Wildebeests' Internal Struggle
That wildebeest glared somewhat menacingly at Oli, clearly wishing Oli a terrible death in his heart.
The chiefs witnessing this were stunned by what they saw and yet again they noted that this boy is special and shouldn't be messed with. Each of them came from humble beginnings in small tribes that never had much to their names, so it was far easier for them to submit and humble themselves compared to clans like the Tri-horned Wildebeests.
Rathe and Ania had small smiles hidden in their seriousness. They were proud of the boy and were glad he had again exceeded their expectations. Vloz was grinning from ear to ear.
Such a performance accomplished everything the gorilla tribe hoped for and more, they even had a chance to prove their superiority directly in front of the tribal chiefs. And because of Oli's strong character and his commitment to justice, they were able to weasel out a very presumptuous troublemaker and his tribe. From here on, they would monitor the wildebeests carefully, that is if they managed to survive till the end of the council.
"Give me a reason I shouldn't have him killed right now?" questioned Oli.
Oli's demand shattered any hopes that the wildebeests had to have a favorable image. Before Ratten's son spoke, the older and wiser wildebeest advisor stepped in. "That man was truly a fool. I was the advisor of his father before him and that is the only reason why I stay by his side now. Forgive us our trespasses, please. I hope that this won't negatively influence our clan too heavily," He bowed before Oli, genuinely seeking forgiveness for his tribe.
"I'm glad at least one of the leaders of this wild tribe has some sense left. There's no need for you to lower yourself. This fool will pay for his actions, your tribe won't have to bear his punishment. What is your name?" asked Oli.
"You may call me Eefran, young master," He stood up to assume the role of temporary leader of the tribe.
"Eefran…" Oli pondered something as he gave Eefran a twice over. "Good, then it's settled. Eefran shall be given the position of chief of the Tri-horned Wildebeest clan."
"What!?" Ratten's son was livid. "What do you mean!? You have no right to meddle in our clan's affairs."
"Shut up and let me finish," Oli continued. "Eefran shall be instated as the wildebeests' clan chief from this moment forward. And this garbage that we've tossed to the side shall have his cultivation crippled by removing his core."
"HUH!?" it wasn't only the wildebeests that reacted in such a way, those from the other tribes couldn't help but gasp at the severity of the punishment.
"What? Am I too merciful?" Oli examined the crowd, appearing to reconsider.
The riled up Rathe covered his mouth to conceal his giggling and Yeter wasn't faring any better. Ania slapped her brother's back, hoping to knock some sense into him.
"Silence!" that young wildebeest yelled. "You're obviously targeting my clan and disgracing us further with your laughter. We won't stand for this!" Eefran motioned to silence him but couldn't act faster than Oli.
Oli continued piling on to the punishment. "Oh, and did I forget to mention that his core will be gifted to Eefran as a celebratory gift for becoming the clan chief?"
"You—" the spoiled wildebeest tried to respond.
"If your clan wishes to take part in this council and join our town, then they must meet these conditions. And there will be no renegotiations." Oli gave his ultimatum.
The hot-blooded youth couldn't even breathe in response. It took him a minute to steady his mind and reply. "And if we refuse?"
"Then there's no place for any of you here in the Iron Territory and you all must be gone by morning. If you haven't allowed us to personally remove his core by then and remain anywhere within our borders, you will be exterminated upon sight," a coldness was felt from Oli's words.
"We thank Young Master Oli for his mercy and forgiveness," Eefran nodded, ignoring the ugly face of his young master. "Allow us to depart and return to our tribe to discuss the matter. It is my greatest hope that we can continue to move forward together."
"Thank you Eefran, I hope the same," said Oli. "Everyone, we shall place this council on hold for the night. We want you all to go and relocate to your new homes. Our gorilla clan will send messengers to each clan when it is time to gather again."
Oli and those behind him all rose and began to thank the chiefs personally for coming and participating. Even Eefran received a greeting and quick conversation with the gorillas' young master. The atmosphere finally calmed, and everyone gradually left, returning to inform their tribes of the news. Each tribe began to move immediately, excited to have a new home.
The wildebeests, however, had a very tough night when two factions formed. One followed Ratten and his egotistical beliefs while the other was loyal to Eefran and his humble yet confident wisdom. Most of the younger generations were among those of Ratten's side, having only known the ways of pride and disdain their whole lives. Those wiser and more mature experts of the later generations held fast to Eefran's side.
What made things worse was that the factions were about equal in power and had no way to influence the other. After the moons were high in the sky, things finally seemed to settle down.