiently waiting for the others.
”We'll also stay and help in any way we can,” added Chief Eefran. ”It's thanks to you that we're alive and well. Without your help, the other faction of our clan would have tried to wipe us out. The least we can do is stay here and work together.”
”Thank you, Chief Eefran. We're very glad that your clan is willing to continue lending support.”
Only two clans were left, the two strongest.