Jackal Among Snakes

In response to the news that Duke Sumner, not Margrave Reinhardt, led the triumphant army of the south to seize Dirracha, Argrave gathered everyone important for the decision-making despite the late hour. All talked idly around the table waiting for the last arrival: Elenore. Beyond Argrave’s inner circle, there were new arrivals: Leopold Dandalan Jr., eldest grandson of the Relizean leader and commander of most of the forces here, all three Magisters of the Order, and lastly… Melanie.

Argrave regarded the scarred red-haired mercenary curiously as she stood beside Durran. The two talked quietly as they waited for Elenore to return. Apparently the mercenary had asked Elenore to work directly under him, and further to earn a seat in Argrave’s parliament. It seemed that she thought Argrave was a good investment for the future. Important positions in leadership, however, could be as much of a detriment as they were a boon. He didn’t care to be exploited.

I’m being paranoid, Argrave thought, looking around at the others at the table. Yesterday I was worried about a cult following, and now I’m worried about insubordination. Things are going well. He rubbed his tired eyes, but the feeling of impending trouble didn’t dissipate. Then what am I worried about? What am I missing?

The door opened and Elenore entered, finally. Argrave straightened and looked to her. His gray eyes met her own, and she walked towards him with decisive steps. He was proud to see her walk every time he did but was disturbed by how urgently she moved. She sandwiched herself between Argrave and Anneliese. For a moment, her eyes lingered on Melanie and Durran chatting. Perhaps she was having similar thoughts as Argrave was.

“Time to talk,” Argrave said loudly, drawing everyone from their conversation. “Gather around,” he waved his hands, drawing everyone inwards. As the people moved to obey, he pointed to Melanie. “We have someone new with us: our royal auditor, Melanie. She’s here in an advisory capacity. She works under me.”

Durran lightly elbowed her as the red-haired mercenary smiled. Some people gave congratulations despite the empty title—Anneliese, Galamon, all those familiar with her. Elenore was notably quiet.

Some, though, were not so interested in this announcement. Vera could not take her eyes off Elenore and inquired, “Will you explain how the princess recovered her eyesight, Your Majesty?”

“That’s not pertinent,” Argrave shook his head. To step past the issue, he brought up something he knew would shut them up. “But I made a promise. I’ll announce it publicly, but you should know now—Hegazar and Vera will be named Duke and Duchess of Dirracha.”

The two could not help but smile. Argrave let them bask in the glow a bit before continuing, “On that front, there’s some landscape-changing news from the south that we all should hear.” He turned his head to Elenore and nodded, signaling her to begin.

Despite the curious gazes from most not privy to her recovery, Elenore crossed her arms and said, “Duke Rovostar tried to strike directly at the leadership of the southern rebellion in an ambush staged in a surrendered fortress. Duke Enrico of Monticci is missing, likely captured. Margrave Reinhardt suffered a blow to the head but has since recovered. During this recovery time, Duke Sumner split off with a force of his own and pursued the ambushers. After routing them, he carries onwards to Dirracha.”

Nikoletta’s father was captured.Argrave thought that didn’t bode well.

“They routed the loyalists?” Leopold Jr. repeated. Rather unlike his grandfather, he was sizable in stature, middle-aged, and had dignified air to him. With heavy plate armor and a stately white beard, he appeared every part the noble lord. He was Leopold’s successor, but Argrave thought the man was nothing like his father. “How sizable is this force to defeat the loyalists so soundly?”

“About five thousand,” Elenore said. “They’re heavy cavalry, mainly: knights. More worrisome is the large contingent of spellcasters travelling with them for the siege. It’s largely landed nobles who had the most discontentment towards the margrave.” Elenore looked towards Argrave. “However…the Magisters in their service have parted from the army and returned to the Tower of the Gray Owl. Castro pulled through, and they’ve been recalled to vote on an urgent matter,” she said with a slight smile.

“Surprised he can pull through that at his age. Any more details?” Argrave pressed.

vote. He’s been an advocate of Argrave’s, and I’m told the assembled

Order of the Gray Owl has many more reclusive owls than it does social birds. Will there be enough for a full vote?” he vaguely gestured towards the three Magisters with

to persuade the Magisters there to return for the vote—Vasilisa among them,” Hegazar explained calmly. “We may have… been distracted by another matter,” his plain eyes settled on Argrave briefly. “The majority of the northern Magisters live in places so secluded they’re impossible to find, anyway.

had some doubts. But now we’ve all of

Order’s full support,” Argrave reminded him. “On

a minute,” Vasilisa held her hand out. “If the vote hasn’t been called, how can you deduce that

will vote in what

fifty-two Magisters?” Hegazar looked to

corrected him. “Did you already forget

perhaps all three of us should go, make sure the vote

was stoic

“Risk management,” Hegazar said.

Magisters on the south’s side have all returned to the Tower,” Vera held her hand up to emphasize the point.

word for the Magisters in the opposing force, yet not

Hegazar began, searching for

argue,” Argrave held up his hands. “Hegazar, Vera, you can return to the tower if you want. If you travel with

leaned in. “Rejoin later? What does Your

“It’s obvious we need to head to Dirracha. Orion controls it. Correspondence indicates he’ll yield it to us upon our arrival. His only condition is preserving Felipe and Levin’s lives.” He clasped his hands together. “Provided we reach Dirracha, occupy it even with a small force… I think we can convince the south to lay down arms, even if its Duke Sumner instead of Margrave Reinhardt at the negotiating

held his hands out. “There’s the matter of

scroll. She grabbed it and splayed it across the table. It displayed a map of Vasquer. “Some few soldiers got away. We tracked them to see what they would do. They’ll spread rumors of what happened here to all the lands they run across, I have no doubt.” Elenore’s finger drew a line. “I suggest we use the fear

stroked his beard, eyes distant as

small force to travel faster—that leaves plenty to wrap things up here,” Anneliese

nodded slowly, but

stated. “I bet the princess will travel with Argrave. Her

made a judgement call. “Galamon, you’ll pick out the soldiers you think should come with us and take command of them. Anneliese, you’ll do the same for the mages,” he looked back at his two companions. They nodded, and so he looked back.