Jackal Among Snakes

Chapter 63

Argrave walked into the Jast branch of the Order of the Gray Owl, adjusting the strap of the satchel bag off his neck. He looked behind his shoulder briefly. Anneliese and Galamon waited at the entrance, unable to enter as they both lacked a badge. It reminded him of a pair of parents watching their kid to go to kindergarten, and Argrave briefly chuckled.

His mirth very quickly died when he saw Elaine standing just before the central spire elevator, staring at him. Argrave figured by and large green was a warm color, but her eyes of that color were quite cold—or perhaps what Anneliese had told him was already shading his world in a different light.

“Do you find it funny to keep me waiting?” Elaine asked when Argrave came closer, immediately dispelling any doubt he had.

“My apologies,” Argrave said sincerely, coming to stand before her. She looked up at him boldly. “There was something that I needed to get before this. I should have informed you.”

Evidently the sincerity had no holes in it, for Elaine could only stare back for a few seconds before nodding. “And my proposition earlier—I can assume your visit to my brother is your answer to that? A resounding ‘no.’”

“I can see why you might think that,” Argrave nodded. “But I was telling the truth back then. I don’t have the books.”

She kept her gaze locked on Argrave for a few moments, and then turned away. “You were smart to go to my brother. He’s the best you can ask for in town. I hope things go well for you.”

It sounded a conciliatory statement, but Argrave trusted in Anneliese’s instincts and decided to continue with his plan, beginning, “There is another thing we might discuss after we take these books to the Veidimen, though. Something far more worth both our time than books, I think.” Argrave pointed a finger. “And you know what they say—time is money.”

“Do they now?” She turned her gaze back to him.

Argrave spread his hands out. “There’s a reason I wanted someone watching my back here. Some things I’ve got… let’s just say they’re not light burdens.” He tapped the satchel on his waist. “But we’ll talk more about that someplace where everyone isn’t staring at us. Provided you are amenable to that, Miss Elaine,” Argrave finished suavely, dipping his head.

She pursed her lips. “We’ll see what happens,” she said vaguely. “They’re bringing the illusion spellbooks down. Shouldn’t be much longer.”

“I guess you would have been waiting after all. All’s well that ends well,” he said brightly, trying to focus on the positives.

“I suppose so,” Elaine agreed, turning around. Argrave raised a brow, then shook his head. It’s a start, I suppose.

#####

“Are you sure that Rivien will have things ready for us?” Argrave questioned, walking through the iron fence to Rivien’s estate for the second time today. With Elaine beside him, he did not need to wait to be seen by Rivien—one small fortune.

“My brother is remarkably efficient,” Elaine said simply. “At the very least, considering he is the person who these books need to go through, it would be best to move them to this location.”

Galamon stepped forward just behind them, carrying the large box of books as though it did not weigh as much as himself. Two of Elaine’s men moved behind him, at a loss as to what to do considering Galamon carried the cargo alone.

“Why do you travel with elves?” Elaine inquired, the first question she’d asked in during their entire walk. “Moreover, elves recently responsible for an attack on Mateth.”

the same height as you. Makes you feel like you’re normal,” Argrave said, then laughed. “Only joking. Why does anyone gain friends? It’s the way things worked out.

somewhat disdainfully. “They aren’t being

pointed to Galamon. “Now he’s my indentured servant.” Elaine looked at him for a moment, and Argrave leaned down and whispered, “Polite term for

head, but Argrave didn’t miss the smile. Seems like I’m winning her over, if only just. Unless that’s

the door and walked out, then noticed the oncoming cargo and stepped

off to the side as Rivien

want to do this right away,”

defended light-heartedly. “She said only nice things about you, I’m sure you can

at Elaine. “Good to know, I suppose.” Rivien did not dwell on the subject long. “My men will lead yours to where I’ll hold the stuff. I’ve reached out to the crew I know that works with the Veidimen, mentioning

Elaine. “And I assume you’ve already got people watching out for

as Anneliese entered last. “Word is out that you’re Riveters’ property—that includes the stuff

or otherwise scrying will give up their chase or end things with a bolt to the head… and if we can’t manage to do that, we can at least warn you who’s got their eyes on you. Premium services, I’d

what you’re charging,” Argrave

done for now, unless you have more business

pointed to Elaine, who seemed surprised that Argrave had been serious. “Can we use that same room as last

to stop you

we?” Argrave asked. “I promise this’ll be worth your

for a moment. After a

Rivien raised a finger. “I have a question for

you do,” Argrave nodded. “Will you ask

“The Bat. Have

nodded. “Indeed

Might be I can waive this fee altogether,”

didn’t want to attract Princess Elenore’s attention quite yet. Spreading details about her

though he was telling a big secret and whispered, “’Bat’ is not

I’ve spoken to cares to divulge any information on who the Bat is. All I can surmise is that they have a lot of

about me,” Argrave pointed to himself. “Add

a sterling face on skin and bones, doesn’t change the big picture. Few women

his chin and turned, waving them away. “Well,

#####

to speak to me about?” Elaine asked, gaze sometimes drifting to the satchel

to business,” Argrave said, shutting the door behind Anneliese. He turned to the dining table, which had been

of his satchel bag and picked it up, laying it out across the table. He opened its flap and pulled free his lockbox, setting it on the table. The Amaranthine Heart was visible, and Argrave pushed it back into the bag self-consciously.

metal lid of the lockbox opened, revealing glimmering jewels, jewelry, and myriad shimmering pink coins. “Take a look at this,” Argrave

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