Jackal Among Snakes

Elenore stepped into the grand chamber housing Vasquer, ancient ancestor of all the royal family of House Vasquer. The now freed serpent appeared emotionless, but it curved its huge body slowly around, snout facing Elenore. It was like some sort of embrace, and Elenore held her hands out even as her royal guard seemed nervous from the prospect. A small white bird settled on her shoulder, and though it turned its head from side to side it did not flee.

As soon as she touched the large snake, jubilation filled her head—not her own, but the golden snake’s. It was like a mother’s pleasure at seeing a child thrive, and it was particularly directed towards her full recovery. Elenore briefly lost herself in that pure feeling, reliving her own enthusiasm for her sight, but she had other purposes that more urgently demanded attention.

Elenore sent forth a memory to Vasquer. She could not remember the background, and so the people involved strode atop formless fog as they spoke.

We faced a pitched situation once before in the distant past, Anneliese mused. We were at a huge disadvantage, but I used my Starsparrow to quickly relay directions. Effective management of a large force and intelligence on the entire battlefield has unimaginable benefits. Since Argrave needs me on the frontlines, I cannot do the same here, nor would it be practical now… but you can do something better, the elven woman pointed to Elenore in this memory-scape.

Anneliese is on to something. It’ll be like playing a top-down strategy game, Argrave said. You and Vasquer will link up. You’ll use her enhanced perception to view the battlefield, and then you’ll relay orders to Sumner’s druidic bond, whereupon he will act accordingly. He’ll be able to position his troops to adapt to whatever the Shadowlander does. Like this, we shepherd it into the kill zone, barrage it with the deadliest assault we can muster.

Duke Sumner’s face twisted. That’s… unconventional, he said, though whether it was a compliment or a criticism was not certain. Couldn’t I achieve the same thing by simply watching from above with my druidic bond?

You’re limited even still, Argrave held his hand out. But with Vasquer aiding Elenore… the insides of the palace, any secluded streets, all the walls of the city… she can keep an eye on them all concurrently. If someone like Traugott is behind this, she can keep watch. She can be our ground control.

Duke Sumner slowly nodded. Where would this kill zone be?

It’d have to be in the city, Argrave stroked his chin. The palace won’t ever offer a clear shot for many people. And considering the strength of this abomination, we’ll need a shot for many people.

I saw a place when I scouted, Anneliese volunteered. Though… it is densely populated: a large garden square in the city, surrounded by tall buildings.

deep breath. I think I know

Or at

stared at Anneliese. Not to mention the other problems we might encounter in the city. Everyone will

between their minds was silent, and the princess feared the response would be negative. A dim flame of caution came—Vasquer informed Elenore that the burden on her mind, though survivable, would not be without consequence. Orion had used it but seldomly, and yet his headache had been unbearable for days to come. And this was Orion. The prolonged contact of such

learning that. Then, as she recalled all she already lost and regained, that hesitance vanished to the wind. And so… after some coaxing, to ease her into the process… Vasquer granted her perception unto Elenore fully. The new sensation was so intense that she lost her footing immediately, yet Vasquer’s

numb. She felt all the vibrations on the earth—not just things walking,

emanating outwards from the Shadowlander. Just like wind or sound, these left echoes that could

time, in fact—but she eventually remembered how to work her mouth. But

is twofold: relocation of Dirracha’s citizens and positioning of your troops.” As she took note of the palace atop the mountain,

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mechanical oversights to defeat a foe or overcome a challenge with relative ease. One could lure or cajole enemies into spots where they couldn’t move

right circumstances. Argrave rather liked that fact. It meant that he, average as he was, could still overcome the monstrously smart people

time it separated in its attempt to find the easier prey in the city, he chased it down. The Shadowlander outclassed him without a doubt—it left wound after wound on his body yet bore few itself. But just as a man could not ignore a feral cat entirely, so too could it not ignore him. And unlike a feral cat, Orion actually had nine lives… or something roughly equivalent,

even as they desperately struggled to get in proper position for their plan. It didn’t matter if the Shadowlander was strong enough to rend stone—against their mist warriors, each swing would do precisely nothing until their reserves of magic were worn down.

He peeked his head through the hallway, but the battle

and her thumb to her lips and blew, and a shrill, deafening whistle echoed out across the halls. It was returned in short order—once, then twice, each one in different locations. Their only physical advantage here was that the Shadowlander could not hear nor

a point where a large window overlooked the city, largely glass. He examined the area, then

of his true

Like birds chirping to birds, the signal

mouth and shouted, “Orion! It’s Argrave! If you can hear me, don’t bother responding. Up ahead there’s an intersection! I want you to step back for a beat for our attack, then resume! Don’t worry about letting it