After climbing the hillside, Ye Wei'an found that he could easily survey a vast stretch of the surrounding terrain. The view was so open that he could even faintly make out wisps of cooking smoke rising in the direction of distant Sword Valley.
Ye Wei'an immediately recognized the site's strategic value-easy to defend, difficult to assault, with excellent visibility and a reliable water supply.
His estimation of the Swift Spear Tribe rose another notch, and he privately counted himself fortunate:
Ever since he had conquered the kobolds of Sword Valley, the Swift Spear Tribe had remained at peace with him. Just as Nas had said, they were relatively "good," or at least "lawful," neighbors.
Had the Blackscale Tribe occupied such a strategic position, they would probably have launched endless raids against the kobolds and even his territory long ago.
But what surprised him even more was the settlement within the basin.
The Swift Spear Lizardfolk's home was nothing like the filthy, savage den he had imagined.
Nestled between the hillside and the water stood a neatly arranged little village.
The wooden houses nearest the lake were surprisingly well built. Their roofs were thatched with dried reeds, their walls formed from rammed earth mixed with timber, and long wooden piers extended from their doorways into the lake.
Several distinctive little fishing boats lay moored beneath the piers. Their long, narrow hulls were made of hide stretched over frames, unmistakably lizardfolk in style, yet kept perfectly clean.
Wisps of cooking smoke rose from several chimneys, and he could even smell the savory aroma of stewing fish and other aquatic fare.
A few young lizardfolk hatchlings played in the shallows, letting out shrill cries; fishing nets and salted fish hung drying on wooden racks along the shore.
Everything seemed peaceful and harmonious, brimming