Day 68

Today we left the littlest barbarian with the Most Honorable Elders and piled the older barbarians onto a passing caravan and headed down the arduous eastbound trail to the massive settlements that flank the big river. The eldest barbarian was convinced that we were attempting to murder him by tearing him away from his familiar environs and insisting that he accompany us to the markets.

Once we left our settlement, his attitude improved greatly. The barbarians are still suffering from the winter's confinement and so they were filled with a manic energy while my partner and I bargained with the traders. At the large market we were able to find a new set of stuffed hides to replace the broken one in our Gathering Hall.

After trading, we took the barbarians for a special meal. They seem on good spirits now that we are on our way back to the settlement on the westbound caravan. I only hope that the littlest barbarian has fared well with the Most Honorable Elders.  I worry that may not be the case as it is currently raining and the littlest barbarian seems ruled entirely by the weather.

The rain itself worries me as with the frozen ground and large drifts of snow there isn't anyplace for it to go. May all the gods be kind to our settlement. I begin to fear the Great Thaw.

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