Before the Chief could examine the stones, Thorne stepped forward, his hook-nose casting a sharp shadow over his face.
"With all due respect to our 'guest,' I think this is nothing but a frightened boy making up nonsense," Thorne spat, his voice laced with venomous condescension that echoed loudly in the ravine. "There is no physical way something could be wrong with the Blood-Jades. They are impenetrable. I think the truth is much simpler, and much more pathetic."
Thorne turned to address the crowd, gesturing dramatically at Sol. "He approached the altar. He felt the terrifying, crushing weight of the Apex beasts inside. He realized that he simply doesn't have the willpower or the capacity to subjugate a Lord-Beast, but his massive pride wouldn't let him admit defeat in front of the tribe. So, he fabricated this ridiculous story of 'corruption' to save face in front of others!"
A tense ripple spread instantly through the Grove.
