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.”

you as a vampire. They’re generally intended for those who intend to lean into their powers, rely on them more.”

useless. No, it’s worse than useless—it’s harmful. I’ve spent years reining this side of myself in…” The elven vampire lifted his

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 be rendered impotent. And… well, a bunch of other stuff will happen,” Argrave waved his hand, feeling now was not the

don’t like it,” Galamon

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

The

knife rested, Argrave said, “I’ll keep Althazar hidden,

myself to resist it. I cannot

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

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

hold

took the crown from his hands,

#####

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 at their best when they had as much

had been the last time—their departure had taken some time, and Argrave supposed news had already reached her of what had occurred within. Flanked by

went through, cleared them out,” Argrave reported. “They hid in a vault, but we managed to get them out without incident. Not sure how many casualties, but… not many. Not on our side,

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

Argrave raised

in a whisper, “These prosthetics are digging into my legs. I apologize, but it’s difficult to stand.

Argrave assured quietly. “Happy to help. Maybe I

thought they were exaggerations,” Elenore proceeded, changing the subject 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 power. Yet… none of it was lies. A legion of ghostly snakes…

god. Erlenbis,” Argrave told her readily. “Got it in a trade. Knowledge for power. Power for power, some might say. For five minutes… I can

awe. “It is… as I recall, Erlebnis is an ancient god of knowledge. That is certainly an interesting arrangement. And considering

you know. You’re part of my inner circle, now. The people I trust most,”

to lose a few fingers for him

off, then sighed. “I am

“Me too,” Argrave agreed.

“I have been speaking to her, and I believe she may be able to aid us in removing the bindings… it will take time, much time, but she may be freed.

into his arm in alarm. He heard someone swear, “It’s important! It’s important!” and though people

into the big stone chamber, pursued by a few people. Spotting Elenore, he sprinted over. Galamon stepped ahead

vampire noted, his stoic nature returned.

is it?”

Argrave said,

be damned… he was meant to be keeping an eye on things in the palace.” Elenore released her grip on