When morning broke, the villagers had a grim visage to behold. Beside the rift which had formed in the centre of their village was one mutilated and bloody corpse, and evidence of another which had been dragged into the abyss. This discovery shocked the small community, and they grieved the loss of two of their members, but at the same time they perceived the threat and sent the deliveryman allocated as messenger at once to Amplus. What had once appeared to be a mere inconvenience now seemed to be an ominous harbinger of death.

Later that day, the cart arrived in Amplus and made straight for the administrative district. There existed a building for handling incoming requests and pleas. King Reginaldus never granted a direct audience with everyone who desired help, but he did make sure that their requests were noted and, if appropriate, acted upon. In trivial cases a secretary would be able to authorise action, such as the need for repairs or a supply of food, but anything requiring greater action such as a military response or high value grants of resources needed higher authorisation. The office which handled these requests had a basic sitting room, made to allow people to wait on wooden benches (which would be more easily cleaned that sofas if soiled), with a few paintings on the walls.

After a short wait the farmer was granted audience with the secretary on duty. The secretarial office was adjacent to the waiting room. It had a desk with various items of stationary and two piles of papers- one of blank forms and the other of filled forms. A couple of bookshelves were also in the room. Aside from the secretary, who was a woman in a formal, business-like dress, there was also an armed guard who stood to attention at the side of the room. "What is it that troubles you," the secretary asked calmly.

"My village is in need of your help," the farmer pleaded, "A few days back the ground was torn open in the middle of our town, leaving a deep pit." The secretary nodded, as if this problem were somehow ordinary. But then the farmer continued, "Last night two men went missing- one we found savaged on the road as if by a wild animal, and we found a trail of blood leading into the pit, as if he had been dragged in there. We now fear for our safety, in case whatever beast caused this returned."

The secretary's countenance darkened at this news. This was a foul turn of events, although the secretary rationalised to herself that it could simply be a murder, covered up to make it appear as if it were an accident, or it could be a completely natural creature. "That is unfortunate to hear," she said, "I shall arrange for our civil engineers to repair the damage, and for a couple of lance corporals to investigate. If you would provide me with your name and that of your village, I shall endeavor to have them there by tomorrow. Until then, and until the matter is resolved, I suggest your town maintain a curfew and keep doors barred, for safety against any wild beasts." The farmer gave his details, as the secretary recorded them and the details of his complaint on a blank form. After the details were filled, the secretary replied, "I wish you a safe trip home, and I hope we can resolve this issue without further incident."

The farmer replied with a curt 'thanks ma'am' before leaving. As the door closed behind him, the secretary finished the form, placed it in a signed envelope and closed it with a wax seal. She handed it to the guard, who nodded and exited the office to get the letter delivered.

[hr]

Earlier that morning, in the Amplus military barracks, a letter signed by the King himself was causing quite a stir among the commanding ranks. At the beginning of the day the letter had been delivered to the office with great urgency. Such letters were very rare- orders were normally received via the secretaries and then approved, or were delivered by the commanders, but the King was generally quiet and only wrote orders in his own hand on matters of great importance.

The letter ordered to immediately dispatch a squad to a village in the South East plains of the empire, in order to search the area. No clue was given as to the nature of the issue, but it was said that the inhabitants should have information. The commanders were in confusion and disagreement until Commander-in-Chief Alfred entered. "What is all this fuss about?" he boomed.

The commanders all stood to attention and saluted as their superior announced his presence. One of them stepped forwards to show Alfred the letter. He read it carefully before responding confidently. "The order is clear. You are to choose a squad and send them immediately."

One commander, however, still questioned, "But-"

"No buts- King's orders," Alfred interrupted, "King Reginaldus the Fifth is a very wise king, and he would not personally issue such an order without great reason or consideration. You are to treat this order as one of the utmost importance. Choose a squad who will be able to handle whatever versatile mission this may be, and send them immediately. Understood?"

The room resonated with 'yes sir's and salutes. Satisfied, Alfred turned and exited the room as the commanders quickly busied themselves to select their troops.