Jackal Among Snakes

Despite Argrave’s concerns, Rowe caused no significant disturbance. By the time Argrave had arrived at the inn they were staying, Rowe had already elected to rent a room and spend the night. Galamon decided to spend some time to be sure he caused no trouble and attend to his own blood-related needs. Like that, Argrave and Anneliese retired to their dormitory, ready to sleep.

As Argrave sat in his bed, holding the spellbook that contained the [Electric Eel] spell, Anneliese walked over. Argrave looked up at her.

“Something you need?”

She crossed her arms. “Do you have a…” she paused, and then rephrased her question. “Are you tired?”

“Always,” Argrave nodded. “What do you need? Happy to help.”

“I’d like to talk.” She stared at him seriously.

“How fortunate. I’m good at that.” Argrave gestured to his bed. “Sit, if you want.”

Anneliese hesitated for a moment, but then did so. Argrave looked down at her as she gathered herself. She was visibly nervous, as though she was preparing to give a speech in front of a great crowd. Argrave furrowed his brows in confusion, waiting for her to speak.

“As you said, you are good at talking,” she finally began. “In fact, your ability to manipulate with conversation is enviable.”

“Hah. Not a positive trait, usually.” Argrave scratched the back of his neck. “I have a crutch. I know a lot of people more than they would expect me to. It’s hardly fair for them.”

“I disagree.” She shook her head. “At our first meeting, you compared our two situations. My empathic nature, and your vast knowledge of many people and things… they have some similarities. But on my end, despite being able to understand people well, I have never been able to manipulate well.”

“But one hand washes the other,” Argrave countered. “In this short time, you’ve already been a tremendous help. I do the talking; you do the discerning.” Argrave held his hands out as though they were scales. “Partnership for the centuries. I’m the Watson to your Hol—well, you wouldn’t get that one.”

“I have been thinking about how you dealt with Elaine,” she continued. “I believe you used a phrase to describe it. ‘To receive trust, one must show trust.’” Her amber eyes locked on Argrave’s face. “And it worked, by my estimation. Elaine came around.”

“If you’re trying to make my cheeks turn cherry-pie red, you’re on the right track,” Argrave shook his head. “Like I said, I know her. I have a crutch. Anyone could have done what I did. I’m nothing.”

“Despite your occasional shows of arrogance, you are rather terrible at accepting praise… or taking credit,” Anneliese noted. “No matter. I digress.” She placed her hands on her knees. “To the point, then. Lacking manipulation skills myself, I have decided to shamelessly steal yours. I will show you my trust to receive yours.”

Argrave nodded, things falling into place. “The first move to open the puzzle box that is me, I see.” Argrave put his hand to his chin. “I don’t think you understand the finer points of manipulation. Generally, you don’t make people aware of what you’re doing.”

“Back when we were on Veiden, despite my grandmother’s admonishment and my mention of my familial situation, you did not ask me questions. You restrained your curiosity. I assumed that you, perhaps, already knew of my family. It would not be beyond you.”

Argrave shook

have something to offer, then. My own situation. Perhaps… indeed, it may well be a pointless thing to bring before you. But

can’t deny I’m

begin,” she nodded

waited patiently. Anneliese rubbed her hands together, staring

never shared this,” she said quietly. “My name, as you may have noticed, is unusual amongst Veidimen. I was given a name from Berendar, because

people mention

established a contract before Veid to only love with each other. It is a common practice.” She finally turned to Argrave. “That man, though, is not my father. Instead, my father was the tribe’s

she said bitterly, as though the word bothered her. “…but while my mother's husband was away on a long hunt, the tribe’s chief raped my mother, Kressa.” She turned her head back to

listened in silence, teeth clenched as his mind

given a choice—acknowledge who the father was and join with him in matrimony or be exiled.” She looked at Argrave.

say

power.” Anneliese’s eyes wandered, scanning the ceiling. “My mother’s husband believed her, though he was powerless to change the inevitable result. My mother was exiled. Her husband remained, forbidden from leaving as he provided much of the tribe’s food. Pregnant and penniless, she wandered through Berendar. A kind

head, but he knew it would be best to stay silent and wait for her to

and white eyes. I inherited all of my father’s features. In that village, I learned the curse of my empathy.” She placed her hand on her knees. “When my mother looked at me, there was always some hatred in that gaze. And there was fear, anger, sadness… she showed love and hate in equal measure. Much

Argrave wished to say, but he

Being confronted with them would inspire her wrath.” She started to blink quicker, and Argrave spotted a faint glisten in her eyes

revoked. Not for lack of trying, mind you,” she added. “Our tribe was the last conquered by Dras. It fell because my mother's husband gave an offer

exile was revoked, he left to retrieve Kressa. It took him months to find her,

was the strange girl on the fence between human customs and Veidimen customs. My ability to know when they lied or how they felt only earned their enmity. In time, though, I found my place. Though I earned no friends, if I remained useful,

can. I know it was empty, and I know there was no love behind it, but the few times that my mother

gazed at the floor vacantly for a time, then she finally turned to Argrave. “There you have it. I have never confided that with anyone.

stared at her for a long time, blinking in silence as his brain worked on what to say. Finally, he furrowed his brows, and then leaned forward, placing his hand on Anneliese’s shoulder. She was tense for a moment, but she relaxed in

can say this confidently; you’re one of the strongest people I know. Despite having endured all of that, you’re brilliant and open-minded. I don’t know how you managed.

doubt that.” She gazed at him. “As child to King Felipe, your experience

overwhelming. It was a stark reminder that everything he was in this world was empty and hollow, and he was living a life that he had not earned. It was easy for him to play the role of Argrave, but if he stripped away

not do this expecting reciprocation. I merely thought it would be something I might share

head to look at her. “Why do

am not ignorant that you speak especially warmly to me and Galamon. Notions of complete trust, friendship, consideration—I am not saying you do not hold these thoughts towards us, but I doubt that you would voice them were you not trying to earn our faith. You spoke that way towards Elaine, too, when you decided that she needed to

straightened his back after being called out but did not deny it. “It’s natural for a leader to try and earn

am not admonishing you,” she reassured. “I am only

knocks came at the door, drawing them both from the conversation. Galamon would not knock, Argrave knew—he would enter without a word. Argrave