Jackal Among Snakes

“We can get into the specifics of what I intend to prove, of course,” Argrave told Elenore. “On top of that, I have some information that leads me to believe there might be a traitor in your group. I’m sure you’re curious about the items I’ve just onloaded onto you. That said, I’ve also not slept for what feels like days. The drainage gate passage—there’s a safehouse in it. Is it empty? Can we use it? I’d like to stay within Dirracha, and considering what happened with Induen, I can’t exactly roam about freely.”

Elenore let out a shocked chuckle. “Yes, it’s empty. Considering no one has used it before, of course it’s empty. You may use it as you please.”

Argrave’s claims of otherworldly knowledge gained more credence with every new detail he revealed, but Elenore had to remain skeptical. A traitor? Was he hinting at something, or being genuine? She might be drawn into a trap if she too readily accepted what he told her. Argrave was a very valuable piece she could utilize—despite the south’s compunctions with his close ties with foreigners, he remained a closely-considered candidate that the rebels might herald. Having him at hand could be very useful for her future.

“I appreciate it. We’ll convene tomorrow.” She heard the chair shift, and presumed Argrave rose up to his feet. “I hope that we’ll come to work together closely in the coming month. If I know you, you’re thinking that you should go along with me out of practicality above anything… Anneliese?”

Elenore did her best to keep her reaction to his accurate words muted. She wondered why he had called out his fiancée’s name.

“Yeah,” Argrave said after a moment. “I hope you enjoy the gift. I think you… deserve it.”

Elenore caught his pause. She wondered what it meant—was there some drawback to these pieces, a cost of some sort?

“Well, have a nice day, Elenore. Don’t stay up all night reading. It’s bad for you.”

Argrave walked away, and his companions followed just after him.

“Wait,” Elenore called out. “Induen.”

Argrave scoffed. “Him? Oh, I imagine you’d like his signet ring. Given its uses in forging and the like, I imagine you’ll find more use out of it than I will…” she heard him rummaging through his pockets.

“No,” Elenore said, moving her head to where his voice came from. “Induen sought to ally with you. He avoided my informants because he sought to avoid conflict with you, opposite my intentions. So, why did you decide to act as you did?”

“He made some very untenable suggestions,” Argrave said with some degree of levity. His next words were completely serious as he continued, “More than that… he was a tumor. I had a chance to excise that tumor before it could cause more damage than it already has. He wanted to kill you, you know. Everybody’s future is a lot brighter without his shadow over it. You can trust that.”

“Without doubt,” Elenore confirmed.

said grimly, then paused for a long while. “And our

after near a minute had passed that her posture relaxed somewhat. She

wood that had rolled against the ground for months on end, the light brown impeccably polished. She stopped at a point. She

smiled and tore it free, and the glow doubled in intensity. As she enjoyed the unprecedented sensation, for some reason she was reminded she had not thanked Argrave. Her smile faded. Feeling disquieted, she let the

With whom? Who was Argrave? As ever, her sole need was

#####

as he weaved through this

and the sunlight itself warped through the glass above into something that cast beautiful shadows over the marble

getting her looped in… there are some things that need to be done in Dirracha. I’ll—” Argrave glanced back as he walked, and cut himself off. “What are you

the nearby plants. As though shaken from a stupor by Argrave’s voice, he shook his head and turned back, walking to rejoin

morphed into a slight smile. “I forgot. You like gardening. Of course

“When did I say I liked

you needed to tell me things about yourself?” Argrave

in his throat like he realized any denial would be fruitless. “…pisser,” he cursed beneath his breath. “Fine. Yeah. Whatever. I was just thinking… wasn’t bad enough your dad

it with Elenore, she can probably work something out about letting you come here often,” Argrave said. “And I’ll keep to my word.

Bit of a damper for fun,” Durran

all 96 gods,” Argrave said with a smile. “Yeah, you’re right. We’ll get a handle of the situation with Elenore.” His gaze

his helmet. “I

nice little package for Elenore to sell, earn some additional financing. Returns will be much quicker than with Elaine, and

“Certainly,” Anneliese agreed easily.

The solution to your problem…” Argrave referred to his vampirism vaguely, feeling no need to take risks. “The ball will start rolling here. And I imagine you’ll be just as eager to see this proof as Elenore is, Durran. As for myself, well… maybe we’ll find out

words seemed to rouse everyone, even

big cities,” Argrave ruminated, moving to action once again. “Let’s enjoy our stay at the City

#####

certain. Do not bar me further,”