Jackal Among Snakes

At the top of a ridge, five horsemen stared out across the moonlit grassy fields. Their faces were wrapped in simple brown cloths, and baggy burlap concealed steel armor. The shade from a mountain behind hid them from sight. The one at the highest point of the ridge, evidently being followed by the others, was of formidable stature and had bright blue eyes. His helmet dangled from his horse’s saddle, bound by a rope.

Their eyes stayed locked on a castle. It was a simple thing—a pentagonal stone fort built atop a hill, with a simple yet spacious keep in the center. Knights roamed the ramparts, bearing torches or magic lamps even despite the abundant moonlight. It overlooked a town. The place was quite poor, most of the houses being shanty wood or packed straw.

“To think that a vassal of House Parbon lies so close to Elbraille,” their blue-eyed leader said.

“My prince, there should be no issue in passing,” one of the other horsemen spoke. “There are no night patrols, and even us royal knights can pass as mercenaries when bearing steel and burlap.”

“I know,” replied Induen, tone dismissive. “They seem… lax, don’t they?”

“The knights, prince?” one of the royal guards asked.

“Yes,” returned Induen, tone pensive. “The most they deal with is probably the average village ruffian. A peaceful existence.” Induen extended a hand out. “They watch over this dank hovel, polishing their armor and passing day by day. They might deal with minor disputes, or they might be called to war elsewhere, but here? Dreadfully boring.”

The royal knights remained silent, leaving their prince to his thoughts.

“It would be best if someone let them know they are truly at war.” Induen reached down, retrieving his helmet off his horse’s saddle. He unwrapped the cloth around his head, and then put the helmet on. “It would be better if that person were me.”

“My prince… we are only five,” one of the royal knights said concernedly.

“Rest easy,” Induen assured, voice calm. “Someone told me I should be less impulsive, and so I thought for a long while atop this ridge. Perhaps she was right. But Elbraille needs a demonstration, and my enemies need to know fear.” Induen urged his horse onwards, descending down the hill they were on. The knights followed without hesitation—such was their duty.

When they neared the village, Induen slowed their horses into a steady trot, scanning the village. He roamed without purpose, it seemed, but the footfalls upon the gray autumn grass were soundless and none of the sleeping villagers roused at their presence.

After a time of wandering, Induen brought his horse to a stop in front of a place where straw roofs were abundant. His eyes roamed for a long moment, and then he nodded. “Enter quietly. Secure all the residents the same way.”

The royal knights dismounted wordlessly, walking around the perimeter of the house. Induen watched from the outside, still on horseback, as his men signaled each other and entered simultaneously through the house’s entrances. A brief scuffle could be heard within alongside a muffled scream. Something ceramic broke within. After some time had passed, Induen came down and moved into the house.

arrayed on the floor, muffled by sheets and clothing likely taken from the house. Two were children, and

said, voice passive. “Scream, I’ll butcher your

man’s mouth. At once, the man began begging incomprehensibly, the most common

man’s hair. “Answer my question. Under what circumstances

leaves, when the knights go on patrol, whenever the lord is travelling,”

else?” Induen shook the man’s head. “Use this thing

to

good idea. Enough,” Induen said, releasing the man’s head.

shouted at once, and the

to his men. “Take the children outside.” Induen kneeled again. “If you want your children to live… once this place sets aflame, scream for help. Scream like your life depends on it. But mention me or my men, I’ll kill your

man started crying, but he nodded frantically. “Don’t kill them. Don’t. Please. I beg

his feet. “Then do

their horses once more. The prince held his hand out and a spell matrix swirled in the air. After a second, a geyser of flame erupted forth, immediately consuming the entire home and some of the ones closest to it. Their horses, not expecting such a sudden appearance of fire, reared and rushed away

fell, they gave the animals a sudden and profound serenity. Behind them, the flames started to spread out of control, the straw a natural accelerant and the wood a tremendous source

of wanton arson, but

opened the gate, prince Induen.” One of the royal knights pointed. True to his observation,

those two, then,” Induen gestured towards the children, who kicked and screamed. “Such a big fire. They’ll need all of

and began casting water magic. It brought a smile to Induen’s

the mages. Once done, wait for me.

fear towards the flames. The riders from the castle, spellcaster or no, were too distracted by the fires to see others bearing a different uniform weaving in their ranks. Induen drew his sword, rushing past a few mounted knights to stab a spellcaster in

geyser of flame. He waved his hand as the spell hurtled forth, creating a cone of fire. What few of the castle’s knights not hit by the spell had difficulty controlling their horses, and

from the ground forming a makeshift barricade of pikes. The horse could not cease its

painfully. He grabbed her arm and mercilessly pulled her from

plains, the royal knights disengaged, following after him. Induen looked back, watching for more traces of magic, but the royal knights were brutally effective killers and Induen

intruders. The villagers of the unaffected portion of the town emerged from the homes, trying to aid with quelling the

gate. Ahead of them, a set of wide stairs led to the main

walls and find the mechanism for the gate. Make sure it remains open. The rest of