The mountain forest is sparse, and the waves are turbulent. The wind rushed through the night, with the cries of apes resounding, as faint wails echoed. The kingdom's exploration fleet anchored at Eight Hundred Town for a day, finally awaiting the chief commander here, who oversees a thousand pike warriors, the military noble Pimeng.
"May the Chief Divine protect! Honored hereditary noble Huitu, Exploration Captain Chiwaco."
Pimeng's war clothes were bloodied, mud clung to his feet, and his face still bore unwashed dust, clearly indicating his hurried arrival. He wore the Eagle Crown of the Prepecha, carried a greatbow at his back, had a bronze axe at his waist, and held a copper spear in his hand. Seeing the two waiting, he slightly bowed, first saluting Puap, then nodding to Chiwaco.
Two years ago, though Puap was exiled, he still retained noble rank — notably higher than the old militia.
