What Lurks Below

by Michael Soldat

  This was the first time he’d brought her to see Felas in an official capacity. The thought occurred that things might not go well. But, Robert figured he knew both their personalities well enough that Felas’ casual demeanor wouldn’t bother Lara. Whatever doubt he may have had, Robert put it in the back of his mind, for they had reached the door.

  Before them, two guards about Robert’s size stood in plate armor. Both had full face helmets on, making it impossible to see where their eyes went. Robert and Lara stopped in front of them.

  “Hello, friends. I’m here to see Felas. I set up an appointment last night.”

  One guard looked to the other, nodded, and turned back.

  “Well met, Robert, a steward just informed us. Who is this, though?”

  “You’re telling me you’ve never met my assistant? Lara’s worked with me for a few years now. She’s provided a great deal of information on grog to our doctors. They tell me they love her for what she's done.”

  “Oh! I don't think I've seen you in a while. Last time was what, a few months ago? I took a bit of leave, and I think you had more hair, then. Sorry, sometimes I don't get a good look at faces through this thing. Has Robert told you what you need to do to see the king? I mean, courtesies and all that?”

  Lara’s eyes went wide.

  “Ah, sorry,” Robert said. “I didn't have much time to prepare. Lara, act like you think you should, because I'm guessing you have a good idea. It’s nothing too serious, but we're not at a tavern, you know?. Oh, you don’t have any weapons on you, do you? Can’t see the king with those.”

  “Oh! I uh… I only have the dagger. Here.”

  Lara unfastened a sheath from around her boot and handed an iron knife to the guard, who nodded and opened the door.

  “Here goes, kid. Don’t worry too much, OK?” Robert said before walking in.

  Lara followed. Inside the council room, Robert took a deep breath and looked around. Felas had a few things redone, considering none of the tapestries in here looked familiar. Granted, Robert could hardly remember them in the first place, considering how wide the room was.

  A giant, long polished wood table lay before them, stretching enough for the ten men and women sitting across from each other that made up the King’s council. Each of them sat in robes of the finest materials, though in different cuts and styles. Each, however, wore the king's seal upon their breast. Behind them, Felas sat upon his golden throne, two castle turrets seeming to guard him from the top of the chair. The king was nearly three before Robert was born. Fifty years later, they both showed their age the same. Felas moved his red cape off to the side and waved. If a mysterious force traded Felas’ fine silks and Robert’s army officer garb, they could easily pass for the other.

  “Welcome, old friend! I haven’t seen you on official business in nearly a week! I've been told that you have a matter of importance,” the king boomed.

  Lara bowed as Robert nodded.

  “And who’s this young lady? Is that Lara, your hardest worker, I see? I don’t believe you’ve ever brought her to see the whole council at once! I do recall, though, that every meeting of ours has been a pleasure. You've chosen at least one soldier well, though I do not doubt the others,” Felas added.

  Robert glanced at Lara, who struggled to keep her eyes on the king, occasionally looking behind him at a majestic tapestry of his seal.

  “I know, but I thought it was time, sir. She’s worked with me for many years, and I wanted her to meet the rest of you at once. I brought Lara here because I believe it’s time we appreciated her for what she's done. She’s a bit shy, but she works harder than anyone I’ve employed.”

  Robert paused, closed his eyes, and inhaled deeply. After a calming breath, he continued.

  “I was hoping you’d permit her an official position as my assistant, for now. I’m sure you’ve noticed her work ethic, and I can vouch for her strength and courage in battle. After a short period of mentoring, I'd ideally recommend her as my successor.”

  Suddenly, the king broke away from his stately demeanor and laughed.

  “What? After thirty years, you want to retire?! Why, if I didn’t know better, I’d say you were getting old!”

  Robert chuckled. Lara's eyes, wide open, darted around.

  “Says the man who's sat on the throne for the same time! If Danae were here, she would be laughing on the floor right now. At least I can admit my age.”

  The king sighed, his cool stature returning.

  “Oh, Robert, where would I be without you? No one else dares challenge me. They’re all afraid of my crown. You’re right, though. Were my wife here, she’d be giving me that look. Do me a favor, Robert. When she gets back, don’t tell her about this.

  But, I digress. I think we can arrange for something suitable. I’ll have the treasurer write a contract today. You deserve the help, and I’m well aware that Lara here does impeccable work. I’m sure every doctor on the grounds loves her for what she has done for their research.”

  The king shifted in his chair.

  “Now, I don’t believe that was the only business you brought with you today, Robert.”

  “Sir, you’d be right. A steward should have delivered a small stack of papers to you earlier today, correct?”

  Felas and the council members nodded.

  “Excellent. This past month, there was a report of an unusual grog that I want to check out. Shouldn’t take more than a day, with my usual company.”

  “A single grog?” one man in a flowing blue robe asked. “What’s so special about this grog that it requires your usual company and the attention of this council?”

  “Well, for one, it apparently had the appearance of being intelligent. If you recall, that’s not exactly a word anyone would use to describe a grog. Reports say it wasn't smart, by any means, but a grog that doesn't immediately try to devour a guard, even in incredibly unfavorable terrain, far from home, must have something going on upstairs. Second, the beast had a bit of heft to it. Now, in all my-”

  “So, you want to take people out for a fat grog that knows it's too far from home?” the same council member said.

  “Please, let him speak. Robert’s the one keeping these things from interfering in business,” Felas added, raising his hand.

  “Thank you. So, in all my years of service, these things have never been fat. Not a single one. Thirty years, every single one that’s come down from the mountains has been wiry and tough. All of the ones in the mountains, despite that being their ideal hunting ground, had little meat on their bones. This one, though. This one, so I’m told, was plumper than some of your pigs during the first winter feast.”

  “So, one of the grog finally figured out that it needs to eat when it can, to survive when it can't. That’s what this is about.”

  “If you believe they have the power of forethought, then yes. But, councilman, I’ve been watching these things for thirty years. No matter where I’ve found them, from their mountain nests to lost ones closer to town, the grog have never had any weight to them. In thirty years, none of them have managed, as you say, forethought.”

  “Robert,” Felas said. “With all due respect, I believe the council would like to know why we’re to spend money on a fat grog. Maybe something’s gone wrong in the mountains. Sounds like it’s not our problem.”

  Robert smiled wide.

  “Well, your majesty, I’d be happy to tell you. King Felas, councilmen and women, I ask you all one question: do any of you know how the grog breed?”

  Confusion and frustration struck the council as they whispered among themselves. Robed hands gestured wildly. Felas’ eyes went thin as he stared Robert down. Robert hesitated another moment, in case there was any answer.

  “I thought as much. Not that that is a judgement of your intelligence, because even our smartest doctors have no clue. That’s not for lack of study, for Lara and I have brought them many a subject to test their theories.”

  The king's eyes perked u
p. Lara's hands trembled.

  “You think this is a mother,” Felas said.

  Robert nodded. Lara's jaw dropped slightly.

  “Are you sure?”

  “The least useful possibility is we find out if something happened to the grog. They're getting smarter, or they've changed. I know that seems like a waste, but the more we know about these beasts, the safer our roads are. Thogt will be more secure inside and out if we can keep the grog at bay. However, if I'm right, then we may be able to stop these beasts at their source. Then, provided we can hunt all of the parents down, you won't have to pay people like me and Lara here extra, any more.”

  Again, the council members whispered to each other. Finally, the two closest to Felas spoke to him.

  “Well, Robert. I hope you didn’t have any plans for tomorrow, because the consensus is we’d like to see what you’re on to, here. I apologize for the deliberation, but everything must be discussed, though I do believe the prospect of saving a few coins has changed a few former merchants' minds. I assure you, you have our full support.”

  Robert smiled. Lara’s eyes went wide.

  “Also, Lara,” Felas continued. “Consider this your first trip as Robert’s official assistant. He may begin training you to fully assume his role.”

  “Thank you, sir.” she said, smiling.

  “No, thank you, Lara. It’s good to see someone take as much interest in our city’s safety as Robert here, especially someone nearly in the same rare position as him. Now, if you’ll excuse us, we have this and other business to talk about.”

  “Thank you, sir. Also, I included a list of people that I would prefer join us on this trip. If it’s not too much to ask…”

  “Robert, you’ll have who and what you need by tomorrow. Thank you for keeping those beasts from our throats, as always.”

  Robert nodded, and then motioned to Lara to leave. The walk back was quiet, as both soldiers had distractions to think about. When they reached Robert’s office, they sat on opposite sides of his desk.

  “Well, looks like you’ve got the job.”

  “I… yeah. I’m just…”

  Lara breathed quick.

  “Are you ok?”

  “Y-yeah. It’s… it’s real now. I got what I wanted. I’ve got an official position.”

  “Yes you do. Don’t worry, I doubt you’ll have to do much more when you're in this seat. You’re already doing more than I expected! Besides, the council barely has a clue what I should be doing in the first place. Don’t sweat it. Once we get a handle on the grog, you'll probably just have to clean them up. After that, who knows?”

  Lara took a deep breath.

  “Hey, listen. Sorry, outlining your career probably isn't helping. Tell you what. Take this coin, get yourself a mug of something tasty, and get a good night’s sleep. We head out tomorrow. You work too hard, and deserve a night to relax.”

  Robert handed Lara a silver disc with Felas' seal on it. She took it, nodded, and walked out the door. After waiting long enough for Lara to be out of earshot, Robert got up and poked his head out the door. He found a steward working nearby, and motioned them over.

  “Hello there, are you busy?”

  The young woman shook her head.

  “You’ve seen Lara before, right?”

  Now, the woman nodded.

  “Here’s my jacket. Think you can get her one made just like it?”

  2

  With the shutters closed, nothing made a sound in Robert's office besides his own raucous snoring. He slept away at his desk after a night of studying reports from up and down the western wall, none of which possessed any new information. Thankfully, two other guards saw the grog, and could confirm that it existed. Light peeked through the cracks of the shutters, faint enough not to wake him from dreams of hunting down this new beast. Aside from Robert, the room seemed almost tranquil. One loud smack to the door ruined that peace.

  “Robert! I know you’re in there! Wake up!”

  And so he did, whipping his head back into the stone wall and knocking a book off the desk. Robert swore as he got up. Moving the shutters, a blinding glare made him raise his hands. When he first started this job, waking up to the morning light felt fantastic. However, when he worked late into the evening, sunrise began to steal more and more sleep. At this point, Robert cursed the dawn that woke him up every day he slept in, but never stayed angry enough to move his desk.

  “I’m up! I’m up.”

  “Good!” Lara yelled. “Can you let me in?”

  Robert staggered over to the door, remembering it was locked.

  “Only if you have coffee.”

  “I’m sorry, Robert. The steward said it’d be another five minutes.”

  He groaned, then opened the door.

  “Don’t worry, I told him to hurry,” Lara said. “We’ve got to be downstairs in ten minutes, alright? Felas arranged for our soldiers to be ready slightly after dawn.”

  “What?! Felas usually takes all day with these sorts of things!” Robert said, stretching his old bones.

  Lara shrugged.

  “Nope! I showed up at dawn because I wanted to read over a few things, see if I could narrow down our search for the queen. Once I got to the front gate, everyone was there except you. So, here I am. Oh, speaking of which, thanks for hiring Nami back! I haven’t seen her in a month or so. Figured she got soft.”

  Robert grumbled as he put on his jacket. Then, he froze. Footsteps were racing down the hallway.

  “Lara! I’m here!” said a young man trotting closer with two cups.

  “Ah, the coffee,” Robert said, taking one. “Early, too. Someone needs a raise. I’ll get back to you when I get back, kid. So, how many people showed up?”

  The steward opened his mouth, but Robert and Lara were already walking away.

  “Eight, and Nami’s one of them. Not that I don’t trust the others, but we’ve worked with Nami before. She’s excellent at the part of fighting grog where you don’t die. I’ve never gone out with her and not felt safe. Maybe when you retire, I can even bring her on permanently.”

  “Great. Glad you're friends. You two can lead the way so I can nap until the foothills.”

  Lara smirked, then rolled her eyes. The two walked down to the entrance of the castle where Nami and seven other soldiers were standing in an otherwise empty street. Robert stood in front of them, cleared his voice, and began to speak.

  “Hello! Glad you could all make it! I trust the stewards told you what you’re getting yourselves into. Today, we’re searching for what I think is a grog queen. If we kill it, maybe we’ll finally get rid of the vermin once and for all. I’m tired of the dumb ones losing their way. They decide a merchant is the only food they can find and then we have to deal with them,” Robert announced before looking around. “Speaking of which, where is everyone else? There should be deliveries by now, and I’d imagine people would be on their way out to the inner cities. I know it’s early, but…”

  “Oh, the king had trade re-routed to the outer ring. We’re to ride completely unimpeded. Didn't you get the message?” Lara added.

  “That must have been what the coffee kid was trying to tell me before I sent him away. Maybe the old man finally got the others to believe in me. I mean, I appreciate the help, but now the bakers down the street won’t give me a breakfast roll for a week. They hate it when anything makes them late.

  Whatever. I’ll make it up to them. They’ll like hearing that there are fewer grog to attack their flour shipments. Stuff comes all the way from Slaad, half a world away. Damn fools won't use the stuff we grow in the south. Anyways, you all ready to go?”

  The soldiers mumbled something resembling agreement. Lara and Nami chatted as the entire group mounted the horses from the army stable. Robert smiled as he saw his favorite, a younger brown mare, tied up to a post. He mounted and led the others down the stone road leading from the castle to the outer gate while listening to Nami bringing Lara up to speed on one of h
er adventures, this one somewhere off to the southeast. Robert was glad Nami and several of the other soldiers befriended Lara. Knowing how much paperwork this job generated, Robert thought it would be difficult for Lara to make friends if and when she took over. Robert only grew close to Felas and Lara because he worked with them so often. Outside of work, most of his time went to Cecile, and he wouldn’t have it any other way.

  At the gate leading out of Thogt, Robert let out a sigh of relief. He hadn’t seen any of the three bakers who's orders were disturbed by the road clearing. Despite their shipments being relegated to longer routes, Robert hoped this was the worst thing that would happen to their business ever again. He nodded at the gate guard, who went through a wooden door next to the gate. A moment later, Robert and the others cringed at the grinding of steel on steel as the mechanisms ground into action. He made a mental note that the gate had been in this state for a week now, and to finally tell Felas. Grease wasn’t that expensive, and the king would most likely cave once Robert mentioned that this was a merchant’s first impression of the city. Better make it a good one, Robert would say.

  “Hold up,” he announced.

  “Grog check?” Lara asked.

  He nodded. Robert personally only saw one this far south once, but once was enough. If they were to all come back in one piece, it was best not to falter right out of the gate. Robert glared into the surrounding area. Satisfied with what he saw, Robert led the group onward.

  In his mind's eye, Robert could see Cecile stirring a stew on their simple hearth. She was always up earlier than him, and was probably lighting a fire for that stew right now. If he wasn't stuck on a horse heading towards the mountains, Robert could be helping Cecile salt some meat for storage or make a trip to the shops to buy food for the week. Visions like this often clouded the officer's mind as he traveled into the mountains.

  Nami and Lara chatted about an excursion south of the city while Robert took in the scenery. Aided by today’s ideal weather, he could see all the way west over grassy fields to the horizon. Past experience taught him that sight didn’t mean safety. Some of the grass dotting the landscape grew tall, high enough to hide a sneaking beast.