Jackal Among Snakes

Argrave stared up at a gargantuan moving gear that clicked every second. One might think the clocktower of Quadreign would be rather elaborate on the interior, but no—it was one large gear with a much smaller one at its center. The smaller received the directed power of the Flame of the Tenebrous Star. Anneliese watched right alongside him, both showing their curiosity openly. Argrave knew this place by design, but neither of them knew how the flame made the clock count the seconds.

Footsteps echoed into the room, and Argrave turned his head. The top of the clocktower was more a living area than a lookout. There was only one window from which to see all of Quadreign below, and the room itself was occupied with homey wooden furniture—a rocking chair by the window, a small table in the center, and a small library nestled in a corner. It looked a private and informal place. Argrave was very curious why Diana had requested to meet here.

Baroness Diana of Quadreign stepped up the stairway and into the clocktower’s highest point. She paused for a moment, examining their party—Argrave, Galamon, and Anneliese—and then stepped in.

“We meet again, ‘Silvaden,’” she called out. Diana had a rich voice and a fair face. Now that she was tumor-free, she reminded Argrave a little of Elenore in demeanor. Just behind her, the other Quadreigns walked up—Vasilisa and Svetlana.

“You look well,” Argrave said as he walked closer, followed by his companions. “And those aren’t empty words, either. I’m very glad that you’ve made such an astonishing recovery. Vasilisa has told me of how you’ve toiled to keep the people in your territory prosperous despite the tremendous devastation the war wrought to your land,” Argrave looked to the Magister, giving her a nod. “I very much wished to have a longer conversation with you at the time, but… I cannot exactly fault that it was delayed until today.”

Diana’s steps slowed as she neared Argrave, staring up at him with some measure of caution in her face. And she was right to be cautious—Argrave had a battery of psychological tricks in his sleeve he’d learn in negotiating with the patricians. He’d already used one—flattery. Argrave found people loved flattery when they didn’t know that’s what it was.

The baroness held out her hand. “I don’t think it’s so astonishing a recovery given our flame’s nature… but yes, it’s nice to speak with the three of you once more with my wits about me.”

Argrave shook her hand. “I agree. On that note, I have something for you.” Argrave reached into his coat with his free hand and pulled something out—the second of his tricks. “A little gift to celebrate your recovery.”

It was a golden ring with a sun wrought atop it, four snakes as its rays. It was one of the enchanted rings Argrave had made. It was nothing special, but it was a gift. Human nature is that of reciprocity. Thus came the old proverb, ‘there is nothing more expensive than something free.’ By giving a small, inconsequential gift, Argrave had gotten people to agree to much more beneficial deals later in the conversation.

“I made this—an enchanted ring that conjures a B-rank ward,” Argrave described as he held it in his palm. “Perhaps you might consider it in poor taste to bear something with my personal heraldry… but I hope to change the relationship between Quadreign and Vasquer. I won’t deny that my family, and more specifically my father, ravaged this land. What’s been done can’t be changed, but I hope that it can be remedied. I thought this ring might stand as symbol to that. Let my symbol become a shield for you and yours.”

Diana was caught off-balance. Argrave left out key details, making the ring seem a personalized gift when it was really something Argrave had made far prior for another reason.

Hesitating, the baroness held out her hand in rejection. “That is far too expensive. Please, keep it.”

“I insist. Your protection is important,” Argrave held it out further.

Diana pursed her lips, then slowly accepted the ring. “Thank you, Your Majesty.”

the title in favor of acting closer to Diana, as retaining authority was another trick of the mind he’d learned. His title

as Archduchess of the North.” Argrave smiled. “Something I’m sure she told you

the conversation, and butted in, “That’s precisely what I wanted to talk

house of Quadreign has done for this land. I greatly admire your dedication to the people of this land. Food is scarce, the wilderness is dangerous, yet the Queendom of Quadreign

window. “I believe the north has unique needs compared to the rest of the continent. The taxes levied here aren’t quite right. Your villages cannot afford to give their harvest like those of the south.

agree,” Diana managed to get a few words

both if this newly established Archduchy needs only pay something it has less need of—coin,” Argrave suggested.

her brows. “But what of military

Argrave shook his head. “I have need of spellcasters, Diana, and nothing more. I would take all magical forces you can muster, but your men are needed for hunting and tending the herds. I

coin is not that present in the north,” Diana crossed her arms. “It’s here, certainly, but not as integrated as it is in the southern

be incentivized to trade with the south—I believe there are many opportunities. You have beautiful furs that could be luxury products in the south, coupled with gemstones from precious mines in the hills and pearls

turned her head back to her daughter and

turn out that way. And… you will be exempt from all taxes for the five years.” Argrave spread his arms out. “I believe we have a deal. You need only

a very positively predisposed figurehead, and an amply loyal populace. Above all, he did want the north to prosper. What he’d said wasn’t wrong. Someone foolish might think he was losing a lot, but he had come here with three

was desperately

someone

Argrave beamed. “Wonderful.”

#####

negotiations, he relaxed and found himself enjoying the company of the three people in the new Archduchess’ family. Anneliese got along with Diana splendidly. Galamon, though he was still more reticent than

mundane topics came up as well, like simple hobbies. At the end of it all, Argrave and his coterie left before the moon grew too high above. Once they were well and truly gone, Diana plopped in the rocking chair by

flame…” she

questioned,

never stood a chance,”

Vasilisa, slightly

him and those he keeps near him than you can me. I can at least be smart enough to realize… a new order is coming to

#####

walked back to the guest house. “Isn’t