Jackal Among Snakes

Chapter 72

“What is this? I’m on human soil not a day and already I have you groveling at my feet?” Rowe asked mockingly. All of Argrave’s party was crowded into his room, and the aged elf himself still sat at his bed, walking stick leaned up against his shoulder.

“I think it's warranted. All I need is for you to come with me to meet with these people, keep the peace.” Argrave spread his arms out. “You want me to help with your business here in Jast, I think you should return the favor first. Where I’m from, we call this a ‘transactional relationship.’”

“You owe help to me,” Rowe refuted. “Practically handed all the secrets of Veiden’s magic to you, and that warrants some gratitude. You think I’m a fool? Been around too long to be yanked about. This stick here is older than you,” Rowe tapped it thrice.

“We’ve established that it’s got a sword inside. It’s more a concealed weapon than a stick.” returned Argrave, which made Rowe frown once more. “And as far as I’m concerned, I don’t owe you anything. We had a trade. You did me no favors. When all is said and done, you and Veiden got more out of the deal than I did.”

“I’m not stupid, boy,” shot back Rowe.

Argrave shook his head in annoyance. “Yes, we’ve—”

“You’re playing both ends against the middle,” outlined the old S-rank spellcaster. “Extorting both sides—human and Veidimen—for your own needs. You used the books from Veiden to secure liberties in your mage order. Just because that ‘middle’ is Gerechtigkeit doesn’t change the fact that we’re being played.” Rowe pointed a bent, arthritis-deformed finger. “That’s why you owe me.”

Argrave said nothing for a time. He considered if Rowe was trying to get a confession out of him by presenting speculation as fact.

“Where’s your proof?” Argrave denied, trying to feel out if it was a bluff.

“You think Veiden wouldn’t pay attention to you after what happened on our soil?” Rowe questioned. “We have people keeping tabs on you. We’d notice, naturally, what you did.”

In the silence, Argrave heard Anneliese whisper something to Galamon, but he couldn’t distinguish what it was.

“Listen, the meeting is this morning,” Argrave said with some urgency. “There’s an A-rank mage there. He chose an unusual method to become an A-rank mage, and he has [Minor Truesight] consequently. He might notice either Galamon or me being out of the ordinary, cause problems. I’m happy to help you after, but I need this now.”

“I don’t see how this is my problem,” Rowe shook his head. “Offer me something or give it up.”

Argrave pushed his tongue against his cheek, brain working quickly. A grating, guttural voice drew him from his thoughts.

“Rowe. Do this for me as a favor,” Galamon asked.

Argrave turned his head back to Rowe, waiting to hear the response. The old elf looked perplexed. He scratched one of the liver spots on his bald head.

favor? Really?” Rowe

“Yes.” Galamon nodded.

that favor now. You have to answer that question I asked you all those decades ago before you were exiled. That one you refused to

teeth grating was audible, and Argrave took a step away, unpleasant memories surfacing. After a few seconds,

Galamon’s answer, Rowe looked pleased, and the elven vampire

back to Anneliese and muttered, “That your idea, his

Argrave nodded and gave her a

#####

quests that went there and could not recall a single named NPC in the village. Rowe was

will he ask you?” Argrave spoke to

was a fierce,

“Only curious. I just can’t imagine anything Rowe could ask you, let alone something

to ask a question I loathe enough that he felt it worth a favor,” Galamon said icily. “And yet you think

It’s in my blood.

her head. “But your knowledge

loved the discovery process—both delving into the mechanics of the game and

out as though in

Argrave questioned, turning

dragged his stick along the road. “That city back there, Jast—it was dense with mana, but beneath it all was bureaucratic corruption and rampant crime on

to gain such a solid view of the city so quickly, but before he could say anything, Anneliese said,

trailed off, head lowering until his jowls pressed against his neck. “It’s vexing. We

it’s the environment,” Argrave

Dras was not the first to attempt to invade greener lands. None before him have succeeded.” Rowe quickly shot

of Karrel. “They wax, they wane. You’ve caught us when we’re but a sliver of moon, near absent in the sky.” Argrave shrugged. “In time, perhaps, that

after the advent of Gerechtigkeit?” Rowe questioned. Argrave was surprised the aged elf

to say?” Argrave replied

“You

things as they

certain that what lies beyond will

things beyond me. If you’ve noticed, this body is not

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