Jackal Among Snakes

Argrave returned with Brium to Cyprus alongside his escort of Vessels. Once they were inside the first room, with its decrepit tapestry winding about the walls, the Lord of Copper spoke with a natural authority.

“The hunt is on. All know what to do,” he said, and these words alone were enough to send the Vessels beneath him scattering despite the vagary of the command.

Argrave stood with his companions, waiting as the other Vessels left the room. Brium walked to the couch they’d been received on and sat, lounging. Argrave stalked up to him cautiously, waiting until there were none around to speak.

“Do you have something planned for me?” Argrave questioned.

Brium did not turn his head back to look at the three of them, and responded, “Let me hear about these things that you have in mind.” He set his feet on a stool. “If all you offer is your status as a C-rank mage, and the prowess of your companions…”

“Wouldn’t dream of it,” Argrave stepped around the couch, coming to stand before the Lord of Copper. “I have deeper ties to this place than I let on,” Argrave began.

“I had surmised as much,” Brium nodded.

“Against Aurum and Argent both… even if the southern tribals do indeed come… it’s a pitched battle, to put it lightly.”

Brium ran his hand across his knee. “How would you know this?”

“You’re saying I’m wrong?” Argrave asked bluntly.

Brium stared up at Argrave, then fixed a piece of his wrinkled clothing. “Let us continue as though you’re correct,” he conceded, refusing to admit his disadvantage.

“There are other regional powers,” Argrave pointed to himself. “I can make sure they support the right side.”

My side, naturally, Argrave thought.

Brium furrowed his brows. “What are you referring to?”

“Well, barring the simple fact that the southern tribals are not as near unified as they let on… there are more than simply tribals in those mountains.” He looked in the direction of the mountains, though nothing could be seen beyond the walls of Cyprus.

“Elaborate,” the Lord of Copper demanded.

“The southron elves, for one,” Argrave raised a finger. “The dwellers of the caves,” he raised another finger. “And… certain others. Foreigners, like me, with whom I have a connection.”

“You have ties with all of these?” Brium questioned. “I question if everyone in Sethia would be ignorant of you as they are, were that the case.”

they can tie

ties. And you would expect only the

head. “I have my

looked taken aback by this. “I will warn you—I reward only results,”

be one rich

claims. He placed his hands on the couch and rose to his feet. “My careless action at the Stone has caused you some trouble—your

Argrave thought. He

and that’s what’s important,” Argrave dismissed. The woman in question crossed her

safe,” Brium looked at her. “To that end, you will henceforth be accompanied by one of my own—a Vessel by the name of Yarra. You have met her. She retrieved you at your inn,” Brium explained. “She is extremely loyal to me,

will.’ Not an offer, but a mandate. I suppose I should have expected something to link us to him yet further—he divulged a lot to us. Between Garm, threat of retaliation from Argent, and now this Yarra… he

him no favors. “But some of these peoples I’ll be contacting—they won’t look at the presence of a Vessel kindly. Getting them to agree to

once he’d formed his answer. “She will give you space at her discretion. If you are

sleepless protector, thanks, Argrave

his arms wide. “I hope she is amenable to working

an impression of her. She is quite brusque to all but me.” He nodded, then walked back up to them. “Yes, I’ll tell her to be cooperative. I’ll tell her of your

bitter with that reminder thrown into his face, but he suppressed those thoughts and nodded. “Then I’ll… what was it you said? Start the hunt,”

#####

the

inn and meet with Yarra, we should talk. Thoroughly,” Argrave said, turning

Despite unexpected occurrences, things have gone mostly as we predicted,”

Argrave admitted. “You two… value honor, loyalty, contracts…” he sighed. “And here I am, entering into employment under someone with the intent

you have. She would not choose one such as you in ignorance. Your personality is part of

gratefully, never disappointed by Galamon’s

you, and I would not expect that man to be honorable in any dealings,” she looked back towards Cyprus. “Speaking personally… I trust you,” she nodded with

of his doubts was squashed,

to make a man weep,” he said, only half-joking. “I’m glad we’re all in agreement to ride down this river to the end. But now we have the biggest hindrance to any creative pursuit.” Argrave looked between the two, but neither provided an answer. He spoke the next words

freedom in our negotiations with regional powers,” Galamon pointed out. “She is ineffectual. The Lord of Copper mostly assigned her

put his hands to his lips, thinking. “I don’t think Brium knows fully what Garm is… only that he exists. We

will be difficult to get information from her

our plans. Brium might have ulterior motives behind Yarra’s ‘protection,’ but… We’ve got free labor. Galamon should know best. Anyone working for me… I work them to the bone. And since Yarra’s got no bones… I’ll work her ‘til she drops,” Argrave looked towards

#####

spell books back into his backpack when a sharp knock echoed out into the room. It inspired déjà vu, being near the same

waiting there. Galamon did not need a prompt from Argrave to

timing!” Argrave said enthusiastically. He put the last three books inside of his backpack and cinched it shut. He lifted it up. “Here. Wear this,”