Jackal Among Snakes

A big, gauntleted hand reached forward and rested itself on the edge of the carriage’s windows. Then, Margrave Reinhardt dismounted from his horse and stood at the side of the carriage, peering in. The Margrave had red hair like his son, though it was closer to crimson and fell past his shoulders. He had a fierce face, rough but scarless, and his frightening visage was further augmented by his eyes. They were like two rings of rubies. He wore resplendent white plate mail, a red cloak hanging from his shoulders.

Margrave Reinhardt scanned the carriage with his haunting red eyes, his gaze finally locking with Argrave’s. Reinhardt’s face quickly changed from neutral to scornful as he recognized him. The two held their gazes, neither willing to turn away from the other.

“Margrave Reinhardt,” Nikoletta greeted quickly, unaware of the covert conflict between the two. “What brings you here with such a large host?”

The Margrave did not look at Nikoletta. “My men and I were headed to Dirracha. I thought to pay my respects to my friend’s daughter, but seeing your company, I am questioning that decision.”

“How rude. Mina is not that bad,” Argrave said, holding the Margrave’s gaze. He saw the golden-haired girl tense up at the mention of her name.

“I was not speaking to you, Vasquer,” Reinhardt said coldly.

“Correct; I was speaking to you. Quite the head on this one.” Argrave smiled, mustering levity to dispel his anxiety. “But you are incorrect in calling me a Vasquer. I am but a humble bastard.”

Reinhardt tilted his head back, scowl deepening. He opened his mouth to speak, but Nikoletta spoke first.

“Why do you need such a large force to venture to the capital?” she said quickly, evidently hoping to divert the Margrave’s attention.

Reinhardt finally looked away from Argrave, turning his head to Nikoletta. “My brother was unjustly imprisoned, his evidence of treason clearly fabricated. The king sees only steel, and so I will show him some lest he forget his place as a just ruler. And during my journey…” Reinhardt’s gaze switched back to Argrave. “…who do I find but his son.”

The Margrave stepped back to his horse, pulling a horn off the saddle. He blew the war horn once, and a deafening, deep noise filled the air. The thundering hooves slowed, and the carriage stopped shaking. Silence soon consumed the carriage, the faint wind and distant huffing of horses only barely breaking the now-silent road. Argrave swallowed. He had detested that noise of horses, but now it seemed quite pleasant in comparison to this eerie quiet.

“What is the meaning of this, Margrave Reinhardt?” Nikoletta maintained her posture, but Argrave could hear the nervousness in her voice.

“The Vas—the royal bastard,” Reinhardt corrected himself, stepping back beside the carriage, “should come with me.”

“I am a bit busy,” Argrave said dismissively. Mina looked at him like he was mad, but Nikoletta tried to cover his words up.

“I am not sure why you are acting this way, Margrave Reinhardt, but presently, Argrave is a guest enjoying my hospitality. In turn, he enjoys my protection.”

Argrave was taken aback by Nikoletta’s declaration. He had fully expected to be surrendered quickly. He was a bastard—protecting him meant nothing compared to earning the favor of a Margrave.

most of the main characters are good people. I shouldn’t be surprised. Still, I’m grateful, Argrave thought,

foul cur?”

who we say we will—no more, no less. The nature of

icily at the obsidian-haired woman. “Are you sure of this decision? That House Monticci

should ensure their guest’s safety. Honor demands I fulfill that pledge.” Nikoletta paused, then spoke more urgently. “House Monticci and House Parbon have been close for centuries.

Dirracha. If I can possess a card that may ensure his safe release, the relation between our houses

pressing her head closer to the window. “Not just House Monticci. I’m here, too—ninth child

an opportunity to save my brother’s life.” Reinhardt’s

that kills thousands for your brother. How noble.”

while my brother rots,” said the Margrave, placing his hand on his sword’s

Argrave’s own heart was pounding furiously. The time stretched

Argrave thought, brain working on overdrive. He seemed to have only one choice. Perhaps it would be best if he made it, instead of having

us be off. Let it not be said that I am a ‘foul cur’ who stands in the way of justice.” Argrave pushed off the seat and

are you…?” she said, trying to grab his wrist. Argrave avoided

you defend me, at best, some of your knights will be foolishly injured in a futile defense. At worst, some will

“But…” Mina said hesitantly.

slipped it into his breast pocket. With that, he opened the carriage

us being essentially strangers… I will not forget it. You

Nikoletta said, trailing off.

the burden is not on you?”

disbelief, perhaps, or more optimistically some

be hanged, drawn, and quartered?” Argrave was able to joke easier, for he found that his anxiety was fading somewhat. The choice had been made—there would be no conflict. That

Margrave held the rope out. “This is to be wrapped around your torso. I will be holding the other end. You will ride alongside me

frowned. “I don’t know how

coldly. “You will learn quickly, or I will drag you.” Reinhardt walked closer with the rope, already beginning to

soon wound a length of rope beneath Argrave’s arms. “Horses are disgusting creatures. Can’t I—ow,” Argrave trailed off

brushing its crimson mane. He led it forth in a canter, pulling Argrave along. The sight of the gaunt, tall man being led about was quite pitiful. His complaints of abusing hostages and borderline slavery slowly faded away from the carriage, leaving Nikoletta

the Margrave’s knights gave up a horse for Argrave to ride. After some fussing and fidgeting, the Margrave raised his war horn to his lips once more. He blew into it twice, and then

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the royal capital. Her mood was complicated, and that fact was etched into her face. She was glad that no blood was shed—neither Monticci nor Parbon