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.”

don’t,” Argrave shook his

own situation. Perhaps… indeed, it may well be a pointless thing to bring before you. But I wish to share it,

I’m

shall begin,”

patiently. Anneliese rubbed her hands together, staring at

name, as you may have noticed, is unusual

mention that,” Argrave

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

of my… conception,” 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 the ground. “In the months to come, the tribe came to know she was pregnant. My mother’s

teeth clenched as his mind followed

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

not say what

and power is 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 village

a deep breath. There was much in his head, but he knew it would be best to stay silent and wait for

Kressa, has blonde hair 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 of it was physical.” Anneliese looked off to the side. “I cannot blame her. Not

you can, Argrave wished to

herself she felt those emotions. Being confronted with them would inspire her wrath.” She started to

eyes altogether, sitting in quiet silence. “Six years, it took for my mother’s husband to succeed in having the exile 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 to Patriarch Dras; reveal the truth to the world, and revoke Kressa’s

was revoked, he left to retrieve Kressa.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

worst moment in their lives. To my peers, I 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, I was given esteem,” she finished. Her words did not sound sad

have endeavored to be the best spellcaster I can, and to learn as much of the world as I can. I know it was empty, and I know there was no love behind it, but the few times that my mother

turned to Argrave. “There you have it. I have never confided that with anyone. It is

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

can say this confidently; you’re one of the strongest people I know. Despite having

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

his hand from Anneliese’s shoulder and turned his gaze away. The whiplash from that statement was somewhat overwhelming. It was a stark reminder that everything he was in this world was empty and hollow, and he was living a life that

Argrave’s thoughts. “I did not do this expecting reciprocation. I merely thought it would be something I might share to demonstrate that I trust

at her.

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

it. “It’s natural for a leader to try and

not admonishing you,” she reassured.

door, drawing them both from the conversation. Galamon would not knock, Argrave knew—he would enter without a word. Argrave stood, placing what spell matrixes he knew at the front of his mind. He was glad