Intermission 9 Page 16

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“In my time, we would move around wherever there was still space left for us. But back then…”

“Each clan or tribe had its own territory, usually pretty large.”

“Some would migrate between homes based on the seasons. In places where it never got very cold, they would follow the food supply.”

“Sometimes the territory of multiple groups would overlap, and during certain times of the year they would all come together to share news and resources.”

“I won’t pretend there was never conflict or even war between clans.”

“But it was nothing like what would happen to us later.”

“What about our ancestors?”

“Where did they live?”

“Ahh. Well, I’ve never been there myself.”

“But my teacher said it was a secluded valley far from here… somewhere cut off from the rest of the world, at least at the time.”

“Our clan had settled there to avoid their enemies. There was enough food and other resources to support them year-round. They were barely nomadic at all.”

“The only way you could get into the valley was through one of several ancient dungeons, so dangerous that even mighty heroes would shy away.”

“But our clan found a way through. I’m told it cost many lives, but saved many more in the end.”

“Wait! That’s kind of like what I’m doing!”

“It’s a little different, Ricki.”

“Not THAT different.”

“I don’t want to revive this argument.”

“Fine.”

“So, I guess one day the Empire found this hidden valley?”

“Well… yes.”

“But our clan was already gone by the time they did.”