Jackal Among Snakes

Argrave gazed up at the pitch-black regalia. The set was enchanting enough to make him forget what Galamon had done not moments ago. The fact that a stand had been made to accommodate all its pieces hinted at the true value of it all. There was a spot for a scepter, bracelets, gloves, a ring, a ceremonial sword… much of that was gone, however, having been sold of centuries ago to sustain Rancor in times of poor management. The primary pieces remaining were the royal mantle and the crown.

The royal mantle was an ostentatious thing. The collar was black ermine, and even from here the fur appeared soft. The cloak proper was made of a flowing black silk, a snake of gold emblazoned on the back. It was giant, accommodated for someone of a similar height to Argrave.

The crown, though… its central band was a black metal, though it was concealed by gold at many points. Gold encircled each studded jewel—diamonds of various colors, sapphires, rubies, and emeralds all pushed its frame to the brink. Some of the jewels were the size of chicken eggs. Though this vault was filled with riches, they all paled before this single crown.

Argrave reached forward and took the crown. Everyone watched him, waiting to see what he would do. It made him far too self-conscious to genuinely put it on. He pulled off the mantle, too, putting it beneath the crook of his arm. When Argrave turned, Durran stared at him disappointedly.

“What?” Argrave frowned.

“Coward,” Durran declared, then shook his head and turned around.

Argrave felt insulted. His mind whirled for a comeback, and then he reached out and put the crown over Durran’s wyvern-scale helmet. The tribal jumped, and Argrave ensured the crown didn’t fall off his head.

“Hold that. You break it, you’re paying for it,” Argrave decided, then turned back to Galamon. “You alright, Galamon?” Argrave asked loudly, so that Elenore’s men who’d seen the scene could hear him clearly. “That knife—it possesses people. Probably turned those vampires crazy. I know how to handle it, don’t worry.”

Galamon’s head turned to him. Some redness remained in his eyes, yet they were fading back to white quickly. He gave a curt nod. “I’m… fine.”

Argrave grabbed beneath Galamon’s arm. “Come on. Let’s get you out of this place. The cleaners can do the rest. Here, have a drink.” He pulled free the flask at Galamon’s side and handed it to him.

Galamon took the flask and stared at it for a moment before drinking it like it was some foul swill. Once done, he closed his eyes, gathering himself. He stood straight once again.

“I’m fine,” Galamon repeated. This time, Argrave believed him a little.

#####

Argrave and his companions headed back to where Elenore was waiting, leaving her people to clean things up. He felt he’d demonstrated his prowess sufficiently. Durran walked with the crown in his hands, holding it gingerly and walking slowly like it was fragile glass.

Before they reached outside, Argrave stopped, looking around. He nodded towards Anneliese, and she conjured a ward for them to speak privately.

“Alright. That knife you held—I’m sure you curious about it,” he said to Galamon.

“You said that would happen. I tried to be ready… but it was stronger,” the elven vampire shook his head. “I apologize.”

“Don’t,” Argrave waved his hands. “This knife… a vampiric relic. Althazar, it’s called. It…” Argrave shook his head. “It partially actualizes the vampiric ‘beast’ you describe. Even being near it frenzied you somewhat. If you stab yourself in the chest… some of the dormant powers of your vampiricy awaken. Every ability you already have will be enhanced greatly—regeneration, strength, senses… and the side effects, too. They’re enhanced.”

Galamon lowered his head, eyes growing distant. “They were.”

a vampire. They’re generally intended for those who intend to lean into their powers, rely on them more.” Argrave tapped at his chest. “Considering how much you hate

this side of myself in…” The elven vampire lifted

companion would not harm him. “This relic, in combination with others, can fully actualize the beast you have. If it’s made real, it’s somewhat separate from you. And if it’s separate, we can kill it without killing you. You’ll be cured—freed of the beast forever, made mortal once again. These relics will

like it,” Galamon

it’s… I mean, there are other… what? Why?”

sighed. “Not your proposition. The knife. I dislike its

chest where the knife rested, Argrave said, “I’ll keep

In time… at another date, I hope to train myself to resist it. I cannot afford to act as I did,” Galamon

for guidance, but she seemed just as undecided as he did. He looked back and said, “I hope you won’t be offended if I say I need to think

to swallow. He stared back, then eventually sighed, seeming more disappointed

want to hold this million-gold exhibit any

He reached down and took the crown from his hands, then left behind

#####

some of the fatigue of the battle finally settling in. He had taken the lead role in most of this, largely by his own design. If Elenore had an adequate grasp of his abilities, she would be able to manipulate things in their favor better. He would need her to be at her best, and people functioned

and Argrave supposed news had already reached

sure how many casualties, but… not many. Not on our side, at least.” Argrave held the crown up a little higher. “Got a crown, a

nodded. “Of course I do.” She tapped her foot against the

raised a

and explained in a whisper, “These prosthetics are digging into my legs. I apologize, but it’s difficult to stand. I cannot

quietly. “Happy to help.

to hide her embarrassment at the notion. “Most firsthand testimonies came from peasants in Kin’s End, or a defeated royal knight. Both had reason to talk up your

his arm to better support Elenore. “I have a blessing from a god. Erlenbis,” Argrave told her readily. “Got it in a trade.

“It is… as I recall, Erlebnis is an ancient god of knowledge. That is certainly an interesting arrangement. And considering your origin, it makes sense why he might wish to do such

you know. You’re part of my inner circle, now.

“Good deal you got. I had to

trailed off, then sighed. “I am

“Me too,” Argrave agreed.

I believe she may be able to aid us

arm in alarm. He heard someone swear, “It’s important! It’s important!” and though people tried to stop someone

chamber, pursued by a few people. Spotting Elenore, he sprinted over. Galamon stepped

elven vampire noted,

it?”

said, voice

he was meant to be keeping an eye on things in the palace.” Elenore released her grip on Argrave. “You may have time