Sights and Sounds

Before Ucha could finish agonizing over it, they had reached the end of the valley path.

Even after more than ten days, the lingering stench of blood had not fully dissipated.

Standing on the dark red earth, Ucha could not help recalling that unforgettable night.

It made him hunch over, even softening his breathing.

The valley entrance had now been completely transformed. Not only were there two tall ironwood fences, but watchtowers had also been erected atop the earthen mounds.

With such defenses in place, Eagle's Beak had become even harder to breach.

After confirming their identities, the guards allowed Ucha and his group into the Vale.

Once inside, his uncle and the others went off to haul logs, leaving Ucha and his sister standing there foolishly, at a loss for what to do.

Then several resounding shouted commands caught their attention.

"Look, The Reach soldiers are training over there!" his sister Una cried excitedly before taking off at a run.

Ucha had no choice but to follow. He saw a unit of around a hundred men running across the beach.

"Left, left, one-two-one!"

Though they were merely running, their synchronized steps, ringing chants, and disciplined bearing still projected an awe-inspiring, inviolable presence.

Especially when he thought of how countless Wildling warriors had been mercilessly slaughtered by this relatively small force from The Reach, Ucha felt an even deeper fear rise from within.

Yet at the same time, a strange thought quietly took root in his heart—

How wonderful it would be if I could become one of them...

Quite a few Wildling maidens had already gathered around the edge of the beach. Some had successfully found husbands and proudly pointed them out to others, drawing envious remarks. Those who had yet to find one kept asking around, searching for their own opportunities.

Una also went over and began gathering information.

Before long, she had set her sights on someone—a short young man at the very front of the formation, issuing commands.

She learned from the others that this young man, Gavin, might not look impressive, but he was Lord Caesar's steward.

Naturally, a man like that had high standards. Over the past few days, countless Wildling maidens who had thrown themselves at him had returned disappointed.

Confident in her beauty, Una decided to give it a try.

So, the moment training ended, she dashed out and headed straight for Gavin.

Ucha scratched his head where he stood. It would not be right to disturb his sister, so he could only silently wish her luck.

At a small market in the northwest corner of the Vale, Ucha traded the dried meat he had brought for oats, bread, and a small amount of sweet biscuits.

Then he had no idea what to do again.

He wanted to return to Tiger Tooth Village, but he could not bear to leave his sister.

Yet if he truly had to join the prisoner camp, he was unwilling to accept that either.

As he wandered aimlessly, Ucha suddenly heard someone say:

"They say this long Summer is about to end. Next will come the bitter winter and the endless Long Night. Demons that have lain dormant for thousands of years will awaken in the darkness and bring destruction upon this world!"

"Huh? Then what should we do?"

"Do not be afraid. The gods have long arranged for a savior to be born in the Land of Smoke and Salt. Holding a burning sword, he will lead the people in defeating evil and usher in an everlasting Long Summer."

Hearing this, Ucha could not help speaking up. "What you said is wrong."

The man looked up and glared at Ucha, but still patiently asked, "What is wrong?"

"I heard Wizard Saru say that the hero was born amid ice and fire."

"Ice and fire? Boy, then tell me, how can someone be born amid ice and fire?"

"Of course, in heavy snow and a great blaze." A devout expression appeared on Ucha's face. "Wizard Saru also said that our lord, Lord Caesar, was born during a winter snowstorm, and that there was even a fire in the castle that day. So he is the hero born amid ice and fire from the prophecy!"

By the end, the man's expression had suddenly softened. "Boy, perhaps the 'ice and fire' your wizard spoke of means the same thing as my 'smoke and salt.'"

"The same thing?"

"That's right. Think about it carefully. A great fire is bound to produce smoke, while snow is really just salt from the sky."

Ucha habitually scratched the back of his head. "So you also think Lord Caesar is the hero from the prophecy?"

"Of course!"

As soon as those words were spoken, the atmosphere immediately eased.

Ucha eagerly moved closer and began discussing the prophecy with the man.

The surrounding Wildlings listened to their conversation with varying expressions. Some looked reverent, while others secretly curled their lips in disdain... Yet no one dared openly refute them. After all, they were now all Lord Caesar's subjects.

Moreover, that previous great victory had deeply etched Lord Caesar's prestige into the hearts of these Wildlings.

They might not necessarily believe that Lord Caesar was the hero of prophecy, but a seed had nevertheless been planted in their hearts.

Perhaps in the near future, as Lord Caesar's legend continued, that seed would thrive until it became a deeply rooted faith within them.

Ucha, meanwhile, became even more convinced of the wizard's prophecy. It was not until his sister came looking for him that he reluctantly ended the conversation.

"How did it go?"

"Not bad!" Una's excited little face was flushed red. "He accepted the tiger-hide gloves I made."

"That's wonderful! Looks like I'll be attending your wedding before long."

Una accepted her brother's congratulations with a grin, then seemed to remember something. "Oh, right. Have you decided? Do you want to stay at Eagle's Beak?"

"I..." Ucha was still hesitating. "I'll think about it some more."

Una smiled. "I knew you would not be willing to join the prisoner camp. But what if it were Lord Caesar's guard? Would you be willing to join them?"

"What? Lord Caesar's guard is recruiting?"

"Yes. Gavin told me himself just now. The guard is recruiting a hundred new soldiers. The recruitment notice will be posted tomorrow, so make sure you sign up."

"Okay!" Ucha nodded repeatedly, but then grew worried. "But if they are only taking a hundred people, I might not be selected."

Ucha was certain that once the recruitment notice went up, Wildling warriors would rush to enlist.

"I believe you can do it!" Una's eyes shifted. "And if that does not work, I can ask Gavin to help."

"Yes, yes, yes!" At that moment, Ucha wished his sister would marry Gavin immediately.

After fidgeting for a long while, Ucha suddenly lowered his voice. "Sis, why not go see Lord Gavin tonight..."

Una glared at her brother. Then she tilted her head and pondered it, as though seriously considering whether it might work.

Gavin had no idea that a Wildling maiden had set her sights on him. He found Samwell and complained with a troubled expression, "My lord, you need to rein in those Wildlings! I counted them this morning and found that the prisoner camp has somehow gained nearly two hundred more people! This is too much!"

Samwell chuckled. "Is having more people not a good thing? It will speed up construction in our territory."

"But the consumption is greater too! Our food stores can last at most another half a month!"

"So soon?" Samwell's expression also turned serious. After pondering for a moment, he said, "I understand. I'll resolve this matter."

Gavin let out a slight sigh of relief.

In his view, although his lord spent money like water, he was equally astonishing at making it.

He just did not know where his lord got so much money.