Chapter 5: Breaking Tusks

"Thank you, Koram", Grom says as he takes a bowl of stew. "Forgive a silly old druid, a silly old question, but how who one go about adding a glyptodon to the herd?

"Well, the more the merrier - as long as we all work together for the group." Koram serves himself some of the stew as well, then sits back and brings a spoon-full to his lips. "Not bad," he says.

"We have noted a cave system near here. We plan to explore it some in the morning before we continue exploring to the north-east."

"Sure - wouldn't mind having you along. Who knows what's in this cave." He looks to the others, "What do you think? Shall we get some rest and venture in tomorrow with Panuaku keeping us company?"

Koram looks to the others. "I do not have any skill in bypassing such devices. Panuaku, is this a skill you possess? Any of you?"

Koram laughs, "If you don't, that was my next idea. Please, Sister, do the honors."

Torak Frostbourne emerges into the cave's dim glow, his silhouette briefly captured in the threshold's dying light. Standing at six feet with a robust build, his presence demands attention. His weathered skin and crooked nose suggest a history of battle, while his chestnut hair—braided with zoic fetishes and leather—whispers of ancient traditions. His beard, thick and adorned with rings, contrasts with the subtle flutter of feathers. Torak's armor, a blend of iron, steel, and thick leather straps, bears the weight of his lineage and loyalties. His face, smeared with mourning ash, and his attire—a mix of a wolf hide cloak, a necklace with a prominent saber tooth, and scars mapping tales of survival—speak volumes of his tribal heritage and personal sagas.

As he steps forward to greet Koram and the other scouts, who had forewarned the Following of the threat of the Burning Mammoths. Torak nodded to the Following's most notable scouts. explains that Merthig, leader of Musk Ox House, initially tasked him and his rhinoceros Grimm'ghar to guard the rear of their group against the Burning Mammoth raids. However, when Panuaku sought his aid to support the scouts leading the Following, Torak, driven by loyalty and a sense of duty, joined her in tracking the movements of the scouts, ready to lend his strength to their cause.

Torak steps forward, his voice resonating with the gravity of his duty. "Merthig of Musk Ox House tasked Grimm'ghar and me with guarding the Following's flanks against the Burning Mammoth's marauders." The large, broad shouldered warrior, cast a respectful glance towards the elf blooded huntress. "When Panuaku called for aid to support our scouts, I could not refuse. Grimm'ghar and I kept our eyes to the horizon, as she kept her nose to the ground, following the group of you." His eyes passed over the Tusks present, to the cache, and the Spiral that seemed to show some connection to the Judge of Souls.

"This symbol, the mark of the Judge of Souls... It's no mere coincidence it lies here before us. In these times of mourning, as we honor Grandfather Eiwa, what this chest holds could be a sign or tool given by fate itself, meant to aid us or test us on our journey."

"Well met, warrior, and be welcome among us", the druid says, smiling at the stern one joining them, before turning his attention to the warriors mighty beast.

"Greetings Grimm, I'm Grom", the druid chuckles as he strokes the rough hide of the rhino

Torak nods at Grom's greeting, "Your welcome honors me, and I intend to prove my worth the the Eiwa's chosen Scouts. Grandfather sensed greatness in you," there was a depth of emotion that spoke of the warrior's love of the departed Tusk's leader. "I consider it my duty to protect the Following, and in so doing, yourselves as well."

As the revered druid turned his attention to Torak's companion, the big man's face showed a sense of concern. However, as Grimm'ghar huffs, a warm, humid burst of breath escaping the creature's mouth, then leans forward, affectionately pushing it's massive bulk into Grom's hand. The large man just shook his head in amazement, "Grimm can accidentally crush a man's hand in excitement, however, there are few who can elicit such affection from him. Imek was the first," a pause and a broad smile, "you are, now, the second."

He turned his attention to the cache, before swinging his gaze to the short, flame-haired priestess, "Perhaps Altesia can speak to the spirits, appease them, or tell them of our worth, and our need? The Judge of Spirits will surely hear our call, and recognize our plight."

---

He watches in shock as Panuaku hammers the Judge's spiral ...

Artesia tries not to breathe, but cannot hold her breath long enough.

Koram gladly welcomes the tall warrior and introduces both Torak and Grimm to Haitith, who seems actually quite interested in the rhinoceros.

As Panuaku smashes the lock on the cache, Koram feels the energy release toward them and braces himself.

"Pulura, show me the way!" Artesia intones, gripping her holy symbol tightly, but to no avail. She staggers towards the chest, intent on seeing what lies within.

Koram reels as the energy flows through him before turning and moving toward the mouth of the cave, knowing that he has no skill to disable this effect.