-POV Traveler Huo

I saw the sage get called back into the hut again with complicated eyes. Why was someone so young called a sage? What had he done to evoke such reverence from these people? Did he perhaps raise the dead? I laugh inwardly at my own joke but my thoughts turn back to the man. I have never seen a man of his complexion before, his eyes too big and his skin too white. Perhaps he is even a spirit.

I did not know what he had done to be called a sage but I did know one thing, he was naive to the ways of the world. There would be no way that the city would accept anything but absolute obedience from the neighboring regions. They were adamant on growing bigger, stronger, and more influential. There was another small city not far from here that they will be competing with.

I look back at the door of the hut as a few elders approach me for talks. I hope they convince him of his foolishness.

* * *

-POV James

“You’re not done yet, Sage Jié Míns,” Chief Wang Wei says as he pokes out of the hut. “We need to discuss your… proposal further.”

I nod, understanding that I might need to convince them further, and follow him back inside. Inside the hut a smaller, more private gathering awaited me. The usual deference I have previously received was replaced by the palpable pressure in the air.

Chief Wang Wei began, “Sage Jié Míns, your proposal to teach the city, your so called advanced farming techniques, has caused quite the stir. We need to address the concerns that such a decision would entail.”

“I will speak for everyone here when I say that your plan is naive. We cannot trust these people who have already resorted to the slaughter of others. How can we be sure they won’t turn against us once they have what they want?”

I took a deep breath, ready to defend my idea. “I understand your concerns, Chief Wang Wei, but what other choice do we truly have? We cannot attack them even if we team up with several villages, as the city seems better equipped and probably more experienced with fighting other people.”

I look at everyone as I continue, “So if we do not fight, what else? Stay and watch or run away? That will not solve the problem. Other villages, maybe not us, will be run off their land and killed if they struggle. But if I can provide them with a farming method, and introduce ways to improve their crops, they will have no need to expand into our lands. This would put a stop on further bloodshed.”

I look at the Chief and shamelessly steal a quote from earth, “An eye for an eye leaves the whole world blind. The best move would be to prevent further bloodshed.”

This time it was Healer Mù Zhì who spoke up, his tone critical, with a hint of worry. “I understand the sentiment about stopping bloodshed, but with your techniques we would be empowering an enemy. Sage Jié Míns, no. Jié Míns, look at this not from the view of a Sage, but as a man. By giving them this knowledge, we risk making them stronger and more capable of overpowering others in the future.”

Undeterred, I continued to press on. “If we don't try to resolve this peacefully, they might end up pushing further and further, endangering everyone, including ourselves. Their need for land and resources is driving their aggression. If we can address that need, we might find a way to pacify them, or even coexist."

Another elder, one whose name I have not learned yet, spoke up, his tone held concern. “What if they see this as a sign of weakness? What if they betray us? We cannot risk the safety of our village on uncertain promises. They have already shown their willingness to use force.”

I hesitated, but decided to nod, “I understand the risks, Elder…”

Not a ripple of an emotion of insult on his face, only the concern for the village was displayed as he answered, “Chén”.

“...Elder Chén, but we also have to consider the potential benefits. This could pave the way for a peaceful resolution, one devoid of further violence and misery. We must be cautious, but we also need to be willing to take chances for the sake of everyone.”

The room fell silent as the elders pondered on my words. Chief Wang Wei finally spoke up, his tone holding resignation. “There is merit in what you say, Sage. However we cannot proceed without the consent of all these elders, and without any precautions. We must ensure the safety of the village. Is anyone opposed to this?”

At the silence the Chief said, “Since no one is outwardly opposed, share with us the details of what you will teach them, and under what conditions.”

* * *

Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

Since I was the one who came up with these plans, Chief Wang Wei ensured that I would supervise and assist with everything I could, from sunrise to sunset. One of the first tasks assigned to me was to find neutral territory where we could meet with the city representative.

That’s how I ended up waking early in the morning as Lóng Zhàn dragged me out of bed to start our search. The task felt daunting since I had no real experience setting up a place where both parties would feel safe. The air was crisp, and the forest was alive with the sounds of birds and rustling leaves.

Lóng Zhàn, Huo, and I began by walking through dense thickets and along winding animal trails. The sun climbed higher in the sky, casting dappled light through the canopy. We spoke little, partly due to the task at hand, as we constantly scanned the environment for any potential hazards, and partly due to Lóng Zhàn's apparent disagreement with my plan, though he still respected the elders' decision.

Lóng Zhàn seemed to walk just a little faster than usual, choosing paths that were slightly more challenging. As the hours passed, I started to sweat profusely and struggled to catch my breath. Huo, meanwhile, seemed to be walking along just fine.

I was about to speak up when I realized that Lóng Zhàn was doing this on purpose. Last time we walked together, he matched my pace, but now he was going just fast enough to make me struggle without falling behind. He wanted me to speak up, to goad me into stopping what he thought was foolishness. Out of spite, I refused to give him the satisfaction and continued at whatever pace he set.

After a few days, Huo claimed that we were roughly equidistant between our village and their city. It was time to look around for a suitable meeting spot, preferably a field where we couldn’t be snuck up on and that had a retreat route.

The afternoon sun was starting to wane when we stumbled upon a clearing that immediately caught our attention. It was a natural open space, illuminated by sunlight with clear visibility in all directions, and surrounded by trees on both sides that provided escape routes if needed.

I walked the perimeter with Lóng Zhàn, noting features that would aid in a retreat: large boulders and fallen logs that could serve as cover and break the line of sight. I tested the ground to ensure it was dry enough to hold a meeting. I considered bringing a table and chairs so we wouldn’t have to stand awkwardly while discussing terms.

Once we all agreed that this was the spot, Huo continued his journey to the city to inform them of our intention to meet with a representative. Satisfied with our choice, we headed back to the village. I marked the path on the trees as we passed, and Lóng Zhàn didn’t stop me. The journey back was even quicker, though I was frustrated with Lóng Zhàn for making me endure the pace. My pride wouldn’t let me say anything. I assumed we were approaching the village because Lóng Zhàn made me stop marking the trees, and it only took us a few more hours once the sun finally set to reach home.

I woke up to the village being full of activity as people seemed to be getting ready. Families packed essential belongings, ready to move at a moment’s notice. Children were told to stay close and follow instructions, struggling at understanding the gravity of the situation in their youthful innocence, they complained.

With concern, I approached the Chiefs hut. Inside there was a small gathering of elders and seeing me come in all eyes turned to me. I look for the Chief and can see him sitting at the forefront of the crowd. He looked tired, and I understood what was happening was an extremely stressful situation. But one thing was clear, we agreed that the village would stay put unless we can’t resolve, if so, why were there villagers packing, hunting and gathering to the extremes.

“If I may Chief Wang Wei, why does it seem like the village will move at a moment's notice?” I ask accusingly. Almost all the elders look away guilty. No they did not, I swear if they mo-.

“Do not worry, Sage,” the Chief says, “We will ensure that we do not move unless the negotiation falls through. The elders agreed that preparing right now would be better than being too late.”

I frown as I notice he was not using my name at all, but only my title. “Please, Chief Wang Wei, my name is James.” He answers without skipping a beat. “I am sorry Great Sage, I can not do so, please forgive me for not putting my trust in you, and planning behind your back as you were away.”

Starting to get unnerved by the whole situation, I quickly reply, “Please, Chief there is no need to apologize, I understand the circumstances are stressful and dangerous, it is only natural.”

The chief did not back down, but took it even further. He kowtowed towards me. “Please forgive our transgression and lack of faith.”

“I- I…” I lost my words, not knowing how to respond to this whole situation. I looked around at the elders and they all held their heads down in shame. Even Mù Zhì and Lóng Zhàn were avoiding my eyes. I was so surprised at this development. “Please Chief, there is no need.”

Chief Wang Wei, did not budge but maintained his position. “I- I forgive you Chief Wang Wei,” I say, and quickly add, “there is nothing to be ashamed of.”

The Chief looked up at me with relief but still maintained that guilty look on his face. He got up. “Thank you Sage. But like I have said, I will ensure no one moves unless the city moves first. We have further things to discuss and I do not wish to bore you.”

“I’ll be in my hut if you need me” I say, as I quickly escape the awkward situation. As I left the hut, my mind raced. That was a bizarre situation, they obviously had doubts about the success, but there was no need to prepare to such an extreme, or feel such shame for that.

Back in my hut, I poured myself a cup to calm my nerves and racing thoughts. I took a slow sip, letting the warmth spread through me. The drink, the harsh, worked its magic.

Looking around the hut, I realized how far I had come since waking up in this strange place. My once empty hut held a variety of tools and furniture. I had some makeshift tables and chairs, some tools for distillation, pots all around for various liquids and concoctions. Herbs were stacked or hung around.

Taking another sip, I continued thinking about the coming situation. It was obviously risky, but it was the best course of action. It would stop the bloodshed and maybe I can even make friends with the city, and exploit their resources to better people's lives? This was an easy decision and I would stay by it.