This time, the enemy was a wild pig—entirely unevolved. It was smarter—or more cautious—than spiders. Despite its size, it chose to not pick a fight against a swarm of bees and backed off. But Redsting's scouts still trailed it for a while longer.
Only after this we could return to the fort. By then, the sun was touching the horizon and turning the sky red.
I told Redsting all that I learned from watching the traits of mantises and jumping spiders we've met, as well as some other solitary insects we saw (and usually chased off) on our way.
"Thank you for your wisdom, Father! I will make sure my soldiers are prepared for these enemies."
"I don't doubt that. Also, kill these mantises you caught, Redsting. Next time, if you want to catch someone, one sample will be enough."
"Yes, Father. For the sake of effectiveness—can we use the mantises as training targets? The newbies can sharpen their skills in fighting them!"
