Jackal Among Snakes

“…so, which cup has the coin?” Mina asked, running her hand over an array of three identical cups. Elias sat in a chair at a rickety yet clean table, while Mina sat atop it. Argrave was buried beneath blankets in a bed at the corner of the room, forming a shivering hump as he peered at a book dimly lit by sunlight through a boarded window. Some days had passed. Mateth had been a hive of activity as the troops were rallied.

Galamon sat at the foot of the bed, watching fumes rise into the air from a brewing potion. It was a potion that calmed the mind—Argrave considered it the reason he had been able to do what he had in the battle and had elected to make more before the invaders arrived. Its ingredients were the last of Argrave’s funds, barring that set aside for necessary expenses like food.

“This one,” said Elias, pointing at the center cup. Mina lifted it; it was blank. Elias lifted the other two with both of his free hands, but none of them had the coin. “What?”

“Check behind your ear,” said Mina gleefully.

Elias retrieved the coin and widened his eyes. Argrave frowned, his annoyed face peeking out from the blankets. “You’re supposed to be helping me with C-rank magic, Mina.”

Mina hopped off the table, striding to his bedside. “I told you what I know, Grave. Fourth-dimension magic, for me, was like looking past a veil, or finding out the secret to a magic trick. Looks complicated, but it’s simple deep down.”

Elias stood, setting the coin back on the table politely. “It’s useless to ask for help. It’s different for everybody.”

“Why are you two at my house, anyway?” said Argrave, burrowing deeper into his blankets.

“Your house, Grave? You said it was abandoned,” Mina countered. “My father won’t miss me; he barely knows I exist. Mom might make a fuss, eventually, but that’s beside the point. And Elias here decided to stay and help.” Mina gestured at Elias, who still refused to meet Argrave’s eyes.

“Whatever. Do s-silent magic tricks,” Argrave shivered. “And stay off the table. You may be like a cat, but you aren’t a real one. People eat there. Namely, me.”

Mina scoffed, yet still sat at the chair. “You don’t look like you do much eating.”

Someone knocked at the door. Galamon’s head whipped cleanly, and he stood, drawing his dagger and holding it close at attention. He opened the door slowly, peeking through. Then, he opened it wide and walked away.

“Hey, Nicky.” Mina greeted.

Nikoletta entered. She wore custom-fitted leather armor, the blue swordfish of Monticci painted on the breastplate. As testament to the wealth of the Dukedom, it was thoroughly inscribed, and enchantments shone along those inscriptions brilliantly. It was a familiar set of armor.

In the normal course of ‘Heroes of Berendar,’ after Nikoletta was expelled from the Order of the Gray Owl she would be involved in the civil war briefly before returning to Mateth after hearing it was invaded by the snow elves. The armor set she wore was an heirloom and was found in the Duke’s estate, which had been overrun by Veidimen.

“Hey Mina.” She looked around the room, giving a nod to Elias. Galamon sat back down in front of Argrave’s bed, staring at the brewing potion like a dejected puppy. Nikoletta spotted Argrave and walked up slowly.

“Argrave. You look terrible…,” she said in concern.

“Don’t lie to me. My superior good looks are my one benefit in this beanpole body,” Argrave put his hand to his face to accentuate his handsomeness. His hand was warm, but his face still felt too cold.

Nikoletta elected to ignore his comment. “Every time I see you, you look more and more unhealthy.”

book. “The Baretta Troupe Auction. You said it hadn’t happened yet. When

answered. “And, considering that you may have saved the entirety of the Dukedom of Monticci should this invasion truly occur, it is

kidding? A bunch of people in a tightly packed place, all yelling and spitting like starving dogs, fighting over scraps in some vainglorious perversion of both gambling and mercantilism.” Argrave paused, taking a deep breath after his rant. “I merely have something to sell. If you really want to help, spread rumors about the exhibit so that

to know what you are

He strode across the room and pulled aside a decrepit plank, then pulled out a

new ones.” Argrave complained as Nikoletta read through the document. He stood, bunching them together while shivering intensely. Galamon stood, taking the sheets from Argrave by force. He pointed to the bed, clearly commanding Argrave to lay back

incredulously. Galamon walked away, off to fetch

to me after giving some… tough love, I suppose? Th-though, perhaps he’d hate me calling it ‘love.’ He seems to r-resent

land. Many nobles rent out apartments during the summer and vacation there. Its income rivals a small city. And… well, Induen gave it

and the soon-to-be civil war. An estate is stable income, true, but I don’t need a stable income. I need loads

“Why?” Nikoletta inquired.

of himself with the blankets. He became a woolen caterpillar

sure my father would be willing to

months. Then, he remembered that Nikoletta was one of the ‘good’ player characters, and she probably wouldn’t be overfond

your father can go to the auction and

still haven’t said why you need this money,” Nikoletta pushed further. She grabbed a chair from

precious thing in a country at war. The Veidimen invasion,

we talk, you sound so certain there will be a civil war,”

taxes and rising serfdom. Beyond that, this was, from the very beginning, a scheme by Vasquer. I know because they sought to involve me in it. The royal family wants

The civil war would always happen. Some of the nine playable characters could delay it slightly, but it still happened eventually. However, how the war

very quiet, and everyone had turned to

and I’m sure much of the south—Monticci included—will join in favor of those against Vasquer. The north will remain firmly under heel of Vasquer, though. Most of the

of hair covered her face. Elias stood and walked towards the window. Mina was looking at how everyone

the Tower,” Nikoletta said as if in epiphany. “Back then, when my research had been stolen, Induen genuinely had done it. It was one

King Felipe, but yes. It was

is true, it only reinforces the validity of the rebellion. A king pledges protection in exchange for service; such callous disregard of life is not befitting of a true king.” Nikoletta

lacked a plan beyond simply overthrowing the king. If the player sided with the rebels, the kingdom would fall into

and Induen and Orion would fight over the

as long as you sell that little piece of paper, I’ll be happy. I’m

of a haze. “Then, I’ll be sure to do that.” She stood. “On one condition. You have to

“Such a monumental task? What shall I

Mina tells me you barely sleep, eat only plain food, and spend all hours of the day either trying to

I wander to a pipal tree, sit in a lotus position, and try to reach nirvana,” Argrave shook his head. “Please. I’m fine. I read until I fall asleep. I eat plain food because it’s all I

She stared at Argrave with her deep pink eyes for a