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.

gestured inside, where Argrave entered. A small dining room awaited them. Barring the attending servants, there were two people present. Rivien

his

fact. He walked 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. Hello, Rivien. We have not

and Galamon tried to enter but were stopped by the knights. “The guards should wait outside,”

“Guards? These two are my

them in,” Rivien said decisively. “And shut the

Argrave turned back. “Very kind of you to

a well-built man, and that made the finely made red clothes he wore appear much grander than they

a seat. Your companions, too.” He set the fork down for a moment, resting his elbows on the table and clasping his hands together. “I understand you wanted to have a

of walking slowly to the chair. “And who is this but Elaine?” he commented. “How might you know Rivien?” Argrave pulled back the chair closest

brother,” she said,

that,” Argrave said sarcastically. “It’s

his elbows off the table and grabbed

apologize for interrupting a

to ask… how is it you came to know of me?”

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

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 of the Vasquers’ lives were misery. Argrave did not dislike her especially, but he was not overfond of the idea of working with her. Considering

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

that…” Rivien looked at the attendants still in the room and gestured towards the door with his head. They all bowed at once and made for the door quietly,

the door shut, Rivien said, “This room is warded.

in fact,”

a power duo,” Argrave clapped his hands together. “To business. Firstly, I need you to get in contact with the Veidimen smugglers that come here. I know they don’t work with you, but you can

“The snow elves are skittish, especially after the failed invasion.

something from me. Elaine, I’m

do. Castro sent the shipment,”

nodded. “We’ll have to discuss

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

unconfidently, and seeing Rivien did not react, assumed he said it right. “I’m going to be moving a lot of very valuable things around. Doubtless word

Bat in any manner, I won’t get involved. I’ve learned much from others’

in town, and considering the valuable things I’m moving about… protection would be nice. I’d like you to watch the inn I’m staying at, make sure

if you placed some value

his pocket and pulled out five pink coins. He slid them over to Rivien, then spread his

be staying in Jast?” Rivien eyed