Jackal Among Snakes

Argrave tipped back the large glass bottle and drained it of the last of the black liquid mana. His gaze stayed locked on the ceiling of the inn as it fell into his mouth. He winced at the familiar taste, twisting his lips about as though to dispel the flavor from his tongue. He felt its magic surge within him, replenishing his diminished supply.

Expending one’s magic was one of the few ways to increase its size. By channeling his magic power to pay off Erlebnis’ debt caused by the Blessing of Supersession, Argrave had an efficient method to drain his magic. The recovery period was shortened by the black liquid magic created by the Amaranthine Heart. Altogether, his personal reserve of magic had increased very quickly relative to most other mages. That alone made the Amaranthine Heart a worthy item to obtain.

“Right. My debt is nearly paid off,” Argrave held the bottle in his hand for a moment, and then set it on the floor.

“Debt?” Anneliese inquired. She sat beside Galamon, both waiting for him to speak.

“Every bit of magic I take from Erlebnis I have to pay back. It’s the same ability his Emissaries possess.” Argrave wrapped his gloved hands together. “Right—to the point. Today we’re going to take a brief foray from town as we wait for events to progress. I’ve asked Rivien to keep an eye out for Elias, too, so we can ostensibly only wait for results from either him or Stain.”

Galamon nodded. “Why are we leaving Jast?”

The elven vampire was still without armor and most of his weapons. Argrave had purchased a simple broadsword for him to use temporarily, and it rested on the table before him.

Argrave leaned back into his chair, crossing his arms. “We need to get that spellbook I mentioned in the past. It’s a marvel made by the Order of the Rose. The spell is called [Electric Eel]. It’s C-rank. For Anneliese it’ll be largely useless, but I suspect I will be using it well into A-rank.”

“What makes it so exceptional?” inquired Anneliese.

“It’s weak,” Argrave began, standing from his chair and stepping about their dormitory. “It’s barely weaker than the D-rank [Writhing Lightning], and it has no area of effect unlike that spell. It’s slower than most lightning spells. Despite that, two variables make it of utmost importance.” Argrave raised a finger as he listed the two off. “It’s persistent, and it’s controllable.”

Argrave roamed about the dormitory as he continued to explain. “Once the spell has been cast, it continues to exist for about an hour… or until it strikes something, naturally. One can have it hover about their head doing nothing but simply existing. Then, when the time comes, one can use it as they please.”

Finished explaining, Argrave grabbed the back of his chair and leaned in. “As I said, the spell is weak. It’s slow… compared to most lightning magic, at least. But when a thousand of these things strike at once, even a dragon is going to take mortal damage. A wyvern might die outright,” Argrave grinned. “As I possess Erlebnis’ blessing, this spell is the perfect thing for an underdog like myself gunning for the biggest things in town.”

“For beasts and monsters, it indeed sounds very effective,” Anneliese conceded. “But in battle against mages or armies, they would all dispel harmlessly against one C-rank ward,” Anneliese posited.

“That’s why I had Galamon make Ebonice arrows,” Argrave pointed to Galamon.

“Ebonice is not especially effective against B-rank magic, and completely ineffective against A-rank magic,” Galamon advised.

damage. [Electric Eel] may be slow compared to most lightning spells, but they’re still nigh unavoidable for your average human.” Argrave turned around. “In Mateth and Veiden, I

#####

Galamon waited at the top. Though Anneliese had only ridden horses a quarter of the time that he had, she was already vastly better at it than he

it whinnied loudly. The six pigeons bound to him via [Pack Leader] swooped down, landing on his shoulder. One held a

to bird

“Release them, then.” He adjusted his bow. It was strung, and he wore it on his back as though the string were a strap. His quiver

dismissed Argrave. “Though, if I ever try to fly off a tall building, please

that,” Anneliese

by her sharp gaze. “Uh… okay, yeah,” he agreed, nodding awkwardly. Her amber eyes

believe this is the place you spoke of,”

into it, mostly obscured by tall blades of grass barely graying in light of winter’s beginning.

going deeper—perhaps because it could sense what

grabbed

area around them was plains without a single tree in sight. In the distance, one could see the gargantuan towers of Jast standing against the sky, casting great shadows across the plains. Beyond it, Argrave could faintly make out a single white tower ascending out of the middle of a

“Hey. See that? That

across the landscape. Slowly,

the distance. It looked small, but it probably towered fifty feet in the air. “It was built atop a sea arch. Arches form

the water and refract, and gradually, the center wears out, creating an arch in the sea. Over time, the whole thing falls into the ocean.” Argrave snapped, but no sound came out because he was wearing gloves. “That’s why I sold it. In a

all

might’ve got more if I sold it elsewhere, but we wouldn’t have any money now. Someone had the misfortune to purchase it from me.” Argrave nodded, then said grimly, “Let’s hope whoever purchased it isn’t planning to stay

the horses so that the animals would not be disturbed by either people or the elements. They descended down into the gorge, mindful not to trip over

Argrave called out as they grew near the stone door. “Some things to keep in mind. There are some creatures within that don’t have arms—they’re just heads, and they’re immobile. It may be tempting to kill them, but don’t.

a deep frown

grab your weapon, Galamon, don’t try and pull it free. Just drop it. This probably won’t happen to you as you’re an experienced warrior, but just in case. Mostly, I think you’ll be using your bow.” Argrave looked about. “Anneliese, you should use the C-rank spell [Ice Spear]; it should kill most things

this place?” questioned Galamon. “You did not seem worried that I would not be wearing my armor, but the things you describe sound dangerous. What are

“The Order of the Rose fell because their members practiced necromancy without discretion. They’re the largest reason necromancy is illegal in the Order of the Gray Owl.” Argrave rapped his knuckles on the stone door. “Beyond these doors, we’ll find necromantic

is what you meant by ‘a brief foray?’” Anneliese stepped forward, pulling her long white hair aside and placing her ear to the stone door. “You showed more fear at the Cavern of the Lily’s Death. Am I to take it this place

to hear beyond the stone without much success. “Just have to watch the ceilings, make