The First in Line

He knew that he needed to tackle these issues one by one; otherwise, he wasn't sure he'd wake up the next day, given the growing headache building at the back of his head.

"It's important, Chief," Thak replied, taking a deep breath to steady himself as he rose to his feet from his kneeling position.

"What is so important that you had to disrupt my meeting with Stronghold Leader Zogar, a discussion about the village's safety and the threat of the Vyklr vines overwhelming us?" Village Chief Brane questioned, his frown deepening as he observed Thak's hesitation.

Thak finally spoke up after a few tense moments. "It's Overseer Anara..."

Village Chief Brane abruptly shot up from his seat, both his arms latching onto Thak's shoulders before Thak could fully grasp the situation.