Exploration of the Lake Kingdom, Gem Trade, and Setting Sail Again

Black-gray coal lay scattered across the plains and was buried deeper still beneath the earth. The party stood on a coal hill, gazing at the flint field before them as they discussed the first trade between tribe and kingdom.

"Gems? Your tribe produces gems? In every color?"

Hearing Chiwako's words, Mountain Eagle Viho was somewhat surprised. He carefully looked over the old Militia's plain clothing, then said hesitantly, "If you truly have red or green gems, the tribe's headmen and Priests will like them, and be willing to trade flint for them!"

The Yome Tribe used flint and revered the flames of their ancestors, so they favored red or yellow ornaments. But the tribe did not lack gold or copper, and yellow ornaments were very common, while red gems seemed precious. Rubies were likewise esteemed by the eastern wilderness tribes, representing the divine heavens and earth, just like the Guachichil Dog-kin.

As for emeralds, they were the shared preference of the coastal tribes, the mountain tribes, the tribes of the Mexico highlands, and even the Maya tribes. They symbolized eternal life and also held the wisdom of the soul, and were revered by noble chiefs, Priests, and shamans! From this point, no matter where these coastal tribes were geographically located, they all in fact belonged within Mesoamerica's cultural sphere.

At this time, trade between tribes did not involve much cunning. Most of the time, both sides frankly stated what they needed and directly bartered goods for goods. Hearing this, Chiwako nodded, glanced at Puapu, and ordered, "Old Pu, take out two of the gems you're carrying and give them to me!"

"Huh?! Old Man Qi, how did you know I had gems on me!"

Puapu was startled at once. Almost by instinct, he reached out and pressed a hand to