Before him was a quiet, idyllic thicket, within which were many caves and log cabins.

Bearmen originally didn't live in packs, but ever since a king of the realm emerged among the bearmen, things had been different. The new king had assembled all his people to form a settlement of bearmen.

Those who had wealth and luxury could afford log cabins for themselves; those that didn't dug holes beneath large, shady trees. 

At the center of the settlement was a gigantic tree, one that had been around for centuries, with thick bark and dark green leaves. Its crown was so massive that it covered up a third of the settlement by itself.

Suddenly, a roar came from underneath the hollow in the massive tree. The...