Page 66 of Queen's Griffon

“Head back to the boat,” he ordered.

“We’re giving up on the queen?” Monty asked.

“I’m not, but you are. Head back to the skiff, out of harm’s way.”

Simhi cackled. “Oh, that’s funny, Cap. You think us getting in that tiny boat is safer? What if there’s another kraken, or worse? Not to mention, I ain’t letting you go off by yourself. Avera needs all the help we can offer. Right, Monty?” She eyed her fellow sailor.

“I’m with Simhi on this one. We knew it would be dangerous, and now we’re finding out why. A sea monster, enormous insects, and a dragon so far. Already enough story fodder to have me drinking in the bar for free for a while relating this tale.”

Griff’s lips pursed. “I don’t know if we can fight the thing that just ate Mohan.”

“Then we should avoid it,” Simhi suggested.

“Kind of hard to do, seeing as how it burst out of nowhere,” Griff grumbled.

“Actually, it came through one of the cracked sections,” Monty pointed out. “It’s probably using the lava tunnels under the pavement to travel.”

“Meaning they could be anywhere.” Griff rubbed his jaw.

“Underground. But what if we travelled over?” Simhi slyly asked.

“Mohan was overground when he got taken.”

“I mean higher than that.” Simhi raised her gaze to the rooftops. “We could try traversing the city from up there.”

“The buildings are spaced too far apart, not to mention, I don’t know if I’d trust the roofs. The wooden ones are in pretty bad shape.”

Monty asked an interesting question. “What do you think drew the bug?”

“Maybe it smelled him,” Simhi guessed.

“While the pavement might have been cracked, I doubt a scent would have penetrated.”

“Was it because Mohan was yelling and making noise?”

“Possible. He wasn’t exactly being quiet,” Griff mused.

“If it’s drawn by sound then that should mean if we’re quiet, we might not draw notice,” Monty suggested.

“I’d also suggest we stagger-walk,” Simhi stated.

“Stagger-walk? You want us to get drunk before we get going?” Monty sounded confused.

Simhi patted his cheek. “It’s a good thing you’re pretty. What I mean is, we shouldn’t walk in a straight line or use an even cadence. Like this.” Simhi showed them in the empty vestibule of what was once a clothing store. Her left foot went wide. Herright, short and close. Each step unevenly paced. She glanced at them. “Regular steps cause rhythmic vibrations in the ground. Stagger walking is more random, making it seem like the noise is accidental instead of purposeful.”

“It’s worth a try,” Griff stated. “I’ll go first. Stick to the least damaged-looking areas. Stay close to the buildings.”

“What makes you think it’s safer indoors?” Monty asked with a creased brow.

Griff swept a hand. “No holes in the floor.”

“But wide-open doors on most places.”

“That bug wouldn’t have fit. And if you’re going to argue, you’re welcome to stay behind and wait.”

“No way am I staying here alone,” Monty exclaimed.

“Then let’s get going, and let’s avoid talking.”

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