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.”

to protect myself?” he

him. “You’re a

sidearm, that’s what I need,” Durran shook

“Buy one,” suggested Argrave.

nodded at his suggestion, Elenore asked curiously, “Why do you

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 might make us

closer.

magic into enchanted items?” Argrave questioned.

“Do you… know how to imbue? Your blessing matters little if you cannot do so

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 cost

a bit. “Let me think

#####

company settled into Relize comfortably, even despite the fact that they were staying in a warehouse. 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 would

the luxury afforded 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,

After the first day…

the Dandalan family was one hundred and fourteen years old,” Elenore

his glove and put it in the book, then shut it. “Didn’t realize

does tha—oh. You’re joking,” she realized, coming to stand over the both of them. “One hundred and fourteen years old, nearly sixty children, and an

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

was the last beneficiary before the Rescindment of Profligacy and Corruption,” Elenore continued. “You really think this man can help

it, staring up at the princess. “He’s very good at hiding it, but I know for a fact his family is the wealthiest 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 marry his children off to the wealthy in exchange for favors and money. They wanted their

Elenore nodded. “Given how powerful his family has grown from the mandate, would he really

her. “We’ll talk to

breath. “I need to borrow Anneliese. I need her for

for

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

hand on Argrave’s shoulder.

too,”

disagreed.

you can?” Argrave rebutted. “She can?” he pointed

“Anneliese won’t even be visible. Ideally, she’ll watch with her bird. Gods, but you

Argrave said, then buried his head in his

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

he was doing. “I’ll be there. Anneliese and

have shifted,” Elenore informed him. “I have it on good authority 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

deep thought, closing