Beastmen: She Tames the Land-Chapter 104: Trading day

The day of trading came too quickly.

The Warm Pack prepared for the trade for approximately two weeks. They made sure that everything was ready. Multiple tests for the pre-mix, multiple blocks ready-made for the River Clan to try. They even wanted to go back to the cave to get more flare crystals.

Xeno vetoed the idea. Going to the cave now wouldn’t help. They had previously taken a lot from the cave. They needed to give them time to replenish. According to him, what if they need a large amount in the future?

It was the day before they needed to meet the River Clan, and the pack needed to set off. It was a delegation of five people. They carried the things they needed to trade on a trolley Visha had them make. Although the journey would not be smooth, it was easier for them to travel with everything stacked together.

Xeno is the person to lead the group. Kaelen will follow in the sky. He will scout ahead. The rest of the group included Krag, Chi, and Kael. As soon as they left the gate, they shifted. Krag and Chi, as usual, kept their usual form. The pack no longer questioned it. Even in human form, they were still able to keep up with them.

They also knew that Krag had a beast form because he could transform specific parts if he needed to. They assumed he was like Kit had been before, but learn to control it somehow. They didn’t ask his secrets.

They ran steadily on the path carrying the trolley behind them. It rocked as it pushed through the rocks, but it didn’t tip over. Krag and Chi were at the rear, making sure the trolley didn’t tip and also to protect from any danger. Xeno led from the front.

They were able to make it to the plains by dusk. They chose to settle near a small grove of trees that could act as a defense should anything happen.

"Kaelen, take the high ground. Krag, check the perimeter, Chi, get some water, Kael, grab some firewood," he commanded.

Xeno was direct. The pack was used to it.

They moved, each member falling into their assigned role. As they moved, Xeno stood watch. He made sure nothing happened to their products. He stood at the edge of the camp, his eyes sweeping the darkening plains.

The next morning, they walked into the open plain when the River Clan arrived. They heard their cheerful chatter as they approached.

Mira greeted him, her expression welcoming but professional.

"Leader Xeno, it’s an honour to meet you again," Mira said. "Where is Priestess Visha?"

"Our priestess had some things to take care of at the pack and was unable to attend," his voice was a low rumble as he spoke. "I believe Elder Mira has to get back soon, so let’s trade and return to our people."

"Of course," Mira replied. She had taken note of Xeno’s attitude before. She understood he was someone who got to the point.

"As agreed, an assortment of pots and bowls for your team to choose from. We also included some pots and bowls your priestess may need."

Chi went forward to inspect the goods. She picked out the things the pack needed, including some pots and bowls for Visha. They didn’t have many varieties when it came to decoction pots, but Chi was still able to choose a few good ones.

"These are all the pots we need for now," Xeno commented. "We also want to take a look at the iron scale fish."

"We have only brought a few." Mira sent a look to one of the males. "I wonder if you are able to use the scales from the fish?"

Mira’s query made Xeno raise an eyebrow. He knew what she was asking. Even if he had never seen armour, there are still tribes that talk. He never thought he would have the chance to see armour. He thought of the forge Visha had mentioned during one of their talks.

Their pack might not be able to use them now, but they would be able to use them later.

"We cannot use them for armour; there are other uses," Xeno stated.

He didn’t give Mira a chance to ask about other uses. The River Clan had only brought two fish with them. The two 30-pound fish took up a lot of space.

Now it was the River Clan’s turn. Xeno showed them the cement blocks and the premix.

"These," Xeno pointed to the blocks, "have already been made." He pointed to a closed basket. "This is what it looks like before it becomes solid. All you need to do is add water. We are willing to show you. You can decide which you prefer."

Mira and her group looked at the cement blocks and pre-mix. Xeno and his pack had brought 10 baskets of premix and 30 blocks. With the clay pots and pans they had taken, the blocks and premix should be enough.

They had taken fifty clay pots and bowls. They varied in size and shape.

Mira’s eyes widened when she looked at the cement blocks. Her hand went to the basket with the cement inside.

"Our priestess has asked me to tell you something," Xeno said. "If you add a small amount of cement to your clay, it will make it more durable."

The River Clan heard Xeno’s statement. They didn’t know what to say. If this were true, it would also raise the value of their clay.

Mira glanced at the people standing in front of her. She looked at the things they brought and compared them to the things they asked for. She didn’t feel this was an equal trade. They brought them so much benefit that they weren’t sure what to say.

Xeno raised his hand to stop what she was about to say. "We have already monopolized the pearls you trade. Giving this advice is only to strengthen our alliance."

The gratitude in the eyes of the River Clan people was so evident that Xeno wondered if they would try to join the pack next. But this was the effect they were hoping for. They wanted to let the River Clan know they weren’t to be trifled with.

If the news of their achievement got to other tribes, it could work as a form of deterrent. Which is why Xeno mentioned the iron scales having other uses and helped the River Clan make their clay stronger.

Now they needed to trade the pearls and the flare crystals.

"There are ten flare crystals in this pouch." Xeno handed the crystals over to Mira. "Use them carefully."

Mira took them with two hands and handed them to the person beside her. She then took out a pouch of her own.

"This contains 20 pearls. We are still harvesting. By the next new moon, we will have the rest," Mira said. "Since you have given us the chance to make stronger pottery, we will add the new pottery to the next set of pearls. You don’t need to barter. They are for your generosity."

After the trading came to an end, it was time for the Warm Pack to show the River Clan how to mix cement.

Under Xeno and Mira’s watchful eye, Krag and Kael taught the River Clan to make cement. They watched as the dry ingredients became a thick grey paste. Using the small block, they showed the River Clan how to mould the blocks. The River Clan exclaimed when they saw the finished product.

With the trade and demonstration complete, both tribes were ready to leave.

"When the new moon rises, we will be back," Xeno said. He did a small bow and left with his pack.

As they walked away, the River Clan stood there looking at the cement. They wondered what kind of people they had chosen to ally themselves with.