Things Grak Hates Page 9

  Maybe he can do other things.

  He considers that likelihood.

  At least one other thing.

  He considers that.

  Well, it’s worth asking him at least.

  “Grak?” Brak attempts once more.

  “Yes? Ah, right.” He congratulates himself for refocusing so quickly this time. “Very well. Let’s go take care of your problem.”

  “So then I said, ‘Why don’t we just wait a bit longer?’” Wanda rambles on without end. “Then he said, ‘What’s the point of waiting any longer?’ But that doesn’t …”

  Grak stops listening again. Despite sincere effort, he’s failing in his attempts to show indifference.

  Too subtle, I suppose. Or maybe indifference isn’t the answer. Maybe I just need to stop their drivel and do something.

  Wanda’s gestures are getting more excited. “So I said—”

  “Yes, I get it.” Grak’s annoyance is a little too obvious. Best to cool it down. “Again, I understand the disagreement.” Controlled breathing proves calming. “That’s why I’m here. To end the discord. So give me a moment of silence to think. I’ll decide what to do.”

  Wanda looks confused. “But why should you decide?” The question evokes general dissent. A few nearby hands swat at her.

  And well deserved. In fact, as the main instigator of this nonsense, she deserves far worse.

  Olive Thirteen turns toward the woman in anger. “How dare you talk to Grak that way! Don’t you know what he’s done for us?” She might just earn her way into Grak’s inner circle if she maintains this level of devotion.

  Cordo steps between the women. “Wait a moment. If I’m not mistaken, I believe what Wanda means is that we should all have a say.” His point isn’t so bold as Wanda’s, yet it conceals a far more lethal dagger.

  What’s his game? Has he been talking to Jafra? I’ll need to watch this one.

  The demand for an immediate response means Grak has to leave Cordo’s treachery on the cart for the moment. “Well, keep in mind that I never really wanted to lead. The tribe asked me to. You asked me to. Each one of you. It was basically forced on me. And I think I’ve done a good job.”

  He pauses for a response from the crowd. To his disappointment, they’re surprisingly quiet at the moment.

  No matter. Grak fills the void. “No, I know I’ve done a good job! An incredible job, in fact!” This time he’s met with a mild cheer of support.

  But Cordo remains straight-faced. “Yes, it’s true. You have been leading us through this difficult time. And I’m personally grateful for that. I don’t think we would have made it without you.”

  Well, that’s encouraging. Maybe he isn’t so bad after all.

  The man continues. “But we’re almost at full strength. And this is an important decision. One that will affect us all for some time to come. I think we have no choice but to discuss it and decide together. As a tribe. Just as we did before Lago’s treachery.”

  Then again, it’s hard to tell with him. Best to counter anything he says until I know for sure.

  Grak pounces on the ripe target. “But that’s just it, Cordo. Lago’s treachery hasn’t ended. We haven’t caught him yet. If we had, do you think I’d volunteer to lead? Volunteer for the extra work? And the extra pressures?

  “I’d be thrilled to go back to the way things were. I’d welcome it. But until that time, what are we to do? What am I to do? Should I abandon my people?

  “Since I’ve been leading, I’ve prevented any further attacks, haven’t I?” The crowd is mildly confused, yet agreeable. “So are you asking our people to give all that up? Who will stop Lago when he returns? What will that result look like? Will some die? How many?”

  A number of conversations spring up simultaneously. The crowd is deeply troubled.

  Wanda lifts her voice above the noise. “Look, I didn’t mean to imply that we don’t want you leading us. You’re right. Lago attacks are down, and we owe that to you. I know I’m not alone in saying that we need you to lead.” She looks around for support, which comes enthusiastically.

  “But this particular issue carries too much significance. So before you decide, I would appreciate being able to explain our reasoning for staying. Could that be possible? Please?”

  This sounds like groveling. And Grak’s stance on that issue is favorable. When directed toward him at least.

  Couldn’t hurt. But can’t have them thinking they’ve pushed their idea on me. That would catch on too quickly. An especially lethal poison. Can’t risk that spreading. Especially while I’m already trying to contain several other nuisances in camp.

  Grak decides “benevolent” would be the best approach here. “Well, if you had let me finish earlier, I was just going to explain this very idea. So yes, you’ll have what you want. I’ll listen to each side of the issue. But in the future, please trust me long enough to hear my plans.”

  An impeccable measure of chiding just there. Well done, Grak. Certainly put them in thei—

  Wait a moment. If each one gets to speak, we’ll be here all day. Definitely wouldn’t have a chance to visit the hot springs. Oh my. That won’t do.

  Grak thinks quickly. “Ah, so here’s what we’ll do. I’ll select one person from each of the opposing views. That person will explain the points in favor of that view. Then, they’ll be silent. After all arguments are presented, I will decide what to do. Then, we’ll do it. Is that understood?”

  Nods all around confirm the plan.

  “So Wanda, you can represent the view that we should wait here for Doran’s cr … thing … that he saw. Olive Thirteen, you speak for the ones wanting to leave.”

  The woman suddenly looks worried. “Oh, but I want to stay.”

  Grak rolls his eyes. “Alright, fine. Brak, you’ll stand for the ones wanting to leave. Olive, you’ll represent the ones who think it’s an omen.”

  Her face still wears concern. “But Tabo suggested that one. I really don’t know what it was.”

  This is already proving more challenging than Grak had expected. And more frustrating. He shakes his head in exasperation. “Alright, look … No, never mind. It really doesn’t matter. You know what he was suggesting. You can explain it.”

  She shrugs in agreement, careful not to inspire greater wrath.

  Grak continues. “Cordo, you speak for those who think it means danger for our travels.”

  Cordo holds up his hands in shock. “Wait a moment. I have no part in this. I just came when I heard the shouting. If you ask me, I think it’s all hyste—”

  “Cordo!” Grak is having trouble controlling himself now. “What did I just tell Olive? This will all be much smoother if everyone just accepts their assignments.”

  Cordo opens his mouth to speak, but decides against it, resigning himself to a mere sigh instead.

  Unhindered, Grak presses on. “Alright, so that covers the sides.”

  “What about those who think Doran’s the only one who can see it?” asks Olive Thirteen.

  Grak gives it a cursory thought. “I think that’s more of a supporting detail.”

  Cordo cuts in. “Well in that case, mine is also a supporting detail. Of Olive’s view.”

  She’s quick to respond. “Again, it’s really not my vie—”

  “Alright, fine!” That showed far too much anger. Grak takes a calming breath. “We’ll allow it. Thank you, Olive. Tabo, you can speak for that interest.”

  Tabo suddenly realizes what’s been asked of him. “Oh, no, I’m not in tha—”

  “Again!” Grak’s tone is still too harsh. “Please.” Much better. “Remember, you’re just representing. You don’t have to agree with the idea.”

  Tabo nods. “Alright, but what about the view that we should build a floating cart in order to find the thing?”

  Well, that’s a new one. More importantly, why does Tabo feel he’s allowed to speak? Oh, no matter. This has gone on long enough.

  Grak has to put a stop
to it. “Alright, you take that one too. But that’s it. No more. If we give each speck of detail a representative, then everyone will be talking. Then this whole exercise would be useless.”

  Wanda cocks her head in confusion. “But, I thought your idea was for all voices to be heard.”

  Grak can feel his grip faltering. He has to act quickly. “Yes, that is my idea. But to a reasonable limit. If everyone talks, we’ll be here all day, then we’ll be late arriving at Redfist.” Looks of concern among the crowd demand immediate clarification. “If I decide we should go, that is.” That settles them.

  “You could hear each person separately while the rest of us pack,” suggests Cordo. “That way we wouldn’t be delayed … if you decide we should go.”

  That’s even worse. I’d never get to the hot springs. Is there no end to their insubordination?

  Grak dons his leader posture in hopes it will provide greater authority. “No, that won’t do either. I’ve got too much leading to do. Very busy day. We’ll leave it with those representatives. More would just get confusing.” Best to end this soon. “Wanda, we’ll start with you. Why should we stay?”

  “So, given that,” concludes Wanda, “why would we go?”

  Grak fends off drowsiness again. “Good. Thank you, Wanda.”

  He checks his shadow. Nearly dusk. “Brak? You’re next. And please keep it brief. We’re running out of time.”

  Brak steps forward. “Um, well … if we don’t travel first thing tomorrow morning … there’s a good chance we’ll all die.”

  Grak is impressed. “Wonderful! Short and to the point.” His respect for the man just grew slightly. “Olive Thirteen?”

  She looks like a lost doe as she attempts to answer. “I … um … wasn’t really paying attention to Tabo’s reasoning earlier. So it’s unclear.”

  Grak motions impatiently. “Just do your best.”

  She shrugs. “Alright. So … I suppose it could be an omen … because … well, if you see something … then you never know.”

  Grak is fine with that response. “Good. Cordo?”

  The man rolls his eyes. The exaggerated movement causes his mole to flex in an unnatural way. “I have no idea. Travel can be dangerous … I suppose. But so can not eating. Much more so, really.” Several in the crowd glare at him for deviating from his assigned viewpoint.

  But Grak is just happy to have everything moving along. “Excellent points. Tabo?”

  The man shrugs. “Well … I suppose if we build a floating cart, we could find Doran’s creature with greater ease. If others can see it, that is.”

  He ponders the idea for another moment. “Also, the floating carts might make for faster travel.” Several in the crowd chuckle at this suggestion.

  Grak leans closer to Brak. “Travel where? The deer are in the opposite direction.” This garners a suppressed laugh from the man.

  Hmm, good. First proper response to humor all day. Still, that doesn’t make up for these time-wasters.

  Grak has had enough of that sort. He decides to end the discussion. “Alright, and that’s all the sides.” Best to ease the blow of his resolution. “Well done, all. I’m proud of you for participating.”

  That should suffice for the flattery phase of his speech. Now on to the point. “And after careful consideration, I’ve decided we need to leave. So, everyone back to camp. We have a lot of time to make up for.”

  “Careful? How was that careful?” Clearly, Wanda is upset. “You hardly took any time for thought at all!”

  Grak rubs his brow in disappointment. “Look, Wanda …” He takes a deep breath. “We all agreed that we’d follow, no matter the outcome. Are you going back on that?”

  The woman appears battered by her decision. “Well, no … But … I’m sorry, Grak, but I can’t go with you. I’m staying behind. Something inside is driving me. I can’t shake it. I have to see if I can find this thing Doran saw.”

  Grak puts on his most patronizing tone. “You’ll take your chances alone? With Lago on the loose?”

  “She won’t be alone.” Tabo steps up. “I’ll stay with her. This floating cart is starting to sound like a decent idea. Maybe it would help.” He holds her hand timidly.

  A few more voices gather in agreement until a small group forms in support of the two. Grak checks his shadow again. It’s creeping dangerously long.

  Oh, what’s the use? I don’t need their kind in camp anyway. Things will be much smoother without them. Let these fools stay and starve. More food for the rest of us. But how to allow it without anyone thinking they defied me?

  Grak thinks quickly. “Again, you didn’t let me finish my decision. The tribe will leave, but if some want to stay, we won’t stop them. Still, I encourage everyone to carefully consider the dangers in staying. Remember Lago’s treachery!”

  Doran finally adds something to the conversation. “Besides, we’ll be back next heats. The ocean will still be there.”

  A gentle murmur rolls through the crowd. Some are convinced by his words and leave Wanda’s group, making it even more meager. For others, however, it simply solidifies an existing belief that moving is vital. Either way, this pleases Grak.

  Good thing I’ve got Doran. Need to remember to use him more often. Carries a lot of weight with these simple types.

  Grak remembers the occasion at hand. “Good. I’m glad most are sensible.” Best to look gracious. “And I hope those of you who stay are safe. May fortune be plentiful for you on your quest.”

  With that, Grak turns and heads back toward camp. But, despite the press of time, a peculiar thought nags at him as he climbs the hill. And try as he might, it won’t shake.

  Finally, at the summit, Grak stops and observes the camp below. After a moment, he looks back at the group by the shore.

  Hmm, staying here would eliminate the need for constant travel. I wonder if that might have been a feasible option.

  6 - And Obviously Traveling

  Anyone acquainted with Grak inevitably learns of his disdain for travel. Of course, to the untrained eye, his sour demeanor on the trail might seem like mere fatigue. But most attempts to converse with him while in transit quickly reveal the contempt. And an abundance of it.

  At that point, lack of recognition is inexcusable. In fact, Grak deems it “completely inept,” or “utterly devoid of thought.” Or simply “ignorant” when he’s in a hurry.

  But with this trip, given his increased stature in the tribe, Grak expected something different. And while there have been some improvements, they haven’t been enough to offset the miseries. Chief of which is the fact that this is the slowest move he’s ever experienced.

  Four days just to get here. Four! Definitely not on schedule. And why? Because these fools can’t follow simple instructions! Really, is it too much to ask for orderly movement?

  No, it isn’t. Grak’s “all equals” policy should have seen to that. He announced it just before the tribe set out, and it appeared to go over quite well at the time.

  And why shouldn’t it? It’s a simple plan.

  It really is. It basically outlines how none are to be considered superior during the move or any time after. Grak even took care to word the speech in such a way that would bring shame to any asking for special treatment, no matter their condition.

  Of course, as Grak predicted, the policy proved successful in curbing lethargy. Unfortunately, he failed to anticipate the difficulties it created.

  Soon after his speech ended, the tribe fell into confusion as to why they needed to follow his lead anymore. On their first day out, things got even worse, and most of his commands were met with questions referencing the policy. Little progress was made that day, which prompted Grak to deliver a second announcement the next morning.

  That was when he laid out his “follow the leader” policy, which reaffirmed their desperate need for his guidance. For supporting evidence, he once again cited their recent ordeals and how his wisdom brought them through it.

  I
n this speech, Grak carefully avoided use of the word “superior.” Though, he did use concepts such as “exceptional,” “remarkable,” and “preferable,” among others. He also made it clear that his guidance was crucial in every detail. Especially on the trail, but even more so at their new campsite.

  Again, this policy was well received, but poorly implemented. Many mistook “every detail” to be literal. Thus, that day brought Grak a significant increase in work. And still, little progress was made in their travels.

  The following morning saw his “if it affects others” policy presented. In hindsight, he realizes that was more of an addendum, but cares little for semantics here. He feels such nuance would have been lost on them anyway, so the term sufficed.

  This one simply clarified that personal routines need not be run by him. Only matters that might have an impact on one or more fellow members of the tribe require his attention.

  Of course, Grak feared this might also fall victim to confusion. Thus, he gave a few examples and answered the resulting questions. While the process required nearly half the day, he considers it to have been “a sound use of time.” As proof of this, he points to the smoother progress they’ve experienced since the announcement.

  Before you know it, we’ll reach the steady pace of previous moves. And beyond, now that we have order. The tribe just needs to grow accustomed to my commands. The confusion should fade after that. The mistakes too. Then—

  “You know, we named this rock, but why haven’t we named this river?” The abrupt sound of Brak’s voice destroys the moment’s tranquility.

  He isn’t usually this annoying. The gloom of the trail must be affecting his thinking.

  Still, Grak feels compelled to answer. The man is a valued supporter, after all. Also, no one else is around, so a failure to respond would be all the more obvious. Grak weighs the matter.

  Yes, too valued. But how do I answer something so senseless?

  He turns and looks up at Redfist, hoping for inspiration. But all that comes to mind is his usual objection to such a poor name.