Jackal Among Snakes

“So… would you want to rebuild a world like the one you lived in once you’re king? One of peace, personal freedom, great luxury for all—nearly post-scarcity, as you called it?” Elenore asked Argrave.

They were all once again on the grain cart, though having entered Relize itself, the smooth roads made for a nice ride. Argrave looked at his sister, thinking over her words in detail.

Argrave rubbed his eyes. “Anneliese asked me if I’d like to run away and look for answers about my situation once Gerechtigkeit is stopped.”

“Well?” Elenore tilted her head. “Which would you want to do?”

“I’ll tell you the same thing I told her,” Argrave lowered his hands. “We have to get there first, you damn dunce.”

“Things advance with the passage of time. Great progress comes at unexpected times,” Elenore said, tone distant.

Though Argrave was about to question, Anneliese drew him away, saying, “I cannot recall you calling me a damn dunce.”

“I got much more—” Argrave began but was cut off by the cart shifting.

The shifting ceased, and eventually the cart came to a stop. The back doors opened, shining light down upon the five of them. Melanie stood there, waiting. Elenore’s guardsmen swarmed throughout the warehouse, attending to various things. “Welcome to Relize, lady and gentlemen,” Melanie greeted.

Elenore was the first to stand. “Excellent. Melanie—are the enchanted chests I sent for here? I want a place to store some of our valuables, like the regalia we retrieved.”

“Saw some shiny metal boxes, so maybe,” Melanie nodded, looking back.

Elenore accepted Melanie’s help and descended down to the warehouse floor. Argrave made sure that everyone else had got out before he did so.

Elenore looked around at the wide-open stone warehouse. It was largely empty—there was plenty of space. “I’m going to have some beds delivered. I know it’s not ideal sleeping in a shared area, but its best we minimize exposure to the streets. Inns are hotbeds for rumors. If we’re seen, it’ll get to all the people we don’t need to know.”

“Well used to sharing sleeping areas,” Argrave held out his hand to stop her from continuing. “I appreciate what you’ve done.”

“Alright,” Elenore nodded, and placed one hand on her hip as she continued, “I have to take care of Melanie’s parents—this arrival was abrupt, and they want some sort of explanation why their daughter is wantonly using their warehouse. Beyond that, I’d like to get apprised of the situation here in Relize, look into the Dandalan family, and possibly establish contact.”

“Durran will be handling some things for me outside,” Argrave said, placing his hand on the tribal’s shoulder.

“I will?” he turned his head.

Argrave nodded. “Yeah. You’re the one least likely to attract attention to all of us.”

Elenore crossed her arms. “He was followed by Ruleo last time.”

“Bit different, no?” Argrave raised a brow. “Just don’t bring the glaive this time, Durran.”

I to protect myself?” he said

pointed at him. “You’re

need a sidearm, that’s what I need,” Durran shook his head and

“Buy one,” suggested Argrave.

suggestion, Elenore asked curiously, “Why do you need him to go

he looked towards the vampire. They were fast-tracking his cure, by this point. Relize, a populous city, was a naturally nice place for vampires to congregate, and some had. “Beyond that, I have an idea that

Elenore stepped closer.

into enchanted items?” Argrave questioned. “What’s stopping them from

paused, her brows rising. “Do you… know how to imbue? Your blessing matters little if

to the elven vampire. “I can’t exactly break the world economy by releasing one thousand enchanted items onto the market, but I think it’s time to learn something new. I need to hone my magical supply, and this seems a productive way to do so. The burden lies on you, though. Getting inscriptions will

bit. “Let me think on it while I

#####

despite the fact that they were staying in a warehouse. Having Elenore on his side was such a huge boon that even Argrave

by having his rich big sister on his side, Argrave did not grow lax. He spent his time delving into the B-rank spells that he had not mastered, Anneliese acting as his tutor. He was worried he would be holding her back, but

After the first day…

the Dandalan family was one hundred and fourteen years old,” Elenore said, interrupting Argrave as

in the book, then shut it.

of them. “One hundred and fourteen years old, nearly sixty children, and an absurd number

atop his book and sat up. “The man’s a B-rank mage, so he looks much younger than that. Seventy,

of Profligacy and Corruption,” Elenore continued. “You really think this man

are high in number, steadfastly loyal to their patriarch, and more than willing to marry for power. He

powerful his family has grown from the mandate, would he really want

pointed at her. “We’ll talk to him.

a deep breath. “I need to borrow Anneliese. I

her for everything,” Argrave frowned.

her to be there, gauge things. Won’t take long. Just passing on a written

on Argrave’s shoulder. “I can be there,”

too,” Argrave

should stay,” Anneliese disagreed.

“She

won’t be going,” Elenore shook her head. “Anneliese won’t even be visible. Ideally, she’ll watch with her

said, then buried his head in his

workload is to lighten. I’d like to begin talks about how you plan to approach this war,”

words, Argrave was reminded of the reality of what he was doing. “I’ll be there. Anneliese

that the rumors of Levin intending to found his own kingdom are entirely true. The northern region of Atrus will split from Vasquer and form the Kingdom of Atrus. That’s most of the northwest. They’re bordering Veden on the

into deep thought, closing