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.”

#####

“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.

cold and cautious.

shook

metal met metal. Boarmask held his hand against the blade.

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

too, pig. Don’t think I won’t,” Durran said coldly. “These are my people’s lives, and he was ready to throw them away. He

not the answer,” Boarmask shook his head, voice

I don’t like

the mace at his side, holding

is no sense in this,” Boarmask shook his head. “I won’t allow things to fall apart. Sethia must

the glaive before him. “Tolerate one injustice to end another. Whatever happened to

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.

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

why I hoped your people would die,” Titus said bitterly.

The armored knight dropped his mace, raising

then,” Durran gestured,

is no future in either,”

are you talking about?”

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 a Vessel. They Drained my wife, Drained my twelve-year-old

intensity softened a little, a vague semblance

vast desert. They 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 north—Vasquer. They threw themselves against the Lionsun Castle, hordes

death. A tyranny of a different type—a human tyranny. I would

the

arms out. “There’s your answer. I kept you ignorant because you are the enemy as much as the

him down in silence, hand clenched tightly against his

soon. But as far as I am concerned, your people are yet another

him sprawling against the chair. The flimsy

said coldly. “And then we’ll settle

shattered chair. Boarmask’s gaze lingered on Titus for a long while, and then he

#####

Brium, Argrave had no choice but to leave Sethia immediately, still sore and unrested from

southron elves’ territory. Argrave didn’t know if the elves had time enough to migrate, but the sword stabbed into the sand was broken—their magic would no longer function, even if Yarra did the correct ritual. He supposed it

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