Enter the Southlands

Gradually, the snowcapped mountains give way to heavy forests. The air is cool and damp, but you no longer rue the loss of your heavy cloak quite so bitterly. The forest in turn fades into a great sea of tall, swaying grass. The sun in the sky beats down, and you realize this is the first time in your entire life you have felt truly warm. You have entered the fabled Lands of the South.

Even for your people, raids to the south were rare. The journey is too perilous to take on, no matter how great the reward. Those few who had set out and returned, your father included, became veritable legends. Now you too stand in this foreign land. But not as a raider. You have grander ambitions.

You came to this land to conquer them.

Most of the little information you have of these lands you learned from your mother's stories. Before you are the central plains, her homeland. She told tales of her people, who she described as hardy nomads who followed the great herds of giant sheep who roamed the plains. She claimed them to be noble, proud and strong as she was.

Your father called them weaklings, who grew fat on easy prey. You are inclined to believe him; his grand raid left none of his warriors behind, and brought back many furs and trophies. Your mother was the greatest trophy among them, the only stock your father found worthy bring home with him.

You find Kali crouched in a clearing, observing the remains of a campfire. She motions you to join her, grinning ferally.

"It is like they want us to find them. They follow the animal trails, and have their woman and children with them. They will move slowly." She frowns slightly. "Should we not just raid them? If they know nothing of how to fight, I do not see their use."

You are pleased despite her concerns, for the prospect of finally having an enemy to fight excites you. You pull Kali towards you, kissing her ferociously. When she steps back, any doubt is replaced by devotion.

"You just find them. Bring me to them. I will teach them the ways of war." You deliver a mighty slap to Kali's rear, and she takes off into the tall grass.

You follow more slowly, conserving your strength for the battle ahead.