Elemental Spirit

Bashana Runetotem, her eyes swollen, carefully examined the killer's body.

This unexpected grief had forced the girl to grow up, though in a cruel way.

The two hunters came outside the tent.

Tamara leaned against a post, closed her eyes, and sorted through the chaotic thoughts in her mind. The elderly hunter, meanwhile, scanned the surroundings and remained vigilant.

"What do we do next?" Aldo Thunderhorn asked quietly.

Master Thunderhorn was Bloodhoof Village's hunting master. The once-strict master's mane had begun to turn gray, and some of the sharpness of his youth had faded from his brow.

Though age had kept him from setting foot in the wilds, he still bore another honorable duty—training the young hunters of Bloodhoof Village.

"I don't know either, Aldo." Tamara pressed a hand lightly to her forehead and answered wearily, "I don't know either..."

Confusion filled Tamara's face. She slowly slid down against the tent, burying her exhausted face in the crook of her arms. She did not know how much longer she could hold on.

Before her closest friend, she could finally set aside her competence and strength to rest for a while.

She was only a hunter, not a chieftain capable of leading everyone forward. She was not as confident as her husband, nor did she possess his courage and wisdom. Even amid this disaster, all she had done was imitate Cairne.

She did not know whether Cairne had ever felt lost or uneasy while leading his people, but when the burden suddenly fell upon her shoulders, its weight nearly crushed her in an instant.

Tamara's eyes grew moist. Suddenly, she was afraid to recall the simple days of ordinary life.

Cairne had always shown her and Baine nothing but gentleness and consideration. She had always been proud to be the chieftain's wife, but only today did she seem to discover the other side of her husband that he had kept hidden.

She was deeply ashamed, because she had not helped Cairne bear more of the burden. Worse still, she had not even noticed it.

"You've already done very well." Aldo smiled, patted his companion's shoulder, and comforted her softly. "Cairne would definitely be proud of you."

"Cairne..." A faint smile appeared on Tamara's weary face. "He has a way of inspiring people."

Even in such difficult times, Cairne was still encouraging her, giving her an endless supply of courage.

"Yes, he's a truly great chieftain." Aldo sighed. "Even though he isn't here, I feel as if I'm standing beside him."

Tamara took a deep breath and slowly rose to her feet. The confusion had vanished from her eyes, replaced by resolve.

She looked at Aldo and gave him a small nod.

"The young hunters have already been sent out. We need to deal with the trouble within first." Aldo glanced back at the tent behind him, his tone serious. "Go in pairs, so you can look after each other if anything happens."

Tamara nodded, approving the sound decision.

"What about the front lines?" Tamara rubbed her temples, hoping to ease her strained nerves slightly.

"Magatha is trying to find a way." Aldo sighed. "To be honest, I'm a little worried about her."

"The Centaurs' actions are strange. Whether it was their silent infiltration or their main force remaining still... I suspect there's some conspiracy behind this."

"Whatever the case, it benefits us that those bastards aren't making a move. We have to make the most of that."

Tamara frowned. "Have Carl and Tally been found?"

Aldo shook his head, indicating that the two were still missing.

"We can't delay any longer. Have the Dawnchaser Tribe take the front, and tell Gudar Bristleman to prepare to support them. And Eaglewind... forget it. Chieftain Eaglewind should remain in the rear and hold the back line.

She's simply too old..." Aldo frowned. "Starstrider and the Rune Totem Shamans have all gone to the battlefield. That should ease some of the pressure on Winterhoof House, and they still have to run back and forth. The supplies might not keep up."

"Bring out all the reserve supplies. I remember Hunter's Rise still has a few crates of bandages and herbs. Take them along as well."

Tamara lowered her head and thought for a while. "Try to gather the Grimtotem Shamans, then contact the high priestess again. Healers are too important. If it really comes to it, even if we have to station ourselves on Elder Rise, we need to replace her!"

"Understood. I'll go at once."

Aldo nodded, stepped back twice, and his dark silhouette disappeared into the darkness.

For a hunter who trained birds of prey, summoning messengers to deliver information was merely a basic skill.

Taking advantage of the moment, Tamara tapped her head as she considered the Centaurs' actions. Why had they infiltrated in secret, and why had they remained still even after being discovered?

After some thought, she quickly ruled out tactical reasons. Bloodhoof Village's defenses were terribly weak right now. The Centaurs certainly understood that speed was paramount in war. With an absolute advantage, trying to drag out the battle line was completely meaningless, especially after they had already infiltrated.

But that made no sense unless they were testing something. But... what could the impoverished Tauren possibly possess that was worth testing?

Tamara's eyes flickered slightly as she felt she had grasped something.

Aldo happened to return just then. His dark silhouette emerged from the shadows once more, a plain bird whistle hanging from the hunter's neck and swaying gently in the wind.

"Do you have any thoughts about this attack...?"

Tamara tapped the tent's wooden rafter, wanting to hear her close friend's opinion.

Remembering the words, "Beware the depths of the earth," the old hunter scratched his head and said apologetically, "I'm ashamed to say that all I can think of is the message we just received. It feels like a riddle. I simply can't make heads or tails of it."

Tamara shook her head. "Don't say that. He was a warrior full of honor. He did everything he could to deliver that message to us. We should remember him with respect."

"You're right. I must apologize."

Aldo closed his eyes slightly and struck his chest with his fist.

He was an upright man. Though he had not meant it, that was no reason to seek forgiveness.

Tamara sighed and said slowly, "But at least we know this was a premeditated attack."

The Centaurs had already seized the initiative—those bastards needed a chaotic situation to accomplish some purpose, but as the battle continued, the risk of their conspiracy being exposed would rise sharply.

If that was truly the case, then perhaps from now on, they would be racing against time.

Tamara rubbed her shoulder, thought for a moment, then issued a slightly risky order. "Confirm the situation with Magatha. Probe the Centaurs' movements as much as possible. If necessary, we can be a little more proactive."

"But if we do that..." Aldo was somewhat worried. It was not that he feared sacrifice; he feared that it would be meaningless.

"This is only a backup plan."

Tamara forced a smile and pointed at the tightly shut tent. Bashana Runetotem was busy inside, hoping to uncover the secret the Centaurs were trying to hide.

"In truth, we aren't completely without hope, are we?"

Aldo suddenly understood and nodded thoughtfully.

Tamara patted her comrade on the shoulder and reassured him. "So our task now is to protect that little Shaman. She is our true hope."

"Understood. I hope they can find the answer." Aldo Thunderhorn gave a bitter smile. "Before it's too late."

Inside the tent, Bashana Runetotem crouched down and carefully observed the corpse growing cold before her. The Centaur's body was ugly and twisted, but that did not hinder her.

She gently turned the corpse's head and pulled out the arrow embedded in the Centaur's right eye.

Tamara was Bloodhoof Village's finest hunting master, and her Arcane Shot was used with astonishing mastery. One strike had pierced the Centaur's hard skull.

The arrow was buried deeply, and Bashana had to exert a great deal of effort to pull it free.

Bashana carefully examined the arrow before her. The shaft had turned completely black, which struck her as strange. Normally, blood would not oxidize so quickly.

With that thought, Bashana drew a carefully carved Water Elemental Totem from her satchel, planted it beside the corpse, then lit a stick of incense and began calling upon the Elemental Spirit for help.

Bathed in devout prayers, the Elemental Spirit soon responded.

"Little Tauren, why have you summoned me to this filthy place?" The Water Spirit answered the Shaman's call, pure water circling around her.

Her father had always said that Elemental Spirits were very proud. Now she finally understood what he meant.

The water danced merrily. Little Na could clearly feel its joy. They liked being with her, yet they insisted on saying such prideful things. What a strange bunch.

She pleaded devoutly, "Great Elemental Spirit, please heed my call. These savage creatures attacked my people. I beg you to help me uncover the secret they are desperately hiding and bring my people a glimmer of hope!"

The little Shaman lowered her head deeply, reciting sincere words in her heart and hoping those feelings could reach the other side.

"Foolish Shaman, the elements have no desire to interfere in mortal conflicts!"

The water elemental surged violently, seeming to express its displeasure. Yet it quickly calmed, changing from rolling waves back into a gently babbling stream.

The Elemental Spirit softened its tone. "But these filthy bodies profane the nobility and purity of the elements. Therefore, I shall grant you the power of water."

"Fight for me, messenger of water. The Water Spirit shall remember your devotion!"

The water slowly lifted her body. Its pure power washed away Bashana's wounds and grime. Even her swollen eyes became bright and clear again. She could even feel her connection to the elements growing closer, an extraordinary blessing any Shaman could only dream of.

But she was terribly anxious, because this was not the result she wanted. Her question had not been answered at all!

The blue radiance emitted by the totem gradually dimmed, signaling that the water elemental's avatar was departing.

"Great Elemental, please forgive my dullness. I beg you, lift the fog that conceals the future for me. Light this bewildering night for me... for my people!!!"

A helpless sigh seemed to drift through the air.

"Pitiful Shaman, within that body shrouded in darkness lies twisted filth bound in chains. Open the eye of your heart, and you shall find your answer!"

The eye of her heart? Bashana froze, then suddenly understood.

"Thank you, great Elemental Spirit!"

After ending her communion with the Elemental Spirit, Bashana turned her gaze back to the corpse, now completely cold.

This time, however, she used the spell the Shamans called Far Sight. This spell not only allowed Shamans to observe the elements, but also let them extend their vision through the Air Spirit.

Under the effects of Far Sight, what did Bashana see?

A mass of twisted blackness enveloped the Centaur's corpse—no, it would be more accurate to say that the Centaur's body had almost been replaced by that black substance.

"Th-this! What is this?!" Bashana Runetotem cried out in terror, drawing the attention of the two hunters standing guard.

"Little Na! What happened?!"

Tamara rolled into the tent, two short blades held horizontally before her. Their sharp edges stood ready to slit an enemy's throat.

Aldo also appeared at the entrance. He took half a step back to leave himself room to react, cradling his crossbow as he prepared to provide cover.

"N-no, not me!"

Bashana staggered back several steps in panic. Trembling, she pointed at the corpse that was mutating before her, too terrified to speak coherently.

"H-he... he! He isn't a Centaur at all!!!"

Earth Mother above, what in the world had they been fighting?