Jackal Among Snakes

Ruleo pointed both his index fingers at Elenore. “It’s over for you.”

With that, Ruleo didn’t hesitate a second in running away. The men that had come to restrain him simply let him pass, obviously more concerned with the news that the king was coming than trying to restrain someone from leaving.

Argrave’s mind felt like it restarted after Ruleo left, coming back to focus on the task at hand. Given what the man had just leaked, all those present would be rattled. Elenore’s troops were her lifeline, and having them lose faith, having them choose between the king of their country and her operation? He wasn’t sure of their answer.

Elenore stepped forward boldly into the space Ruleo left behind. “That fool would be better off with us. The king coming here—it’s unexpected, but well within the realm of what we can handle. Have you forgotten who I am? Have you forgotten this man, who stormed those catacombs of vampires not minutes ago?” she moved to Argrave. “Gather everyone. I must set some things into place, and then we’ll leave together.”

The effect of Elenore’s confident words was like a spell that warded away their doubts, and her men set off to gather people. Even Argrave felt soothed somewhat, but when he looked to Anneliese, the uncertainty on her face told him it was mere bravado to keep all in line. Elenore held her arm out, gesturing for Argrave to escort her. Argrave took her arm.

“Take me to Vasquer,” she told him.

Without another word, Argrave took off towards the giant golden snake in the back of the giant room.

“Are you oka—”

“Save it,” Elenore interrupted. “Do you know of any other exits to this place?”

vampires would have used it,” Argrave told her at once. “As far as I know, front

thinks,” she said, a grim calmness to her. “Therese wouldn’t know of Vasquer… so there’s another traitor in our midst. No,

by the prospect as she continued, “We have to leave here as soon as we can. Felipe seeks possession of Vasquer. He wouldn’t dare harm her—a symbol of legitimacy as valued as the founder’s companion coming to harm under his watch would mar his reign indelibly. He would never take such a risk. Though it’s best we ask her

nodded,

leave now… but escaping the capital would be impossible without my people. My men aren’t loyal by cause—they’re loyal by benefit alone. They won’t die for me, won’t screen our escape. On top of all that, a lot of people here are very valuable links to distant places. Lastly, let’s not mention the blow this would have on my reputation. It’d

and Argrave

worse than before. Presumably, despite torture, she’s not

delay the king, evacuate?” Argrave questioned,

a diversion,” Anneliese chimed in on the opposite side of Argrave.

at causing distractions around the city. It will divide the guard, make our escape easier. Even Felipe would not let his city burn to the ground before his eyes—his paranoia

can send messages quicker with my Starsparrow,” Anneliese suggested.

to deliver one message to a trusted agent—Merren. From there, he can get word to all of the others. A

place of the vampires we just wiped. The knight-commander, Jezuit, is an

“The sway I

“I believe that. But even if only ten royal knights holed up in the stairs, can we win? They’re some of the best-equipped and best-trained fighting forces

I said. The king wants to possess Vasquer. There is a reason everything happens so quickly, so recklessly. The king’s greed, his desire for Vasquer—that will be our best bet of manipulating things in our favor. Once he knows this is no fool’s quest, he will stop at nothing to come inside and

own. Argrave rubbed his hands together and asked, “Vasquer is the crux

central Vasquer remain loyal to Felipe? In war, he always led the charge, fought side-by-side with his vanguard. Trust me, I know him. We can bait him in. As for Vasquer…” Elenore turned to the snake. “She… I still need to talk to her, work things out. But before I do that, I need to know one thing. Levin—does something like this have precedent?