Jackal Among Snakes

“You’ve already declared your intent to take the throne, Your Majesty,” Leopold reminded Argrave. “This revelation doesn’t change that, so far as I’m concerned. And need I remind you… of the promises you made?”

The six of them stood around Leopold’s grand council room—Argrave’s companions, Elenore, and Leopold. The room was far too large for them alone, but no one else was around to take their seats. At the very least, not for now.

“My brother’s actions did not shock me so badly as to make me forget promises. All I promised Relize will be delivered,” Argrave said pointedly. “If Orion is in Dirracha… if he’s spoken to Vasquer… that means he probably knows our intent,” Argrave spoke to Elenore.

Leopold frowned. “Vasquer? Your Majesty means… the tales of that snake being unearthed are more than simply tales?”

Argrave nodded. “Yes, Vasquer is real. We’d hoped to keep her hidden, but not all went as planned.”

“Do you truly believe Vasquer would trust Orion enough to disclose our intent?” Elenore questioned. “She might not have shared everything. Or anything, even.”

“Orion, erratic as he is, genuinely wants to do good,” Argrave shook his head. “I think I can say with relative confidence Vasquer shared… something. It’s the only explanation for why he might do something so drastic. The Orion I know would never harm family. He was blind to Induen’s malevolence, and would not rebel against Felipe just the same. He has to have learned.”

“If he has, the way he’s gone about it is simply madness,” Elenore shook her head.

“Does the possibility of cooperation exist?” Argrave posited. “I think, at the very least, it’s worth making contact with him.”

“I can try and do so,” Elenore nodded confidently. “I’m… hesitant, given his nature.”

“More important than Orion…” Anneliese cut in. “The king, alone, is one man. The kingdom is the key. As Elenore said, even if Orion declares that Argrave is well and truly king and his intentions match perfectly with our own… I cannot see this lessening the burden of war. Indeed, it may intensify things. Naming oneself king does not grant one the kingdom, after all.”

Durran stepped into the conversation, sitting atop the table. “Our enemy’s leadership has crumbled. I should think this is a good thing for us.”

“So long as Felipe lives, things get… murky,” Elenore said grimly. “Orion’s actions will win him no support. They are… bluntly put, reckless and alarming. Orion already has a reputation for unpredictability and has no steadfast allies. I imagine the nobles of central Vasquer will reject any orders he might give and take this as opportunity rather than hazard. In essence, the authority of the monarchy… it’s been subverted, and very nearly dissolved. All Orion has is his personal guard—Waxknights, he called them. He has no allies, none that would support him. And so… this is why I claimed things would be madness.”

Argrave raised a brow, surprised that name for Orion’s knights had been adopted. So far as he remembered, he’d never said that name out loud to Orion specifically. Either he misremembered things… or Orion had seen into his memories. Slowly, he crossed his arms and stepped into the center of the council room.

“We’ll wait for Orion’s response to Elenore,” Argrave declared. “But… Galamon. You and Patriarch Dras conquered all of Veiden in a time past. And all of these conquests… were they by the sword?”

Galamon shifted once he’d be called upon. “No, Your Majesty. As many were by promise and alliance as by sword and spell.”

“Precisely so,” Argrave nodded. “Consequently… if they’re disillusioned by the idea of Orion as a monarch, it’s our time to reach out to them. We may be able to win over many heads bloodlessly.” Argrave looked at Elenore. “This is somewhat what you intended at Atrus, but at a grander scale, yes?”

a loss of leadership. Many have strong ties with each other. Above all,

war of ours—they’ve suspended trade, turned their galleys into vessels of war, marshalled all of their forces, and gathered enough supplies to provision that army,” Argrave fixed his gaze upon Leopold. “I cannot betray that faith. They place all on the line. I have to

in mind,” Leopold

have long ago committed to this path,” Argrave stepped around. “I will not forsake the promises I’ve made because of this new development. If I can win some to my side without bloodshed, good—I will treat these people as generously as I am able. If Orion is willing to accept these promises, I will treat him well in turn. But I made

there’s more than five people listening. Er, Your

things optimistically yet maintain the realistic aspect of things.” Argrave adjusted his collar. “I think some delegates to central Vasquer are in order, for starters. I know these nobles well—I’ll take a personal hand in that arrangement. Once the fortress at Indanus Divide is established, we move a great

#####

as he and Argrave walked down a hallway. “Every day, this feels… more and more real,” he noted. “What’s your

Nothing out of the ordinary, I guess. I’m a negotiator with a fancy title. After that… don’t know,” Argrave stretched. “Probably unwind with Anneliese, study magic. These are the last precious

elbow. “Talk to

“Sure. What

Argrave to a quiet window far from the areas of

Argrave

you should know… huh,” Durran trailed off. “I’m seeing a little bit of gray

instinct. “Really now? That’s… wow, yeah, that is good news.” Argrave was smiling, but it slowly faded. “Something tells

window. “Yeah. I… thought you should know, considering your relation and all… even if it is a bit superficial, given the whole ‘Heroes of Berendar’ thing, whatever in the world that’s about…” Durran turned his head a

of surprise took Argrave. He had the presence of mind to avoid patting Durran on the shoulder enthusiastically as a little something entertaining took root in

“She’s a very valuable member

around to be sure none overheard, then held his hands out. “Of course I’m not talking about that. You think

mean, ‘go after?’”

whatsoever. “I mean… she and I… gods, I don’t know

were twisting as he tried to

finally looked at Argrave, his brow lowering as he caught sight of Argrave’s barely

knew precisely what he was talking about from the beginning, Durran kicked him in the shin. Argrave stepped away to protect himself,

found the humor in

the heads up. Go for it. Just…” Argrave straightened. “Far be

just that

woman caught sight of Durran and

said after she left. “Completely forgot. I

try not to

gets bigger and bigger. Can’t act so freely. Always thought I would

duke, since you’re so worried about