"What did you say?!"
After so long together, Hu Tu should know I'm not one to spread rumors. So when I finished speaking, his demeanor instantly turned serious, and he straightened his tilted posture.
Seeing Hu Tu regain his composure, I began to recount the story I and Mr. A had devised to him.
"That day I went to the temple and saw the High Priest in a hurry, as if he was about to do something unspeakable. So I quietly followed him..."
I omitted what I couldn't reveal and embellished Mr. A's experience as my own. Finally, I didn't forget to tell Hu Tu all my suspicions.
"Great King, I feel the High Priest is secretly plotting a heinous conspiracy, perhaps even a rebellion!"
When I finished, Hu Tu's reaction was unexpected.
I had expected Hu Tu to immediately slam his hand on the table, grab his sword, and go fight the High Priest, or at least be furious. Instead, he was just frowning, lost in thought.
Strange, why is Hu Tu reacting this way? Is there something between him and the High Priest that I don't know about?
Through the tent flap, I could occasionally hear the sounds of laughter and revelry from outside, but within the great tent, it was as silent as death.
Brother, what are you thinking now? Just give me a straight answer!
Time waits for no one, and I didn't want to waste time with Hu Tu here. I was the first to break the agonizing silence.
"Great King, what do we do?"
I slowly stood up from my seat, cupped my hands towards Hu Tu, and with a sincere expression, awaited his answer.
"Alas, let's not speak of this for now. Let me think."
Hu Tu hesitated. He raised his arm, but then his hand fell back down, defeated.
Seeing Hu Tu's reaction, I felt like I was going to spit out blood. The sword was already at your throat, and you're just going to let it go?
This is completely different from what Hu Tu and I, along with Mr. A, had predicted before I came. Shouldn't you just act decisively?
"Great King, the situation is already at this critical juncture. What are you still hesitating about?!"
Hu Tu was indecisive, so I had to push him. We are all in this together now. Even if Hu Tu falters, I must drag him along!
"After all, the High Priest is the representative of the Shepherd God in the tribe. He has deep roots. If we act now based solely on your suspicions, it might be inappropriate."
Hu Tu finished speaking and, without giving me a chance to reply, waved his hand.
"Ba Du, I will increase security during the upcoming Shepherd God's Blessing ceremony to guard against the High Priest's actions. You may go back now."
I gasped for air, barely suppressing my surging emotions. I gave a stiff "goodbye" and walked directly out of the tent.
Where I couldn't see, Hu Tu watched my retreating back. His expression gradually became calm, his gaze deep and thought-provoking.
"Damn it!"
He's practically inviting his own death. How can Hu Tu be so indecisive at such a critical moment of life and death? It's like he's a woman!
I simply couldn't understand. Unless the High Priest was Hu Tu's biological father, I couldn't find any reason for Hu Tu not to act against the High Priest.
Hu Tu's unexpected move completely overturned all the plans I and Mr. A had made. If I hadn't forced myself to restrain my emotions just now, I would have rushed up and slapped Hu Tu a few times to snap him out of it.
"Ba Du, what happened? The wild boar is already roasted, and we're waiting for you!"
As I walked, I heard A Da calling me. Looking up, I realized I had unconsciously arrived at the tribe's bonfire. A Da and several other warriors were sitting around the fire, devouring roasted meat.
Facing A Da's question, I couldn't directly tell him what had just happened with Hu Tu. I just sat down beside him, took a leg of pork from the rack, and gnawed on it ferociously.
"Hahahaha, we haven't seen each other for several days. Eat to your heart's content, there's more to come!"
Seeing that I was in a bad mood, A Da didn't press further. He just kept telling me about the recent happenings in the tribe to distract me.
If it were any other time, I could have sat here and bragged with A Da until nightfall.
But now, with the sword at my throat, how could I be in the mood to boast with A Da? So I just ate a little and bid farewell to A Da, hurrying back to find Mr. A.
"Mr. A!"
I rushed back to the camp, finding Mr. A dozing in his tent, deep in thought. I quickly woke him up.
"Things are not looking good..."
I quickly recounted Hu Tu's response to Mr. A and then waited for his analysis.
After listening to my account, Mr. A was silent for a long time. He slowly raised his head, looking at me with a strange expression.
"Tell me, is there a possibility that Hu Tu and the High Priest are working together?"