Jackal Among Snakes

Argrave fled from Kin’s End as fast as the horses would carry them. The scouting they did was less detailed than usual in their haste—it would be more important to make it to the Tower of the Gray Owl than it would be to dodge potential ambushes, and much of the area ahead was simply a vast plain that required no scouting.

But the tower was not so far, fortunately. As they grew nearer, it loomed over their head more and more, like a great gray rod planted in the ground by the gods. Even from a great distance, Argrave could see the sparking enchantments holding such a titanic piece of architecture upright, the magic grappling with both the fast winds at high altitudes and the great weight of the tower itself.

There were stables a fair distance away from the tower. Argrave and his companions moved their horses near them, the creatures panting with exhaustion. They had very nearly ridden them to death. Once there, Argrave dismounted, legs stiff and unwieldy after the breakneck ride.

“You there,” Argrave told a stable worker. “Take care of our horses. Just remember my face, give our horses back when we leave,” he said, handing the boy five gold coins. “Five more when we return,” he promised. He didn't know if they'd leave by horseback, though.

The boy nodded quickly, seemingly terrified of Argrave. With that, they removed their luggage from their spot atop the horses and left, heading to the entrance of the tower. Argrave felt an urge to sprint.

“Can they enter without badges?” asked Anneliese, referring to Galamon and Durran. “As I recall these places have magical restriction for those without them.”

“First couple floors have stupidly expensive temporary lodgings, yeah. Nobility study here—some of them bring servants, retinues of knights… the Order makes money by charging hefty rent,” Argrave nodded. “Beyond those first floors, no. The restriction will kick in.”

Once Argrave’s foot met the stone of the tower… he took a deep breath and exhaled. “Christ… we made it. Most terrifying horseback ride of my life. Or maybe it was the first one,” Argrave conceded.

“What now?” questioned Galamon, directing their attention back to the important matters.

“Now…” Argrave nodded, recalling what he had planned. “Now, we head to the fourth floor, get you two registered for temporary lodging, establish the purpose of our visit. From there… I don’t know how long we’ll stay. Ideally, it’ll be a very short time. Realistically, I’m not sure how easy Castro will be able to win over. If that fails, we might have to turn to another S-rank mage for aid, which would take… I don’t know,” Argrave shook his head, exhausted.

Already, people were staring at them from their eye-catching appearance alone. Once news of Induen’s death reached here, he was sure they’d be the center of attention. He’d probably be doing no favors for his reputation in the Order of the Gray Owl by blatantly abusing their policy of neutrality, but he didn’t especially care. He’d be paying them back for this favor in time.

“Let’s go, then,” Argrave nodded, steeling himself. He felt like a lion among sheep—he’d just killed a prince, and now he was preparing himself to have a pleasant conversation with a receptionist.

Yes as he walked, he noticed someone distinctly moving towards him. At first, his frayed nerves made him interpret the action in a negative light. As the person grew closer, however, his paranoia morphed into surprise.

Elias of House Parbon approached Argrave. Argrave stared at his waxpox-scarred eye in shock, yet the heir to the Margravate of House Parbon was smiling.

“And here I thought Stain would be wasting all of our time,” Elias said. “Argrave. I—” he paused. “Your eyes. My father told me about it, but I didn’t think that… I suppose seeing is believing.”

Argrave recovered from his shock quickly. “Yeah. It seems we both had some changes on that front. What the hell are you doing here?”

Elias’ finger brushed just beneath his eye. “Don’t worry about this. I made a mistake, that’s the bottom line.” He studied Argrave’s party. “Nikoletta and Mina are both here, as well.”

“What?” Argrave’s brows furrowed. “What’s going on?”

“My father sent me here to talk to you. Nikoletta’s father,

feet and looked back to Anneliese. She nodded, confirming Elias’ sincerity. He crossed his arms and looked back to Elias. “I just recently

not catching Argrave’s meaning.

just a stupid joke,” Argrave shook his head. “I mean… Christ, you caught me at a

think to catch you at all,” Elias admitted. “Stain said he heard rumors you broke into the B-rank and predicted you might head to the Tower to

predicted. At the same time, he thought of an opportunity. “By any chance… are you staying in a

Elias nodded, perplexed. “We have guards with us, so it

smiled. “I’ll talk only if we can stay with you.

long as you answer us honestly,

regret

#####

of Princess Elenore’s greenhouse, admiring the vibrancy of the garden. Or at least, so it seemed—though

the center. He stepped past small streams that flowed out of the water show, walking towards a pink metal table just beside it. Princess Elenore sat there, wearing green just

“Hello, sister,” Levin greeted.

“Levin,” she returned passively.

that you recognize my voice, considering how infrequently

nothing. Levin pulled back a chair

take it you will not be attending Magnus’ funeral?” Levin began,

fountain continued to babble and bugs in the greenhouse chirped as both

leave the greenhouse,” Elenore finally

nodded. “Or

“I imagine Magnus’ murderer will not be

laughed and smiled in kind. “Have you not heard? Orion killed his murderer. So he claims, anyway. Who am I to doubt him? I was not there. He died by strange magic foreign to Vasquer. But I will be going, if that’s what you were

with such pride the phrase took on

soul. “Magnus went to the

queer thing,” Levin said, leaning back in his chair. “Our selfish brother does something entirely selfless, for reasons

died,” Elenore mused. “That someone might inform me. And

a deep breath and sighed, then leaned in and placed his elbows on the pink table. “So

not close to you?”

wonder why my sister expends so much effort to bring

can say,”

head to the side, admiring the fountain as it poured. “It is simply vexing as to why you go to such

“Maybe,” she conceded.