Jackal Among Snakes

Argrave stared at the Margrave beside his wyvern. Reinhardt did not advance or retreat, merely stared at them with an indiscernible expression, one hand on the pommel of the sword at his belt, and the other on the horn of his wyvern.

“Couldn’t have spotted him, Galamon?” Argrave whispered to his companion.

“There was a wall,” Galamon noted. “And you gave no time to scout. Not even with that bird.”

Argrave ground his hands together. “I know. I just want to complain.”

“That’s the patriarch of House Parbon?” Durran asked, some excitement on his tone.

“He is remaining by his wyvern in case he needs to retreat, I suspect,” Anneliese noted, ignoring Durran’s query.

“Alright, alright,” Argrave finally turned. “Nobody do a damn thing. Just stay still.” After giving that command, Argrave let out some curses. “Alright. God damn it all.”

Argrave took a step ahead, and breathed deeply, trying his best to appear confident. “The three of you will wait here. I’ll go alone, resolve things. I’m sure he won’t be spooked by that.”

“That is dangerous,” Anneliese protested.

“I’ll be fine. I got away from him once before unscathed, and I can do it again if need be.” Argrave walked away.

“Argrave…” Anneliese called out once again, and he heard her step forward.

Argrave turned and held both his hands out, palms facing her. “I’ll be fine.”

She stared, and then nodded. “Be careful,” she cautioned, not entirely satisfied by his assurance.

With a wink, he turned back to the Margrave and his wyvern. Though he walked confidently and kept his expression firm, his Brumesingers writhed within his clothing, mirroring his own anxiety. He kept his hands in plain sight, and far away from any pockets within his gray leather duster. Though the Margrave did not lower his hand from the sword at his belt, he did not flee or brace himself.

Argrave came to stand across from Margrave Reinhardt. He kept a fairly large distance between them, but he was close enough to hear the wyvern’s breathing. The Margrave glared up at him with his ruby eyes, expression inscrutable.

“Hi,” Argrave repeated his earlier greeting.

“Argrave,” Reinhardt finally said. “Barely recognized you.”

Argrave brushed one hand through his hair. Certainly, he was tanner, his hair was longer, and his eyes were much, much different. “Hopefully the change is positive.”

questioned with a growl. “An ambush?

his cheek with one hand. “If you want me

showing possessiveness. “You thought to take from me

pointed back. “He’s from one of the southern tribes. Son of a chieftain, actually. And yes, you’re not mishearing things,” Argrave continued, falling into his practiced suave rhythm. “He’s from the southern tribes. Meaning I’ve been

It wasn’t the full truth, but it was the easiest example to use in this conversation. “I came to get these eyes, among other things. It’s a very long story, and I won’t bore you with it. But!” Argrave raised a finger. “I had to get back to Vasquer. And passing through that big gate beneath the Lionsun Wall—something tells me that would never, ever happen. So, I just wanted to sneak through here. I am sorry about the wall, though,” Argrave clasped his hands together and looked back. “A tragic necessity. I can

their cold glare. Eventually, his head shifted in revelation, and he questioned, “How did you get to the Burnt Desert in the

the earth. I travelled the Low Way of the Rose,” Argrave answered quickly, anticipating the question. He let his answer hang in

like, you can confirm with the Stonepetal Sentinels that I travelled through there a little while ago. While we didn’t part on the best of terms,

face, perhaps trying to discern if he

the Low Way of the Rose,” Argrave continued. “While I wouldn’t care for it, if it can abate your

he knew, Stain was here, and he was certain the man would be abreast of most happenings throughout Vasquer. He could learn news of the plague, of Princess Elenore, and of any other unusual happenings

repeated personal experience that things would probably be far removed from what he knew usually happened. He needed to find out how much things had deviated and adjust his plans accordingly, per Anneliese’s advice. And she was right. Slowing down to do things deliberately would always be better, even if it wasn’t optimal. Though he’d planned to gather information

doesn’t mean what you’ve explained

Elias, didn’t I? I secured

you help her, too?” the Margrave

the sort of thing he had a response ready for. A father who loved his children would never

am… sorry, you know,” Argrave said quietly, keeping his gaze

clenched the pommel of the sword on his belt tighter. “You always maintained it

“That doesn’t change the fact that it was my fault. I cannot change what I’ve done. All I have is my words. So, I reiterate—I apologize.” He lowered his head in a bow,

gaze, pupils trembling. His grip tightened on his sword’s pommel further, and then relaxed. He raised the

clearer. Yet even here, you…” he took his hand off his forehead and clenched it into a fist. “You have done right by

they

not make the same mistakes as last time, however. You, and all of yours, will be heavily guarded

giving me a chance, Margrave Reinhardt. I’m

bitterly, “My son isn’t here. Nor is Veladrien… or as you call him, Stain. But I’ve been in contact with him through Helmuth. Things…” the Margrave trailed

a brow

#####

been certain would remain in the northwest, was ravaging the south at an alarming rate. Elias and Stain were locked in in a siege caused by

of place, Anneliese…” he whispered, sitting beside Anneliese as she

she pointed out as

up his head and looked at her. “…comes from knowing

his ribs, and he flinched in surprise. “Does it?

“Forget about

fine,” she shook