Tale of Panthera Regina (Remake)

Chapter 20: The Plan

POV: Swamp

The rainstorm let up shortly after daybreak, and the group made their way further up North. Towards the Royal Cave, where the Royal family has last been seen.

Swamp had the Pestis on his back as she was still fast asleep. He took note that Kadupul often prefers to ride on the back of Rex than walk long distances.

*Hmmm.....* Swamp thought as he studied the pair closer. *Despite being a Griffin, Rex doesn't know anything about them.* There is only one reason why Griffins stick around someone for this long. *Well, I guess there is also the possibility that he used to have a lot of siblings around him.* He paused in thought for a moment. *I think it's the other is most likely.*

The Swamp monster sighed as his long legs made him about five feet taller than the felines. The grass wasn't too tall here but in some patches. Rex at least almost became invisible due to camouflage.

Swamp thought for a minute as he tried to find Rex in the grass. Truth be told the Swamp Monster started not to mind spending time with others, more than just trading between strangers.

Leading the group, Swamp kept on walking forward, heading northeast.

The grass was long it reached his knees. However, even at this height, Rex and Kadupul remain hidden. Mendax, on the other claw, stood out like a sore wing.

Swamp was able to spot the pair simply because they were awful at being silent. He doubted the two could even hunt with the way they were walking. Well, it could be just him. Swamp Monsters, like most Physical Strengths, can feel the vibration underneath them.

It reminders like this is why he prefers to be alone. The Pestis often ruined his hunts just by following him. However, Swamp could understand why some creatures prefer to hunt in packs. It makes it more fun. That and some things you learn through communication and not from a book.

For example, how Rex appears to be already powerful Griffin yet has no training. Swamp noticed this detail upon the first meeting and knew it wasn't because the Bengal tiger was a prince. Griffins tend to give off that caring vibe, especially when they get a certain age.

Kadupul, on the other claw, was small but full of fire. She always had a determined look in her eyes and feels most comfortable with Rex.

*I wonder if they figure it out yet.* Swamp kept having the same thought when it comes to those two.

Mendax was hiding something.

Suddenly, Rex bounded forward to him, trying to match the Swamp Monster's pace. The train of thought vanished as Swamp hid a small smile and lessen his speed.

"May I ask something?" Rex asked in the tall grass.

Only now, that Swamp felt exposed as he was outside his swampy home.

The Prince was everything that the rumors say he was. Well, the ones in the Acer Swamp that is. They talked about how Prince Rex is going to be a great king as he had a talent for language, which is praised in the Swamp. However, the northern rumors appeared to be much crueler and based on more lies than anything from what he could gather.

Swamp was an expert at gathering information and pricing a story together by bits of smaller facts. This might be the reason why he did enjoy talking with the young Prince as he could keep up with his conversation.

Swamp knew that Rex didn't know how much he resembles a Griffin simply just by behavior, yet he was also so different.

Swamp didn't answer Rex at first. However, knew he didn't need to as he spoke after about a minute of silence.