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.”

of much thought. This is too important to delegate to an organ which some people live without. The stakes are a lot larger than you can see, and I’m not talking about the beef which we might find served in these gilded

snorted, but most others were unamused by

better if we remain closer to each other, and in the event that something unsavory is genuinely waiting for us in the banquet

is sure to greet us,” Elias argued. “He is

Argrave asked me along. I’m

Elias owes you a favor. He’s rather rich, if you didn’t know.” Argrave tapped his shoulder. “Look at this outfit. Silken white, gold threads… can’t

take many liberties, putting the young lord

I say? I’m a free-spirited man,” Argrave

“Alright. Say the Count

present,” Anneliese shook her head. “I

fingers together. “How do you

Ashen hair kept slicked back, middle-aged, tall, orange

Elias prodded further. “The Count scarcely leaves

me,” placing his hands on the

caught

Argrave nodded, quickly pulling free his hand. “And to answer your earlier question, Elias—the beauty of a banquet is that other people will be in attendance. Most prominently, the local nobility of Jast will be present. It takes but a few pointed inquiries to incite their own curiosity; soon

a reasonable solution. I don’t think I would have been able to come up with that on short notice. Perhaps it was naïve of me to think

will come of it,” Argrave shook his head.

that all?” Elias

shook his head. “I’ll be doing most of the talking—it’s what I’m good at, as I’m sure you agree—but this next part is very important, because he’ll likely be seeking you out for responses.” Argrave stepped forward, pointing at Elias’ face. “Do not allow him to decide at a later date. He must decide on this betrothal

looked up at Argrave, meeting his gaze.

a terrible merchant,” Argrave shook his head, then held out two hands to represent two examples. “Let’s say you have two buyers of your

good offer, trying to get more out of him.” He shook his head. “You think the Count will go to Elbraille—or perhaps even Vasquer—and look for a