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 your carriage,”

started and looked in his direction. “Wha-oh.

Nikoletta turned to face him calmly, but soon

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

all bloody?” Nikoletta

from her hand,

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

dismissed

Grave!” Mina interjected.

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

quickly—it stood to reason he had

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

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

you kidding me?” Nikoletta

sleeve and said lightly, “Nicky.” She leaned forward and whispered something in Nikoletta’s ear. Argrave could feel a faint pulse of magic around Mina’s mouth. It was probably an

trying to sound conciliatory in light of her misinterpretation. “As for that book… here.” Nikoletta reached the shoulder bag and pulled out the

up. He took it and nearly wiped it off with his handkerchief before remembering it was soaked in his

frowned. “What does

would hate to lose the first book I took

am glad I was able to return it to you. I feared I would not be able to. People

my back is wearing at my spine,” Argrave said drolly.

luggage is at my father’s

and stare at it when you miss

going to throw it out,” she answered without

to you, to be fair, but for 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.” Argrave looked at Mina, but she didn’t seem bothered. He

frowned. “It depends on

major, or at least I think not. I was simply wondering if it would be possible to get

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

just that…” Nikoletta took a second to

the world. I would sell it normally, but it fetches a bit too much for a street vendor.” He tapped