THIS BEAST-TAMER IS A LITTLE STRANGE

Kain wasn’t really surprised that Serena had been chosen to travel to the tribe, but he was surprised to be chosen himself. After all, Zareth is a Starchaser and not a Pathfinder, he really shouldn’t know much about Kain.

Still, Kain happily joined the small group composed of himself, Serena, Zareth, and a couple others meant to track down the Obari Tribe.

The rest of the team had stayed behind to tend to the wounded, their faces etched with worry as they watched their comrades disappear into the horizon.

The Obari Tribe was one of the largest nomadic groups in the southern desert, known for their mastery of medicine and their ability to survive in the harshest conditions.

But despite their large size, finding them was no easy task.

Each member of the group carried several sets of local clothing in a variety of colours and styles, provided by the Order well in advance, ensuring they could navigate this region without immediately being marked as outsiders. The loose, flowing garments were designed to blend in with the desert tribes with the added benefit of covering much of their faces due to the sheet of fabric meant to shield their faces from sand. Moreover, their brown and cream earthy tones and lightweight fabric perfect for the harsh environment. Enjoy new adventures from My Virtual Library Empire

As they approached the area where the tribe was last reported to be, Kain was disheartened to see the completely barren sandscape. Barely anything was left behind to indicate a large tribe had even been there recently. Moreover, the harsh winds immediately eliminated from the soft sand much of their signs of travel that could be used to follow them. However, Zareth just continued walking as though this were to be expected.

Eventually, after cresting a large dune, they saw the object of their travels. The Obari Tribe was a sight to behold and nothing like.

Their encampment was a sprawling collection of massive tents and makeshift structures, arranged in a loose circle around a central fire pit. The tents were made from thick, woven fabric dyed in vibrant patterns of red, gold, and yellow, their colors standing out against the pale sands, but not jarringly so.

The tribe was alive with activity. Men and women moved about, their movements purposeful and efficient. Some tended to livestock—creatures resembling larger than average camels and goats that were tethered to posts—while others worked on crafts or prepared food. Children darted between the tents, their laughter ringing out as they played games. Despite the harshness of their environment, the Obari Tribe seemed to thrive, their community strong and vibrant.

Kain and the others stopped at a distance, observing the tribe from the cover of the dune. “This is it,” Zareth said, his voice low. “We need to get in, find the antidote, and get out without drawing too much attention. It’s best to travel in smaller groups so we will travel in three pairs.”

Everyone nodded in agreement and Kain was partnered with Serena. Apparently, their extensive experience going on missions together was known to Zareth and was likely the factor in why he selected Kain to travel with their group.

Kain pulled out a fresh set of local clothing he had been given, choosing a garment in red among the various colours he had since that was the most common colour he could see in the tribe from a distance. In fact, based on the large flag flying high above the encampment, that had a red background and a crossed red sword and shield, red may be the representative colour for the Obari tribespeople and so choosing a red garment would help him to blend in.

Based on the selections of Serena, Zareth, and the others, they shared his thoughts.

Kain quickly changed into the loose, flowing garments. The fabric was surprisingly comfortable, its lightweight design providing relief from the oppressive heat although it offered practically no defensive protection. The others followed suit, their appearances transforming as they donned the local attire. With their faces partially covered by scarves or other head covering and their weapons hidden beneath their robes, they looked like any other group of local travelers.

“Remember,” Zareth said, his tone serious. “We’re here for the antidote. No unnecessary risks. If we’re caught, this mission could fall apart.”

The group nodded, their expressions grim. They knew the stakes. The lives of their comrades depended on their success.

As they approached the encampment, Kain felt a surge of adrenaline. The tribe’s guards—tall, imposing figures with spears and shields—watched them closely as they approached.

Just when they were about to cross into the colony, a spear from each guard crossed one another in an x-shape to block their paths.

Kain’s heart couldn’t help skipping a beat, but forced a pretend calm.

Thankfully, Zareth didn’t seem too surprised and reached into a cloth pouch hanging at his waist and handed over 6 gold coins, which Kain was an accepted local currency, one for each entrant.

After inspecting and counting the coins, and saying something that Kain couldn’t understand in the local dialect, they were allowed in.

The inside of the encampment was even more impressive up close. The tents were larger than they had appeared from a distance, their interiors filled with colorful rugs, cushions, and intricate carvings. The air was thick with the scent of spices and cooking meat, and the sound of music drifted from somewhere nearby.

Kain’s eyes darted around, searching for any sign of the tribe’s apothecary. He looked for any universal tell-tale logos or symbols that he’d recognize as being for healers, but didn’t have much luck—perhaps it’s the cultural difference?

Kain’s gaze flicked to Zareth, who was already moving with his partner toward a group of tribesmen engaged in conversation.

He realized that, unlike Zareth, his lack of familiarity with the local language and culture was seriously handicapping his ability to navigate the tribe. He needed information, thankfully, he had just the contract to help him.

As Kain wandered through the encampment, he kept his senses sharp, his eyes and ears attuned to any useful information while looking for the perfect target.

Finally, in an isolated corner between two tents and out of the line of sight of most passersby was an elderly woman sitting on the ground and washing and intricately dyed cloth in a large clay bowl. She only gave off the aura of the equivalent of a 3-star beast-tamer and her age would suggest she’d be quite knowledgeable about the tribe. Serena subtly stood in a position that would completely cover anyone’s line of sight into the alleyway while Kain released Bea.

The elderly woman barely had time to react to Kain’s presence before she was fully controlled by Bea. The necessary information was transferred to Kain’s mind, but in her memories he realized that high-level medicines aren’t sold easily to unfamiliar strangers.

‘Sorry…I guess I will need you for a little longer…’ Kain thought with a guilty chagrined expression as he gazed at the elderly woman standing on shaking legs.

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