Chapter 28: Dry Season Challenge
As the vibrant blooms of spring faded, the Silvermoon Tribe faced its first real challenge: an unusually early drought. Streams dwindled, the land began to crack, and even the most drought-resistant plants showed signs of fatigue.
Early in the morning, Lin Chen stood on the observation deck, gazing anxiously at the western sky. There was not a single cloud there, only the scorching sun rising relentlessly.
"It's a full half month earlier than usual." Canglan's voice came from behind, handing over a bamboo tube of clear water. "The elders say this is a sign of a drought not seen in many years."
Elder Linyan convened an emergency meeting. Elder Stoneheart of the Graystone Tribe, drawing on years of experience, pointed out the grim reality: "If this drought continues, the streams could dry up completely. We must act now."
Lin Chen proposed launching a drought emergency plan: "First, assess all water sources and formulate strict water allocation. At the same time, accelerate the excavation of deep wells and the construction of water storage facilities."
Xiaoyu showed off her new water storage cellar design: "Using masonry technology, we can build underground water storage spaces in low-lying areas to reduce evaporation losses."
The entire tribe sprang into action. Hunting parties reduced their outings and focused instead on water conservancy projects. Women and sub-orcs organized to gather drought-resistant plants. Children monitored stream flow and reported back promptly.
However, the drought intensified faster than expected. In just ten days, the water levels of major streams dropped by half, and some tributaries dried up completely.
"The old well in the west is almost dry." Hong Yan brought back the bad news, his face full of anxiety.
Lin Chen couldn't sleep that night, studying the topographic map in the moonlight. Suddenly, he thought of the modern karez technology - an ancient and effective underground water conservancy system.
"We need to change our thinking." The next morning, he explained the new plan to everyone. "Instead of looking for surface water, we should collect and preserve every drop of rainwater and guide groundwater."
With the cooperation of the limestone tribe's stonemasonry technology and the river tribe's water conservancy experience, the silver moon tribe began to build a complex water resource management system: underground water cellars, water diversion channels, and even a primitive water filtration system that tried to divert water from wet rock formations.
The most difficult task was digging a deep well. The orcs worked in shifts, digging down to the designated location. Progress was slow, and every foot of depth required tremendous effort.
"Here it is!" On the seventh day, cheers from the rock wall came from the bottom of the well. "Wet soil! I feel the wet soil!"
This news encouraged everyone. After digging several feet deeper, clear groundwater finally seeped out. Although the flow was small, it was enough to sustain the tribe's basic needs.
However, new problems followed. The continued high temperatures caused stored food to spoil faster, the dry environment increased the risk of fire, and even friction among tribal members due to water shortages.
A debate broke out in the square about water priorities.
"Farmland needs water! Otherwise, there's no hope for the autumn harvest!" Yunshan, who oversees agriculture, insists. "Drinking water first! People are more important than crops!" Meiguo refuses to budge. "Craftsmen need water too! Otherwise, we can't make tools!" Xiaoyu raises her voice, a rare occurrence.
Lin Chen intervened and mediated: "We need both, but they need to be allocated reasonably. Let's make a detailed plan."
After careful calculation, they established a hierarchical water use system: drinking water was given the highest priority, followed by medical water, then food preparation, and finally agriculture and industry. Each household received a fixed allotment, and any excess required special approval.
To reduce water consumption, Lin Chen improved many daily processes: using sand and ash instead of water to clean dishes, designing low-water consumption cooking methods, and even promoting the culture of wiping with a wet cloth instead of bathing.
When the drought was at its worst, the atmosphere in the tribe was heavy. But what was touching was that during this difficult time, the spirit of mutual support among the tribe members shone brightly.
Young people voluntarily gave some of the water to the elderly and children; hunting teams gave the best prey to the families most in need; even children wisely reduced their play and helped look after the water system.
One scorching afternoon, Lin Chen discovered that Canglan had secretly given his water to a nursing mother. When he offered his water to Canglan, the wolf warrior gently refused, "You need to stay clear-headed and lead everyone."
On the eighteenth day, when the reserves had reached their lowest point, the sky finally changed: dark clouds gathered in the west, and thunder could be heard in the distance.
Everyone in the tribe ran out of their houses and looked up at the sky, their eyes filled with a mixture of hope and worry - rain could alleviate the drought, but it could also trigger flash floods.
The rainstorm arrived in the evening. It started as a sparse, large drop, but soon became a torrential downpour. People cheered as they rushed into the rain, using whatever containers they had to collect this heaven-sent water.
But the joy soon turned to caution - the rain was too heavy and could destroy farmland and buildings.
Canglan immediately organized a flood prevention team to inspect and reinforce the drainage system, while Lin Chen led a team to inspect the steep slopes to prevent landslides.
The torrential rain continued throughout the night. As dawn approached, the rain subsided, and the Silvermoon Tribe had weathered the ordeal unscathed. The newly constructed water system had worked flawlessly: rainwater was collected and channeled efficiently, replenishing the reservoirs without damaging them.
The morning after the rain, the sun returned, this time with a merciful warmth rather than a brutal heat. The streams, though not yet fully restored, began to flow. The land, saturated with water, revived.
Elder Shi Yan presided over the thanksgiving ceremony: "Thank you to heaven and earth for the rain, and thank you to everyone for their perseverance and wisdom."
The dry season hadn't completely ended, but the most difficult phase was over. The Silvermoon Tribe not only overcame this challenge, but also gained valuable experience.
Lin Chen proposed establishing a permanent water management system: "We can't rely on occasional rain. We need to improve water collection, storage and conservation systems to cope with future droughts."
Xiaoyu and the rock walls improved the design of the underground water cellar; Yunshan devised a more water-efficient irrigation method; Hongyan designed a more efficient water diversion channel. Even the children came up with an innovative idea – using large leaves to shade the water containers and reduce evaporation.
The hardships of the dry season gradually faded, but the lessons learned were deeply ingrained in the hearts of every tribal member. Water resources became extremely precious, and conservation became a conscious act.
On a cool evening, Lin Chen and Cang Lan inspected the restored farmland. New sprouts were breaking through the soil, demonstrating the resilience of life.
"Although this drought was difficult, it brought the tribe closer together," Canglan said with emotion. "It also made us understand the impermanence of nature and the fragility of life."
Lin Chen nodded: "Survival is not about conquering nature, but about living in harmony with nature. This is a subject we must always learn."
In the distance, under Xiaoyu's guidance, children were making small clay models of water reservoirs, learning about water resource management. Young people were improving water diversion tools, while elders shared their experiences coping with past droughts.
The Silvermoon Tribe was not defeated by the drought, but instead became stronger and wiser because of the challenge. In this primitive and simple world, the orcs continued their eternal journey of dancing with nature with humility and tenacity.
When the first star appeared in the darkening sky, a soft song rang out among the tribe - a newly composed song of gratitude, thanking the gift of water, thanking each other for supporting each other, and thanking the continuation of life.
As the song sang, Lin Chen held Canglan's hand. No matter how many challenges the future held, as long as they united as one, the Silver Moon Tribe could continue to move forward and write their own legend in this pristine and beautiful world.
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