The Talking Animals Worker's Alliance

Negotiating with the Talking Animals Workers Alliance

“Our working conditions are completely unacceptable,” squeaked Gribbilor the mole. “We simply cannot carry on this way.”

The Eldritch Terror shifted uncomfortably in his seat. His spiked armour was meant for violent action, shedding the blows of his enemies, not sitting in the quiet offices of the arbitrator. This was an excuse. He had dealt with mutineers before, usually by beheading, though on occasion he did negotiate.

This was his first time as middle management, representing someone else.

“Do you have any suggestions? Lord Vladimir the Abominable is not unreasonable.” That last sentence was not totally accurate.

They were not done complaining. “The fox sets are always clogged with rubbish, while the rat warrens are kept spick and span. Carrion is left despoiling the rabbit’s vegetable fields, yet when I and my sisters fly out in search of dead flesh, juicy eyeballs or even scraps of skin, not a trace can be found.” Hraar the crow puffed herself up.

The Terror looked out the window to where Talonor the dragon looked on with interest. No help there. Sitting on his other side was Hurin the Silent, a powerful force for making the other side uncomfortable, but not so good when suggestions were needed. “I do not see...” he went on.

“The Talking Animals Workers Alliance has brought up these complaints time and again and nothing is ever done,” hissed Sirrocco the Serpent.

“This is the first I have heard of it,” said the Terror. No that wounded weak. Inadequate. “I shall speak to the garbage pixies. I shall speak most forcefully.”

The animals looked at one another. “Very well,” said Hraar.” The Terror relaxed slightly. “However there has been an increase in the number of king’s sons passing through the enchanted forest. As such, we need to discuss overtime payments...”

****

Negotiating With The Talking Animals Workers Alliance is a loose sequel to an earlier flash story In The Service Of Lord Vladimir The Abominable which I posted earlier this year, or last year for subscribers.

Both were rewards for subscribers to my Patreon, Talking Animals from last December. If you would like stories, monsters and other oddities delivered to your inbox, or even your postbox, then sign up at the link.