"The Main God bear witness! I've decided. Don't any of you try to stop me!..."
The vast bay was calm and waveless, with plump fish occasionally leaping up and splashing faint glimmers of water. On the plains along the shore, the fleet's leaders spoke in low voices, as if faced with some choice that was hard to make. The five hunters of the Miwok People stood on the other side, close to their small boat. As they waited patiently, they warily watched the arguing crowd.
"Since the chief of the North Bay Tribe has issued an invitation, he shouldn't harbor too much ill will. On the contrary, if we refuse his invitation, we may very well cause the other side to misjudge us, even spark conflict and killing... And we have only just arrived here. The fields have just been planted, the houses haven't been repaired yet, and we must have a stretch of peaceful days to put down our roots!"
Scholar Miki's eyes were firm as he looked at the other leaders and tightly gripped the Sun Amulet at his neck.
"The Main God blesses me! I'm going to the North Bay Tribe! If we're going to settle here for the long term, then we must make contact with the surrounding tribes! Besides, the fleet doesn't have much food left either. We have to trade with the Miwok People!..."
"Miki, I didn't say I wouldn't let you go..."
Exploration captain Zuwaro furrowed his brow, obvious worry on his face.
"It's just, if you go alone and something happens... Why not let Shijian take a squad of armored warriors with you to the North Bay Tribe? I'll bring ten Longships and meet you from the shore..."
"Zuwaro, I'm not alone. I still have Deer Worm to translate."
Scholar Miki smiled