Jackal Among Snakes

Argrave had déjà vu to something that had occurred not months ago—namely, Margravine Sophia’s campaign to sway the northern nobles rather strongly reminded him of Leopold’s to sway the patricians of Relize. Things were markedly different in the aristocratic circles of the north, yet they remained the same as the patricians in many ways. Instead of wealth and value being the primary concern, it was prestige, lands, and social security dominating their attention.

Argrave had a new, and rather valuable, perspective. He was not operating as King Argrave. Rather, he took up the role of Silvaden, a foreign encroacher and supposed employee of Vasilisa. In effect, he was at the bottom looking up rather than the top looking down. At the same time, he had his hands in the pockets of three of the leading figures—the Magisters present.

Argrave felt like a fish returned to water. Back at Relize, things had been too easy, too safe— he’d achieved his aims, and now he had to sit atop what he’d built and maintain it rather than build it. Here, though, he felt dynamic, alive, and entrepreneurial. And on top of that, he argued for another—House Quadreign. To say the least of things, it was a very personally enriching thing, and Argrave absorbed all that he could.

But the day could not last forever, and eventually many returned to their estates.

“We’ll be keeping a close eye on all of them,” Pavel Drawnwater promised Vasilisa. “We’ll make sure that none of them speak to anyone they shouldn’t be speaking to. We’ll keep a tight ship.”

“…I wasn’t expecting things to end up this way,” Vasilisa shook her head. “Even still… I hope you know House Quadreign will not soon forget the Drawnwaters. My sister is even more generous than I am.”

Margravine Sophia smiled. “I think we will prosper under Argrave—ah, King Argrave, I mustn’t forget. I’ve heard whispers of an institution he intends to establish—a parliament. I believe the king would be willing to give a seat to… well, never mind,” she shook her head, perhaps reminded of Vera and Hegazar’s presence only then. “I’ve heard tell that Vasquer loyalists in the center have gained a slight advantage in the stalemate with the south, while Argrave’s faction subdues Atrus with a mechanical efficiency. It seems these two are destined to clash. With the Order’s support… victory seems preordained for Argrave’s side.”

Argrave furrowed his brows but said nothing on the matter. This talk of the loyalists beating out the south was concerning… but Argrave would have to speak with Elenore to have any certainty on the matter.

“Soon enough, we’ll have a battle of our own,” Vera noted. “I think the plan is rather simple. Hegazar and I will go to meet him, under the ordinary circumstances… you’ll arrive, Vasilisa, as he wants you to… and then we’ll cut off the head. A simple, concise battle.”

“It is his home,” Argrave reminded them. “He’ll have the advantage. His tower was built by the Order of the Gray Owl, and the protective enchantments within more than match those without. Three-on-one isn’t necessarily an advantage.”

“You’re coming too, lest you forget. With surprise and numbers… I’ll say it is an advantage,” Hegazar rebutted. “But I’ll take your concerns in mind… Silvaden.”

“On that note… perhaps we ought to plan,” Argrave suggested.

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about the make of the tower Ivan resides in. And, quite frankly, all of us ought to be very concerned.” Argrave declared to the three Magisters once they were in a private place—another room in the Drawnwater estate. It seemed to be a guest room and had many exhibits out on display coupled with luxury goods to please guests. The

to a drawer in the room, opening it and pilfering a bottle of perfume hidden within. She quickly stowed

trying to act ignorant of Vera’s petty theft. “When you and I went to his tower… you

were covered in furs, silks, all that sort of stuff. The room was

her. “My sources tell me these ‘decorations’ are hiding

examining some of the shelves in the room. He picked up a wooden figurine, twisting it about

Magisters…” Argrave trailed off, leaving his disagreement in the

concluded, shutting the drawer

what the hidden enchantments do?” Anneliese asked Argrave, taking

the silver bracer there that stored his vital liquid for blood magic. “Can’t be made anymore. I don’t know specifics, but let’s guess: they’re probably protective, perhaps wards. They won’t be able to enhance his attack, but they can improve his defense. He might be able to

best to keep the source of his knowledge closely under wrap—it did him no favors if his past spread, both to his legitimacy as king and his respectability in widespread circles. The peasants might decry him

talk to Ivan,” Vasilisa said. “I want to ask him some

fight?

her arms. “Haven’t I earned this, Silvaden—no,

risk because of your unanswered questions. If you talk out of turn, I’ll consider that a cue to start the fight. His

guttural voice coupled with his firm words had an authority to them that was psychologically difficult to dispel, and

finally broke the silence. “I trust him on this. We go in with a plan, we adapt to any incongruities in this plan, and we execute it as best we’re able.” He rose to his feet. “But we have days to plan. It’ll

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suitable for the coup was considerably less time-consuming than preparing for the act itself. Even still, time was of the essence, and they all moved

of it. Apparently, the figure wasn’t small. Nevertheless, Ivan’s

taken residence within Ivan’s tower were supposed to be ‘indisposed’ on that day. Administrative positions were either on the side of the Drawnwater family, or ready to be replaced in the same manner. Ivan’s vassals would be persuaded both by his death and their quick seizure of First Hope, plus a few other… persuasive measures. A coup was less about securing forces more than it was ensuring no opposition arose in the new

Argrave did agree with her assessment and supported her as best as he was able. It was clearly a point of disagreement between the Drawnwaters and Magister—the margravine had no issues killing the innocent. As compromise, prominent people that did not comply—either

crystallized. So, too, did their method of disposing of Ivan. And now… the day and the

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