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.

wanted to ask you about a book I left on your carriage,” Argrave said casually, in part

and looked in his direction. “Wha-oh. It’s you,

paused, her face slowly freezing up. Nikoletta turned to face him calmly,

pressed Mina. “Is that your nickname for me? Better than ‘Gravy,’ I suppose. Disgusting food. Bland,

all bloody?” Nikoletta reached a

importantly,” Argrave diverted cheerfully, stepping away from her hand, “Why

don’t think this is more important. What happened to you? Not to mention the blood, you look pale…

Argrave dismissed vaguely. “Anyway, back to that

blood, Grave!” Mina interjected. “Your brother just walked

arms wide. “No injuries, no scratches. My handsome face is still

couldn’t be sure Induen didn’t have people listening in. 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 heard straight up to Induen. The branch

want to talk about it, fine,” Nikoletta said, a bit of coldness

to,” Argrave said. “Perhaps at another time, another

Are you kidding me?”

“Nicky.” She leaned forward and whispered something in Nikoletta’s ear. Argrave could feel a faint pulse

sound conciliatory in light of her misinterpretation. “As for that book… here.”

took it and nearly wiped it off with his handkerchief before remembering it was soaked in his blood. “Never thought Mina would catch on quicker than you,

“What does

first book I took out of the Tower.” Argrave

seemed to spark with anger, and she fumed silently in the background as Nikoletta crossed her arms. “I am glad I was able to return it to you. I feared I would not

my spine,” Argrave said drolly. “I

luggage is at my father’s estate. I

it. It’s all clothes. You can take it out and stare

throw it out,” she answered

myself…” Argrave paused. “On that matter, I have a favor to ask. We aren’t on your carriage, so I think it’s permissible.” Argrave looked at Mina, but she didn’t seem bothered. He briefly wondered if she was starting

frowned. “It depends on what

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

rollers with plenty of money to throw around. A player required a certain level of fame to participate without

took a second to consider. “Why, has something

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