34.Kidnapping

Bob's group rescues Archimedes after he is kidnapped by raiders from Caerleon. During the rescue, Bob kills Fred in combat and his team defeats the attackers. A week later, after Archimedes recovers from his injuries, the group realizes Caerleon's poor tool-making and hunting skills stem from lack of training, and they decide to offer to teach Caerleon's people rather than perpetuate the conflict.

A runner arrives with news that Archimedes has been captured by raiders from Caerleon. Bob and Buster immediately organize a rescue with Donald and other hunters. Using spy drones to track the kidnappers, Bob guides the group through the Deep Copse to intercept them on the East Trail. When they catch up, Fred appears and gloats before Buster shoots him with an arrow. The Caerleon party forms a defensive line with Archimedes' unconscious body in their possession. Bob charges and slides under the spear line, disrupting their formation and allowing his hunters to overwhelm the defenders. Bob uses controlled force to prevent any of his people from being speared and to protect Archimedes from being killed by fleeing enemies. The battle ends with three of Bob's group wounded and eight Caerleons down, including Fred.

A week later, Archimedes is recovering well, though still eating soft food and dealing with blurry vision from his injuries. Donald brings Bob an inferior flint knife seized from the Caerleons, confirming that their poor tool quality is the real issue behind the raids. The Caerleons are struggling with hunting and attracting gorilloid predators, yet pride prevents them from asking for help. Archimedes suggests offering to train their craftspeople, and Bob's group agrees this approach is worth attempting to break the cycle of conflict.