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.”

questioned, “Against the

constant, calm, just like the waters of Fellhorn. The southern tribals have been belligerent for years, and yet not once have the Lords retaliated. We Vessels

fond of that refusal to retaliate,”

to be but a Vessel all of their lives—a stagnant pool, a still lake, growing only as rivers deposit their rainwater into them. Their power

Vessels alongside Brium nodded eagerly, his zealous followers

him. “And you wish

pool, offering drink to those who submit—is insufficient to spread Fellhorn’s eternal rain further,” Brium shook his head and clenched his fist, genuinely aggrieved. “I cannot see the faith stagnate like this. Even if I must

of provoking action

to Galamon and staring up at him. “When it is

stared unflinchingly.

held his hands out. “When their foe is at their weakest. And the southern tribals have been looking for an avenue

your work cut out for you. All of this just to lure the southern tribals down from the mountains? Seems far-fetched. Too

I am certain Fellhorn will see fit to bestow upon me the luck

talking with them, if I can get contact with these tribals… I can make

see you’re pleased,” Brium noted,

like things are finally going my way for once. Long road ahead,

this building. I feared I might have to use the leash around your neck, but you convince me I was mistaken.

of that,” Argrave

been kept waiting for twenty minutes. I am positive

#####

their appearance and dress. These appearances were not something coincidental. Each of the three had been tailored over generations to better fit their role, and to cement their status

the tower. They were technically free, but realistically forced to remain in the tower, living luxuriously for the purpose

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

making all of his features resplendently white. He had a sharp look about him and seemed to be angry constantly. He kept his hair

elven features. Her skin was vaguely gold-like but lacked the intensity of the real metal and was further muted by the wet skin

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 his fist and stood. “But you insult Argent by bringing

instinctively, immediately

entirely, Quarrus,” he said

to make of this?!” Quarrus shouted angrily. “You would make one with the features

said calmly, still holding his hands out. “They’re mercenaries. Above all,

of tension, the Lord of Silver turned, picking up his chair that had been tossed to

did so now. “Let us not forget the

why he brought us here, now,” Anneliese whispered into Argrave’s ear,

at her voice while