To Redsteel

I count because Chief told me to.

Six messengers went to Redsteel.
Only two returned.

Nine fighters went to Redsteel.
Fourteen hunters went to Redsteel.
Three shamans went to Redsteel.

(The word "Returned" has been scratched out beneath each of the last three lines.)

I wrote that they would return. When they did not, I scratched it out.

The chief cannot read.
He only tells me to keep count.