“When the forest cannot sleep, neither should its guardians.”
– Saying of the Poison Tribe
The village changed.
No one spoke of it.
Yet everyone felt it.
The laughter around the evening fires grew quieter.
Hunters returned before sunset.
The gates were reinforced with fresh timber.
Even the children noticed.
…
Zhao Long watched as the warriors sharpened their weapons.
Usually, they joked while they worked.
Tonight…
Only the sound of whetstones filled the air.
Scrape…
Scrape…
Scrape…
…
After the evening meal, Grandmother Wu called Zhao Long.
“Walk with me.”
They climbed a narrow hill overlooking the Black Marsh.
From there, the entire village could be seen.
Smoke rose from dozens of small homes.
Children chased each other through the streets.
Old women prepared herbs beneath lantern light.
“It is beautiful,” Zhao Long said.
“Yes.”
“That is why it must be protected.”
They stood together in silence.
Then Zhao Long asked,
“Are we going to war?”
The old woman did not answer immediately.
Instead, she looked toward the dark mountains beyond the marsh.
“I hope not.”
“But hope…”
“…is never a plan.”
…
That same night…
Three hunters quietly left the village.
Each carried only a bow, a knife, and enough food for several days.
No one waved goodbye.
No one asked when they would return.
It was simply understood.
They were going to watch the borders.
…
Before dawn…
A horn echoed through the village.
One long note.
Then silence.
Every warrior rushed to the eastern gate.
The children remained inside their homes.
From behind a wooden fence, he watched.
One of the scouts had returned.
His clothes were torn.
His breathing was ragged.
He dropped to one knee before the elders.
“They’ve crossed the outer marsh.”
“How many?” Grandmother Wu asked.
The scout lowered his head.
“I couldn’t count them.”
“They erased their tracks…”
“But they’re getting closer.”
The village fell silent.
Not a single child laughed that morning.
…
As the sun rose over the Black Marsh…
A gentle breeze carried the scent of wet earth through the village.
Life continued.
People cooked.
Children studied.
Hunters repaired nets.
To an outsider…
Nothing seemed different.
But beneath the calm…
Every heart beat just a little faster.