Jackal Among Snakes

Argrave took the documents Induen was offering him. He tore the small red strip keeping them bound and took a look at the contents. A seaside castle was, by its location alone, more valuable than most inland estates. Once he saw the name on the deed, though, Argrave couldn’t help but smile.

Foamspire. Hah. A fitting gift from Induen. It’s like a bright red apple that’s rotten once you bite in, or a block of gold that’s lead on the inside.

“I see you’re pleased,” said Induen, noticing Argrave’s smile. “I hope that you realize, just as the punishments for disobeying me are great, so are the rewards for being loyal. And I hope, further, that this meeting demonstrates you can hide nothing from me.”

Argrave looked up from the deed, already proving Induen wrong as he hid his amusement. He really suits the banner he bears; the snake on his cuffs, that’s him to a T. He’s a good manipulator. But knowing his nature is precisely what one needs to escape the web he weaves.

“I never expected that I’d own Foamspire. I’ve heard tell of it—a castle of marble at the top of a great sea arch. It serves as a lighthouse for sailors to the nearby town and has quite formidable defenses. One could house near a thousand knights there. One can see the ocean stretch for miles atop it. And it’s said to be warm all year round—a regular Xanadu on this mortal realm.” Argrave talked it up like it was a sales pitch.

And a castle that’s fated to fall into the ocean this year. How wonderful.

Argrave held the deed close. “Thank you, Prince Induen.” Now that I’ve shown some worth to him—cleverness, magical talent—he’ll try to win me over to his side. This ‘rich castle’ is fated to be rubble in the sea in not a few months, and he knows that.

“If you’re pleased, that is enough.” Induen nodded and walked to the door. “Truth be told, you did something of a service to the House of Vasquer. Facing the wrath of both Parbon and Monticci would be… more difficult. They have many friends.”

“Then I will do my best to ensure that Monticci stays neutral, or even loyal, in the days to come,” Argrave swore. It was not technically a lie. He didn’t wish for Monticci to join the impending civil war. They had to focus their powers on the Veidimen.

Induen nodded. “Good. But you should remember that Nikoletta’s fate will not change. Discard any delusions that might be festering.”

Argrave nodded. Induen and the royal knights walked swiftly out of the door. Only once it was shut did he let his expression relax. He stood, casting a glance at the branch manager.

“Thank you for healing me, Elbert.” Argrave commented. Even if the man had been brusque, greeting rudeness with rudeness only bred enmity. Besides, he didn’t wish to leave alongside Prince Induen.

The branch manager raised an eyebrow. “Don’t thank me. I was merely showing deference to the Prince and a fellow High Wizard of the Order.”

Argrave wiped his bloodied glove off with the handkerchief. “You still did it. That counts for something.”

Elbert moved to his desk. “Get out, then.”

Complying, Argrave walked back out into the hall. He opened the door to an empty hall, save two familiar people—Nikoletta and Mina. They were both watching the stairway, presumably because the heir to the throne had just walked by out of the blue. Nikoletta wore a shoulder bag and a fancy blue dress complete with resplendent jewelry, while Mina had donned more casual leather gear bereft of accessories.

I wanted to ask you about a book I left on

in his direction.

paused, her face slowly freezing up. Nikoletta turned to face him calmly, but soon enough her face was

your nickname for me? Better than ‘Gravy,’ I suppose. Disgusting food. Bland, slimy.

why are you all bloody?” Nikoletta

importantly,” Argrave diverted cheerfully, stepping away from her

you’d mentioned—” Nikoletta trailed off. “No, I don’t think this is more important. What happened to you? Not to mention the blood, you look pale…

can say, really,” Argrave dismissed vaguely. “Anyway, back to that

interjected. “Your brother

arms wide. “No injuries, no scratches. My handsome face is still handsome.” He caressed his chin. “For all you know, I just got through

The crown prince had learned what Argrave had been up to very quickly—it stood to reason he had an extensive network of people willing and ready to hand whatever secrets they

Nikoletta said, a bit of coldness

that I don’t want to,” Argrave said. “Perhaps at another time, another place,” he tried to

kidding me?” Nikoletta

leaned forward and whispered something in Nikoletta’s ear. Argrave could feel a faint pulse of magic

said, trying to sound conciliatory in light of her misinterpretation. “As

before remembering it was soaked in his blood. “Never thought Mina would catch on quicker

frowned. “What does

hate to lose the first book I took out of the Tower.” Argrave

the background as Nikoletta crossed her arms. “I am glad I was able to return it

at my

“Your other luggage is at my father’s estate. I

it. It’s all clothes. You can take it out and stare at it when you miss me, which is sure to

throw it out,”

royal bastards like myself…” Argrave paused. “On that matter, I have a favor to ask. We aren’t on your carriage, so I think it’s permissible.”

“It depends on what it

or at least I think not. I was simply wondering if it

Troupe Auction was full of high rollers with plenty of money to throw around. A player required a certain level of fame to participate without a recommendation. Usually, one could only get that recommendation during a certain quest. Argrave

it’s just that…” Nikoletta took a second to consider. “Why, has something there

shook his head. “The opposite. I have something rather eye-catching to show the world. I would sell it normally,