Jack the Overlander

Four

Aurora started as she realized there were others seated around the table.

"Oh," she said. "I did not realize we had the pleasure of Overland guests."

"Hi!" said Amber. "I'm Amber. Nice to meet you."

"Greetings," said Aurora.

"These are dire tidings, Aurora," said the Queen, looking suddenly exhausted. Ripred had actually stopped eating and appeared, for the first time since Jack had arrived, attentive to the conversation.

"Have the gnawers any source of water left to them? What of the jungle?" asked the Queen.

"Some have ventured there, but as you know, my Queen, the waters there are infested and the fish are dangerous. The nibblers are reporting that they, too, are beginning to recede."

"That does not leave us with many options," said the Queen. "The branches of the Great River which are currently clean will not remain so for long."

"Any updates on how the stingers, spinners, crawlers are doing?" the Warrior asked.

"They fare better than us currently, but as things are, their capabilities will only prolong their demise," said Aurora.

"Maybe it's time to follow the Great River to its source," suggested the Warrior. He and the Queen both looked at Ripred. Fascinating, thought Jack. So the Queen was in charge, and the Warrior had a lot of influence, probably because of whatever he'd done to earn the title 'Warrior.' But it looked like they both sought guidance from the large, scarred rat who'd been stuffing his face for the past hour. Probably he wasn't just a lazy glutton. And he was bonded to the Queen, which apparently was a serious thing. For the second time, Jack pushed down a surge of curiosity.

"I believe that's the best plan we have," said Ripred, giving his bowl a shove towards the center of the table. "Even if we were to come upon a visible dilemma somewhere along the river, it may prove impossible to find a solution. And even if we do, we have no proof that the toxicity in the Waterway and the drying of the Dead Land streams are connected - though I would wager they are."

"Either way," he added, "I see no further alternative. All attempts to follow water in the Dead Land have led to impassable tunnels and crevices. The water there comes from caves which have never seen torchlight. So, the River is our best lead."

"It is settled, then," said the Queen. "I believe it will be wise for the four of us to go." She indicated herself, the Warrior, Ripred and Aurora. "Mareth can take charge of the city in my absence. We can discuss further details tomorrow, and plan to depart in the afternoon. At present, it would be appropriate for us to show proper courtesy to our guests. Our apologies for such intrusion," she said, turning to Jack and Amber.

"No problem," said Amber. Aurora fluttered away into the palace halls.

"Things don't sound so great," said Jack.

"Yes. Unfortunately, interspecies peace between Underland creatures does not always equate to having no troubles at all," sighed the Queen. "But no matter. When you are finished eating, you may sleep, and bathe if you wish. Tomorrow morning we will return you both to the Overland."

Jack could feel the disappointment radiating from Amber beside him. Oh well, he thought. Looks like the party's over. A massive disaster had stepped on it. He felt a stab of pity for the Underlanders. If he could help them, he probably would, he thought.

"Hey, just be glad there's no prophecy keeping you down here," said the Warrior with a dry attempt at humor that was unintelligible to its intended targets. Amber, apparently, was too put-out to even ask what he was referencing. "Quite a coincidence, though, you guys showing up on the same day," the Warrior observed. "Last time two Overlanders appeared, I was one of them."