Broneslav woke up surrounded by humanoids with thick brow ridges and broad faces. How they had sneaked up on him was hard to fathom, but perhaps he was just too exhausted from fighting the cyclops. Despite being armed, they did not appear hostile, just careful. Their obsidian-tipped spears did look sharp though. One of their number spoke to him in heavily accented Common.
"Who are you and why are you sleeping outside our home?"
Broneslav looked around. He had not noticed any houses last night. Then he twigged that they meant the cave on the hill above him. He had not noticed that either, but then there were so many caves here that any single one was largely unremarkable.
"I did not see your home when I camped. Sorry. I shall pack my things and go on my way. I have been exploring the island and must go home now."
The concept of exploring seemed to escape the Neanderthal people. They just looked puzzled. Broneslav did not try to explain further. He was worried that they might turn hostile.
The Neanderthals watched him depart warily, but made no move to stop the young man, who marched on through the hills for the rest of the day and then continued marching on the following day, when he suddenly found himself being pelted with sticks and stones.
"A person could get fed up of you rock baboons," he announced to the screeching horde as he moved away from and around their territory. Fortunately, he was able to find a place to camp for the night that was not denied him by the aggressive apes.
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