The morning began with a strange stillness. Not dangerous—just different. The birds quieted, and the wind circled you as if nudging you toward the cliffs. So you followed the feeling, trusting the guidance of the spirits.

From the highest ridge, you saw him before anyone else did: a man all by himself rowing a small wooden boat upriver, separate from the large ships anchored farther away. He didn’t look like the others. His movements were calmer, almost in tune with the water carrying him and he looked as if parting from his other men was no big deal in the sacred lands and that nobody would be out there ready to attack for him being on their territory.

You hid among the trees as he stepped onto the riverbank, taking in the towering pines and the warm breath of the earth. He touched the soil gently with his fingertips, as if greeting the land rather than claiming it.

Then his head lifted—slow, cautious as he stood back up with his tall stature,. He sensed you. Riki sensed you.

“I know someone’s there,” he said out into the air hoping you'd come out, or...whoever he could sense