The Young Man Gultong

That evening, whispers circulated among the group about the village's "farewell ceremony." Speculation grew as to who or what was being sent off, until they arrived at the square and saw for themselves.

In the center of the square lay the body of the village chief, carefully prepared for burial.

Around him sat several elders in white robes, including Rick, their expressions solemn and calm.

Villagers knelt in a circle, their hands clasped in prayer, the scene imbued with an almost mystical stillness.

Even the pirates' arrival barely elicited a reaction.

Helion, unable to contain his curiosity, grabbed a boy who had come to call them for dinner and gestured toward the scene. "What's going on over there?"

The boy, his temper still fresh, pulled against Helion's grip but couldn't free himself. Irritated, he snapped, "Are you blind? We're saying goodbye to the old chief, Rick Harvin."