When Ares awoke, he had asked Sohka to spread the word that he would adopt any child born with a weak body into his tribe. Sohka had sent the message along to the other clans, though it seemed as though everyone but Lana seemed to be hesitant about it.

Ares tried not to think about all the children that had been killed. It was something that had occurred in his world too, though it had been long abolished in most countries. He couldn’t really blame them, they probably were still developing in many ways, and considering how there was a war to come, they probably did need the strongest of people around…

He sighed out as he took a dip in the nearby river, keeping to himself. He had left Rori in charge of making sure everyone else was fine during his workout. He’d have to start training his people, but now wasn’t a good time. They needed to prepare for the eventual fighting that was sure to occur soon.

When he finally returned to his people, Ash walked up to him to speak with him.

“Ash?”

“Chief. They say you are going to face their warriors?”

“Yes, what about it?”

“Are you sure that’s a wise idea?”

“What do you mean?”

“It will be a trying trial.”

“Ash, you say me take on Wolfen and Bosk together, I’ll be fine.”

“That is one thing, but this is another. We are talking about the strongest seven oxfolk out of thousands. I don’t mean any disrespect to Wolfen or Bosk, but these oxfolk will be of an entirely different. The level of strength and battle experience, it’s not something you could find even among the commanders of the imperial army.”

“Is that so? Then, I guess I’ll have to fight them.”

“What?” Ash blinked, his face flooded with confusion.

“Well, if they are a fight I won’t be able to find so easily, then I have to fight them. Now it’s a matter of pride.” Ares grinned. This would be a great way to gauge his strength too. He was pretty sure of his abilities, but even so… perhaps he was getting ahead of himself?

Even if he lost, that was fine. Then he’d learn humility, and if he won, then he’d get to expand. Hopefully he could convince one oxfolk, for if one oxfolk joined him, it would be easier to convince others.

Ash remained looking at Ares, who quickly snapped out of his thoughts. “Don’t worry so much, Ash. I won’t betray your faith in me.” He grinned wide. “How is Rash? Is he doing better?”

“He’s doing much better. In a few weeks he should heal completely.”

“Good, I’m glad. Is the rest of your family fine?”

“Yes, they’re fine.” Ash remained there, and Ares could see there was a question on their lips still.

Ares remained silent, waiting for them to speak. However, Ash just excused himself and walked away. Ares wasn’t going to press Ash just yet, they could come to him at their own time.

So Ares went around, checking on his people, and ignoring the various glares of the oxfolk that he had upset after taking a swing towards their shaman. Apparently that was a big no-no, which made a lot of sense, but Ares didn’t mind so much.

A few did stalk him, and Ares ignored them, unless of course they stepped a little too close. He rest his arm against the sheath of his mithril blade, as if daring them to come forward. Yet they did not take his provocation.

“Perhaps you shouldn’t incite the oxfolk…” Rori said as they shook their head.

“Sorry, sorry…” He sighed out and then shook his head. “I just… I’m still feeling that heat.”

“The heat?”

“The heat?”

“I need to draw my blade.” Ares said, facing Rori. “I haven’t gotten rid of my rage…” Then his eyes snapped to Rori. “Rori. Let’s train together. I’ll need to train the tribe eventually, but I should start with you.”

Rori nodded his head slowly, though narrowed his eyes. “As you wish.”

Ares then shifted his blade away when he heard a voice call out to him.

“Ares.” He turned to see Grita, the horn of a tribe.

“Oh, Grita.” He bowed his head towards her as she tapped the side of her fists against the base of her horns gently.

“I have come to speak with you about a matter I was informed of.”

Ares cocked his head to the side. “Which matter is this?”

“I have been told that you wish to adopt the newborns that are born weak of body.”

Ares nodded his head. “Ah. Yes. What did you wish to speak about?”

“I have come to ask why, what are your intentions in adopting these children?”

“It’s to save them. That’s all.”

“Save them? From a peaceful death. You’d rather they suffer through their life with a weakened body, to struggle in life?”

“Everybody suffers and struggles in life. That doesn’t mean you get to murder newborn babies, those who cannot protect themselves.”

Grita narrowed her eyes. “You believe you can provide them a better life?”

“Much better than death, yes.” Ares said, nodding his head.

“What if I said that I would not kill them, would you be willing to adopt them?”

“I would, but there would be no need for it. If you said you wouldn’t kill them, I’d rather they stay with you and their own parents, than myself.”

Grita stared into his eyes for some time, and Ares cocked his head slightly. He could see that she was still trying to form an opinion about it. “You have adopted a child from Sohka, would you return the child back to the tribe.”

“I still need to speak with the child’s parents. If they are happy for me to take care of the child, then I shall take care of them. If they are not happy for such a thing, then I shall return the child, only on the promise that they do not kill the child.”

Grita nodded. She seemed satisfied by the answer. “Very well. Then I shall do the same with my tribe. I shall ask the mother of the children that are born weak of body and then on the day of the fight, I shall send them to you.”

“Thank you very much.” Ares smiled. “I’m glad that you have entrusted me with such an honour.”

“I believe that you hold a good heart, and I always trust my gut. Thank you for speaking with me.”

“No, I’m glad you came to speak with me. You’ve honoured me with such an action, and I thank you. Is there anything you require of me?”

Grita smiled. “Show me a good fight.” She said. “I will be sending one of my blood to face you.”

“I will do my very best to do that.” He smiled and then bowed his head towards her as she left him. He cleared his throat and then he turned back to face Rori, who had been waiting for him nearby.

“Right, where were we?”

Rori sighed and then nodded his head, heading away to train with one another. Just two men, sweating it up together, getting out of breath until a final climax.

Once they were done, Ares walked over to speak with the oxfolk parents of the child that he had adopted. The woman had rest for some time, and had come to in good health. He didn’t see the father around, nor did he even know who they were. A shaman remained by her side to tend to her, though kept an eye on him.

“Excuse me, I am Ares. I am the chief of the tribe that has been welcome to sleep under the skies with yours.”

“It is a blessing to meet you, Ares. I heard you have chosen to adopt my child?” She asked. She did seem to be a little weak after childbirth.

‘Thank you to whichever god out there exists for letting me be born with a di-’ His thoughts were broken when she spoke.

“Why did you adopt him? The child is weak of body?” She sipped on a soup of some kind after she asked.

“I wouldn’t be able to forgive myself if I allowed a child to die in front of me.” Ares smiled. “I’ve come to speak with you about it. I hear that you kill those children that are weak of body, but I ask for your permission to adopt the child into my tribe.”

“You wish to tend to the child?”

“Yes. I will make sure she grows up big and strong.”

“If you are able to do such a thing, then please do.”

“I will.” He nodded. “Is there a name you had in mind for her?”

The woman gave him a queer look, but she nodded. “Runar.”

“What a beautiful name.” He nodded. “Thank you.”

She reached up and then pressed a hand to his head. “Thank you.”

“Ah, I’d like to ask the father for permission too… is he about?”

“The tribe is her father.” The oxfolk cocked her head, a little confused by his words.

Ares narrowed his eyes, obviously confused. However, he didn’t press the matter. “Thank you.” He nodded and then left her be to rest.

‘What?’