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.”

protect myself?” he said

at him. “You’re a

I need,” Durran

“Buy one,” suggested Argrave.

curiously, “Why do

nice place for vampires to congregate, and some had. “Beyond that, I have an idea that might make us a lot of money, and

closer. “Pitch it

the biggest limiter for enchanters regarding imbuing magic into enchanted items?” Argrave questioned. “What’s stopping them

brows rising. “Do you… know how to imbue? Your blessing matters little if you cannot do so properly. Imbuing is

world economy by releasing one thousand enchanted items onto the market, but I think it’s time to learn something new. I

paced for a bit. “Let me think on it while

#####

Having Elenore on his side was such a huge boon that even Argrave felt briefly overwhelmed. For example, he recalled mentioning in passing that

he had not mastered, Anneliese acting as his tutor. He was worried he would be holding her back, but she claimed that teaching actually made her work harder at something—she felt she had to press herself

After the first day…

told me the head of the Dandalan family was one hundred and fourteen years old,” Elenore said, interrupting Argrave as he read

the book, then shut it. “Didn’t

realized, coming to stand over the both of them. “One hundred and fourteen years

“The man’s a B-rank mage, so he looks much younger than that. Seventy, maybe.

last beneficiary before the Rescindment of Profligacy and Corruption,” Elenore continued. “You really think

in Relize. The Dandalans are high in number, steadfastly loyal to their patriarch, and more than willing to marry for power. He profited tremendously from the Rescindment. He’d

was going to bring that up,” Elenore nodded. “Given how powerful his family has grown from the

pointed at her. “We’ll talk to him. I’m sure

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

need her for

secured a meeting with a Dandalan,” Elenore explained, waving her hand. “I’d like her to be there, gauge things. Won’t take long. Just passing on a written

placed her hand on Argrave’s shoulder. “I can

go too,” Argrave

stay,” Anneliese disagreed. “You cannot risk

rebutted. “She can?” he

won’t even be visible. Ideally, she’ll watch with her

buried his head in his pillow. “Well… damn.

workload is to lighten. I’d like to begin talks about how you plan

reminded of the reality of what he was doing. “I’ll be there. Anneliese and I did come up

to found his own kingdom are entirely true. The northern region of Atrus will split from Vasquer

into deep thought,