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.

a deep breath. I think I know

Anneliese suggested. Or at the very least,

the other problems we might encounter in the city. Everyone will need

the response would be negative. A dim flame of caution came—Vasquer informed Elenore that the burden on her mind, though

to the wind. And so… after some coaxing, to ease her into the process… Vasquer granted her perception unto Elenore fully. The

the earth—not just things walking, but the wind against buildings, the water against the ground, or the sounds against the earth. All of this worked in tandem to give

mystical perception. Elenore saw the previously unknown forces of the world—people’s souls, the magic in the air, or the foul rupture emanating outwards from the Shadowlander. Just like wind or sound, these left echoes that could be perceived. If the vibrations against

to relay. It took time—a long time, in fact—but she eventually remembered how to work her mouth. But then she remembered speaking required breath. If breathing

she could perceive herself curled up in Vasquer’s embrace, she shuddered. “I’m… prepared, Sumner. Our task is twofold: relocation of Dirracha’s citizens and positioning of your troops.” As she took note of the palace atop the mountain, she added grimly, “And we should hurry. Argrave has

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defeat a foe or overcome a challenge with relative ease. One could lure or cajole enemies into spots where they couldn’t move and then pepper them with projectiles, for instance. If these video-game enemies had non-artificial intelligence,

overcome the monstrously smart people that abounded in Heroes of Berendar if he orchestrated things properly. Furthermore, he might just stand a chance against the monstrously smart monsters.

city—namely, the Royal Road, the place they’d entered from. Every 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

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. Their months of consuming souls might be expended in this

peeked his head through the hallway, but the battle was difficult to perceive through the absolute darkness warping around the creature. It was like trying to stare through

forefinger 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

shortly returned. Argrave found a point where a large window overlooked the city, largely glass. He

a betrayal of his true thoughts. “Don’t

once, twice, then thrice. Like birds chirping to birds,

the group, listening for the slowly approaching battle. He cupped his hands to his 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