Jackal Among Snakes

Argrave peered past an iron fence into a well-managed estate garden. It had a fountain, a very brief hedge maze, and at the very back, a rather grand mansion. Evidently a smuggler and a branch manager of the Order could grow very wealthy working together. Argrave nodded in recognition then turned away from the fence, gesturing to Anneliese and Galamon to follow. He made his way to the gate. A lone knight guarded it rather idly.

“Hello,” Argrave greeted, voice somewhat dull. He had not slept a wink, and as much reflected in his general demeanor. He learned a C-rank warding spell, though, so the effort was not wasted.

The knight did not react, so Argrave repeated, “Hello,” louder and more insistently. The knight turned his head to the sound slowly and then came to attention when he saw the three of them approaching, placing his hand on the pommel of his sword.

“This is the estate of Lady Elaine of Vyrbell. Please keep your distance,” the knight said loudly.

Argrave knew that this was only her estate in name only—Rivien made the majority of the money, but he didn’t wish to draw much attention to himself.

“I see, I see. Well, I wish to speak to Rivien of Vyrbell. I’m sure that he’ll want to speak to me,” Argrave clapped his hands together diplomatically.

When Rivien’s name was mentioned, the guard noticeably hesitated, his helmet moving back and forth between the three of them.

“…the lord is likely having breakfast now,” the knight said slowly.

“Just tell him that Argrave would like to see him. I have a matter he might help me with.”

The knight nodded, then stepped over to ring a bell. A servant from inside the gate came rushing forward in short order, and the knight relayed Argrave’s message. Content, he stepped away from the knight, facing Anneliese and Galamon.

“Anneliese. Keep an eye on the people in this meeting, try to feel out their dispositions towards us.” When Anneliese nodded, Argrave squeezed his eyes shut and then opened them, trying to dispel his tiredness. “Head’s killing me. Eyes hurt. At least I’ll sleep easier tonight,” Argrave focused on the positives.

“I slept, so I feel fine,” Anneliese said pointedly. “You should not stay up all night, even if you are having fun.”

Galamon eyed the both of them. “Fun? You only studied.”

“No, we learned magic,” Argrave corrected. “In terms of activities, it is immensely satisfying to see one’s studies come to fruition. It’s like…” Argrave searched for the right words. “Building yourself. Adding to yourself. Getting new limbs, new tools, that all exist within your mind.”

Anneliese nodded, then turned her head to watch the servant that’d moved away return. He spoke to the knight, and the armored man nodded. He walked over to the three of them, and Argrave turned.

“Lord Rivien will receive you alongside Lady Elaine,” the knight walked to the gate, opening it. “Our footman will take you to them. I would ask that you remove the circlets disguising your appearance.”

“Alongside Lady Elaine, hmm? What a delight,” Argrave said with a smile, feeling like he’d dodged a bullet. “You heard him. Circlets off, company,” Argrave directed, doing so as he spoke.

After a neat bow the footman led them through the garden, past the hedge maze, and through the door. They were greeted by a fanciful great room with two parallel winding stairways leading to a second floor. Here, at least, there was some respite from the constant dreary black present in most of Jast—the inside was mostly marble and dark wood, tastefully decorated with silver at points.

some turns, Argrave and his companions were led to a room guarded by two knights. The footman wordlessly opened the door and gestured inside, where Argrave entered. A small dining room awaited them. Barring the attending servants, there were two people present. Rivien sat at the head of the table opposite the entryway,

food. He chewed and wiped his

towards them, arms outstretched. “Speak of the devil and he shall appear,” Argrave said, staring at Elaine the whole while. “Though perhaps that idiom is not popular in this place.

tried to enter but were stopped by the knights. “The guards should

turned on his heel. “Guards? These

in,” Rivien said decisively. “And

shut behind them. Argrave turned back. “Very kind of

said, planting his fork down and taking another bite of food. He chewed, staring at Argrave. He was quite a well-built man, and that made the finely made red clothes he wore appear much grander

a seat. Your companions, too.” He set the fork down for a moment, resting his elbows on the table and clasping his hands together.

you know Rivien?” Argrave pulled back

my brother,” she

that,” Argrave said

off the table and grabbed the fork once again, pointing at Argrave with it.

interrupting a lovely breakfast between siblings for

came to know of me?” Rivien inquired, taking another bite of

Rivien knew as ‘the Bat.’ In most of ‘Heroes of Berendar,’ the Bat was an enigmatic figure whose agents were central in many side quests. But Argrave knew who it was; Princess Elenore, a master strategist and schemer. Even blind, she sees more in

On the flipside, she was the most deceptive, and capable of more cruelty than all of them. Hers was a dispassionate and pragmatic cruelty, derived

one of the more popular romantic options. Many people like the idea of fixing a flawed person and winning affection from callousness. Her story was quite sad, Argrave had to admit, but then most

glanced at Anneliese. Well, with Anneliese here, I’m sure I won’t be too badly screwed by her. Even if she’s not as good at scheming as Elenore, Anneliese’s smart enough to stop me from getting swept into the fire. Anneliese returned Argrave’s look, confused. Argrave shook

room and gestured towards the door with his head. They all bowed at once and made for the door quietly, filing out one by one.

warded. You may speak freely without fear

warded it, in

Argrave clapped his hands together. “To business. Firstly, I need you to get in contact

snow elves are skittish, especially after the failed invasion. If we contact them

from me. Elaine, I’m sure you know of what

do. Castro sent the shipment,”

have

then,” Rivien said, placing his elbows on the table and leaning

unconfidently, and seeing Rivien did not react, assumed

hands out. “I ordered my men not to touch your things. If you’re related to the Bat in any manner, I won’t get involved. I’ve learned much from others’ mistakes regarding

inn I’m staying at, make sure no undesirables set foot in there. In general, I’d like it if you could make sure no one bothers me as I attend to my business in Jast. It would be

expression stoic. “And if you placed

slid

staying