"But you must send troops, and someone must guard Gray Tooth Valley."
Skala did not answer immediately. His gaze fell on the narrow pass line on the map, his fingertips tapping the words "Gray Tooth Valley."
A moment later, he asked, "Do you know why they fight this way?"
"What do you mean?"
"Why do they abduct women and children and slaughter all adult males?" Skala's voice lowered. "It's not for labor, not for conquest—it's… cleansing."
His emphasis fell on that word.
The envoy was silent for a while, as if considering whether to say something. Finally, he said with difficulty:
"Within Frost Howl, not everyone agrees with Mora'gon's current methods. Many of his lieutenants were not like this in the past…"
"When did he change?"
"Since he returned to Guldak on a certain occasion." The messenger lowered his voice. "It is said that he received guidance from a loa there."
Skala's eyes flickered slightly.
"Which loa?"
"No one knows. It was a private summons."
The air seemed to suddenly grow heavy.
Skala subconsciously raised his hand and touched the divine emblem on his chest.
The god-given Dragon Eye emblem was still warm, like a response, and also like a reminder.
"I will give you a reply as soon as possible," Skala said in a deep voice.
The envoy nodded, cupped his hands, and withdrew.
After he left, Skala stood alone before the map in the Administrative Hall, unmoving for a long time.
Then he raised his head and walked towards the inner door of the hall.
"Order: Assembly."
"Head Priest, Hunting Group Leader, Legion Commander, everyone, come to the Administrative Hall as quickly as possible."
—Dividing Line—
The conference room was located on the west side of the Italk Administrative Hall, built with remarkably thick stone walls, providing ample privacy.
Brazier fires burned brightly within, and the air carried faint scents of incense and animal fat.
Skala stood at the head of the table, silently waiting for the last attending troll to take a seat.
There were seven attendees at this emergency meeting:
Siye, Head Priest, representing the Shrine and the Priest Order;
Gollon, Hunting Group Leader, responsible for logistics and military supplies;
Gulen, Legion Commander, responsible for recruiting and training soldiers;
Ork Frostjaw, Deputy Administrator, coordinating civil affairs and population management;
Sultaka and Beno, two adult Witch Doctors;
Agri, Master Artisan, leading urban reconstruction;
and two Witch Doctor apprentices, responsible for documents.
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