Chapter 24 Seeking Help in the Snow
As the cold season deepened, life in the Silvermoon Tribe settled into a steady rhythm. One quiet afternoon, the guards atop the watchtower suddenly issued an emergency signal—three short, one long wolf howls—indicating the approach of outsiders.
Canglan immediately transformed back into wolf form and ran towards the wall, followed closely by Lin Chen and the other warriors. On the snowy horizon, several staggering figures were struggling to move towards the Silver Moon Tribe.
"There are only five people... and they are in a terrible state." Canglan's wolf eyes could see details in the distance. "They look like refugees."
Elder Shi Yan ordered the gates opened to welcome them. When the five figures stumbled into the tribe, everyone gasped—they were skinny and ragged, and the youngest was practically being dragged forward.
"Help...Help..." The middle-aged man in the lead said with his last bit of strength and then fainted on the ground.
Berry immediately ordered the medical team: "Quick! Carry him to the medical room! Prepare hot soup and herbs!"
Lin Chen helped support another nearly frail young man. All he could feel were bones, almost no flesh. The situation of these people was several times worse than during the Silver Moon Tribe's most difficult period.
An hour later, the five survivors regained some consciousness and began to tell their stories in fragments.
"We are from the Graystone Tribe... on the other side of the mountain." The middle-aged man - calling himself Rock Wall - said weakly, "The cold season came too early and too severely... The reserves are insufficient... The elderly and children are the first to be affected..." His voice choked.
The young woman continued, her eyes filled with trauma. "To save food, the strong ones ate less... but the blizzard destroyed our cave... we had to flee..."
The youngest boy—no more than ten years old, apparently—huddled in the furs, weeping silently. None of his family had escaped.
The members of the Silvermoon Tribe were horrified. Just a few years ago, they might have faced the same fate.
Elder Shi Yan immediately called an emergency meeting. "We must help them," the elder said firmly, "but we also have to consider whether our reserves can sustain it."
After calculating, Lin Chen said, "We have sufficient reserves. Adding five more people can fully support us until the end of the cold season. But the question is - are there more survivors in the Graystone Tribe?"
When Yanbi heard this question, a glimmer of hope ignited in his eyes: "When we escaped, there were still more than 20 people hiding in the ruined cave... But if we can't get rescued..." He didn't say anything else, but his meaning was clear.
Canglan's face was solemn. "To reach the Graystone Tribe, we need to cross the Black Wind Valley. Even in good weather, it will take two days. It's deep winter now, and a blizzard could hit at any time..."
The meeting fell silent. Rescue was extremely risky and could cost many lives; but to do nothing would violate the tribe's core values.
Lin Chen suddenly said, "Perhaps we don't need to mobilize all our forces. We can organize a small elite team, bring sleds and sufficient supplies, and make a quick return trip."
After intense discussion, the final decision was: Canglan would lead the five strongest orc warriors to the rescue, Lin Chen would provide technical support, and Meiguo would prepare medical supplies.
During the preparations, Lin Chen designed a simple sled and cold-weather gear, while Canglan selected the warriors with the most experience in snowy terrain. The entire tribe mobilized to prepare the highest-energy food and warmest clothing for the rescue team.
The night before their departure, Lin Chen and Canglan carefully studied the route. "Black Wind Valley is the most dangerous," Canglan pointed to his homemade map. "But a detour would take an extra day, and we can't afford that." Lin Chen nodded. "I've designed signal fireworks so we can call for help if we run into danger. Also, this compass should be able to indicate direction in the wind and snow." He displayed a simple compass made from a magnet and a ceramic bowl.
At dawn the next day, the rescue team prepared to set out. Yanbi insisted on joining them: "I know the fastest way, and I can convince the survivors to trust you." Although he had not yet fully recovered, considering the importance of a guide, he was finally allowed to join.
All the tribe members gathered at the gate to see them off. Elder Shi Yan placed amulets on each member of the group and said, "May the Wolf God guide your path and protect your safe return."
Yunshan handed Lin Chen a small packet of special vanilla: "It can refresh the mind when necessary, and it can also help calm the wounded."
With the hopes and blessings of the entire tribe, the seven-member team set out on their journey. Initially, the journey was relatively smooth, but after entering the Black Wind Valley, the situation deteriorated dramatically.
Visibility plummeted as a gust of wind whipped snowflakes toward them. The team members, tied to each other with ropes, struggled forward. "We're almost there!" the rock wall shouted in the wind. "I remember this landmark!"
Suddenly, a particularly fierce gust of wind hit, and Xuezhua, the young soldier at the end of the team, slipped and fell into the ravine! In the critical moment, Canglan transformed into a wolf and bit Xuezhua's backpack strap. The other team members quickly worked together to pull him back to safety.
"Thank you... Captain..." Snowclaw thanked him, still in shock. Canglan transformed back into human form and said seriously, "Be extra careful! We not only have to save others, but also make sure everyone returns safely!"
In the evening, they finally arrived at the ruins of the Graystone Tribe. The scene was heartbreaking: several dilapidated caves were half-covered by snow, with no signs of life.
"No... Could it be that..." Yanbi knelt in the snow in despair.
Lin Chen observed carefully: "Look there! There is a faint smoke!" He pointed to the most hidden cave entrance.
The team quickly cleared the snow from the cave entrance. Frightened whispers could be heard from inside: "Don't come in! We're out of food!" "It's me! Rock Wall!" Rock Wall shouted hurriedly, "I'm here with help!"
After a moment of silence, disbelieving cries emanated from the cave. When the rescue team entered the cave, everyone burst into tears—more than two dozen survivors of the Graystone Tribe were crammed into the cramped space, their bodies barely visible, relying on burning animal hides and wood for warmth.
The oldest man asked in a trembling voice, "Is this really a rescue? Not an illusion?"
Canglan replied solemnly: "The Silver Moon Tribe has come to help. We have food and medicine, and we will take you to a safe place."
Lin Chen immediately ordered the distribution of emergency food and warmth. The medical kits Meiguo had prepared came in handy. The survivors wolfed down the high-energy food, many crying as they ate.
However, a problem arose: these survivors were too weak to make the long journey back to the Silvermoon Tribe.
"We need to set up a temporary camp here to allow them to recover their strength first." Lin Chen judged, "Otherwise, forcing their way forward would put their lives in danger."
Canglan agreed to this plan. The team members immediately took action, using the supplies they had brought with them to reinforce the cave and establish a more effective insulation system. Lin Chen instructed everyone to dig a snow cave as an additional shelter, while ensuring ventilation.
Three days later, with careful care, the survivors had recovered enough to start their return journey, but a new problem arose: the weather deteriorated dramatically and a blizzard was about to hit.
"We must set off immediately and cross the Black Wind Valley before the snowstorm!" Canglan made a decisive decision.
The team reorganized: the stronger members assisted the weaker survivors, and important supplies were loaded onto the sled. Lin Chen used all available materials to make a simple cold-proof mask and gloves.
The return journey was several times more difficult than the outward journey. The wind and snow were getting stronger and stronger, and visibility was almost zero. They relied entirely on Canglan's wolf instincts and the compass to guide them.
The weakest survivors began to fall behind. Canglan made a difficult decision: "Lin Chen, you lead the majority and continue forward! I'll stay behind and help the slowest ones!"
"No! It's too dangerous!" Lin Chen objected, "We must stay together!"
"Someone must lead the way!" Canglan insisted, "Trust me, I can catch up!"
When the two sides disagreed, the rock face offered a compromise: "I know a cave in the middle that can temporarily shelter us from the wind and snow! It's not far away!"
After weighing the pros and cons, the team turned to the cave that the rock wall mentioned. Fortunately, the cave did exist and was large enough to accommodate everyone.
The blizzard raged for a whole day and night. Hiding in the caves, the members of the Silver Moon Tribe shared their food and clothing, caring for the survivors of the Graystone Tribe.
In this isolated snow cave, people from the two tribes truly became one: sharing stories, comforting each other, and praying together.
When the storm finally passed and the sun once again shone on the snowy plains, the team continued on their journey home. Now, they were no longer just a rescue team and the rescued, but partners in life and death.
Upon seeing the Silvermoon Tribe's walls from afar, an old man from the Graystone Tribe burst into tears: "I thought I would never see such a safe home again in my lifetime..."
On the wall, the soldiers on guard spotted the returning troops and immediately gave a cheer. The gates were opened wide, and everyone came out to welcome them.
When the rescue team and the survivors finally entered the safe area of the Silvermoon Tribe, the crowd erupted in thunderous cheers and applause. Mothers hugged their returning sons, couples hugged each other tightly, and children looked at the new survivors curiously.
Elder Shi Yan looked at the emaciated survivors, tears streaming down his face. "Welcome to the Silver Moon Tribe. From now on, this is your home."
The survivors of the Graystone Tribe were properly accommodated, the medical team provided full treatment, and the entire tribe was mobilized to provide assistance.
That night, Canglan and Lin Chen finally returned to their cabin. Exhausted but content, they cuddled by the fire.
"You saved many lives." Lin Chen said softly.
Canglan shook his head: "It was us. Without your preparation and wisdom, the rescue would not have been successful."
Outside the window, snowflakes began to fall again. But within the Silver Moon Tribe, warmth came not only from the fire pit, but also from the kindness and unity of the people.
The rescue operation was successful, but the task of integrating the two tribes has just begun.
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