The next morning.
Sunlight pierced the thin mist and spilled over the walls of Black Rock Tribe.
Wu Liang rode out of the gate on a warhorse, a guard unit and several excursion carriages trailing behind him.
Wei Xian and Eliza shared one of the carriages.
Little Wu Qi, cradled in Wei Xian's arms, peered about inquisitively, fascinated by everything around him.
Florgloria, Lolia, and Alesha occupied another carriage, while the wagon behind them was piled high with food and cooking gear.
The rest of the women rode their own warhorses, flanking Wu Liang on either side.
All of them wore form-fitting hunting leathers that accentuated their tall, graceful figures.
"Move out!"
At Wu Liang's command, the column set off in grand fashion.
The Scout Battalion had already cleared the route of dangers; the journey was filled with charming scenery, birdsong, and floral scents.
The women chattered nonstop, their laughter carrying far.
Wu Liang savored this rare leisure, his mood excellent.
After half a day's travel, a sapphire-blue lake appeared before them.
The water was so clear it resembled a gigantic sapphire set amid emerald mountains.
The shore was flat grassland dotted with multicolored wildflowers; farther off, dense forest stretched into the distance.
A few elk grazed lazily at the forest edge; spotting the humans, they raised their heads in alarm and then bounded into the depths of the woods.
"Wow—so beautiful!"
Lolia leapt down first and exclaimed in delight.
Naturally attuned to the wild, she felt almost weightless with joy at such pristine scenery.
"It really is a lovely place. I haven't stopped to appreciate the view in ages."
Eliza lifted the carriage curtain, admiration shining in her eyes.
"All right, we camp here today."
Wu Liang swung down from his horse and swept out an arm.
"Let's get to work!"
The women sprang into action.
Florgloria and Lolia directed several accompanying Personal Guards to unload food and tents.
Soon the outline of a campsite took shape on a clearing beside the lake.
Sa Lan, ever vigilant, led a few scouts to check the surroundings and rule out any threats.
Aniya Merlin had no interest in chores; she wandered to the lakeside and sat quietly.
Akomann and Ignis, the instant they touched ground, started bickering again.
"Ignis, dare you race me to the opposite shore?"
Akomann peeled off her outer garment, revealing a tight sleeveless top, and pointed at a distant reef across the lake.
"You're on—who's afraid of whom?"
Ignis began unfastening her own buttons without backing down.
"Loser stays out of Wu Liang's tent tonight!"
"Done!"
With that, both splashed head-first into the lake.
Wu Liang gave a wry laugh and let them be.
He strolled to the shore where Wei Xian was letting little Wu Qi splash the lake with his tiny feet.
The baby giggled nonstop, having the time of his life.
"Careful you don't catch a chill."
Wu Liang stepped behind her and gently encircled her waist.
"I know."
Wei Xian leaned against him, happiness glowing on her face.
"It's been so long since we could relax like this. Liang, thank you."
"Thank me for what?"
He brushed a kiss across her cheek.
"You're all my women, and you've given so much to the Tribe. You deserve this."
Not far away, Eliza—supported by Alesha—was taking a slow walk along the grassy shore.
Sunlight bathed her; with her rounded belly she looked especially radiant.
Seeing Wu Liang and Wei Xian so affectionate, Eliza's lips curved in a gentle smile.
Alesha watched, a hint of envy in her eyes.
She whispered to Eliza, "The Chief is so considerate to Sister Wei Xian and you."
Eliza smiled and patted Alesha's hand.
"He treats every one of his women well."
"Only, the ways differ."
"Alesha, your contributions to the Tribe haven't escaped him; he sees and remembers."
Alesha's cheeks flushed slightly, and she nodded.
The camp was soon set up.
Several spacious tents stood in neat order, leaving a broad open space in the center for fires and activities.
Florgloria directed everyone to lay out the provisions they had brought.
Just the prepared meats alone formed a small mountain.
"Wu Liang, didn't you promise to show off your skills? We're all waiting for your feast today!"
Suina called out loudly.
"No problem!"
Wu Liang rolled up his sleeves.
"Today you'll taste what real barbecue means!"
He had Sa Lan cut several stout branches, sharpen them into spits, and set them aside.
Then he ordered Akomann and Ignis to dig a simple roasting pit in the camp's center and build a campfire.
From the jars and bottles Florgloria had brought, he selected salt, freshly ground pepper, and a few spice blends of his own.
He picked up a nicely marbled boar haunch and scored it with even cuts.
Next he rubbed the spices thoroughly into the meat, massaging so the flavors would penetrate deep.
The women gathered round, watching curiously.
Before long, several marinated cuts were set over the flames.
As the fire licked upward, fat on the meat began to melt, sizzling audibly.
A rich aroma of meat mingled with the fragrance of spices drifted through the air.
"Smells amazing…"
Lolia inhaled deeply, almost drooling.
Wu Liang brushed the cuts with a glaze he'd mixed from honey and fruit wine.
Each sweep intensified the scent.
The sun slipped westward, dyeing the clouds in brilliant sunset hues.
The lake shimmered, reflecting golden light.
The bonfire blazed; the women sat in a circle, their faces glowing, eyes full of anticipation.
Wu Liang gazed at the warm, perfect scene and felt utterly content.
"All right—dinner's served!"
At his announcement, the first roast—crisp outside, succulent within—was lifted from the flames onto a wooden platter.
"Come, taste my handiwork!"
With his dagger Wu Liang carved off a juicy slice and offered it to Wei Xian.
The skin was crackling and golden, the interior tender and pink, juices seeping along the blade.
"Careful, it's hot."
He reminded softly.
Wei Xian accepted it with a smile, blew on it, and gingerly took a bite.
Instantly her eyes lit up.
"Mmm… delicious!"
She mumbled in praise.
"What… what is this flavor?"
"The outside's so fragrant and crisp, the inside tender and smooth, with a hint of sweetness…"
"Of course—check who grilled it."
Wu Liang laughed proudly.
Seeing Wei Xian savor it so, the other women could wait no longer and crowded forward.
"Me! Me!"
Lolia, like a hungry kitten, held up her small bowl.
"Wu Liang, give me a big piece!"
Suina said without ceremony.
"Easy—everyone gets a share."