In front of the village gate, dozens of Noric Warriors wearing iron helmets and armor, with long swords strapped to their waists, stood in formation on both sides of the road. One of them, wearing a large horned helmet and gleaming silver armor, was a tall and broad-shouldered man with strong, muscular arms marked by bulging veins. His thick beard entirely concealed his mouth and nose.
Seeing the arrival of the delegation from Alakosia, he stepped forward a few paces and said in a booming voice, "Envoys of the Nix Tribe, I am the leader of the Iron Core Tribe. Welcome to our camp!"
Alakosia bowed and saluted, "Honorable Sphili Leader, I am Alakosia, envoy sent by the Nix Tribe. Leader Maximus has entrusted me to convey his sincere greetings to you, and on behalf of our tribe, I hope to discuss matters of friendship between our two peoples!"
