Odesday, 1st of Maia, 470th Year of the Fifth Era

  As the expedition forces entered into Hutangali, they continued to be greeted with great warmth by the villagers of Hutangali. As it was with Goria, though it was called ‘village’, Josias was sure that there must’ve been over a thousand people there on the streets excitedly waiting for their arrival and following along as the expedition made their way to Hutangali’s King’s Hall. King Tagam himself had came down from the gate house to approach the expeditionary forces to properly greet them. Josias had already dismounted from his tiger beast as he followed his father’s lead and so too did the other warriors of Goria. King Tagam had sent for a few of his men to guide some of the Gorian warriors to a few cave systems close to the village where the tiger beasts of Goria could shelter for their duration. With all that being said, now on foot, the expeditionary forces continued on their way as they followed the Hutangali king and the dancers as they danced along the way backwards to lead them to the King’s Hall.

  Hutangali itself was a rather large village nestled into the mountain’s summit and there were a few buildings that were even carved into the mountain itself though most of the residence’s houses still followed the design of the regular bolon houses of the Halak peoples. It was a very defensible position and lacked nothing as a natural citadel. However, Josias noticed that its position upon the high summit also somewhat limited its ability to expand as most of the available plots of land were already covered with buildings. Looking to the valley on the northside of the mountain, he could see that there were several villages and hamlets scattered across with large tracts of farmland between them which must have acted as Hutangali’s main source of food and sustenance. That being said, it must be a real pain to try and transport the food needed for a few thousand people up a mountain.

  After a few moments of walking, they had crossed a quaint wooden bridge across a small stream which flowed out from the mountain side into a sizable spring that was perhaps a few acres in size. It was from this spring and perhaps some other water sprouts along the way were the flow of the river and waterfall below came from. The King’s hall was built right next to the spring and in front of the hall was a courtyard that was already laid out with carpets and cushions as well as plates of food below which several large tables had already been set out for what looked to be a large feast.

  The centerpiece of the feast being a large silver plate where atop of it was a full-sized roasted water buffalo, its head facing towards the warriors. In fact there were two other plates of similar size all with the buffaloes prepared. It was clear to Josias that Hutangali had treated their forces with the utmost respect, having slain three buffaloes for the feast, though personally, Josias had always preferred the less prestigious pig to the buffaloe, but that was just a personal preference of his.

  Once the main expeditionary force had arrived in the courtyard, the dancers of Hutangali had performed the Somba and quietly excused themselves to the background as King Tagam took center stage. Lord Sohasurahan and Prince Panghirimon had embraced the king before talking their places to his left side while to the king’s right, Josias could see a foreign western woman in traditional Halak garb standing next to the king. Her face was almost an exact copy of the Lady Marintan with the only difference being her strikingly orange-red coloured hair, a colour that Josias had rarely - if ever - seen before on another person. She was also as pale as a ghost to Josias’ which made the freckles on her skin all the more visible. Josias could only assume that she was the king’s wife and next to her were other children, all sharing in features with both the king and the foreign woman.

  What made things even more interesting to Josias was on the other side of King Tagam, was another woman who was clearly of Halak stock and next to her were also other children that looked like the King. Josias didn’t dare to make assumptions - especially with the fact that King Tagam was a fellow christian ruler of the Halak - but it does make one wonder considering the Hutangalians had only fully embraced the church some time after the battle of Haumarara. It wouldn’t be surprising if one or two nobles including the king had a few wives or concubines, but still it wasn’t a common practice among the riverlands of Goria even before the conversion as the intricate clan structures and familial ties would be shattered and rendered unclear were a man to take more than one wife. On the other hand, were a man - even if he were a king - to take a woman of another clan as a concubine and not render unto her the due rights of a legal wife, it would no doubt be grounds for conflict and a potential succession crisis.

  In fact, just from feeling out the atmosphere within the air of the courtyard, Josias couldn’t shake off the eerie feeling of tension there within the ruling Singalion clan of Hutangali and their vassals. It was all too clearly seen that when Prince Panghirimon - who was obviously a son between the King and the foreign woman - went up to greet the clan elders, half of them looked to him warmly while the other half only gave him formal greetings and smiles that didn’t reach their eyes. The most palpable tension could be felt when he had greeted another young warrior who looked to be of similar age to him and who looked similar to the king but was obviously fully Halak. THe two barely made eye contact and when they did, there was an undoubted sense of hostility between the two. There was clearly something going on within the internal politics of Hutangali but after thinking about it for a while, Josias merely shrugged. After all, the Gorian warriors didn’t come to Hutangali to dabble or intervene with its internal politics. They had a clear mission they needed to do and by God they would complete that mission.

  Just as Josias was about to filter out any sense of observation and curiosity regarding the internal politics of Hutangali, he could feel a slight nudge to his right side as Johannes had elbowed him a little and started speaking to him, albeit in a quiet tone so that it wouldn’t be heard by people who didn’t need to hear.

  “Am I the only one feeling this, or did you notice the tension?” Johannes said to which Josias only shook his head and sighed.

  “It would be weirder if I didn’t notice.” Josias said “The politics here seem complicated.”

  “Politics everywhere is complicated, Lae.” Mateus, who was on Josias’s left-hand side gave his own opinions on the matter “...But I agree, when I first saw Prince Panghirimon in our village, he did look like he had a lot on his mind.”

  “I didn’t quite notice the prince as I was too busy observing the fidgeting Prince of Rumaparau.” Josias answered.

  “Am I the only one lost as to what you’re all talking about?” Sadrach who was next to Mateus finally joined in the conversation “I am actually so confused as to what you all are discussing…”

  “Dear Lord, I worry for my sister. She chose a man with a pretty face and nothing else between his ears.” Johannes quipped which only caused the others there to laugh while Sadrach pouted in annoyance. Even Hesekiel who was standing next to Johannes had a faint smile at the comment.

  “This is actual bullying, you guys. I wasn’t even aware of the initial conversation-...!” As Sadrach was getting louder in his complaint, this naturally attracted the attention of Lord Ronggur Sigompul who shot an intimidating death glare towards the young men which instantly shut them up. Mateus seemed so frightened by his father’s glare that he instinctively covered Sadrach’s mouth with his hand and bowed. Lord Ronggur only shook his head while making a shushing gesture before he turned his attention back to the welcoming ceremony. As that happened, the young men straightened their backs before they too focused back to the ceremony.

  When all the Gorian warriors had arrived at the courtyard, King Tagam had cleared his throat before he along with the rest of his household made the somba position to formally welcome their guests into their village. Once more the king had spoken in a loud and commanding voice, “We greet today, the great warriors and representatives of our honoured Hulubalang! To the Honoured Lord Parulian, Eldest son of the Hulubalang! As well as to his Lord Captains, representatives of the great clans of Goria! And to all the mighty warriors of the riverlands, our honourable friends and allies! Horas!”

  As the king said that and the Gorian warriors returned their welcome, music was once more played as the Singalion clansmen and the Elders of Hutangali danced the ‘tortor’ to welcome their guests. When the music stopped, it was Lord Parulian’s turn to respond to his hosts’ gracious welcome of his expeditionary forces.

  “We accept your brotherly welcome with open arms!” Lord Parulian bowed with the somba gesture towards the king and his family “Never shall we warriors of Goria forget the aid that you and your honorable late father - God rest his soul - lended to us a thousand warriors including yourself during the battle of Haumarara to defeat the heathens! May this feast forever last as a symbol of eternal friendship between our realms and our peoples and may our Lord, Jesus Christ, true King above all kings, grant plentiful blessings upon you and your household!”

  This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.

  “Emma tutu! (It is agreed!)” Everyone spoke in unison.

  “Please then, sit! And let us enjoy our feast!” With that being said by King Tagam, he had invited his guests to sit along the places that had been prepared for them.

  On the main table in the middle of the courtyard to one side sat the king and his household host whereas sitting across from them would be Lord Parulian, his lieutenants, as well as the young heirs to the great clans which was why he Josias hat sat himself down in between his father and his cousin Timotheus. Funnily enough, Ompung Ester had sat herself down between her son, Lord Hasudungan, and her son-in-law, Lord Mardomu. Once everyone was sat down at their designated places, the feast would soon commence.

  Just before everyone started digging into the food, king Tagam had invited for the most Reverend Father Steinmann - who had been in Hutangali for the past month to oversee the growth of the church there - to lead the people there in prayer. Finally after the prayers were concluded, the feast was commenced in earnest.

  Because of the formal nature of this feast - and having been warned by his father beforehand - Josias had refrained from eating like a pig that had been starved for a month and had restrained the portion of food he had taken to his plate. That of course he felt was a huge disappointment considering the quality of the food that had been served was exceptionally delicious, something he wasn’t quite expecting especially from a community this remote. But again, perhaps it was because of their remoteness that they had developed their own unique take on cuisine. Regardless, if he were to be rationed, he might as well savor the food that was given to him.

  Unfortunately for Josias, the smaller portion combined with the rate at which he usually devoured his food left his plate empty not long after he started eating. As if noticing this, King Tagam had laughed and spoken up in a loud voice,“What is the meaning of this?! Hahahahaha! I never knew the young men of Goria were taught to eat like little girls! No guest of mine shall have their stomachs empty on my watch! You young ones should eat like monsters! You need it for strength!”

  As the king said that, he had personally scooped up a large portion of rice as well as meat and laid it on Josias’ plate before commanding him to eat. Josias couldn’t hide the grin on his face before he turned to his father who had sighed and given him leave to finish the food the king had graced upon him. Seeing Josias wolf down the food, king Tagam couldn’t help but laugh. In fact, now that he noticed it, Josias saw that most of the Hutangalians had quite the appetite. At first Josias was fearful that the food would quickly run out but as soon as a plate was finished, the young servant girls would come in and refill the plates with more food.

  “...Father, are we in heaven?” Josias made a light quip to his father which elicited another hearty laugh from the king who sat across from them. This was also another thing Josias had noticed about the Hutangalians. Even among the Halak who were known throughout the continent as rowdy, rambunctious, and boisterous people, the Hutangalians were exceptionally loud and hearty especially compared to the more reserved Halak of the riverlands. It wasn’t that Josias was uncomfortable with the cordiality but it was more so that he wasn’t quite used to it. It was like being in a room with ten of his aunt Pauli.

  Shooting a glance to his side, Josias could only laugh as he saw how Hesekiel was faring. Though he was quite used to a loud environment growing around his parents, it would seem even the stoic Hesekiel was beginning to show slight discomfort as he started rubbing his forehead like he had the biggest headache. All the while Josias was eating his food, his father had finally decided to start a conversation with the king.

  “Honestly, Bang Tagam, you people are as loud as always.” Parulian said as he was discreetly refilling his own plate with more food “I wonder how you even have the energy to do that living on top of this mountain where the air is so much thinner than the ground.”

  “It’s precisely because we live on these mountains that we’re as loud as we are! Hahah!” King Tagam explained “If your neighbour lives a valley and a mountain away from you, you could be sure we’d learn how to shout properly!”

  “True enough…”

  “That being said, I can not help but be astonished by your young warriors here, Ruli. When I sent Hasu to Goria to escort our girls to learn medicine, I had only expected the hulubalang to give us empty promises or at best a symbolic show of soldiers.”

  “You think too lowly of us, bang. We owe the good folk of Hutangali a debt for your aid all those years ago. And besides, we did end up only sending a hundred warriors, and your brother was pressured by my father to concede lots of things for such an aid and on behalf of the hulubalang I do apologise for that.”

  “Don’t worry about that, Ruli.” King Tagam laughed as he waved away Parulian’s concern “At the same time you’re also downplaying the aid that your father had decided to lend us. I mean, a force of a hundred tiger warriors, armed in the best equipment in the entirety of the Halaklands not to mention all of you being at least two star aura warriors! Not to mention the presence of five peak warriors on the cusp of becoming blademasters. It wouldn’t be beyond your worth to even demand a thousand or more gold pieces to contract yourselves to the Newlander Republic as mercenaries!”

  “Hmmm, that does sound enticing… But regardless, how is your own growth as a warrior faring, King Tagam?”

  “ Brother, after all these years, I just barely made it as a fourth-star warrior!

  “Well maybe if you spent more time training than you do feasting, pfft!!”

  “Hey now, I still keep in shape. I mean look at this…!” King Tagam had flexed his bicep muscles towards the Gorians which elicited a hearty laugh even from himself “Pffft, I know you’re right. But regardless, speaking of starred warriors, I have heard that your son here is already a third star warrior! And while being barely eighteen years of age! I dare say that you are on your way to become just as powerful - or even moreso - than your grandfather the Hulubalang!”

  “I thank you for your kind words, Lord King.” Josias couldn’t help but bow at the king’s flattery.

  “His son isn’t the only one at the third star!” Lord Mardomu said as he proudly pat the back of his son Johannes who was sat next to him “My eldest here does his father proud!”

  “Truly, Domu?” King Tagam’s astonished expression couldn’t help but increase as he heard the news “Third star warriors below the age of twenty! I might as well have my boys forfeit the competition for the festival now! Both my boys here are barely at the level of the second star! Truly God shines His face upon the children of Goria for Him to bless them with such talent!”

  “Talent is nothing if one doesn’t train or work on it.” Parulian continued to say “Which is also a part of the reason why I brought the young ones here. It’s to give them practical experience in battle against actual enemies and not mindless beasts moving only based on instinct…”

  “Hear, hear! I understand completely, Ruli. Power is valuable only when you understand how to utilise it. No matter how powerful a gun is, it’s useless in the hands of a baby. In fact, it would actually pose a harm to the baby because of his lack of understanding.”

  “Speaking of which, coming back to your previous comments regarding mercenary work, how is the conflict between the Bontarmata and the Banuans?”

  “It’s a murky situation out there, brother. The only thing we can say for sure is that conflict at this point is inevitable. Now regarding how long that conflict would last, I don’t know. But if I were betting man…”

  “Which you are…” Parulian interjected to which King Tagam nodded.

  “Which I am… I wouldn’t put my purse on the Wisnajayan’s lot. They’ve grown conceited thinking they can surpass western military tactics just because they won a couple of victories over the decaying corpse that is the Aryawirans. But I’m sure my brother has told you of where my main concerns lie at the moment regarding this conflict?”

  “Those goatfuckers at Tanohisar?”

  “Pffft, you guessed it, Ruli. For the past two decades they’ve been a thorn and a pox on our side, even more so than the bandits we have requested your aid in dealing with. In a few days time, I will be raising a few warriors to head towards our borders with Tanohisar and have them conduct their combat training there. That would hopefully aid us in deterring any foolish attempts from raiding us in this situation, but regardless the matter of those bandits is of real concern especially with some of the things I have discovered based on the reports I have received.”

  As King Tagam said that, he looked a little around him before saying quietly to Lord Parulian, “After this feast, it would be wonderful if the Lords of Goria would join me and a few of my trusted men regarding our endeavours for the northern expedition.”

  Parulian merely nodded at the king’s request. Seeing the King’s intent to keep it secret, Josias merely nodded his head as he thought it wasn’t his place to get too nosy regarding those sorts of manners. After all, once more he reminded himself, he came to practice his combat prowess, not his politicking. With that being said, King Tagam had raised the volume of his voice once more as he raised his shouted for more food to be served.

  Josias could only shake his head. Even for someone with as monstrous an appetite as him, he was beginning to feel quite bloated. This just goes to show that even things that looked like blessings could be used to give one discomfort. And with that, the feast had continued to the late evening where the warriors would be shown to their temporary lodgings within the village for the duration of their stay.