Chapter 16: Chapter 16: Crossing the Sea
"Nature Titans, Greatwood Clan?"
Jano felt an odd familiarity with the name of this troll tribe, but as he observed their leader, he quickly realized the Greatwood Clan had a formidable presence. The troll leader, a Hero rank warrior, was clearly the strongest of the tribe.
This put Jano's worries at ease somewhat.
The trolls' invitation came, and Jano, curious about their intentions, decided to investigate further. He looked to his side and gave orders to Roar and the others.
"Roar, come with me. The rest of you, stay here and observe the situation."
"Yes, Chief!" Roar acknowledged.
Jano and Roar descended together to meet the trolls.
Jano's first words were straightforward. "Trolls, we are not of the Hawkmen Tribe, but of the Winged People who have lived by this coastline for generations."
The trolls were taken aback, marveling at Jano's appearance. The leader of the trolls, Lansent of the Greatwood Clan, was visibly impressed.
"I misjudged you," Lansent said, "You possess the beauty of the Titans, your appearance far surpasses that of the Hawkmen Tribe."
He introduced himself with a deep bow. "I am Lansent, leader of the Greatwood Clan."
Jano returned the greeting politely. "Hello, Lansent. I am Jano, leader of the Winged People."
Jano wasted no time and directly asked, "I want to know why the Greatwood Clan has come to the Eastern Sea. Are you planning to settle here?"
Lansent, sensing Jano's reluctance, smiled faintly. "We will not settle here. Our purpose for coming is to cross the sea to another continent."
"Cross the sea?!" Jano exclaimed, surprised. Crossing the sea was no small feat in this age.
"Yes," Lansent confirmed. "We intend to sail across the ocean to a distant land."
Jano raised an eyebrow. "But why? That doesn't seem like a wise decision."
Lansent sighed. "I share your concerns, Jano. But this is the last will of Princess Tyialan, the Nature Titan."
Jano's eyes widened. "Tyialan is dead?"
"Yes, she is. But in her final days, she called us together and told us of a prophecy. She guided us to cross the sea, to escape the endless wars."
Lansent paused, looking around cautiously before continuing, "There's more to it. We also hold a secret—Tyialan, the Nature Titan, may one day be resurrected. That's why we must go."
Jano nodded but didn't press further. He could sense Lansent was withholding details for a reason.
"Understood," Jano said. "The Winged People will not stop your journey."
Lansent looked relieved. "Thank you, Jano."
Jano spent a little more time discussing the ongoing war between the Titans and the Ancient Dragons. Lansent shared the grim news that the conflict was only escalating, with countless lives lost in its wake.
Jano nodded thoughtfully. "It seems like this war will only end in mutual destruction. But how long will it last?"
Lansent didn't answer, his face darkening. It seemed clear that both sides were locked in a battle of attrition.
The conversation ended, and Jano led his people back to Mount Celestia.
Days passed, and as expected, the Greatwood Clan began preparing for their long journey. They felled trees and built ships, tirelessly working day and night.
A year later, the trolls of the Greatwood Clan, a tribe of over ten thousand, boarded their massive wooden ships and set sail across the ocean.