Jackal Among Snakes

The first thing that Argrave noticed when entering the palatial estate of Mistress Tatia was neither a sound, nor a sight, nor a smell. Instead, it was a sensation.

The air around them felt incredibly dry.

It was strange, then, that the second thing he processed was the presence of rushing water.

Argrave stepped past the purple cloth blocking the entrance, staring into the room. Arrayed before him was a decadent marble table inlaid with gold at the corners. It was low set, falling just short of Argrave’s knees. The top of it had been covered with purple felt. In each corner of the room, there were small waterfalls pouring from golden horns into small pools.

People sat around the table, though instead of in chairs, they sat atop mounds of pillows in very casual positions. As Argrave entered, most of them came to attention, sitting straighter and casting curious glances at the newly arrived three. They all wore very bright and catching colors. Argrave recognized them to be Vessels.

Each and every Vessel had a strange, almost aquatic quality to their dark skin. It glistened as though fresh out of a pool, yet not a drop of liquid could be seen anywhere on them. Their hair had a silken quality to it, almost oily, and it seemed to move about, spurred by an unfelt wind.

Argrave recognized some. Most prominently, he recognized the woman at the head of the table—Mistress Tatia. She rested amidst a pile of red and gold pillows, wearing a purple dress studded with gemstones. The dress was loose and exposed much of her dark olive skin. She was a robust woman—not fat, exactly, but certainly fleshy.

Argrave locked eyes with her, and she sat up amidst her pillows. She raised both hands in the air. Her actions had a sort of flowing grace to them, each moving to the next without ceasing.

“Greetings, wanderers from the distant north!” she greeted, her voice smooth and pleasant. “My invitation, it seems, was well-received. I am pleased to see you elected to dine with us.”

Argrave stepped forward, allowing room for Anneliese and Galamon to follow him in. Their eyes wandered around the room while the Vessels sitting watched them.

Placing a hand to his chest, Argrave lowered his head a little. “Thank you for welcoming us into your home, Mistress Tatia.” Argrave returned her greeting.

She beamed, showing perfect white teeth. She gestured towards an empty mound of pillows beside her. “Please, come and sit. You and your companions have been arranged a place at the seat of honor. What may we call you?”

“I am Argrave, and these two are Galamon and Anneliese,” he introduced as he took slow, steady steps into the room, somewhat overwhelmed by the sense of hospitality all were projecting. The sense of consideration and kindness was intense enough to feel feigned. Argrave possessed knowledge enough of these people’s characters to believe he was safe, but recent events had proven he was not all-knowing.

“Most suspected our invitation would be rebuffed,” a Vessel spoke—a man with a clean-shaven face. “It is not often that northerners pass through here. The people of the north fear this place—a land of barbarians and heat, nothing more… or so the people of Vasquer think. But we have quelled things, don’t you agree?”

“I made it here without issue,” Argrave replied, finally making it to the end of the table. Mistress Tatia fluidly gestured for them to sit, and Argrave lowered himself into the pillows. He found that the closer he grew to the Vessels, the moister the air became, as though they were isolated in a bubble of wetness.

“My chefs are still preparing our meal,” Tatia explained as Argrave looked about. “And tell me, gentleman Argrave, how does this town of mine treat you?”

Argrave shrugged while nodding. “Having marble beneath my feet is like walking on clouds compared to that heavy black sand outside the walls. And the food’s been nice. Part of the reason I was swayed to come, in fact.”

Galamon and Anneliese as if

Anneliese added, “This place

a hand on the top of her chest. “Indeed. My predecessor spent his life completing this place, passing away at 212.” She nodded as if in

quickly, hoping

curious about… regarding the tribals,” Anneliese questioned,

from asking an offensive question,

happy to answer your questions,” Mistress Tatia beckoned

and deprive the southern tribals instead of killing them outright?”

back and scratched the top of his lip, casting a miffed glance at Anneliese. She did not seem to lack confidence in

it may be difficult for a foreigner to understand,” Mistress

Vessel spoke zealously. “If they are to die, let them die in the cool embrace of Fellhorn… or at their own hand, in a pool of misery. Either way, His eternal rain

humble servants of Fellhorn. He is the

a Vessel, no more than a party trick, but it served to illustrate their power. They embodied the water, taking it in and

every living person can be made a follower. Some of these followers will eventually give birth to Vessels. Like this, we bring a peace to this land—that is but one

They were convincing, almost noble. Had Argrave only seen Delphasium, he might’ve even agreed with them entirely. But the rest of the Burnt Desert was not the same as this place. Argrave looked at Anneliese, grateful at least that she did not seem

the pillows now that things had resolved themselves without aggravating their hosts. “I am thankful for both your generous invitation and the

ours,” Mistress

fear not the tribals,” one man spoke from the corner of the table. “Their numbers dwindle by the day. Rats feast upon their corpses, and they feast upon the rats, growing diseased from it. They drink blood for sustenance… All of this hardship merely because

“Fellhorn renders all equal beneath him. The hardships of an uncivilized

“Drained?” repeated Galamon.

absorb their souls, offering them to our lord Fellhorn. In return, He vests more of His power upon us. Like this, Fellhorn’s

Tatia hurriedly added, “Let

through the purple cloth marking the doorway to the room. They held silver trays of food, and the Vessels clamored happily when the servants

servants continued to lay decadent meals before each and every person present at the table, Mistress Tatia

“Now that we have

hands together. “Do you want to hear of Veiden, land of the snow elves, or

Tatia mused, leaning forth as food was placed before her. “You passed through Vasquer, did you not?” she questioned. “Because, truly, what is occurring there at present intrigues me the most. Tumult

civil war,” Argrave stated plainly. “House Parbon intends to combat the royal House Vasquer. Their spheres

more,”

#####

enlightening conversation,” Mistress Tatia said, placing her fork down

I could help,” Argrave returned, having left much of his grand steak unfinished. It had tasted delicious, but it was far too large for someone