Their presence did not go unnoticed.
It was a happy circumstance that Charik had been out of his palace and in the thick of the jungle that day, exploring his domain and searching for signs of the snake beast. It had not troubled his people for some weeks now, but rather than reassure him it only made Charik more nervous. This could only mean one thing: it was trying to throw him off by biding its time and making itself more unpredictable! That, or perhaps it knew that Charik was onto it and had gone into hiding, desperate to wait Charik out. Either way, time was of the essence! He had to find it before it claimed its next victim--or before it moved to a new hiding spot.
When a trail was hot, Charik often took some of his men along with him, but when the trail was cold he often went out alone, the better to be stealthy. Today was one of those "cold" days and so he was alone--or so he'd thought.
There were others in the jungle that day.
And as Charik grew closer, attracted to the sounds, it all made sense.
He'd been brought a new tribute! Oh, dear, looked like he'd spoiled his own surprise yet again! No matter, though. They looked tired, so he would relieve them of their duties early, as any good god-king should when his subjects looked weary. Now which one was it...?
Peering through the thick foliage at the group, he found her: a pale-skinned beauty with luscious black hair and exotic eyes. That was the one! It had to be!
She was his!
For a creature so large, he could move quickly when he chose, and he chose that moment to burst from the bushes, scoop her up bridal-style, and give a happy wave to her retainers. "We accept your tribute! Please, return home and rest and your village shall be blessed!"
He didn't wait for a response. He quickly slipped back into the jungle and was fast on his way.