While the Bees arriving did force a halt to work - and in fact was one of the very few reasons they could without reprimand - once they were gone Lina, amongst others, was expected to pick up the pace to keep from falling too far behind on their quota. Sundown arrived by the time she was finished and could return to her assigned quarters for food and rest. During the ten-minute walk back, most of the herd were returning as well but some still toiled the fields, either to reach their quota or to exceed it and thus hope to secure a favourable standing. Mainly older ones who were passing their prime. And all under the watchful eyes of the guards that paced the fields, habitats, and perimeter with trained precision.
Fundoshi/Leather Hip-Guard Combo with matching leather forearm/shin guards that signalled their role as the Enforcers of the Tribe. The captains of each group adding leather shoulder plates belted across the back and front in a cross, and the Commander marked by a cape that hooked to the shoulder guards. Their primary weapons of choice, a Recurve Bow-and-Arrow for long-range with a sword with a thirty-inch blade for close-quarter combat. Said sword widened at the point to push the weight forwards to make it effective at hacking and slashing. The manufact of weapons a skill carefully guarded by their masters, most likely to keep any of their Prey/Slaves from being able to use it against them.
But no sooner had Lina reached the entrance to her quarters did one of the captains approach.
“You. Lina.” She hissed to her, her ‘uniform’ having an additional strap to hold her breasts in place for when she needed to move quickly. “The Commander has summoned you. You are to report to the municipal building at once.”
Knowing better than to reply back, Lina impy nodded to convey the fact that she understood and allowed herself to be ‘escorted’ to it. The personal guard of the Tribal Chief who permitted them entry were the lowest in rank to have footwear, simple leather leggings that served as protection for the lower legs as well. Waiting to be called, Lina was quick to notice that there were about two dozen others waiting with her, all of the same heavy build as herself.
Finally the call came and they were ushered into the meeting room where the Commander and Chief were seated and ready. The chief identified by his long hooded robe belted into place, rested atop his head, and almost covered his booted feet. And one other, a Racoon with only a loincloth around her waist and a piece around her chest and one shoulder.
“These are the ones you called for, Chief Attor.” One of the guards stated with the utmost respect.
“Yess.” He replied, rising to assess them for himself, looking over each one in turn, all keeping their heads bowed. “They will do just fine. Commander?” He address him as he took his seat again.
“Messenger Kris has informed us that the Crocodile Tribe attacked our holdings in the East.” He began, the scars across his muscled body testament to his battles. “They were repelled but they require extra soldiers and weapons to keep them away. You will be carting the supplies across to them. Four days to get there, two at the location and four to return. You will leave with the soldiers at sunrise.” They nodded in affirmation.
“Good.” Attor spoke again. “Return to your quarters and be sure to be rested. You may leave now.” Making clear that the meeting was over.
Back in her quarters, the difference between the two building was stark to Lina. The Municipal Building had been furnished with curtains and padded seating, soft material over the floor and a fire set into a stone column to provide warmth. This building she was assigned to lacked the stated, the seating simply hard benches and tables that offered scant comfort, just wooden structures designed with functionality in mind. The bedding the only thing they had which could allow enough for good sleep.
Though certainly better than open sky and night chills, Lina knew that disobedience was something that was completely out-of-bounds, the penalty as swift as it was harsh.
Only the foals had time for fun, and then only until they were deemed large and fit enough to be put to work, usually within ten to twelve years. She herself had been working in the fields twelve of them, since she had turned eleven.
Just enough time for feed and then rest, this would be the first time that Lina had left the village she’d spent her entire life in thus far. What lay beyond its limits?