The Foundation

Wanton Moor was a burning realm in the heart of the Infinite Beyonds. Hordes chased dancing mirages across its fiery surface. A constable passed through. He wore a long blue coat that hugged his lean figure, and a shield-shaped mask that had a crooked smile welded onto its metal face. He came to a black stage and climbed the stairs to the top. Flames licked the reptilians entangled in each other’s coils along the edge.

“Welcome back to the Mara Foundation,” one hissed, slithering forward. “We’ve met several times, though I’m sure you won’t remember. I am the Szerpent, and I am pleased to introduce you to the Baszilisk.”

The Szerpent slithered aside, revealing a titanic reptilian queen wearing a crown of twisted fingers. Her face was shrouded in smoke. She was coiled upon a redwood stump repurposed as a throne. The backrest was made from iron hands that spread like a bat’s wing into the fiery sky.

“The Baszilisk bids you to say what you want,” the Szerpent said.

“I need to know a monster’s whereabouts,” the constable said.

“This is not the first time you’ve come to our realm looking for a monster.”

“Wanton Moor has been the driving force of my career.”

“What’s this monster called?”

“The Oglr.”

“And why are you looking for him?”

“He feeds on innocence. Arresting him will marginalize crime over untold realms, saving countless lives.”

“That answer is vague. Typical of a cop to guard his intentions.”

The court hissed with laughter.

“What put you onto this Oglr?” the Szerpent said.

“I’ve type-matched his musk in connection with perversions in several realms.”

“Don’t you desire something easier to attain? Something that could satisfy you immediately instead of years from now?”

“I have no use for instant pleasure.”

“That’s not true. We have known many constables. They all want a great deal. And what greater purpose could there be? The fires of our realm feed on desire. Our people would perish in the cold without them. I think the queen’s daughters may be of better use to you.”

Three reptilians with hypnotizing eyes and seductive hips slithered forward. They circled the constable and morphed into felines. Their youth perfumed the air.

“Indulge,” one moaned.

“Have us,” the second purred, her tail brushing against the constable’s smile.

“Chasing monsters will not satisfy,” the third giggled. “Indulge yourself and get what you want right now.”

“I have work to do,” the constable said.

“Indulge first. Then go and get the Oglr.”

“Nobody will know. Creatures usually won’t see what happens in our realm, and even if they did, nobody would care.”

“I’m married,” the constable said.

“Marriage means nothing to Wanton Moor. Indulge us three. We will be your wife.”

The queen’s court watched. Their slender bodies danced in rhythm with the realm’s fire.

“Most of your business goes unpublished,” the constable said. “But what keeps your court from hissing in creature’s ears?”

“Reptilians hiss,” the Szerpent said. “This is our nature, but few creatures want to listen or understand. Enjoy yourself. Your wife will never know.”

The constable drew a baton from his coat. The queen’s daughters reverted to their reptilian forms, coiled on the filthy floor. The Baszilisk’s eyes glowed red. She was poised to strike, but the constable holstered his baton.

“You must allow me my own desires,” he said.

“Monsters are bursting with desire,” the Szerpent said. “But why should we reveal the Oglr’s wants to you?”

“I will pursue him with or without your blessing.”

“I am inclined to let you have him,” the Baszilisk hissed.

“My queen …” the Szerpent protested.

“Shut your mandible!” the Baszilisk snapped, and the Szerpent slithered away. “He’s in the Domicile Sanctum.”

“That’s very disturbing. How do you know he’s there?”

“His desires radiate like supernovas.”

“What are his desires?”

“You’ll discover that on your own.”

The constable’s black feline tail swooshed excitedly behind him.

“Domicile is a big realm. How do I find him once I get there?”

“He’s hiding in Nest Number 3, in Subdivision 578.”

“Thank you.”

“You will hunt for your monster untiringly,” the queen decreed. “Never cease until you find it. If you do not, you’ll waste away in Blanding Flats. Do you understand?”

“I do.”

“Then pursue him.”

The constable bowed and left.

* * *

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Odd Creature Stories

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The Foundation/An Irreproachable Thing, Copyright © 2019, L.B. McGrimm

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