Jackal Among Snakes

With Garm’s existence made known, the Lord of Copper had gained leverage over Argrave. That was an incontrovertible fact. With a word or two, Argrave could become an outlaw in most of the lands in the Burnt Desert. Fortunately, the significant delays in their travels had enabled Argrave to recover fully from his magic debt to Erlebnis—he could use the Blessing of Supersession again.

“What do think we should do?” questioned Anneliese. The three of them watched the Vessels speak to Brium. “This is… an unenviable position.”

“He has his hands wrapped around something vital,” Argrave nodded, then he looked to Anneliese. “But look at things this way—we skipped a step.”

“What?” asked Galamon.

“His trust,” Argrave lowered his head, staring at the road before Cyprus. “He thinks that he has power over us… and so he’s more willing to implement us in his plans.”

“’He thinks?’” repeated Anneliese. “He does have power over us. Perhaps we should make sure that Garm is safe.”

“I don’t think that Garm is in danger,” Argrave shook his head. “But if you judge differently, we can go back and make sure right now.”

Anneliese sighed and crossed her arms. “If only we still had our druidic bonds, we might confirm that without needing to move…”

“We’ll get new ones soon enough,” Argrave assured. “Perhaps quicker than I thought. Ones better than that dragon our… he’s our friend, I suppose… better than what Rowe has.”

“…what?” she looked at him incredulously.

“In terms of utility, certainly. But for now… I say we go along with what Brium asks of us.” Argrave turned to her.

She looked very torn. But after a while, she gave a slow nod. “Alright.”

#####

Brium and his escort of four Vessels stopped just before a plain gray building that was no more than a simple dome of cold stone. Argrave’s party was off to the side, not fully integrated with the rest of the Lord of Copper’s retinue.

“Before we enter… allow me to relay my expectations,” Brium spoke to Argrave, though did not turn his head. “This place is called simply ‘the Stone.’ It is a neutral meeting ground for the Vessels in this city.”

“The place from which all of the Lords of Sethia were born—mined from the Stone, forged by Fellhorn into metal,” Argrave finished. “I know.”

“That’s correct,” Brium smiled and nodded. “My distant ancestors were pagan lords, but Fellhorn’s coming changed that.”

“What’s expected of us?” Argrave pressed.

“I don’t suspect you will have cause to speak much,” Brium confessed. “Here is your role—you are mercenaries, hired by me. Your presence is meant to provoke them into action.”

seriously, then questioned, “Against the

calm, just like the waters of Fellhorn. The southern tribals have been

refusal to

Traditionalists,” Brium said contemptuously. “They plan to be but a Vessel all of their lives—a stagnant pool, a still lake, growing only as rivers

Brium nodded eagerly, his zealous

you

as a stagnant pool, offering drink to those who submit—is insufficient to spread Fellhorn’s eternal rain further,” Brium shook his head and clenched his

provoking action against you?” Galamon

stepping up to Galamon and staring up

unflinchingly. “Your

at their weakest. And the southern tribals have been

shook his head. “You certainly have your work cut out for you. All of this just to lure the southern tribals down from the mountains? Seems far-fetched. Too many things left to chance,” he baited, trying to get some information out of the talkative

fit to bestow upon me the luck

I can make this flood hit a dam. Of course, he’s not going to let me meet them easily. He’ll hide their existence

you’re pleased,” Brium noted, staring

his face to suppress his expression, then said, “Just feels like things are finally going my way for once. Long road ahead, but I’m eager to trod it. I have some ideas to swing things in our favor ever

feared I might have to use

of that,”

kept waiting for twenty minutes. I am positive they will

#####

appearances were not something coincidental. Each of the three had been tailored over generations

how they maintained these appearances—breeding systems within their towers. People with desirable traits were ‘hired’ to bear a Vessel for the tower. They were technically free, but realistically forced to remain in

of the Stone, flanked by their own personal retinue of lesser Vessels. Argrave felt out of place. He

eyes lacked all pigment, making all of his features resplendently white. He had a sharp look about him and seemed to be angry

further muted by the wet skin natural to the Vessels. Her hair, though, was a perfect match for the word gold. On top

he stared at Brium. “We agreed to meet here with you out of respect for the long-standing title of the Lord of Copper, and of respect for the greatness that has come out of Cyprus in the distant past…” Quarrus slammed

back and stepped forward almost instinctively, immediately

me entirely, Quarrus,” he

this?!” Quarrus shouted angrily. “You would make one with

his hands out. “They’re mercenaries. Above all, they’re a

Silver turned, picking up his chair that had been tossed to the ground in

been waiting for her time to interject, and did so now. “Let us not forget the

now,” Anneliese whispered into Argrave’s ear, drowning out

he turned his head slightly at her voice while waiting for her to