Jackal Among Snakes

“What are we doing here?” asked Galamon, looking around at outfits hung on simple carved mannequins. The majority of them were quite grandiose, studded with jewels of all denominations and made of the finest silk.

“Why does one generally go to a shop?” answered Argrave absently, staring at a set of clothes. “To buy, of course. And to avoid Rowe, lest he hound you about repaying that favor. Elias has placed things on hold until tomorrow, so Rowe’s duty is not yet done.” Argrave paused, then fearing Galamon’s judgement, quickly added, “We'll do it in time, of course, but not now.”

“Here, one can only buy frivolities,” stated Galamon judgmentally.

Argrave touched a piece of clothing, testing its texture. “Pageantry is important if one is to be participating in a pageant. It’s in the name, after all. A banquet of nobles is similar enough to a pageant—all lights and colors, only serving to mask the reality of the people behind them.”

Galamon frowned, and Anneliese beside him explained, “Argrave intends to attend the banquet alongside Elias in order to persuade Count Delbraun to support the rebellion.”

“The boy was undecided, yet you’re already planning for what happens if he agrees? He said he needed a day to think. Not a good portent,” Galamon argued.

Argrave stopped at a suit with poofy parts on the arms and legs, musing, “People actually think this looks good…?” He looked back to Galamon. “Elias will agree.”

“Predicated on what?”

“I think he is somewhat positively predisposed towards me, and Anneliese agrees with that assessment. He’s a bold person, and he likes his family quite a bit. He’s also smart enough to realize how disastrous the Duchy of Elbraille supporting Vasquer would be. Jast is the main pillar of Elbraille’s power—if it wavers, Elbraille will likely follow suit.”

Galamon considered this, then asked, “Why? If Jast swears fealty to Elbraille, the Duchy should be much more powerful than it.”

“I’d place the two at around equal strength,” Argave shook his head. “Once upon a time, Elbraille was much more powerful than Jast, but this place has been growing in strength decade by decade on account of shrewd management and a focus on magic.” Argrave pointed at Galamon. “The point to remember, though: Elbraille would be flanked by both the territories of Parbon and Jast if this city of magic pledged support to the rebellion. The Duke is a coward and would never risk this.”

“But what of Jast’s honor? They swore fealty to Elbraille. Does this mean nothing?”

Argrave laughed. “No. Such a thing might matter in that winter wonderland you call home, but you’re far from Veiden. Honor and loyalty are the words that noble houses preach, but beneath it, the true light shines through: appearances. As long as they appear honorable, nothing else matters. Elbraille has not yet gone public with their support of Vasquer. Provided this goes through, they never will.”

Argrave stopped at a neat black outfit with a long yet thin coat. The collar and lapel had been fitted with a resplendent gold fur, and Argrave ran his hand against it. “Huh. Soft.” The cuffs were studded with small rubies, and flourishes of gold thread decorated the outfit tastefully.

“They’re Vasquer colors, but… well, it’s hardly their fault these colors work so well together.” Argrave looked back to Galamon and Anneliese. “I think I’ve found what I’ll wear.”

“It will look nice,” commented Anneliese.

so,” said Argrave. “Would you like something while we’re here? A lovely dress, perhaps? It’s only fair. Most of this business regarding Elias was your idea, anyway. I just

should not attend,” Anneliese shook her head. “The presence of Veidimen at the banquet would only be

interest?”

“No,” she laughed.

Argrave walked up to a slender white dress on display decorated with lines of gold and silver running along its

no matter. I should find the tailor, get my measurements done…”

Her brows furrowed in thought, but then she smiled faintly. She turned

#####

They met at the same spot—Karrel. It was early morning. Rowe was present again—they had only managed to get him to come once more because Galamon promised to answer his question immediately after this meeting. As if in protest, the aged elf was considerably less engaged this time, sitting

deliberation, I’ve decided to hear you out. After that, I’ll decide. I can’t make a judgement without the

spell, but it was considerably more archaic and complex than the vast majority of the spells in the Order of the Gray Owl. He had very nearly grasped it, but it would still take some

“It’s very simple. You have to

and Helmuth frowned off to the side. Abraham

such an arrangement is legal in Vasquer, and

sparking only

of Jast, Count Delbraun’s sister,” Argrave

Ridia,” said

languages, R and L are the same thing… well, never mind,” Argrave shook his head to dispel

interrupted. “Hardly a suitable

five?” Argrave questioned, which Helmuth nodded to.

one of Count Delbraun’s daughters would

ready for the…’ I’m not going to finish that,” Argrave admonished himself. “To your point: the age gap is bigger there. Seven years. And I think that would

stand in our way. My father is not here—he is the patriarch

agree, given the circumstances. This is the

thought on the matter. Helmuth contributed, saying, “Elbraille supporting House Parbon should this union happen is a… reasonable

considerable support. Father sent me here to obtain aid from any mages—a union with Jast would facilitate that,” Elias reasoned. “They have a closer relationship with the Order than

it is a shrewd move,”

do you plan

hand,” Argrave shook his head. “That banquet you were invited to—we should attend. From there, I’m confident in

into a cage,” Helmuth shook