My Kingdom Building Done Right!-Chapter 54: The Plight Of The Black Wolf Tribe

Three days after Kael agreed to be Leone’s Vassal...

"I’ve never liked Arlo, so I’m glad he’s now dead." The Head Hunter of the Ashclaw Tribe, Ragan, chuckled.

"More like you’re glad to ransack his weakened tribe." The Head Hunter of the Stormhorn Tribe, Barka, sneered.

"Oh, come on. As if you don’t have the same thoughts," Ragan replied. "If you and your tribe were so brave, you wouldn’t ask us for help. You would’ve swallowed the Black Wolf Tribe on your own."

Barka had nothing to say to Ragan’s comeback because it was true. The Black Wolf Tribe might be weakened by Arlo’s death and the death of their warriors, but there was no guessing what a bunch of desperate people would do.

If they chose to fight till the bitter end, the Stormhorn Tribe might take a beating and face the same fate as the Black Wolf Tribe.

This was why they looked for an ally to shoulder the danger with them. As long as the two tribes worked together, even if there was resistance, they would be able to handle the aftermath.

Their Chieftains had already agreed that they would divide the spoils evenly, including the people of the fallen tribe.

"At most, they only have a dozen warriors left," Barka stated. "Let’s intimidate them and force them to submit first. That way, we can swallow them whole without suffering any losses."

"And if they don’t want to submit?" Ragan asked, already knowing the answer to his question.

"Then we end those who resist," Barka replied. "Killing a few will definitely intimidate and scare the rest."

For this mission to succeed, both tribes had sent thirty warriors each. They had suffered losses on the attack at Grimjaw Mountain, but they were the two strongest low-ranked tribes in the East of the Borderlands.

As they made their way to the camp of the Black Wolf Tribe, they saw some scouts from the other tribes as well.

But they were too few, so they simply watched the two tribes head to their destination. There was no point stopping them.

Right now, their only target was the Black Wolf Tribe, so the Ashclaw and the Stormhorn warriors ignored them. Making more enemies would only bite them in the future.

As they neared their destination, they noticed that the Black Wolf Tribe was already up in arms and glaring in their direction.

The five remaining warriors stood at the very front, their wolves growling at their enemies.

Those who were behind them weren’t full-fledged warriors, but they still chose to make their stand. Life in the Borderlands had always been harsh, so it was typical for teenagers to start combat training at an early age.

"Brothers of the Black Wolf Tribe, you already know why we’re here," Ragan shouted. "We’ve come to invite you all to become part of the Ashclaw and Stormhorn Tribe.

"Arlo bit off more than he could chew, and all of you suffered because of it. As long as you join our tribes, you will no longer have to fear for your lives!"

The one leading the warriors of the Black Wolf Tribe sneered. "You’re supposed to be our allies, and yet you turn your weapons on us? How can we possibly believe the words of traitors who defect when it’s convenient?!"

"As I said, we came here to offer you better lives," Barak replied. "Even if our tribes hadn’t come here today, the other tribes would. As your allies, we believe it’s best to welcome you all with open arms before something terrible happens to all of you."

"You already know Barak is right." Ragan supported his colleague’s words. "It’s inevitable for your tribe to be absorbed. The only question is when and who will do it.

"Are you really planning to fight to the death when you can just join us and live better lives? Who is your Chieftain now? Let me speak to him!"

The warrior of the Black Wolf Tribe, Rufus, gritted his teeth in frustration. He knew the other tribes were already planning to absorb their people, but they had come too soon. They needed time.

"We heard what you have to say, and I think both of you have a point," Rufus replied. "Please give us a few days to think about it."

Rufus understood he needed to buy time for their warriors to return with or without the help from the Alborin Tribe. Only then could they stand a chance against those who wish to swallow them whole.

"Time?" Ragan laughed. "I’m afraid that we can’t do that."

In a day or two, the scouts would’ve already updated their respective chieftains on the situation.

If the Ashclaw and Stormhorn Tribes failed to subjugate the Black Wolf Tribe today, a few variables might get in their way.

"Just a day is enough!" Rufus pleaded. "Or until tomorrow. We will discuss it with our chieftain and give you all a satisfactory answer!"

"Since the answer is already going to be satisfactory, then what’s the point in waiting?" Barka unsheathed the sword in his hand. "Tell you what. I will count to ten. If you still don’t give us a satisfactory answer... we will all make you submit by force!"

"One... two... three..."

Rufus’ expression became solemn because he realized that the people in front of him wouldn’t take no for an answer.

He glanced at the teenagers and the old men behind him. They were barely able to lift their weapons, and their faces were filled with anxiety.

Some of the women also held hand axes or whatever weapon they could wield in battle. Clearly, they had decided to fight. They would rather die in battle than suffer the fate awaiting them once absorbed by the Ashclaw and Stormhorn Tribes.

"Eight... nine... ten!" Barka shouted. "Time’s up!"

The tribes were about to clash with each other when a wolf’s howl reached their ears.

Rufus’ face immediately lit up. That was the signal of their warriors’ arrival.

They were so focused on their negotiation that they didn’t see the dust cloud rising in the distance.

The Black Wolf Tribe looked in the distance and saw their five warriors, led by Lynceus, coming down from a steep hill.

They charged in their direction in haste, their weapons drawn, ready for battle.

Ragna and Barak looked at the Black Wolf Tribe’s reinforcements in contempt. Adding five more warriors to the struggling tribe wouldn’t change a thing. At most, it would only add the number of corpses on the ground.

But it was then that they heard it.

The sound of hoofbeats right behind the black wolves, heading in their direction.

A roar reverberated in the surroundings as Ulric’s Blood-Crest Raptor made its appearance. It didn’t hesitate to jump off the hill, leaping a great distance to land near Lynceus and the warriors of the Black Wolf Tribe.

Five more green raptors made their appearance and jumped behind their chieftain. Not far behind them were the horses of the Riverfang Tribe, all travel-worn from making the last spurt to reach their destination.

Ulric recognized Ragan and Barka, and understood what was happening right away.

However, since Leone needed the entirety of the Black Wolf Tribe to be their people, he would not allow even a single one of them to die in the hands of the opportunistic bastards from the Ashclaw and Stormhorn Tribes!

The members of the Black Wolf Tribe cheered when they saw their reinforcements appear.

Ragna and Barka both glanced at each other, wondering if they should take a risk and fight together.

Their enemies were now more than half their numbers, and if they were to really fight, the risk of death was high.

Also, they felt a little apprehensive in facing off the giant reptiles with razor-sharp teeth, who were eyeing all of them like easy prey that would serve as their lunch!