@wanderingkarakul
This past winter had been devastating for his tribe. Week-long snowstorms left them barricaded within their shelters, unable to communicate needs between families, leaving some to starve. As was often the case, many of their elderly and the weakest of their children did not survive. But the women that had attended those that could make it to the healers' shelter, too, suffered greatly from a sudden avalanche.
As always, the Arulaq yet survived. But they would not for long with almost half of their women gone. There were still plenty of young men in need of partners, the himself included. And while the Arulaq had been reluctant to reveal themselves to their brethren in the rest of the Steppe, this was now a matter of survival.
On the first dawn of spring, Cynder and a dozen of his trusted soldiers mounted their strongest horses and rode out of the valley. It took three days to reach the overlook above the Sea of Blades, where they set up camp just out of sight. If he wasn't so focused on the survival of the Arulaq, Cynder might have entertained the idea of exploring the land his ancestors had once hailed from.
But this was a raid for survival.
To his amusement, a market of sorts appeared to have been built just below the cliffs. It was almost too perfect: crates of supplies, fresh food, beast goods, all gathered in one spot! And, even more than that: there were plenty of women wandering about, either selling their wares or browsing them.
A derisive snort escaped him at the sight.
"Practically begging to be taken," he grunted, and turned to his men. "Grab all that you can! And leave the women sullying their hands with work!"
