Beastmen: She Tames the Land-Chapter 112: Tasting the fruits of their labour

After the test of strength, the Stone-horns no longer viewed the Warm Pack as weak. Although their leader was a rogue, he was still powerful. In the Beast Continent, power was respected. The Stone-horns, like many other beastmen, respected power and skill.

He appreciated not only Uri’s power but the way he handled himself during their negotiations.

They sat by the central fire pit. Gorn had a piece of roasted meat on a platter. He took a bite, chewing with focused intensity. Uri sat across from him, the clay bowl from earlier in his hand.

Uri took a piece of roasted meat that had been cooling by the fire. Using a sharp knife, he shredded the meat. He opened the small clay bowl containing the spices. He sprinkled a light dusting of seasoning on the meat. He mixed it and asked Gron to have a taste.

"Try it. It will not taste like before," Uri said.

Gorn was curious. He knew this was what their pack brought to trade with them. They had not yet been able to taste it. Now that he was given the chance, he would definitely try it. He took some of the meat and placed it in his mouth.

His eyes widened as a flavour explosion happened in his mouth. It was unlike anything he had tasted before. Unlike the salty or tasteless meat he would normally eat, this had layers. He wasn’t sure what was used, but he knew he enjoyed it.

There were elders of the Stone-horn watching the scene. When they saw the leader’s face light up, they wanted to know the taste, however they did not speak.

"It’s...not bad," Gorn conceded, chewing slowly. A small smile spread across his face.

Mika approached. Since he was the leader of the River Clan delegation, although he was not the leader, he represented their clan, so he was treated with respect.

He noticed Gorn tasting the meat and asked, "Did you use the spice you were telling us about?"

"Yes," Uri nodded. "If there are others who would like a taste," he pointed to the shredded meat, "you may try."

The elders and Mika didn’t need any further invitation. They each took a bite of the meat. The faces of various people ranged from uncertain to shock and disbelief.

Uri saw the varying faces and said, "This is one of the many ways you can use spices. The one I gave you may sting your tongue; there are others that do not. It is a matter of personal preference."

He took out some seasoning from the pouch he carried with him. This one did not contain any pepper. He shredded another piece of meat and dusted it with this flavour combination. He offered them to try it with the new seasoning.

There were murmurs of nodding and some of dissatisfaction. Some of the people who like the spicy flavour disliked the one without spice. They also understood why Uri said it was a matter of preference.

Mika of the River Clan asked, "Why didn’t you introduce this to us?" He wasn’t angry, only curious.

"We had not intended to trade it at first. Everyone likes things done different so there is a varying number of spices that are used. It was only when we decided to visit the Stone-horns that we thought it would be good to have a different item to trade." Uri explained to both the River Clan and the Stone-horns.

"If you would like, we can discuss it when we get back," Uri mentioned.

Mika nodded to let him know they would be interested.

As they talked, Uri noticed a subtle change in the camp. Females who had been watching from a distance began to drift closer. They were trying to be inconspicuous. They weren’t bold, but their interest was apparent.

Gorn noticed it too. He saw their interest, and his practical mind started to work. He saw Uri as a strong male who was unattached. He saw a potential for strong offspring.

Gron waited for a lull in conversation, then turned to Uri, "You are a male of great strength and wisdom, Leader Uri. You are a leader. I assume you are unattached. A strong male should have a strong female to have strong offspring. My daughter Brynn is one of the finest. Her hands are clever, and her spirit is unyielding. I believe she would be a good partner for you."

It was an offer of respect. It was also a test. He wanted to see if Uri was truly as strong as he seemed.

A smile graced Uri’s lips. He didn’t laugh or get angry. Instead, he met Gorn’s gaze steadily, "I am honoured by your offer, Leader Gorn. I am sure your daughter is someone of great worth. However, my heart has already been claimed."

He paused, allowing his words to sink in, "I have all the joy I can handle and all the strength I need."

Gorn was genuinely surprised. He expected some formality, a negotiation, perhaps even a fight. What he did not expect was a statement of loyalty. He knew males, himself included, who would not hesitate to take another partner if it meant strengthening his people.

Yet, this male was different. He did not force Uri to take his daughter as a partner.

"I understand," Gorn said.

The awkward moment passed, and the conversation moved to more practical things.

"The spices are a wonder," Mika said. "Do you have anything else you might be able to trade? It could be similar to the spiced. You might not have an intention to trade, but such things might have immense value."

We do have other things," Uri paused. He was hesitant about whether to say anything.

He talked with Xeno and Visha before leaving. They thought of the rediron. It was useful to people who did metal work. They themselves have no use for it now, and they are unsure if they will have use for it in the future.

Gorn and Mika saw Uri’s hesitation. They did not question him. Instead, they left the ultimate decision up to him.

Uri reached into his satchel and pulled out a reddish grey ore. "We have rediron, but we do not know how to craft it."

Gorn took the ore from Uri’s hand. He turned it over, looking at every detail. He knew this wasn’t a metal fromnear his mountain.

"Where did you get this?" Gorn asked, still turning the ore in his hands.

"From our land," Uri replied. "We call it rediron. If you wish, we can trade it. We need metal goods. Knives, nails, pots, pans. Things we haven’t been able to make ourselves."

Gorn was happy to see it. This was a superior piece of metal. He would be a fool to refuse such a trade. They can make more of such things quickly. But this metal is different.

"We have a deal," Gorn said. The grin split his face."We can trade the metal works you need for this ore and the spices you have brought.

And like this, the deal was struck. The Warm Pack received another trading ally.