The Survival of the Wild Tribe

74

Perhaps this winter was unusually cold, or perhaps it was due to Luo Zhen and his two companions escorting their injured clan horses back to the territory. Some staghorn horses, eager to venture outside for food, became aware of the dangers and secretly left, their minds fixed on the safety of the territory.

Although the group of staghorn horses led by the staghorn horse leader this time were all adults, they appeared lean in size, indicating they had endured hunger due to insufficient food this winter. However, their spirits were resilient enough to make them suitable mounts.

The choice to be companions between staghorn horses and humans was mutual.

Lu Zhan led his people to remove all nearby lasso traps. These traps were set up every few meters, encircling the entire tribe. They were simple to construct, requiring only a tough rope, resulting in hundreds of them. The staghorn horses couldn't recognize the traps, often getting ensnared by their hooves like the previous incident, unable to escape.

The staghorn horse leader, unlike Lu Ming, couldn't speak, but his intelligent eyes conveyed his intentions to Luo Zhen.

Although Luo Zhen was initially puzzled by his newfound ability to understand the emotions conveyed by the staghorn horses, he didn't have time to dwell on it now.

Humans and staghorn horses stood apart, forming two distinct groups. Previously, members of the Riyao tribe could never have imagined standing in harmony with a group of wild beasts.

The staghorn horses remained quiet, their large round eyes scanning the humans in front of them, searching for those worthy of being their companions.

When the people returned from dealing with the lasso traps, Luo Zhen nodded at the staghorn horse leader, prompting the leader to make a couple of calls. The other staghorn horses dispersed a bit, creating some space.

Luo Zhen addressed his people, "Who would like to choose first?"

Everyone hesitated, exchanging glances, but no one stepped forward.

Finally, the young warrior Aqing volunteered, showing a silly smile. "Da Wu, I'll go first."

"Alright, be careful," Luo Zhen patted Aqing on the shoulder, encouraging him, "Treat them as if they were your own tribe. Choose the right staghorn horse and ride it around this area. If you can return without being thrown off, then it's yours."

Aqing solemnly nodded.

The adult staghorn horses were tall, with powerful antlers. Even facing orc warriors, they seemed to look down on them.

Aqing, a little unsure about these beasts, approached cautiously. The staghorn horse leader didn't disdain this young warrior who had just matured. Despite bringing some of his own kind, it wasn't their intention to become mounts. Seeing Aqing approaching, it sniffed and stepped aside.

Suppressing his wild instincts, Aqing cautiously approached the herd of staghorn horses. They stirred uncontrollably, digging up dirt until the staghorn horse leader calmed them down with his calls.

Aqing struggled to choose his mount from among the staghorn horse group. Eventually, he approached a male staghorn horse with a scarred ear and a grumpy disposition. The staghorn horse snorted at him threateningly, but Luo Zhen's reassuring nod gave Aqing the confidence to proceed.

Taking a deep breath, Aqing quickly grabbed the staghorn horse's antlers and leaped onto its back. The startled staghorn horse galloped away with Aqing, while the others watched, unwilling to intervene.

"It's okay," Lu Zhan reassured the onlookers, noting their concern.

Luo Zhen advised them to observe Aqing's method for future reference, emphasizing the importance of choosing a gentle staghorn horse to avoid such thrilling encounters.

These staghorn horses, somewhat sentient, understood that these humans would be their caretakers in the future. Although initially uncomfortable with the idea of someone riding them, they refrained from struggling too fiercely when faced with danger.

It was evident that the staghorn horse Aqing chose wasn't keen on being his mount. However, out of respect for their leader's request, it followed along. Little did it expect to be chosen by humans first.

Though swift, staghorn horses lacked attack power. Even the staghorn horse Aqing chose, seemingly the strongest after the leader, was startled and hesitant.

Aqing, fearing to damage the staghorn horse's antlers, opted for a tighter grip. He clung to the staghorn horse's neck, enduring its frantic movements until it finally settled down and carried him back to the herd.

The staghorn horse leader acknowledged the bond between Aqing and his chosen mount, bringing an end to Luo Zhen's worries. He approached Aqing and the staghorn horse, patting Aqing's arm and jokingly remarking on his clinging posture.

As for the next choice, the others hesitated, lacking Aqing's strength and daring. However, Axue stepped forward confidently, expressing her desire to choose a mount.

Axue had observed the herd closely during Aqing's selection process. She knew her limitations and opted for a smaller female staghorn horse, avoiding the stronger, more stubborn ones.

Addressing the staghorn horse directly, Axue asked if it was willing to be her mount. The staghorn horse, after glancing at its leader, lowered its head slightly, inviting Axue to climb onto its back.

With some surprise from onlookers, Axue mounted the staghorn horse, which, after some initial adjustment, carried her around the basin.

Enjoying her newfound speed, Axue cheered and laughed, reveling in the exhilarating experience.