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.”

rope, they can tie a knot,”

“You mean you can make these ties. And you would expect only the rope

his head. “I

by this. “I will warn you—I reward only results,” he cautioned. “Overpromising earns you

I’ll be one rich man, I think,”

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 put

thought. He

dismissed. The woman

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 the larger in Cyprus—indeed, in all of Sethia. She has

his tongue against his 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 Yarra… he won’t

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 tribals

himself in thought. He turned his head back to them once he’d formed 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

sleepless protector, thanks,

instead said jovially, spreading his arms wide. “I hope she

“You must’ve gained 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.

suppressed those thoughts and nodded.

#####

back at the patina covered tower of

make it back to the inn and meet with Yarra, we should talk. Thoroughly,” Argrave said,

unexpected occurrences, things

unsure how the two of you perceive this whole plan of mine,” Argrave admitted. “You two… value honor, loyalty, contracts…”

you have. She would not choose one such as you in ignorance. Your personality is part of her expectations. As such… I have no qualms. She has

gratefully, never disappointed by

not expect that man to be honorable in any dealings,”

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

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

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

his hands to his lips, thinking. “I don’t think

will be

“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 me… I work them to the bone. And since Yarra’s got no bones… I’ll work her ‘til she drops,” Argrave looked towards Sethia, a grin

#####

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

Galamon did not need a prompt from Argrave to open

inside of his backpack and cinched it shut. He lifted it up.