Jackal Among Snakes

Chapter 16

Elias trudged up the hill leading to the Monticci estate with heavy steps. Embarrassingly, he had been caught by Argrave’s escort in seconds. He still recalled the giant of a man cornering him, staring him down with those pure white eyes of his. They had the same cold steel glint that he saw in his father’s eyes, sometimes—a war veteran, a man of many battles.

But at least that unfortunate encounter told Elias that Argrave’s escort was not someone from Vasquer. None of Vasquer’s royalty had white eyes. He looked more a mercenary than a knight. Elias was unsure what Argrave intended to do. Consequently, he decided to take the matter directly to Duke Enrico.

He stopped a fair distance away from the gated wall leading to House Monticci’s grandiose estate. Unlike most noble houses in the kingdom of Vasquer, House Monticci resided in a mansion—the city of Mateth was a fortress in and of itself, and House Monticci always prided itself on treating the commonfolk fairer than most houses. What better way to symbolize that than to live in the same area as they?

Elias straightened his clothes and walked up to the gate. Two knights stood on guard, and they watched him passively. A blue swordfish, the symbol of House Monticci, decorated their shield and breastplate. Elias walked to them, reaching into his pocket to retrieve a seal bearing the golden lion of House Parbon.

“I am Elias of House Parbon, heir to Margrave Reinhardt,” he greeted the knights levelly. “I would speak to Duke Enrico on urgent matters.”

The knights out front of the gate straightened. They looked at each other, each trying to puzzle out how to respond. The first to speak wasn’t the knights, though.

“Woah, hey,” came a higher pitched voice from behind the gate. Elias stepped to the side and peered into the estate. Mina walked up to the gate and grabbed the bars. “It’s Elias. Wow, guess the Margrave sent you personally, huh?”

“Mina,” Elias greeted. “I came to speak to the duke.”

At the gate, one of the knights decided to head into the estate, presumably to bring the news of Elias’ arrival and decide whether or not he should be allowed in.

“Why would that be, I wonder?” she asked sarcastically. “Missing a prize horse? Angry dad? Maybe a little bit of both?”

Elias paused, not wishing to admit he’d come here without his father’s permission. He decided to change the subject. “And why are you here, and not in Count Elgar’s territory?”

“Pfft.” She scoffed, and then climbed up the fence until she sat atop one of the stone pillars between the metal bars. Her golden hair reflected the sunlight brilliantly. “I doubt the ninth child—a daughter, especially—will be missed sorely. Nicky’s a lot more fun than any of my family, anyhow.”

“I see.” Elias nodded, and then repeated what he’d told to the knights. “I need to speak to the duke.”

“About what?” Mina pressed.

uncle’s imprisonment,” he said after

amusedly. “You’re not so good at lying, you

Elias didn’t respond.

Don’t be so mute. If it is about Argrave, I might be able

if only just. “He met with Prince Induen, did he

smile. “He and Induen met in the Order of the Gray Owl’s branch here at Mateth, and then Grave walked out caked in poorly-cleaned blood.

immediately. “He probably staged the whole

And Nicky said I was paranoid.” Mina stood atop the pillar and jumped down in front of Elias. “Considering we stumbled into

ill character,” Elias insisted. “He crippled my sister years ago. He

laughed. “What, he talked your father into letting him go free with a 6950-gold

to remember the details of

escort if he didn’t comply. I consider it justice. Hilarious justice, at

had a reputation as a trickster, but if she was friends with Nikoletta, she could not

but his escort spotted me in mere minutes.

“Grave was talking about the Baretta Troupe Auction, but he suddenly left on ‘urgent business.’ Some kind of magic item was glowing.” Mina sighed. “Listen, Elias, I’ll be honest with you—Nicky has already made up her mind to

shaken after talking to Induen, she’s only more committed to that trust. Even if she knew something, I doubt she’d tell you.” Mina shook her

sighing and falling

raising a finger. “I’ve seen Nikoletta spend fortunes on acts of misplaced charity. She’s given a life's earnings to your average marketplace swindler. She’s misplaced her trust thousands

you getting at?” Elias asked,

that being unseen is better than standing out. I can even help keep you out of sight. I want to trust Argrave, but I also like to give my trust carefully. Even if he likes to make fun of me, Nicky needs more reliable friends, and he hasn’t let her

some minor illusion magic. Didn’t seem to faze Argrave’s escort,” Elias

you use C-rank illusion magic?” Mina

brows.

of 19… Of course, Nicky says I should focus on other fields of magic, but elemental magic and stuff like that

you’re willing to help me find out what he’s up

confirm he’s trustworthy.” Mina crossed her arms. “I might’ve done it alone, but now

walked to Elias and bowed. “Young lord Parbon. The duke said

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