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.”

you feel like you’re normal,” Argrave said, then laughed. “Only

somewhat disdainfully. “They

he’s my indentured servant.” Elaine looked at

Argrave didn’t miss the smile. Seems like

walked out, then noticed the oncoming cargo and stepped

inquired Argrave, stepping off to the side

sister. She’s impatient, she’d want to

impatient? The nicer word is ‘prompt,’” Argrave defended light-heartedly. “She said only nice things about you, I’m

not dwell on the subject long. “My men will lead yours to where I’ll hold the stuff. I’ve

Rivien’s estate alongside Elaine. “And I assume you’ve already got people

shutting the doors to the estate behind him as Anneliese entered last. “Word is out that you’re Riveters’ property—that includes the

or end things with a bolt to the head… and if we can’t manage to

you’re charging,” Argrave

unless you have more business with me,” Rivien

though, I do,” Argrave pointed to Elaine, who seemed surprised that Argrave had been serious. “Can we use

I to stop you from going into any room in

“I

her brows for a moment. After a time, she hesitantly

raised a finger. “I

ask this question, or just hold

snorted. “The Bat. Have you

“Indeed I

I can

Argrave paused. He didn’t want to attract Princess Elenore’s attention quite yet. Spreading details about her would be

and whispered, “’Bat’ is not a real name. I’m sure this

he must choose his agents right, because no one I’ve spoken to cares to divulge any information on who the Bat is.

about me,” Argrave pointed to himself. “Add ‘handsome,’ you’ve got

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

the bait, Rivien scratched his chin and turned, waving them away. “Well, banter aside, I have nothing else. He’s all

#####

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

Argrave said, shutting the door behind Anneliese. He turned to the dining table, which

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,

glimmering jewels, jewelry, and myriad shimmering pink coins. “Take a look at this,” Argrave said, gesturing towards the box. “Ignore the rose gold magic

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