Jackal Among Snakes

Of late, Argrave had been perfecting the art of looking unapproachable. Having become a trending figure for his recent deeds and already being taller than near everyone around him, he attracted people to him like nothing else. He’d rather avoid people when he was as busy as he was. The fact he was infamous for murder helped with looking unapproachable, fortunately, as did Garm’s black and gold eyes.

When Argrave saw a woman he did not recognize skulking near the doorway to his room, he approached quietly and made his voice deeper than it normally was. “Can I help you?”

The woman jumped, then looked up at him, shocked. “I-I… I came here looking for you.”

“Why is that?” Argrave kept a stern face.

“The application for… for your status as High Wizard has been approved. Em—and… and for one ‘Anneliese.’ A conclave of High Wizards will witness you cast a B-rank spell, and then interview you about magic. The details are here,” she said, handing off a rolled scroll quickly as though it were aflame.

Argrave looked down at the scroll as the woman hastily left, then smiled and pushed open the door.

#####

“Quite a hefty list of Magisters,” remarked Argrave as Elias stood before him, waiting for his thoughts. “Very good. Well done,” he complimented Elias.

“The hardest part was just getting them to agree to meet,” Elias shook his head.

Argrave nodded. “If these people pay attention, they know you’re associated with me, and would know why you want to meet. The Magisters that stay in the Tower are two breeds—ones interested in Order politics, or ones interested in Order scholarship.” Argrave tapped the paper with his hand. “This mental categorization matches up well, it would seem. The scholars could care less about me. Once again, well done, Mina, Elias, Galamon,” he thanked each in turn.

“What now?” Mina crossed her arms. “Play them against each other, try and get the best service?”

Argrave wagged his finger. “Not a chance. I can’t afford information leaking about my plans. Even with an S-rank mage as an escort, I need to obfuscate my movements. Vasquer can and will tear me apart if Felipe gets a read on my path.” Argrave held up the paper. “The fellows here on this page? They’re snakes, each and all. I have to choose well, elsewise I’ll find myself wrapped by a python after they sell me out.” Argrave turned the paper back towards himself, gaze growing distant as he thought. “Anyone know when—”

The door to the room opened, and Argrave turned his head quickly. Anneliese and Nikoletta entered.

“Good timing,” Argrave complimented. “Have fun?”

Anneliese stepped closer. “It was an enlightening outing.”

“On two counts, I bet,” Argrave nodded. “Look at this, Anneliese. I’ve got an approval of our advancement test to High Wizard, and a list of opportunists. Considering you’re an Honorary Wizard only, it seems your advancement stands to be a bit different.” Argrave walked to the scroll he’d been given earlier and held it up, double-checking.

nodded, gaze distant as she thought about that.

naturally. “Sure. Right now, I think we should talk about connecting our opportunity with the right

my thoughts on each,” Elias raised his

internally he was thinking about the fact that Galamon had gone with them and it was an

you any initial ideas?” asked Anneliese, coming to

a deep breath. “Maybe Mina’s had a good

when her name

“I’m thinking… maybe two of these meetings coincidentally happen at the same time. And maybe two of these Magisters just so happen to

Elias frowned.

Argrave looked

S-rank mages who

regardless of how much damage they can do,” Argrave dismissed without worry. “I know what I’m doing. But if you don’t want to

look passed through Elias’ eye—it was the look of someone who was about to force

#####

small gathering of people numbering around fifty convened in a large, ornate marble chamber. All the marble was black, veined with gold. It was a rectangular building, and all of the walls were decorated with giant statues of silver, candles at their feet. The ceiling was large and open, a grand image painted across all of it. If one were to follow it, one could see the tale of Vasquer’s founding; Felipe I riding aback the great snake Vasquer, his legion of snakes combatting an

Vasquer hung over the coffin’s lid. All gathered bore Vasquer ancestry, though some

palm, dripping blood that flowed back into his body like some poor imitation of an Ouroboros manifested from viscera. He stood just beside the king, his face displaying his anger undisguised. The king, with his

him,” Orion said. “A private funeral

making royal funerals more common than celebrations in Dirracha. Induen will have a public funeral, no others,”

room as someone new entered.

apologies. I had to receive Induen’s body,”

off their conversation to nearby people. “How is

“Well… it is…”

a fool searching for kindnesses,” Felipe

out, rubbing them together to warm them. “The body itself was badly dismembered—both hands severed, leg hanging on by a thread of flesh. Moreover, no one within the town retrieved the body, and ants got to it. Coupled with decomposition from travelling… it is difficult to

away tears after hearing the description. Felipe shook his

unpresentable body. A disappointment.” The king shook his head. “Archduke Regene’s body will be displayed in his place. Make it look younger with makeup and

not

be saved. Best to end him now, make good use