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.”

one has rope, they can tie a

smiled. “You mean you can make these ties. And you would expect only the rope from me, I

“I have

warn you—I reward only results,” he cautioned.

you reward results… I’ll be one rich man,

his hands on the couch and rose to his feet. “My careless action at the Stone has caused you some trouble—your companion is perceived to be an insult to Argent. I may have

thought. He knew exactly what he was

safe now, and that’s what’s important,” Argrave dismissed. The woman in question

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, and her Vessel is one of

cheek, trying his best to hold back a frown. He said, ‘you 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

reluctance earned 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 attack Sethia alongside southern

his answer. “She will give you space at her discretion. If you are as valuable as you claim to be, though, it is paramount that she protects you at all times. We Vessels need not sleep, eat, drink, and are unfatiguing… in summary, able protectors. Argent may

sleepless protector, thanks,

we welcome the extra hand,” Argrave instead said jovially, spreading his arms wide.

me.” He nodded, then walked back up to them. “Yes, I’ll tell her to be cooperative. I’ll tell her of your pet project, too, so worry not about exposing your head to her. She’s away, doing some things for me. I will have her

reminder thrown into his face, but he suppressed those thoughts and nodded. “Then I’ll… what was it you said?

#####

looked back at the

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

to speak of? Despite unexpected occurrences, things have gone mostly as we

whole plan of mine,” Argrave admitted. “You two… value honor, loyalty,

Galamon said at once. “Any stain is on your soul, not mine. I believe Veid granted you this purpose you have. She would not choose one such as you

gratefully, never

turn. “Besides, there is no true agreement towards either of you, and I would not expect that man to be honorable in any dealings,” she looked back towards Cyprus. “Speaking

bolstered now that one of his doubts was squashed, he took

this river to the end. But now we have the biggest hindrance to any creative

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

a hunch about something.” Argrave put his hands to his lips,

seemed tight-lipped,” Anneliese pointed out. “It will be difficult

conceded. “Putting all that talk aside, I’m going to be streamlining some of our plans. Brium might have ulterior motives behind Yarra’s ‘protection,’ but… We’ve got free labor. Galamon should know best. Anyone working for

#####

into his backpack when a sharp knock echoed out into the room. It inspired déjà vu, being near the same pitch and volume as the last

there. Galamon did not need a prompt from Argrave to open the door wider this time, allowing Yarra to walk in

timing!” Argrave said enthusiastically. He put the last three books inside of his