Gregory had gained the approval of the tribe’s chief, and it seemed that meant he would become part of the tribe. This also meant that he would be having some extra difficulty in getting back home, not knowing how to rectify the timeline. He could definitely learn from these people though, if not in crafting skills, at least in the ways of magic. Dressing in some ceremonial clothing he had gotten from the chieftain, Gregory prepared himself completely for the event in his honor. ’I don’t think I’ve changed anything yet, though why I can’t escape this timeline confuses me.’
Fully dressed, and now fully prepared for the ceremony, Gregory left his tent and went for the center of the village. As he walked, he realized that he seemed to be late to his own party. All the tents he was passing were empty and he could see that there was magic flowing in the center of the village. ’Should’ve gotten ready sooner, but this can be a good demonstration to the kind of power these people possess. From what I’ve heard though, magic was never used in combat. That means that all this magic is just used for rituals and livelihood. For such a thing to be true means that their creativity in spells must be unique. Perhaps I can learn how to live off magic using the things I can learn in this time.’
Reaching the center of the village, he saw three shaman dancing about the fire, sparking it larger with every movement. They were all channeling energy into the fire, and it seemed to be reaching higher than he could imagine. ’If something like this were used for combat, there’d be serious problems for any enemies. Even my fire based spell would’ve match up to the heat or height that this spell covers. Not to mention it is harder to make a taller flame, than a flame covering more area.’
Gregory had been instructed to wait for the chief’s announcement of him before coming to stand in front of the tribe. It sounded like they would perform the ritual to bring out his animal later on, probably since they still did not completely trust him. They did believe that he couldn’t hurt them though, due to the fact that he was completely human and that made him weaker. At least in their eyes it made him weaker; they only fought physically, so being weaker physically meant being weaker to them. What they didn’t know is that as an individual, his magic surpassed even their best shaman, and would make him a match for nearly any of them.
Still though, Gregory was amazed at the power and skill with which these people wielded magic. Not a single one of them didn’t have it, and the shaman seemed capable of almost any form of magic. ’If they ever used magic for combat, I’d be sorry for the army up against them. I know I’ve thought this before, but it is just indisputable. Their power in magic seems unmatched, at least by conventional means. On top of that, they could counter nearly any element. If I knew what I know now when I first heard Aetius tell me to get away, I would have at least gotten away if I couldn’t move through time at that moment. Now, I can’t move through time and have no idea what I should do to get back to my time.’
The time had come for Gregory to come up next to the chief, and be appointed a member of the tribe. This would normally have never happened, but Gregory was definitely not from another tribe and had proven himself capable of helping the village. It didn’t seem he was an enemy, and would probably be able to help substantially if he could create more weapons like he had for the chief. These were the thoughts racing through the chief’s mind when he made the decision to let this young man become a member of the tribe. Regardless of all logic though, Nahko’s mind screamed that this young man would change their tribe forever if he was allowed in. He guessed that it was just the animal talking though, Gregory had made the point that he was capable and would help out.
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[b][color=yellow]”I am here to present this young man to you as a member of the tribe. He has proven to me that he is able to help us by manufacturing powerful weapons, and I think he will be the one to assist us in outfitting all our fighters. In one week’s time, he will be given the right to perform the ritual to transform himself as we all have been. If there is anything you find against him in that time bring it to me, and the ritual will be put off.”[/i]
The chief said such a thing, hoping that he could find a reason to refuse the young man. Gregory sent shivers up his spine, but he wanted to believe that Gregory would only help them. [color=yellow]’The first thing I need to do is let this young man in on the ability to get into the village.’
At the same time, Gregory was confused by this man, his entire status window was hidden from him. It seemed that until the ceremony was over, he wouldn’t be able to read this man at all. Although, all the other people of the village had their status menu’s available as soon as the chief let everybody know he was a member of the tribe. It confused Gregory, but he thought it best to leave it alone until he had a chance to talk to the chief later.
Using his Reveal so often had also given him a few more levels and gotten it to a level of 75 now. It gave him a new ability with it, the ability to reveal people’s emotional states. Using it showed that many of the people had a similar feeling toward him. Interest and curiosity were almost universal, while there were some that had feelings such as envy and desire as well. ’Probably not a good idea to make love interests here. That could really change history if it happened. It would be for the best if I could just get through my studies here and then get back to my timeline.’
Many of the women were also rather unappealing to him, their square facial features something that he did not find attractive in comparison to the women of European descent found in most of America at his time. The sharper and more round features of the nose and chin were something he had grown to find attractive, and the fact that many Native American’s did not have those features pushed his attractions away from them.
As the ceremony finished, the festivities finally ending, Gregory was pulled aside by the chief. The chief wanted to tell Gregory about how to travel through the barrier surrounding the village, which would be a magical venture all on its own.
This chapter is short I know, but I didn't want to rush the development in the next chapter. I know this is a cliffhanger, but it is definitely a worthwhile cliffhanger with a good area for development next chapter. There will be a bit of a "training montage" in the next chapter, so whatever he does next chapter will be spaced out over quite some time.