Gricrir and crew find themselves in another off-shot location in Low-Town. This area had storage crates along the wall, like most of the small streets in Low-Town. However, here and there could be found a potted plant. Or occasion there was even a wall painting. And most pleasantly there was the smell of baked goods coming from a nearby plaza. A plaza known by many in low-town as Goodies Delight, after years of the bakery providing tasty and affordable goods. One of the few good things in low-town that locals were proud of. It was so inside the interior of low-town that locals never had to worry about outsiders. It was their one mutually loved safe haven. Except for that Floggin’ Inn.

Grif was the first one to break the silence; noticing that the vein on the Vice-Captain’s head had sunken back into the recesses of his face.

“Captain, why are you so rough on him,” she asked.

“It’s Assistant Captain,” he responded with little appreciation for an upgrade in rank. He continues, “and it can’t be helped. He can’t just drunkenly lay out in the street or do whatever he wants. Monk or not. There are rules. And rules must be kept to maintain order.”

“But Cap. The people love him,” Tony stated.

“I don’t care and stop calling me that. If the people love him that’s fine. But if he can’t keep himself in line, than we’ll need to.”

They find themselves in a larger opening with more crates stacked. Some of the stacks were almost like stair steps, and next to it was a young man in simple trousers, a shirt, and a black hat.

“Boot shine. Come and get your boots shined.”

“A bootshiner, out hear near Delight?”

“Yes sir. I am just trying to make a ‘little copper sir. For me and my family. And I see that you guys need a boot shining, especially the big one,” the young man points at Tony’s boots.

The boots were clearly scuffed.

“Looks like that drunk got one over you after all. You definitely owe me hard drink tonight,” said Grif, barely holding in a giggle.

Walking towards her, pointing a finger at her chest “You know I’m really gettin’ sick and- ty-ad of your -“

“Sit down you two other there. Young sir. We will take the boot shining, young sir” and nods.

Grif looks back at her Vice Captain and at the young man. She arches an eyebrow but lets whatever idea came to her dissolve as she went to sit onto one of the crates next to Tony.

“Yes sir. You’ve come to the best in town. You’ll get your coin worth. Yes sir,” in a customer centric voice, smiling from beneath his cap which is pulled down, hiding the upper portion of his face below its bill.

A good attitude. And a worker with a family. Maybe we can make another guard out of him.

“I hope you’re right young man. I’ll be paying for them both.”

“Not a worry at all. You’ll see,” and he hops right to it, grabbing cleaning supplies out of the satchel that rests across his chest.

Gricrir uses this moment to consider his following words.

***

“A shoeshine on Cap, this must be my lucky day after all”

“You say that till you have to pay tonight”

“Yeah sure. Whateva Grif. Hey Cap. - er, Vice-Cap., you sure you wanna pay for this? I appreciate it and all, especially the way Grif is talkin’ but this kind stuff is expensive, even in low-town.”

“How’s your training?” Completely ignoring the question.

A bit taken aback by the rather rude cut off, Tony gathers himself and provides a quick but thoughtful answer, “Well sir, my power is good. But I’m not as fast as the mean puma over there,” indicating with this thumb to Grif. “I should have really gotten through my group faster.”

Grif mutters something about being called a Puma before answering. “Like usual,” with emphasis on the next word “my training is going well. I get at least an extra training every day.

“You get what? When, howe?,” Tony said, looking her up and down.

“Oh when you’re hung over in the morning, I’m out training.”

“Cheater”

“Slacker”

“Both of you have work to do,” Gricrir responded unenthusiastically. But you need to learn from each other. Tony, you need to learn to cut off your opponents movement and get on the inside where your blows will be effective. Grif’s long range ability between her kicks and straight strikes will be a sufficient challenge for you.”

“Ya hear that Tony.”

Gricrir looks at her sternly “Oh, Grif, you’re not out of this either. You fell earlier.”

“Yes sir. But I did trip over one of the many attackers I laid down”

“True. But what happens when you’re unstable and someone like that bull over there is charging at you? You’ll need to improve your inside fighting just the same. He can help you with those strikes and close range grappling”

“Ya hear that Grif, he called me a bull. It means I’m powerful. The boss. Big Daddie, a ham sandwich with cheese, plus the mayo and mustard. I’m the-

“Tony. Please shut your mouth whole.”

Tony frowns but stays quiet. Before Grif could say anything Gricrir glares at her. She catches the hint and keeps her mouth shut.

Gricrir walks back and forth, arms behind his back, not looking at them. His tone is a little different “How are you two. Really, are you two alright?”

“Yes sir, I’m great,” Grif responds.

“I’m fit as a … bull” Tony sneaks in.

Gricricr stops walking for a moment at that last moment but chooses to ignore it.

Well, take to break the news to them.

“Good. I will be requesting you two to work doubles.”

“Damn it. I knew there was gonna be a catch for this shoe shinnin business. We got a few days off and now this.”

Grif just folds her arms and stares at the ground, not seeming very happy with the news either. Still looking at the ground “what did we do to deserve this extra work sir?”

“It being your job. A job that pays you. And I might add you both chose to work this job and you chose to work for me specifically. So, suck it up.”

The statement was cutting. Even the the shoe shinner stopped momentarily. A few more moments of awkward silence pass.

I didn’t mean to come off so harsh. I guess I’m not excited about this either. But it must be done.

“I apologize. That was unbecoming.”

He knew it was rare for him to apologize. Just about everything he did was intentional and well though out. It’s how you survived on these streets in a role like his where death could meet you at any time of day. But he was not intentional in how he spoke to them just now. A leader leads, not commands.

His crew stayed silent, but they did at least give him a nod in the affirmative.

“Listen. I’ve been getting some rumors that something is brewing on the main lands.”

Tony and Grif stood straight up. The mainland has been rather peaceful for decades. Their truths with other kingdoms, while a bit rocky at times, has held. Even among some diplomatic snafu’s the countries were able to come to agreement. For there to be trouble now, and for them, leather backs to hear of it, was more than troubling.

Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.

“Sir, please go on,” Grif said.

It sounds like a whole heap of bad to be honest with you. It sounds like there have been some diplomatic challenges. I don’t know much about it, but it seems like our packs are a bit uneasy. And even more concerning, it appears as though monsters are showing up in different places. As in around small cities. Some have been attacked. Some, well lets say, they’d still be embers right now.”

“That’s not good,” Grif said.

“Yeah, most monsters have been sealed away in dungeons underground or are locked to staying in their wooded hunting zones.”

“Right. Well I’ve heard even some have shown up outside the capital. Still yet confirmed. But this is now putting a toll on the resources of the mainland and the capitol. On top of that, this whole thing about the merchant princess has blown up. We’re getting lots of new shipments of supplies. Merchant and nobles ships I haven’t seen before.”

Gricrir continues, seeming fatigued now from all his talking “Do you know what this means?”

“Well Cap new tends to mean trouble.”

“Trouble, like crime.”

“Correct. We don’t know who will be showing up here. Nor do we know what kind of ruckus they will bring. So, what does that mean for us?”

“It means more work cap. We gonna need to be out around town. But problem is, Cap. There ain’t to many of us. Those that can become white shells. Lot more of em than us and they don’ like comin’ down here. Prob’ afraid they goin’ ruin their little dresses.”

“Hey, I wear dresses you know”

Tony stops and looks at her, considering. “You right, that an insult too dresses.”

“To women Tony, to women.”

He pauses, thinking even longer. “You’re right Grif. That’s an insult to women in genera’. I’m sorry. But hey, don’t you be lumpin’ yourself in with the women folk. You somethin’ all else together,” he laughs.

He was doing so good.

“Focus.”

“Yeah sorry Cap. We aint got the people”

“Well, we don’t. But if we focus on main spots and send out small units on patrol, we could do it. But that would … mean we would have to double our hours cause the white shells ain’t gonna help us”.

Nods.

“Now you see why I’m requesting you two to work doubles.”

“This is a dry ham sandwich with no mustard, Cap. We don’t deserve this”.

“That’s why I’m requesting. Not ordering. The choice is yours.”

Tony crosses his large arms over his chest. “Well Cap., I’m in if you can get your wife to make me an apple pie.”

“I’d also like a lemon pie myself,” Grif said.

“Deal.”

“Wait! I wasn’t done Cap. I’d also like four dinners at the house.”

“Two.”

“Three”

“One or none”

“Damn it. Deal.” Tony grumbles to himself.

Struggling to restrain her laughter, Grif says “I told you about not being greedy. Cap. Can’t have you eating there more than twice. There be’d nothing left. You eat like a horse.”

“Like a war horse to be exact. It takes the best to feed a beast like me”

“Finally admitted you were a beast huh.”

“I - uh- you… you know what I meant… Damn it Grif. Always making me sound ...”

“Sound what exactly…?”

“Listen. I don’t get to eat almost every night at the Cap’s like you do.”

“It’s because I don’t eat up ALL the food. And I wash dishes. Last time you at there we were cleaning for a week!”

Gricrir, muttered to himself. “Why must you two always act like this. Fine. Two dinners for you Tony if you can not bicker with Grif until I’m well out of ear shot. And two lemon pies for you Grif if you also don’t argue with Tony.”

“Deal,” they both responded.ˆ

The lengths I go to for these two. I don’t even know how I’m going to break it to my sweet rose that she’ll now have to make all this food. I can only imagine the chores she’ll put me up to. These two think working in the guard is hard. Try being apart of my family. Gricrir is drawn away from his thoughts to the actual laughter of his two directs. He looks them up and down.

“We’re going to have more imports and exports. More people roaming and unknown faces; from laborer to noble. What does that mean for us as guards?”

“Well Cap. More trouble, like you said. I might be as impossin’ as a war horse, but I can’t be everywhere at once. We don’t know what ruckus they’ll try to bring,” Tony said.

“That means we need to focus our efforts Captain. I’d recommend we focus on the most vulnerable. The markets of course, up and down low and mid-town canal,” Grif said.

“And?,” asks Gricrir.

“And the storehouses.”

“Yes, yes. All aimed at theft and illegal sales. What else Grif, Tony?”

The shoeshine boy adds his ideas, as if they were forgone conclusions. “The bars and inns.”

“Whadaya say?” Tony said, looking down at the shoeshine boy.

“Yes, why do you say that?” Looking over the shoeshiner with curiosity.

“Because sir it’s where people cong- get together. At first people will recognize locals. But then they’ll get filled on merriment and drink, and won’t recognize their cousin from their mother. Half of them will pass out in public and half of them will cause a ruckus.”

“He’s right,” Grif glances at the shoeshiner. They could use the commotion to hide what they’re doing. Wait while we’re distracted cleaning up the messes of the locals. Hence … why you moved Urb along so quickly.”

“Now you get it. We need to run as tight of a ship as we can. We set the standards for our people, we’ll easier spot newcomers who are bringing trouble. If they start trouble we’ll set them straight. And in the end, we’ll be able to keep low-town and mid-town safe. Function and form. Rules can be annoying to maintain. But rules keep order, and order keeps our freedoms,” Gricrir said.

“Heh. Like these boots.

“Well, yes Tony.”

Tony flashes a smile and then winks and Grif.

“To your point Tony, you represent order and therefore must be orderly. Plus, I’ve never known a thug to attack someone who has worn, but well taken care of armor and a used but polish sword.”

Grif, clearly ignoring Tony’s silent prodding says, “Yes sir. But we can’t reasonably-“

“Keep them safe? I know,” Gricrir responded.

“Has Thaddeus” Grif stops momentarily, noticing the glare from Gricrir. She corrects herself and says “Has Captain Thaddeus McGraff recruited more guards.”

“No.”

Grif sucks her teeth and then says “Is he going to work more shifts with his -“

“No.”

“Well damn,” Grif says, taking a line from Tony’s repertoire. “How are we going to even…”

“We will and we must. Lack of resources and personnel will not hinder us. We are an extension of the hands of law. We go where others won’t and we watch while other sleep. We keep that peace for our families in low and mid-town.” He pauses once and then looks off into the distance before continuing, “The white and gold guards may be paid better than us. And have better gear. But we are the best. I trust you two the most. You’ve never failed me in anything that mattered. So I ask you bear with me as we work through these circumstances.”

The sound of slow applause can be heard from Tony who responded “Well Damn Cap. You just can’t go saying things like that. How I’m supposed to say no. Right Grif.”

“Alas. I have to agree with Tony.”

“Well you know it means longer hours. I’ll have you two primarily working the markets surrounding the main canal and working your way back into the off streets. I will be on the inner side of the city. The bars, taverns, and storehouses.”

“By yourself?” Grif asked.

“Yes.”

“Seriously.” Tony asked.

“Yes.”

In a surprising change of formality Tony responds “My Vice Captain, you’re as tough as they come. But don’t you think this is a bit much for just you? Respectfully, I mean to say. All do respect, and such.”

“Yes. This is why I have reinforced armor on. Not suitable for a potential swim in the canal like you’re lighter leathers. As long as you guys do your part, I’ll be fine. You’ll catch all the rift raft before they ever get to me.” Gricrir gives them both a small smile.

And I’ll take care of the monsters that slip past you.

“Bah! I knew there was a catch,” Tony says as stands up, his boots now done.

Grif stands up shortly after and says “Well. I guess you were right a second time Tony. I guess I’ll not make you buy me too many drinks tonight!” Grif lets out a laugh.

Tony looks like he is about to say something, stops, looks at Grircir and then says “you’re lucky dinner and pie is on the line, Grif.”

“Mister Vice Captain, what about the orphanages?” Asks the shoe shiner, never making eye contact as he gathers his supplies.

“Hows that?”

“Well mister, there are a lot of kids there … and ..,’” the shoe shiner seeming not to want to add more words.

“And yes? Gricrir places his whole attention on the young man in front of him.

“Well mister. Little ones and pretty girls are easy to disappear. The orphanage tends to have a lot of them both.”

Gricrir’s usual solemn face looks unnerved as he considers the thought. “You’re right. I didn’t consider it. I didn’t consider it because …Captain McGraf usually directs the patrols in that area. Since, I mean. We usually don’t get any problems there.”

As if picking up on the vice captain's slip “Yeah, that rat bastard Thaddeus always gets the easy assignments here and in midtown. He’ll either give some vague routes for us leather backs or send a few white-shells who gotten on his nerve as punishment here.”

“Tony!”Gricrir corrects.

“Sir!” Tony makes sure not to make eye contact.

The shoe shiner glances back and forth before continuing, “Well mister, between you and me -“

“Go on,” Gricrir said.

“Between you and me, word on the street is that some people have already gone missing.”

Gricrir's voice stoic, only betrayed by the creases growing on his brow, “How do you know? And do you know more?”

“Just the street. You know murmurings and people walking by. I try to keep my nose out of things, but I know you guys keep an eye out for us; keeping things safe and all. It’d be hard to make coin and whatnot without you all. So I figured I’d give you a tip.”

“I’ll look into this. I imagine you’ll keep this to yourself?”

“What sir? That you all keep your boots shined sir? No sir. I think everybody knows that you guys keep appearances. Beyond that, I don’t know what you’re talking about. Anybody can come and get their boots shined as long as they have coin. Ain’t that right sir?”

“You’re sharp lad…”

“Well, mum always said to keep your mind as polished as a boot sir”.

Hmm. A lad that understands subtly, remaining sharp, and has little issue engaging with authority. Definitely would be a good addition to the guard and especially my crew.

Gricrir takes a loot at Tony who is nonchalantly digging in his ear.

Definitely would be a boost in manners in the least.

“Hey lad, would you like to join us, the guards that is? I think you could do well. And I promise I’d train you myself. I’ve never lost a guard.”

The shoe shiner looks up for the first time since he had been there. His eyes dark, features only slightly angled with somewhat plump cheeks. His age hard to define between teenage or young man. He gives a brief smile, with teeth that are surprisingly white. “I appreciate the offer, but I ain’t one of that kind of life. I much more enjoy cleaning boots. Gives people a smile for the day … its my own little way of, how do you say, providing “form and function” to Bridgeborg.

Gricrir considers the response and then says “Very well.”

“Can I get your shoe shined mister?” The lad asks.

Gricrir flips a coin to the lad. “No, I prefer to take care of things myself. Keep the change.”

“Thank you sir.”

Returning his attention to his guards. “You two have the night off. I’ve managed to get some men to cover the latter half of your shift. I’ll also make sure there are some food supplies left for you guys at the outposts. It’s the most I can get for you guys. If you’ll excuse me.”

“Where are you going captain?” Tony asks.

“It’s assistant captain. And I’ve got to see Captain. If people are missing under his watch, he needs to know. And he needs to know there are good potential recruits like this young lad …” Gricrir looks to where the shoe shiner was. “Where’d he go?”

“Ummm,” Grif looks around “I, I honestly don’t know.”

“That kid sure steps quietly. Probably didn’t want to wait for you to change your mind about the coin” Tony laughs.

Gricrir looks at the spot a little longer. “Probably… I’m off to see the Captain.”