Authority of the Enforcer

Shifting through dirt, Mole worked on his ambition; a vast subterranean tunnel network. It represented his passion, his entire life, all that he lived for.
            It was his pride and joy.

The tunnel network stretched for miles, connecting separate sections of the forest. He planned to open it for the other animals of the forest that were wary of traveling in the open. The mice, the shrews, the voles, they would all eagerly thank him for his generosity.

Mole clawed at the dirt in front of him, carving his way through with taloned feet, creating a tunnel the width of a tree trunk. He squirmed and wiggled, gaining traction as he battled to maneuver and navigate in the enclosed space.

A voice shouted from up above in the surface world. Too muffled to comprehend, Mole ignored it. He rarely concerned himself with the lives of those above, only emphasized with those in danger of becoming prey.

The voice continued to shout, a strange mixture between hiss and growl. To Mole's immense surprise, it started to become more defined, as if it were coming closer. 

The ground above vibrated and clumps of dirt fell, landing on Mole, partially burying him beneath its weight. Panicking, Mole dug faster, trying to put distance between him and whatever was above. Clearly, it knew Mole was there, knew that by digging, it would find fresh meat to devour.

A claw scraped away the tunnel's roof, revealing a glimpse of sunlight. "Little mole, do not flee. I have a proposition for you, my morsel."

Mole stammered in fear. "Wha-what are you?" He stopped digging, for it was too late. He was at the creature’s mercy.

"They call me Enforcer. A fitting name, considering I'm a grey wolf. Now, listen closely, and listen well. I will not eat you, if you but heed and obey my will."

"A-and th-that is?"

"This is a marvelous tunnel network. Yes, I know all about your plan. You told a mouse about it a week ago, and before that mouse satiated my appetite, he told me of your vision. Very generous, I must say. Too generous.

"You see, little morsel, we live in a world where generosity is useless. But a talent such as yours should not be wasted. And thus, I have a proposition for you.

Complete your tunnel network; open it up to those who would have use for it. But do not offer this service for free. Instead, have each patron swear fealty to Serpent."

"Serpent?"

Enforcer laughed wickedly, a long, drawn out growl. "Yes, Serpent. If you haven't heard of him, I suggest you stop crawling in the dirt for days on end."

Mole tried to sound brave. "And if I-I refuse?"

"That would be a foolish decision, little morsel. We both know you're smarter than that."

"F-fine. I'll do as you say."

"Excellent. Serpent will be most pleased."