Things Grak Hates Page 16

  Well, Frolan, what’s this all about? No, not powerful enough.

  So, Frolan, is this how you go about your duties? Good, but the sarcasm will be lost on all. Perhaps if I use less subtlety in the sting. Something more direct.

  So, Frolan, I can’t seem to trust you to handle your basic duties today. Oh, I like the sound of that. Though, I should probably drop the ‘So’ and add some obvious indignation.

  As the three draw near, Grak launches into his speech. “Well, Frolan, what’s this all about?” He winces at the missed opportunity.

  “Are you alright, Grak?” Jafra asks in a voice of concern.

  Always with the charades, Jafra?

  “Oh, I’m better than alright.” Grak isn’t sure what he means by that. Or how to follow it up. “And so will you if you don’t watch yourself!” In hindsight, it might have been best not to respond to her at all.

  Grak turns to the brute. “Frolan. A word … in private.” He shoots Jafra a cautionary glare while saying that last word.

  She stares at him in confusion, but Grak refuses to be intimidated. He returns her gaze with boldness. Finally, she shrugs, then turns and walks away.

  While Grak is pleased with his victory, there’s no time to relish it. He keeps a leery eye on the woman until she’s out of earshot, then turns to Frolan in frustration. “What were you two laughing about?”

  The sight of a restrained Kunthar seizes Frolan’s attention for a moment. But he quickly remembers his priorities and focuses once more on Grak.

  “Oh, is that what angered you? I was worried.” He flashes a relieved smile.

  “We were just talking about the day’s events. Seemed amusing how we spent the whole day hunting, but didn’t catch anything, yet we’ll leave here with so much food.

  “Dernue insists we take their surplus, which is far more food than we’ve ever been able to catch. Even more than we could catch with your strategies, I imagine. No matter the speed of your kills, these ones are already dead.”

  Grak recognizes the need for a heavy tone. “Are the tribe’s difficulties amusing to you? And, you’re wrong about my strategy. It would have done far better.”

  In hindsight, Grak sees wisdom in avoiding such boasting from now on, no matter how difficult it is to resist. He just can’t take the risk now that the tribe has demonstrated a persistence in seeing him uphold his claims.

  “My strategy favors larger kills, so it’s more efficient,” Grak adds. Just that last one, but now he’s done.

  “Oh, yes. Surely.” Frolan is properly worried. “I … I didn’t mean … I shouldn’t have spoken so boldly. I trust your strategy. I know it’ll provide way more than this.”

  He may be simple, but at least he’s honest.

  Grak takes a calming breath. “Well, that’s beside the point. My real concern is that you seemed too chummy with Jafra.”

  “Oh.” The brute looks almost comical when he gets this worried. “Did you put her on the ostracized list again? I swear I didn’t kno—”

  “No, nothing that serious. Although, she does pose a very serious threat to our people. In her own way. She poisons others with her words. And you have one of the most important jobs in the tribe, so it’s vital that you remain free from her toxins.”

  “Oh …” Frolan casts his eyes to the ground. “I hadn’t seen it that way.” He looks lost. “I apologize.”

  Grak studies the man’s face. “I can tell this bothers you.” He’s quite perceptive tonight. “Why?”

  “Well …” Frolan blushes. “I’ve always had something of an attraction for her.”

  “Uggh!” Grak catches himself, realizing the need to adjust his reaction for the brute’s sake. “I mean, have you seen her eyebrows? And still? Really?” That’s all he can muster right now. He’ll do better next time. “That’s a nauseating thought.” Just to clarify.

  Frolan scrunches his face in discouragement. “Well, for you, yes. But I like her.”

  Grak raises an eyebrow. “Well, I suppose she does have good blood …”

  He shakes off the disruption. “But that’s beside the point. I’m disappointed. I’ve often told you of her ways. I thought you would have learned by now to avoid her devious nature.”

  Frolan looks surprised. “Oh. Well, I never knew you actually meant it. I always thought you were just ranting to relieve pressure.”

  Grak is careful to show his disdain for the man’s lack of perception. “Well, now you know. So keep your distance. Besides, she’s due for a punishment soon, and I can’t have you holding back when administering it.”

  Frolan’s disappointment is evident. “I understand. You’re right. I’m sorry about that.”

  Grak’s keen empathy detects sadness in the man. Rather than ignore it, he opts to show mercy. “But cheer up. There are other women. What about Zacha? She could be a suitable replacement for your interests.” In hindsight, alternate wording may have been more comforting there.

  Frolan reacts sharply as a thought strikes. “Although, perhaps I could get close to Jafra. I could find out some of these schemes you’re always talking about.”

  Grak is impressed by that idea. It’s so solid, in fact, that he’s having trouble hiding his respect. “Yes. I had thought of that. But how do I know you’re the man for the task?”

  Frolan’s expression is one of hope now. “Well, I found out a great deal about the daily goings-on here like you asked. I learned there’s tension between Kunthar and some of the others, though nothing too serious.”

  Grak raises an eyebrow. “Is that all you’ve learned?”

  Frolan looks around with uncertainty. “Yes …?”

  Grak shakes his head. “Well, it seems you haven’t learned enough. They were planning an ambush for the feast, and Kunthar was central to the trap. Fortunately, I realized before they could spring it.”

  Frolan’s eyes go wide with shock. “Oh my! I had no idea. I … I’m so sorry, Grak. How could I have failed to see that? And I failed to protect you too! I’ve failed you so ma—”

  “Stop!” Grak takes a calming breath. “When I want you to grovel, I’ll order it. Tonight, however, I need you to gather our people for departure. In secret, though. Can’t let the strangers know we’re on to their schemes. And make it swift. I’ve gained us enough time to leave without fighting, but only if we don’t delay.”

  Frolan nods. “Alright. And what about our food? Should I gather it first? Or the meat Dernue offered?”

  “No. And certainly not! We don’t know what they’ve done to it. Might this be part of their plan? To poison us like Lago did? Then they could just walk in and take our things. Is that what you’d like? No, it’s best if we avoid it entirely. We can’t risk bringing back poisoned meat.”

  Frolan’s eyes are full of uncertainty. “I trust your opinion, Grak, but if I could just ask, don’t we need that meat? All of our reserves went to this feast. They’re already used. Even most of our olives.

  “And what about the folks who stayed back? We didn’t leave them any food. What about your father?”

  Grak scoffs at the question. “The tribe can make do. And the ones who stayed back are receiving punishment. A minor fast will do them good. Especially Sando.” He adds a stern look. “I just hope I won’t have to add any more names to the list of delinquents.”

  Frolan nods in nervous understanding. “Yes. Sorry. I’ll take care of it right away.” He turns and heads back into the crowd.

  Not a bad guy overall. Just have to occasionally remind him who’s in charge.

  The news ripples through Grak's people as Frolan makes quick work of his orders. Unfortunately, very few of them achieve subtle exits. Many even go so far as to drop their dishes on the spot before running over to the safety of Grak’s circle. But that doesn’t bother him so much. He’s just glad they’re quick about it. Sure enough, in a matter of moments, the whole tribe is grouped and waiting in silence behind him.

  The strangers, on the other hand, are baffled. They
’re all standing in stunned silence, looking to one another for explanation. A number of conversations soon rise up, but none find resolution. Several shouts even ask for answers, but none are given.

  Grak turns to Kunthar. “This is where we leave you. I expect you not to follow us or make any move against our camp. Should you try something, I can assure you my wrath will no longer be restrained.”

  Grak pauses to appreciate that speech. Yes, the more he considers it, the more he’s impressed by it.

  A shame Opa doesn’t have her clay on hand. Perhaps I can make it a new policy. Require it of her at all times. Still, doesn’t help us now. Remember that speech, Grak. Remember that speech. Remember that speech.

  Grak gives the command, and his people depart with haste, shoving Kunthar out of the circle in the process. They make for the edge of camp and reach it a moment later, causing Grak to breathe a little easier as they enter the woods.

  Given their rapid pace, the return trek is proving much faster. And much more silent, to Grak’s delight. In fact, he’s finding every aspect of the walk enjoyable, save for the constant checking over his shoulder. But even with that, he hardly notices the time, and they soon arrive back at camp.

  Grak doesn’t waste a moment. “Frolan. Set up a tight defense on the perimeter. And make sure your team is ready to fight at a moment’s notice. Even when they’re not on duty.”

  Frolan nods and turns to one of his men. “Mazo, g—”

  “And Frolan,” interrupts Grak. “Find Brak and have him fetch me some food. I’m famished after all that excitement.”

  Frolan looks at Grak in confusion. “Bu … um …”

  Grak rolls his eyes. “What is it Frolan? Spit it out. I’m busy, you know.”

  “It’s just …” The brute’s tone is a nervous one. “Well, we left all of our food with the strangers. What would he fetch?”

  That starts a thought, a curious tickle in the back of Grak’s mind that grows to a nagging feeling. It dawns on him what the man was saying earlier.

  Ah, I see. Yes, probably should have had a backup plan for the tribe’s food.

  10 - And Their Strange Maps

  Grak resents that while the strangers are long gone, their absurd map lingers on in the minds of his people. Nineteen days already since Kunthar and his tribe packed up and followed after their herd. Nineteen days of steadily growing panic and chaos among Grak’s people. And all due to a map.

  Initially, Grak thought the matter could be left alone. That it would simply die out on its own. Yet the disruption the outsiders caused has only grown stronger.

  Punishments aren’t doing the trick this time. Maybe I need more of them. But I’m already ordering at least one a day. That’s far more than ever before. What more can I do?

  It’s true. Before the other tribe came along, Grak had only found eight occasions where a whipping was in order. But since the encounter with the strangers, he’s had to deliver twenty-eight more. In nineteen days. And all due to a map.

  Of course, it’s all Doran’s fault, really. If he hadn’t aligned his cause so closely to my own, I would have had room to distance myself. Instead, I’m tied helplessly to his fate.

  So now what options do I have? None. I have to do him another favor. All there is to it. Seems like each day brings a new favor to help Doran out of a mess.

  Grak sighs in resignation. He massages his brow and attempts to refocus on the matter at hand. “No, that’s not quite it. ‘I can assure you …’ that was definitely the first part … Oh, what was the rest? Something to do with my fury, I think.”

  Opa absentmindedly drums her gaunt fingers on the chair as she waits.

  “I can assure you of my fury?” Frolan is obviously just guessing now.

  Always the easy way out with him.

  Kando makes an attempt. “I can assure you of my restraint?” He quickly realizes his glaring failure and hangs his head in shame.

  Not as bright a fellow as I once thought. I wonder if the crooked nose has any effect. At that angle, it could be poking something vital in his head. The pain alone would likely hinder a person’s thinking.

  But even if Grak could prove it, that would do nothing to aid him in remembering his speech to Kunthar. As of yet, it’s managed to elude him and everyone else.

  He sighs and scratches his head. “Alright, this obviously isn’t working. Perhaps it’s just not a good time.” He nods in thought. “Yes, let’s set the matter aside for now and try again later. When we can look at it with fresh eyes.”

  While serious, the transcription isn’t the purpose of this meeting. And the attendees seem to agree, each nodding in relief at the suggestion.

  Though perhaps too much relief. I wonder if I’ve been too merciful with this group. Hmm, excellent question. Still, I’ll have to consider it later. No time right now. The meeting is far too important. Have to see it through.

  Grak shakes the distraction and concentrates on the people seated around him. He looks about in a deliberate circuit of the tent, lingering on each face for exactly three breaths. This is a method of encouraging suggestibility that he discovered recently. And so far, it’s proven moderately reliable, though why it works is beyond him.

  Perhaps because my children are a self-centered bunch. Yes, that sounds right. They only really listen when I focus on them.

  Grak soon completes the circle. Though, to his dismay, it seems as though he finished too soon.

  Yes, it felt a little rushed, didn’t it? But I counted the proper number of breaths. Ah, I see the problem now. We’re too crowded in here. So what other options do we have? Hmm, doesn’t seem we have any. Mine is by far the largest tent in camp. And we certainly can’t meet outside. Not in this cold. Not with the first snow expected any day now.

  Grak shudders at this thought and wraps his furs tighter.

  Awful snow. Awful, awful snow.

  It’s too late. The cold has a firm footing in his mind now.

  Think warm, Grak. Think fire. And stew. Warm stew, mind you, not the day old stuff. And the hot springs. Mmm, the hot springs.

  This does the trick. Grak basks in the warmth for a moment.

  Now where was I? Ah yes, space. I need more of it. I could enlarge my tent again. Although, I don’t normally call meetings with so many attendees.

  Still, it would be good to have the space should I ever need to accommodate this number of chairs again. Then it’s settled. Maybe four times the current size. Just so there’s walking room too. Yes, that should do nicely.

  Now, where was I? Ah, yes, need to get to the purpose of the meeting. But how best to begin the conversation? Something careful and deliberate, I think. Though, I can’t be too soft, either. It would hardly do if I fail to show just how upset this whole affair makes me. Something in the middle, then. Ah, I’ve got it.

  “Those stupid strangers and their stupid map!” Grak catches himself as numerous shocked expressions come his way.

  Hmm, not quite what I was going for. Still, at least I conveyed an appropriate level of urgency.

  Doran crosses his arms, wearing deep concern. “What do you propose we do about it?”

  “So many questions, Doran.” Grak takes care to tame his annoyance toward the man. His influence is still useful, after all. “Maybe you should try giving answers once in a while.”

  Hmm, might have gone too far with that last sarcastic bit.

  But Doran simply nods, apparently oblivious to Grak’s derision. “You’re right. I’m sorry, friend.” He thinks for a moment. “Well, perhaps we could begin working on a new map. Alter our theories to be more in line with what we’ve learned from the outsiders.

  “Their squiggly lines were quite authentic looking, after all. And this new map circulating around camp also looks to have substantial merit. It’s quite possible we made a mistake with the direction we took our theories. We could simply start over. Admit we were wrong.”

  Grak hates that word. More so because of the swallowed “g.” He’s ne
ver liked those.

  He gives his most menacing glare. “For old times’ sake, I’ll pretend you didn’t just say that.”

  A far more urgent detail grabs his attention. “And what new map? Why haven’t I heard of this yet? And more importantly, who would so openly defy me by making such a thing?” He looks at Opa.

  She raises her hands in defense. “No, of course not.”

  Still, might be good to whip her. Just in case.

  Doran jumps to her aid. “Yes, I can vouch for Opa. Kando and I have been taking all of her time lately. And I’ve seen the new map. It doesn’t even compare to her skill.”

  If only the woman knew how close she just came.

  Grak gives her a cautionary look before turning back to the main issue. “Well, this new map only serves to strengthen my resolve. There’s no way we can change our stance on the strangers’ map now. Maybe if you had suggested it sooner, Doran. Then we could have gone that route and avoided our current troubles. But since you decided to declare their map completely erroneous, we’re backed into a corner.”

  Doran’s surprise is only slight. “Well, to clarify, I said they might be wrong. For all we know.”

  Grak rolls his eyes. “That’s a mere detail at this point, don’t you think? What matters is that I understood it one way, which forced me to make an official policy. So perhaps you just need to be clearer in the future.”

  Doran hangs his head and nods in silence.

  Satisfied, Grak focuses on the others. “So, all that to say, we can’t change our policy at this point. But we can make it clear that the other tribe was wrong. And we can place a strong hold on all thought to the contrary.”

  Brak grows confused. “How might we stop their thoughts? That strikes me as impossible.”

  Someone needs a reminder of his place.

  Grak puts on his “scolding papa” voice. “And your speaking without permission strikes me as impossible. Yet there you stand, tongue wagging, when I only asked you to pour water for the meeting attendees.”

  Brak looks properly ashamed and returns to his duties.