Jackal Among Snakes

Chapter 134

Though Argrave had wished to inform Brium of what Crislia had said immediately, the Lord of Copper had been preoccupied with something. Anneliese and Argrave spent that time planning for how to handle the changing situation. Ridden with anxiety, he had returned the next day, catching the Vessel early in the morning.

“She told me to ‘know my place?’” Brium questioned, one hand placed atop the other on the table as he stared at Argrave.

“Well…” Argrave trailed off, acting hesitant to repeat it.

Brium sat there for a while in the silence. He tapped one finger against the back of his hand, gaze distant. Eventually, he stood up, pacing about the room.

“…I’ll give her an answer. Tomorrow.” He turned his head to Argrave. “And things will be expedited because of it. When one is spurned, love can turn to hatred overnight. She must have something prepared for both answers—Crislia plays both sides against each other, she always has. Immediately after my refusal, there will be retaliation.”

Argrave took a deep breath and gaze a steady nod, resolving himself. On this front, he and Anneliese had been correct. He had done everything he could. He could only hope Durran moved as quickly as he did and did not lose himself in indecision.

“Indeed, we might expect their attack tomorrow, as soon as my answer is given,” Brium placed his hand to his chin. “This suits me fine; I have everything in place. But you… you will head to the southron elves. You will prepare them, and then I will expect to see them coming to Cyprus tomorrow morning. Yarra will accompany you to gather them—no exceptions,” he pointed his finger. “I will stall for your arrival.”

Though hesitant, Argrave did eventually give a nod of agreement. “She’ll have to wear a veil, but I can certainly make this happen.”

“Then make it so,” the Lord of Copper snapped. “Rushing water is always cleaner than stagnant water. And Sethia will soon become as clean as ever.”

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“Why did you lie to me?” Durran demanded, holding his glaive to Titus’ neck. The blade was made of a black bone, and sharpened enough to rival any blade. The merchant wearing red and gold sat across from him with hands still, maintaining complete ambivalence to the situation.

“Because it was easier,” said Titus.

“Easier?” Durran repeated. “No—I know that’s not true. Even if you’d been honest that Brium intended to betray us, I would have gone along with it. You’re one of us—you used to be. You know we would take this chance to liberate Sethia. You just wanted us to be unaware. Wanted us to die.”

Titus pressed his finger to the glaive, pushing it away. “I won’t answer,” Titus said boldly. “Go. Do your duty. After Crislia’s intervention, the battle will come all the sooner.”

Durran stood. “Answer me, damnit, or I’ll cut your head clean off.”

Titus’ golden eyes remained firm. “You would lose the battle without the men under my control to help you.”

“I don’t care. We haven’t attacked yet. I can call this thing off—I still have that luxury. If you won’t explain yourself, I’ll ruin whatever you had planned.” Durran readied his glaive.

Boarmask interjected, voice cold and cautious.

won’t answer,” Titus shook his head.

as metal met metal. Boarmask held his hand against the blade. It had bit through the

had his teeth clenched, staring at the glaive. Sweat dripped down his

people’s lives, and he was ready to throw

answer,” Boarmask shook his head, voice tight

answer. Even if it’s wrong, it’s an answer. I don’t like leaving questions unanswered, you see,” Durran pulled his glaive

between Titus and Durran. He drew the mace at his side, holding it in

allow things to fall apart. Sethia must be liberated. The injustice

“Tolerate one injustice to end another. Whatever happened to the honor you constantly

easy choice for me,” Boarmask replied. “But we cannot let things fall apart. After things have settled, I will help you bring Titus to justice. But not here.

with him!” Durran yelled. “Not until I get answers. So

precisely why I hoped your people would die,” Titus said bitterly. “Fine. I will

off of Boarmask. The armored knight dropped his mace, raising his

gestured, standing over

the southern tribals—there is no future in either,” Titus said. “The Vessels

you talking

work together to end the reign of the Vessels, establish another foothold for your people to fight back against the unending rain of Fellhorn.” Titus waved between the two of them. “I have no love for the Vessels. They stole my baby from me, claiming it as

softened a little, a vague semblance of sympathy weakening his

wrested control from the southron elves—burned their cities, butchered their people, destroyed their knowledge.” Titus crossed his arms. “And after? The tribals turned their gaze to the

and to what end? Your people achieved nothing!” Titus stood up, staring Durran down. “Ignorant savages, condemning their people to death. A tyranny of a different type—a human tyranny. I would not suffer your

the way, is

answer. I kept

him down in silence, hand clenched tightly against his

to remove the Vessels. With Crislia’s intervention, the battle will come soon. But as far as I am concerned, your people

him sprawling against the chair. The flimsy wooden thing shattered. He

part, Titus,” Durran said

him bitterly, slowly rising to his feet amidst the shattered chair. Boarmask’s gaze lingered on Titus for a long while, and then

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leave Sethia immediately, still sore and unrested

had time enough to migrate, but the sword

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