Chapter 14: The Secret Map
The sun had begun to set, painting the sky with streaks of orange and purple. The air outside the tent was still, yet something felt tense—as if the wind itself was holding its breath.
Marko entered the large family tent, his footsteps heavy, his face unreadable. Beside him walked his daughter, Maria, her eyes darting between her father and the figures already inside the tent—her mother Sofia, and his younger sister, Lily, who sat quietly near a pile of furs.
Who is Lily?
Lily is the sister of Marko and is close in age to Maria, who is Marko's daughter. She is a proud woman of the brakkar tribe, known for her strength, courage, and unwavering spirit. As a great warrior of her people, Lily holds a place of honor within the tribe, respected not only for her combat prowess but also for her loyalty and fierce dedication to her heritage. Her presence commands respect, and her legacy as a protector and leader among the brakkar is deeply rooted in the tribe's stories and traditions.
Outside, two guards stood like statues. Marko gave them a single sharp look and spoke in a stern voice, "You are dismissed. Leave us."
The guards looked at each other for a moment before nodding. They stepped away, leaving the entrance flapping gently in the breeze.
Inside the tent, Marko sat down on the thick cushion near the low table. He picked up a wooden cup filled with cool water and took a slow sip. He stared at Maria for a long moment before speaking.
"What really happened in there?" he asked, his voice low but strong.
Maria sat down across from him, her hands folded on her lap. Her mother, Sofia, followed and took her place beside her daughter. Maria hesitated for a moment, then began to speak.
She explained everything that had happened at the Dark Forest. She described how powerful he seemed, how confident, and how his presence Create Fear Among wild Beast.
"Father," Maria said, her voice firm, "Tyris is not just any warrior. He's... different. He commands respect, even from his enemies. If we ally with him, we won't have to fear any neighboring tribes. They will think twice before challenging us."
But Marko didn't look convinced. His eyes weren't on Maria anymore; they seemed lost in a storm of thoughts. Something else was troubling him—something deeper.
Maria looked at her mother. "Mother, please talk to Father. Help him understand. This could be good for our clan. Please, convince him."
Sofia placed a hand on Maria's arm and gave her a soft look, but then turned to Marko.
"Your father is right to be worried," she said slowly. "There are things you do not know, Maria. Things that only your father, I, and our ancestors have known."
Maria blinked. "What do you mean, Mother? What is Father talking about?"
Marko leaned forward, his face suddenly looking older, heavier with burden. "I was going to tell you after your marriage, Maria. But we no longer have the luxury of time."
He sighed deeply.
"Have you ever wondered why the Ragnar tribe—so strong and proud—suddenly wants to ally with us? We are small. Weak. Fading. Why would they care?"
Maria tilted her head. "Isn't it because of the alliance through marriage?"
Marko shook his head. "No, daughter. That's not the reason."
He stood and walked toward a locked wooden box in the corner of the tent. From it, he pulled out a rolled-up piece of animal skin—aged and cracked from time. He returned to the table and laid it out gently.
Maria's eyes widened. "What is this?"
"A map," Marko said. "A map to something powerful. Something dangerous."
He looked into her eyes. "We don't have a dragon egg, Maria. But we have a part of the map that leads to it."
Maria gasped. "A dragon egg? But… I've never seen any dragons. I thought they were just stories."
Marko sat down beside her and placed his hand over hers. "Five years ago, we were hunting wild boar near the river. That's when we found him—an old man, badly injured. An iron arrow was stuck in his chest. He was close to death."
Sofia nodded slowly. "He looked like he came from the mainland. His clothes were torn, but his eyes were sharp."
Marko continued. "He handed me this map and said, 'Keep this hidden. It leads to the last mythical dragon egg. If it falls into the wrong hands, the world will fall into chaos.' He lost consciousness soon after, and died by nightfall."
Maria was speechless. Her fingers trembled as she touched the rough surface of the map.
"I didn't know what to believe at first," Marko admitted. "But over time, I noticed signs—rumors spreading, scouts from the Ragnar tribe searching the woods, asking questions."
Sofia added, "Two years ago, the Ragnar started secretly searching for something. We didn't connect the dots then. But now…"
Marko looked up. "I've just learned from Singha, their chief, that they've already collected two parts of the map. They're looking for the last piece. And Singha suspects we have it."
Maria's heart was racing. "But how do they know? How did they find out?"
Marko frowned. "I don't know. But they know something. When I was speaking with Singha earlier today, he hinted at the story of the old man. He was testing me."
He paused as he remembered that moment.
Five Hours Earlier — In the brakkar Council Tent
The large meeting tent was filled with warm light and the sweet smell of fruit wine. Marko, Sofia, Singha, and his brother Aber sat around a low table.
Singha raised a cup. "Let the young ones talk. We elders can relax, yes?"
Marko nodded politely. "Yes, yes. That's a good idea."
As they sipped, Singha leaned in and smiled. "Tell me, Marko… Do you believe in dragons? In mythical creatures?"
Marko tensed, but kept his face calm. "Mythical creatures? That's just old tales."
Singha chuckled. "Old tales, maybe. But I heard something interesting. A man… running for his life… hiding a map… near your tribe, perhaps?"
Marko forced a laugh. "Oh, you mean the old man we found dead near the river? He didn't say anything to us. He was already dying."
Aber, Singha's younger brother, chuckled. "Sounds like a rumor to me."
Singha smiled wide. "Yes, just a rumor. My mistake."
They clinked cups again, but Marko knew that Singha didn't believe his words.
Back in the Present
Inside the tent, Marko was telling the truth to his daughter—while outside, danger was already forming.
Unbeknownst to them, a spy had been listening near the tent. He rushed away the moment he heard the word "dragon egg."
Moments later, at Singha's camp…
A soldier burst into the tent where Aber was sitting.
"My lord, I have urgent news!"
Aber stood up, frowning. "Chief is resting. Come back later."
"But it's important, sir!" the soldier insisted. "I overheard Marko. They have a part of the dragon egg's map!"
Singha stepped out just then, his eyes sharp. "Are you sure of what you say?"
"I swear it, my lord. I heard it with my own ears."
Singha gave a glance to Aber. Aber quickly took out a pouch of gold coins and tossed one to the soldier. "Good job, boy. You've earned it."
Then Singha turned back to Aber. "Mobilize all the troops. Now. We're going to take that map."
Aber nodded. "But what about Roy?"
Singha's eyes narrowed. "He doesn't matter. Let him wait. The dragon egg is more important. If anyone else gets it, our three years of planning will be wasted."
Outside the Tribe – Tyris
Tyris sat calmly beside his white wolf, staring at the sky. He had no idea that the tribe he was trying to gain control into was already under threat. He didn't know the truth behind the alliance. To him, this was a political union.
Back at the Family Tent
Maria was stunned. "Father… this is too big. What do we do now?"
Before Marko could answer, the sound of heavy footsteps thundered from outside. Shouts. Screams. Horses neighing.
Sofia's eyes widened. "What's happening?"
Marko rushed out of the tent and looked out. His heart sank.
The Ragnar's troops—Longma riders and foot soldiers—had surrounded the tent. Swords drawn. Shields raised.
He turned back. "They've come. They know."
Maria grabbed the map and hid it under her robe.
Sofia picked up a small dagger from the floor.
Marko looked at his family. "No matter what happens, stay calm. Don't let them take the map."
The tent flap burst open.
Singha stood there, flanked by his warriors, his face cold and full of greed.
"Well," he said, "I think it's time we had a proper conversation."