Jackal Among Snakes

“You are fine with meeting him?” questioned Reinhardt, who ate a plain, unseasoned cut of beef with only water as a side.

“I am. In truth, I have a poor memory of the happenings that day,” Rose said truthfully, whose decadent breakfast meal stood in stark contrast to the Margrave’s ascetic portion. She shared the Margrave’s prominent features—red hair and red eyes. Her legs were hidden underneath the table, but her chair had two wooden wheels on the side. “What rumors spread say he is much different than when I knew him. But then, it has been near eight years…”

The Margrave leaned closer. “Are you certain? Do not push yourself for my sake.”

She gave a nod of confirmation, then picked at her food. Beside her, a gray-haired young woman with bright orange eyes ate in quiet. The three present were all part of or soon to be part of the Parbon family. A small staff of servants tended to them, while knights stood on guard at the doors. As most of the rest of the Lionsun Castle, the place was made of carved stone.

The Margrave looked down to a letter just beside him on the table. It had a wax seal on it depicting a swordfish, split from being opened. Reinhardt scanned the closing once more.

Though I support your cause, you are brash. If you end this war with no plans for what comes after, the entire realm will be shattered by would-be kings pressing whatever vague claim they might have. Winter has stalled the war. Take this time to find a proper claimant. Having an undisputed, supported claimant against King Felipe will keep the realm whole and may even attract undecided supporters to our cause. I will make no suggestions through letter, barring that my daughter has refused. I will write, however, that some rumors of grandiose feats from Mateth are truer than you might think, and those you despise may simply be misunderstood.

When things have settled at Mateth, I intend on visiting. I hope we can discuss this in further detail when I do.

Until then, be well.

Duke Enrico of Monticci

The Margrave lifted his head and let out a long sigh, staring at his daughter. His face was wrought by complexity, but he slowly fell into a smile as he watched his daughter eat.

“If you would, continue to speak to him and judge his character while he is here. Test him thoroughly. Provided he does not make you…” the Margrave trailed off, judging his daughter’s reaction to the idea.

“I’m fine, father,” Rose insisted.

“That’s good,” the Margrave nodded, then took a drink of water. “I plan on having him stay for some time.”

#####

Argrave and Anneliese stepped idly around the gargantuan wall blocking the sole valley between the Burnt Desert and the lands of Vasquer. Two guards walked behind them, watching, and all the knights stationed obviously had been given command to keep an eye on them. His Brumesingers walked a bit sluggishly behind the two of them. They looked like they had overeaten. Evidently there were many good souls to eat in the Lionsun Castle.

The winds were harsh so high up, and likely doubled in force by the funneling of the valley. Argrave and Anneliese wore their thicker gray dusters, both still dirty from traversing the mountain highway. A long time ago, Argrave would have found such a thing intolerable. But he was used to the roads by this point.

“I never imagined such wonders existed in the world. Be it in the Burnt Desert, or here in Vasquer… humans make grand things,” she concluded, gazing at the gargantuan taupe lion statue with an enchanted jewel gleaming like a sun in its jaw. Her Starsparrow perched on her wrist, eating magic seeds from her hand.

Argrave paused with her. “That jewel replenishes all of the enchantments on the wall. It looks like a sun… and it harvests the sun’s energy, too. It wasn’t made by Vasquer, though, nor House Parbon.”

“You know much,” Reinhardt cut in, and Argrave turned his head. He hadn’t heard the man’s approach past the fast winds atop the gargantuan wall, and he scolded himself mentally. Even if the Margrave had granted him accommodation, it did not make them allies. He should have gotten Galamon.

“Margrave Reinhardt,” Argrave paid his respects with a slight bow, and Anneliese mimicked him a second later.

The Margrave wore his white plate armor even this early in the morning. He came to stand before the two of them. He was just shy of Anneliese’s height.

of the rooms went unused,” he noted, ruby eyed gaze alternating

brow, saying nothing

you are betrothed to Nikoletta of Monticci,” he continued, his disapproval evident

was never officiated.

such a response. “You throw away

nothing at all,” Argrave disagreed. “Nothing could compare to what I’ve already got. I’ll never compromise on her,

words boldly, causing Anneliese looked down bashfully. The Margrave stepped away, gazing out over the walls and into

I pray that does not become the case with you,” the Margrave shook his head. “There are a few things you should know. Most of the

Argrave frowned. “Well, we can

haul.” The Margrave looked up into Argrave’s eyes.

Argrave disagreed. “Too important to not take my chances, at that. And moreover, with things as terrible as they are, your top priority should be reaching out to Jast!” Argrave insisted, stepping closer. “That’s the closest thing to a center of magic in the world, other than the Tower

up to interrupt Argrave. “I am still

“Why? Do you think refugees spread the disease, when there’s been not a single village that’s been razed? This is something

inhaled and sighed. “I

be lost by indecision than wrong decision. This disease is

one of the Margrave’s

daughter has

beyond merely apologizing. Talking with her might be important for dealing with Orion. All that said, he was to apologize for something that he had never done to a person who was badly affected. It weighed at him a little, but not enough to

him of a way to heal Rose,” Reinhardt

frowned. “He remembered

have?” Reinhardt

a

one of my—” he paused. “Five of my men will lead you to Rose,” he corrected. “I will expect you to go alone. These knights of

why that’s relevant,” Argrave

it—and my horse, you owe me much,”

had never told her the story of stealing the Margrave’s horse. Soon enough, as promised, five men came to Argrave, ready to escort him to

#####

hair and looked back, where Elias waited. Together, the two of them entered into a banquet hall. Though the place was

of the double, wearing an oversized doublet without sleeves. His shirt’s bright red color made him resemble a tomato. Though still overweight, loose skin on his arms indicated he had once been very fat. He was bald and had genial green eyes. A tall and skinny woman sat beside him. She had a shrewish, stern look to her with great strength in her dark eyes, and she wore her brown hair bound by jewels in a bun atop her head. The man was Duke Marauch of Elbraille. His wife, Duchess Christine of Cael, was the one

occupied by servants of the castle—maids, male attendants, knights, noble councilmen. There was a great disparity in status between many, but all ate the same

spotted him. The man had a bright, childlike glee to him as he smiled, half-rising to stand. “Young master Elias!” he called out. His wife slapped his chest lightly, forcing him

strode over with Stain just beside him. “Duke Marauch,” he greeted with a

place of honor beside him. “I

far. There was already a plate of food

Duke paused, glancing between Elias’ plate and him. “If you’d like, I can get you more food. You

fingers. “Don’t think of it, Marauch. No exceptions, not even for the

swiveled from

fine, thank you,” Elias interrupted before the Duke could retract his statement. “I should be subject to