Jackal Among Snakes

Dusk light washed over the city of Jast, the orange giving the somber city an amber hue on its black stones. The towers seemed less dark and foreboding as high as Argrave was, though he was not fond of the stronger winds here.

“I’m done,” Anneliese’s voice broke his thoughts.

Argrave turned, feeling some gold fur rub at his cheek. He wore the fancy black outfit he had had retailored a few days ago. It had taken some extra money to have it done in such a timely fashion, but he was largely satisfied with the results.

“And?” Argrave pressed her further. The rest of the company gathered around—Elaine, Stain, Elias, and Helmuth. Galamon was present, too, but he did not need to move from his spot to hear Anneliese.

Everyone save the two elves wore very elaborate clothing. Stain’s outfit was still the tight-fitting white one he’d donned when visiting Elias, and the young lord of Parbon wore his house’s colors. Elaine had donned a simple but vibrant crimson dress that seemed to meld with her hair. She most often wore the baggy gray robes, but in this dress, her statuesque figure was especially evident.

“I scanned the Count’s estate thoroughly,” Anneliese began, gaze jumping from person to person as she recounted her experience scouting with druidic magic. “Guards patrolled the outer walls and garden, but no more than usual. None of the rooms seemed to have any large gathering of troops. Of the areas I was able to explore with my pigeon, none of them seemed to be anything more than well-prepared for a banquet. I cannot account for secret rooms or hidden compartments, but the Count is not overtly preparing to take action inside.”

“I seriously doubt my brother would violate your right as a guest,” Stain spoke to Elias. “People would be speaking of it until the end of time. He can’t have that. People can only speak kindly of Jast, elsewise he’ll toss and turn in his sleep, crying and moaning in twisted agony at his sullied honor.”

“You’re doing a lot for this to happen, Veladrien,” spoke Elias to Stain. “Are you sure of it? I won’t fault you if you renege now.”

This is why I hate goody two-shoes, Argrave dialogued internally. They always try to take less than what they need, even at their own detriment. Don't give him an out, you fool... he wished to say, but Argrave was not genuinely concerned. He expected Stain's answer, and it came just as he thought it would.

“Call me Stain. It’s the name I chose—the one I want,” he insisted. “After tonight, Veladrien won’t be any more. If it’ll help this little deal work out, I’ll formally renounce my heritage. I’m sure Count Delbraun will leap forth like a dog towards a treat at the prospect of removing me from his family. Bastard. Er, no offense,” he quickly added towards Argrave, having recently discovered his identity.

“None taken,” Argrave shook his head. “Alright. So, seeing no immediate danger, I think it’d be best if we decided on a plan as to what should be done once we’re inside Delbraun’s estate.”

“We just need to get a private conversation with the Count,” Elias shook his head. “We play it by ear.”

to an organ which some people live without.

most others were unamused

if we remain closer to each other, and in the event that something unsavory is genuinely waiting for us in the banquet hall…” Argrave bunched his hands together. “Strength in numbers, no? Moreover, we

to greet us,” Elias argued. “He is the host, and we are the guest

“I see, now, why Argrave asked me along. I’m a shield. The Count won’t act against Elias easily

a favor. He’s rather rich, if you didn’t know.”

liberties, putting the young lord in

say? I’m a free-spirited

“Alright. Say the Count doesn’t arrive. Say he’s not even present.

shook her head. “I have seen

rubbed his fingers together. “How do you know what

described him. Ashen hair kept slicked back, middle-aged, tall, orange

Elias prodded further. “The

quickly supplied, “Stain told me,” placing his hands on the

then quickly caught on. “Oh,

local nobility of Jast will be present. It takes but a few pointed inquiries to incite their own curiosity; soon enough, they’ll be mirroring our own sentiments.” Argrave put his hand to his chest. “Why isn’t the host present? When will the host be present? That sort of thing is insulting to

“It seems a reasonable solution. I don’t think I would have been able to come up with that on

conspirators working with the Count, nothing will come of it,” Argrave shook his head. “That alone

that all?” Elias

good at, as I’m sure you agree—but this next part is very important, because he’ll likely be seeking you out

Argrave, meeting his

two buyers of your product. One offers a very good deal. You know, however, the other buyer might be capable of offering even more. What do you do to

of him.” He shook his