What Lurks Below

by Michael Soldat

  Felas’ eyes went wide.

  “What did you say?”

  “I said-”

  “It was a rhetorical question! The last time anyone mentioned that name in this room, I made a decision for the entirety of Thogt. The last time I heard that name, my own wife, our queen, nearly left me. I know we have usually been on good terms, Diedra. But, you had better have a good reason for bringing up that cursed name in this castle.”

  “We saw him,” Lara said, poking her head around Diedra's bicep. “At least, I’m assuming that’s his name. Big purple guy.”

  “Lara! Lara, I’m sorry. I… this has all gotten out of hand.”

  “Yes, it has. Felas. We need to act. I need to get word home.”

  “You will do no such thing!”

  Diedra, for the first time since Lara met her, made a face that showed emotion. Unfortunately, it was astonishment, which turned slowly to anger.

  “He mentioned coming back, Felas. We have to prepare for that. I know what is available to you, and you will not be able to stop him.

  “I know, Diedra, I know. But if your people show up in force, ready for war, what is going to stop both sides of this from annihilating my city?”

  “Would you rather give it up? Are the structures worth more than the people? Things can be rebuilt.”

  “They can, but people cannot. And how many of them will die in this war?”

  “Sir!” Lara yelled. “Are you serious right now?”

  “Lara-”

  “No! I want to know what’s going on here. How is this going to lead to war? Who is this Kelthur? Why did he assault Nami, and what do you mean coming back?!”

  Felas sighed.

  “Kelthur wants Thogt. He always has.”

  “Then let me call my people. You know they do not hold you responsible for the decision you made. We will come, and we will help, just as you would. Just as you have,” Diedra said.

  “What’s the meaning of this?!”

  To Felas’ left and everyone else’s right, an older woman walked in. Clad in a sky blue dress and darker blue jacket, she walked in with a silver cane, topped with an emerald the size of an eyeball. Her long golden hair drifted behind her, capped by a silver tiara with several sparkling sapphires.

  “Danae! You’re here!”

  “My queen! It is good to see you again,” Lara said.

  “I wish I could say the same, Lara. I also wish I was here to celebrate your new position. Hard times have come, I fear. The circumstances of your promotion and the days thereafter have brought nothing but sorrow. I am sorry, dear, but I regret that I must ask more of you before the metaphorical dawn comes.

  As for you, Diedra. A messenger spoke with me, and I can guess what happened. If you're still the same orc you were years ago, I feel much the same about these events. It is not a good time to be in Thogt, even as someone of your strength and valor. If what you say is true, and you wish to flee, no one alive could fault you.”

  "Your excellence,” Diedra replied, bowing. “I would rather lay down in my grave and be buried. No, this is a problem that, if left unchecked, would affect my people soon enough. I only ask that they be allowed to help fix it.”

  “And my dear will not allow such a thing?” Danae asked, turning to the king.

  “I made this mess, Danae, and I should sort it out. It is not fair to involve the orcs; they have done no wrong.”

  “True. Well, were we given a time frame?”

  “No,” Diedra said. “Only that it would be soon, and that we were not to kill his pets. The grog and the grays are what I assume that means.”

  “In all the years of this horrid lie, I never knew Kelthur to care for his minions. Pets, whatever. Perhaps he has forgotten his real countrymen. Then again, if he found what he sought after, I doubt we are still his real countrymen.”

  In the back, Lara heard Nami and Cecile whispering about how they had no idea what was going on. She wished she were not operating under the same conditions.

  “What do we do, then?” Lara said. “This Kelthur obviously means to threaten our city. Will he threaten our lives as well?”

  “I must speak with him, try to extend our deal. What he says is correct, though. Thogt, technically… isn’t our city.”

  “You say those words again and I will leave you to this mess right now,” Danae said. “We built this city alongside thousands of our countrymen. I won’t have some buffoon who knew a few secrets take it away from us! The people involved are dead now anyways. What is to stop us from resisting?”

  “All due respect, Danae,” Diedra said. “But if what I have heard is true, I’m not sure you would put up much resistance. Kelthur himself is probably the worst threat, but the others are also considerably dangerous.”

  “True, but he is arrogant. That is why I think he is the only real threat. Everyone else who could support him was dealt with, out of fear they would try to usurp his throne.”

  “At least let me contact my people. We can help you through this.”

  “How long would that take? Kelthur hasn’t said how soon he plans to try and take the city, so we may not have the time.”

  “I can help with that,” Felas said. “I can send a messenger to him. He is bound by our pact not to disturb communications. If he holds true to the letter of the law, then he cannot kill someone sent with a message who follows protocol.”

  “And if he doesn’t?” Lara asked.

  No one spoke. Felas looked down.

  “Then I will go. Kelthur did not seem eager to deal with us, and I am not afraid of the other creatures of the earth.”

  “Are you out of your mind?!” Nami shouted. “What if there are hordes of grog down there waiting to eat you up?!”

  “Would you send any other soldier down there? Anyone in the army, no, the city would rightfully decline to do this. It has to be me.”

  “I’m not letting you do this alone. I’m going with you.”

  “Nami!”

  “No, it is true: you cannot go alone. I will send word to my people, and then I will join you. As a representative of orckind, I cannot stand idly by while our allies are in danger,” Diedra said.

  “You two don’t have to do this.”

  “We three don’t have to do this,” Cecile added.

  “Oh no, no. No. You can’t come-”

  “If I can’t come, I’ll head up to the tunnels myself. I know where they are now, and I’m not going to let this filth take the land Robert protected. This is my chance to help him do his job, and you won’t take that away from me.”

  “Everyone calm down! I will decide who delivers my message to Kelthur!” Felas said.

  “Would you have said that to Robert?” Danae asked.

  “I, uh, well-”

  “I didn’t think so. Lara has been his protege for how many years now? And if she trusts Nami to be her assistant, I trust her as well. Diedra is better equipped than any of us for what lies beneath the earth. Cecile…”

  “Ma’am! Please!” the widow yelled.

  “I cannot in good conscience deny the wish of Robert’s wife. He spoke of how well you hold your own with a blade. If I’ve heard correctly, you’ve bloodied it already against those foul creatures. However, you must be cautious. You're as well known as he is, and if we lost not one but two of our beloved, the people of Thogt would be shattered."

  Danae turned to Felas.

  "Who else can we send, my dear? These four women have the best chance out of anyone. Anyone worthy enough from the army must stay behind to mobilize our forces, if they should fail. We cannot trust anyone else to act with such precision and urgency. I don’t mean to insult our personal guard by saying that, but when was the last time you saw Douglas ride a horse in full regalia?”

  Felas sighed, then turned around.

  “When you’re right, you’re right. I only wish there was another way. Lara, I will have a message drafted by morning, along with some way of signifying that you’re honorary members of
my personal guard. Nothing under the mountain can touch you on official business, lest Kelthur break the pact and forfeit his bargain. Then again, if what you say is true, that might not even matter.”

  “Sleep well, my friends. Tomorrow will be a hard journey for you,” Danae said. “Harder than the past few days, maybe, though I hope not. Please allow us some privacy, so we may figure out what to say to the king under the mountain.”

  Lara nodded, then led the others out. They walked back to the office, trying to accept the fact that they were to march back into this creature's domain. Kelthur did not seem like he would be merciful, even with people he was legally bound to let go. At the office, Cecile split off for home while wishing the others a good night.

  “We’re going to die, aren’t we?” Nami said.

  “What?! No! Not if I can help it!” Lara answered.

  “I’m not complaining. It’s been a good run, lots of fun. Just hoping to take that big purple Kelthur thing with me.”

  “Please, Nami. We have to stay positive. As far as I’m concerned, we’re going down there to deliver a message, receive a reply, and leave. Hopefully, no one will have to draw a weapon at all.”

  “Lara is right. Kelthur may be strong, but if he breaks the pact, both nations will descend upon him. I do not know if he has become powerful enough to defeat a horde of orcs and humans, though.”

  “Good to know, Diedra. Good to know. I’m still taking my sword, though.”

  “That is fine, but I think we are going to be safe, relatively speaking. Did you see any grog actually following us the first time? I am not sure that was any more than a bluff.”

  “No, I was too busy running out of there, like everyone else.”

  “It is difficult to know whether Kelthur is bluffing. That is why I ran first. I would rather leave it unknown and live, then find out I was wrong and die,” Diedra said, taking a seat at the desk.

  “How long will it take for word to reach the orc city?” Lara said.

  “Too long. I know your messengers are quick, but it is a long enough road that they will still need several days. Felas will have us take a route that leads straight to the heart of Kelthur’s city.”

  “Then we definitely have to play it safe. Nami, I’m not saying I’m unhappy with your choice, but I am saying that you’ll have to stick to the plan. Words are just that, and we can’t react to anything short of violence. I’m not looking forward to explaining that to Cecile in the morning, but she’ll have to accept that too.”

  “I’ll do my best, then. But right now, I’ve got an appointment with a bed. Danae was right, it’s been a rough week.”

  “Yeah, me too. Diedra, you know you don’t have to sleep in a chair. There are plenty of beds around the castle. I’m sure we can arrange for people to accept the fact that you’re here and not trying to invade.”

  “Do not worry. I will see Felas and Danae again tonight about sending a message home. After that, I may retire to the chair anyway. You saw my room underground, Lara. I am used to it. It’s comfortable, in a strange way.”

  “Whatever works for you! I'm going to attempt to sleep. Good luck.”

  Lara and Nami retreated to their beds as Diedra walked out the door. They fell fast asleep before the orc made it down the hall.

  9

  Lara woke up feeling far less than rested as she turned over to face a dark sky. Awake only because of the worried thoughts coursing through her brain, Lara fretted over the fact that the four of them weren’t to leave until sunrise. She didn’t know if Felas delayed their departure so they could recharge, or if this mountain king, Kelthur, only accepted visitors only during certain times. Lara did not care, for she worried too much to get any substantial rest. Nami snored in her bed across the room, or so Lara thought. When Lara walked to the other room, she found Diedra’s mouth wide open, making the noises that sounded like a human from the other room. Were there not a wall between her and the orc, Lara would be surprised she fell asleep at all.

  She looked outside again. Clouds covered the sky, lit dimly by the moon. A few scattered lanterns lit the streets below. Lara felt bad for the bakers and other workers that rose so early to get to work. She felt sad that they had no idea about this lurking terror, as if they were being lied to. Life didn't seem to be normal any more, but would it be better if she told them? Would terrifying the townsfolk get anything accomplished? No, Lara decided, this burden belonged to her, the king and queen, and whoever came along to help. At the moment, that was two other women and an orc that could swat a grog over a small hill. Against what could be an army, it wasn’t much, but it would have to do.

  “Hmm… mmm… Lara, is that you? I’m ready for my coffee…” Nami muttered from across the room.

  Lara turned, but Nami was only talking in her sleep. If anything, sleep was what they needed, what she needed. Instead, she could only look out a window wondering what would happen to Thogt in the next few days. In the distance, several fires blazed atop the city wall. It pleased Lara to know Felas approved of her idea, though she wished it was not necessary. Back in the office, Diedra was leaning back in Robert’s old chair.

  Then there was a bang, and the snoring stopped. Diedra rubbed her head after it cushioned her fall against the wall, and stretched. Lara crept out of her room.

  “Morning.”

  “Oh, Lara. Did I wake you? I am sorry.”

  “Nope, though I’m surprised. No offense, but you snore quite a bit. There’s a wall between us, so it’s no problem here, at least.”

  “That is probably why no one ever stays with me after bringing specimens, even after a long ride. Ah well, I do not mind privacy.”

  “You do prefer chairs to beds, too. That’s why I left, it had nothing to do with you.”

  Diedra chuckled.

  “I must admit, orc backs are different from human ones. Maybe it also has something to do with the fact that I am never really home, I guess. After this is all over, I will request a holiday.”

  “Diedra, you already deserve one. We’ve known each other only a few days, and you’ve already done more than I'd expect from most soldiers I've worked with.”

  “True, but most of your soldiers do not know what must be done.”

  Lara sighed.

  “Do you think we’ll make it through this?”

  “I do not know. After you two slept last night, I requested the fastest messenger Felas could spare to inform my people of this. If they make it here, that is the best chance we have. If war should arise, that is.”

  “And if they don’t?”

  “Go back to sleep, Lara. We have no time to think about such things.”

  Lara sighed and smiled.

  “Thanks.”

  Diedra repositioned herself and closed her eyes. Lara crept back into the bedroom, though it seemed nothing she did would ever wake Nami. Back in bed, it took some time for her to stop thinking about the possibility of her world ending. Once she did, Lara fell right back asleep.

  -----

  Lara woke this time not to Diedra's snoring, but to her tearing through breakfast. She got up, saw that Nami was still dozing, and went to join.

  “Good morning again! I took the liberty of getting breakfast. This time, the man walking by did not seem confused about why I am here. That is pleasant.”

  “I’m glad. Mind if I join you? Has Felas sent any messages about what we’re doing today?”

  “Go right ahead! And, no, unfortunately. He did send over our seals. I believe they are to be worn on the head.”

  Lara blinked, still groggy. Diedra was wearing Felas’ seal, a single tower surrounded by mountains, on a strip of fabric on her arm. Given Diedra's head was much larger than a human's, this seemed acceptable.

  “You know, I like the way you do it. Let me see one.”

  In a moment, Diedra and Lara, though the human's seal was wrapped around her arm several times. After both women ate their fill, they heard a thud from the other room. Shortly thereafter, Nam
i moaned.

  “Aaaah… ran out of bed…”

  “You alright in there?” Lara said.

  “I’ve been worse. I hope that’s breakfast I smell.”

  Nami came in clutching her forehead. She dove into the rest of the food, claiming things from every bowl except the ones Lara and Diedra ate from. The three, combined, ate everything Diedra arranged for. While they were digesting, a steward knocked at the door.

  “Uh, ma’am? Ma’ams, I mean? There’s someone here to see you,” he said.

  “Bring them in, please,” Lara answered.

  “Good morning everyone!” Cecile said as she burst into the room. “Ready for our trip underground? I barely slept a wink, but I’m not sure if I was dreaming about being under the mountain or awake and thinking about it all night.”

  Each of the three inside murmured a good morning back with little enthusiasm.

  “Breakfast? No thanks, already ate. When do we leave?”

  “Not sure, Cecile. We do have the king’s seals here. Nami, you take one too. Diedra put it around her arm, and I think that’s the best place for them. Your shield arm, if you’re bringing one.”

  “Oh, and Lara?” the steward continued.

  “Yes?”

  “The king wishes to see you. The rest of you are welcome to join, if you wish.”

  “Thank you,” Lara said as the steward left.

  “I guess that’s our cue,” Nami said

  Diedra and Lara stacked the bowls as best they could, then led the other two out. Nami and Cecile wrapped seals around their arms, like Lara and Diedra. The guards were already standing to the sides of an open door as the women arrived at the council chamber. Inside, Felas, Danae, and the entire council waited for them.

  “Good morning, Lara. I hope you slept well,” Danae said.

  “Good morning, ma’am. I wish I did, but it is hard to stay asleep while the worries of a city plague you. Not that I’m complaining, but I plan on requesting a fair amount of time off duty after this is all over.”

  “Ha! We will all deserve some rest once we make it through. Unfortunately, that time has yet to come.”

  “I see my seals fit you well,” Felas said. “They should get you in and out of the underground city with no trouble, at least not any that someone else starts. I must insist you don’t cause any yourselves, though I doubt that will be a problem.