Pyra 8, Imperial Year 1644
The Royal Palace, Valdria – The King's Council Chamber
King Theodric sat at the head of a long oak table, his hands resting on a carved lion's head. His beard was grey, his eyes sharp. Around him sat his council – the spymaster, the general, the treasurer, and Prince Orin.
The room was warm, a fire crackling in the hearth. Maps and reports covered the table.
"We have a problem," Theodric said. "A large one."
He pushed a parchment toward the center. Orin picked it up.
"A giant crocodile," Orin read. "In the southern marshes. It killed a dozen pilgrims last week."
The general leaned forward. "How giant?"
"The witnesses say forty feet. Maybe larger." Theodric tapped the table. "It's been sighted three times in the past month. Each time, it leaves bodies."
"Why hasn't anyone killed it?" the treasurer asked.
"Because no one is foolish enough to try." Theodric looked at Orin. "The Adventurers Guild has declined the contract. The Monster Hunters Guild says it's too dangerous for their regular teams."
Orin frowned. "There are two guilds?"
"There have always been two guilds," the spymaster said. "The Adventurers Guild handles exploration, escort, and retrieval. The Monster Hunters Guild specializes in killing dangerous beasts. They've been around for centuries."
"But neither will take this job?"
"The Monster Hunters Guild lost three teams last year to a similar creature. They're short on experienced hunters." Theodric sighed. "I've authorized a bounty. Five thousand gold marks to whoever kills it."
Orin set down the parchment. "And if no one comes?"
"Then we send the army. But marsh warfare is costly, and the crocodile knows the terrain better than any soldier."
Pyra 9, Imperial Year 1644
The Royal Palace – Orin's Chambers
Orin sat by the window, staring at the report. The giant crocodile was not his problem – not directly. But pilgrims were dying. The guilds were failing. And the Black Knights were busy with demons.
He thought of the class. They were strong. They had killed a lesser earth dragon. A crocodile, even a giant one, might be within their reach.
But they were already stretched thin, searching for their missing people.
He wrote a letter – not to Elara, but to the Monster Hunters Guild. A request for information. A question: What do you know of the crocodile?
Then he sent for his steward.
"Find out if any independent hunters have taken the bounty."
The steward bowed. "At once, Your Highness."
Pyra 10, Imperial Year 1644
The Royal Palace – The Council Chamber
The council met again. A new report had arrived.
"The Adventurers Guild has changed its position," the spymaster said. "They're offering a reward of their own – one thousand gold marks – for information leading to the crocodile's lair."
"Why the change?" Theodric asked.
"Because the pilgrims were from Mercia. Their families are putting pressure on the guild. Bad publicity."
"And the Monster Hunters Guild?"
"They've sent a team. Veteran hunters. Three of them."
Orin looked up. "Names?"
"The leader is a woman called Valda Ironhand. She's killed two wyverns and a manticore. Her team is experienced."
"Let them try," Theodric said. "If they fail, we'll consider other options."
Pyra 12, Imperial Year 1644
The Royal Palace – Orin's Chambers
Orin received a reply from the Monster Hunters Guild. It was brief:
The crocodile is old. Older than most records. It has survived multiple hunts. It is clever, patient, and knows the marshes. We do not recommend engaging without a full company of experienced hunters.
— Guildmaster Thorn
Orin set the letter down.
He thought of the class again. They had killed a lesser earth dragon – a creature of legend. A crocodile, even a giant one, was not a dragon.
But the class was not here. They were in the Free Cities, searching for their missing.
He wrote a second letter – to Elara. Not a summons, but a warning.
There is a giant crocodile in the southern marshes. It has killed dozens. The guilds are struggling. Be careful if you travel that way.
— Orin
He sealed the letter and sent it with a messenger.
End of Chapter Sixty‑Three