Jackal Among Snakes

Argrave judged Traugott with cold, calculating eyes, the two of them standing atop opposite roofs with the city square between them. Though they’d not had time sufficient to interrogate Orion as to the source of the humanoid monster lying dead between them, no one else could reasonably be responsible for bringing the Shadowlander to this city. That he helped put an end to it after it’d killed hundreds of Sumner’s men and devastated both the city and the palace only stoked his rage.

But he’s got no magic left, and all my men are around him. I don’t know what effect Ebonice will have on his little shadow, but… Argrave’s eyes jumped around, searching for a way to neutralize this man. He didn’t trust him. When the Magister reached into his pocket and pulled something out, Argrave watched cautiously even as people below cheered for their victory over the Shadowlander.

Traugott folded a piece of paper into a plane, then gingerly cast it forward. It glided perfectly towards them. Argrave was skeptical to the point where he considered conjuring a ward to block it, but Anneliese grabbed his arm.

“It’s harmless,” she assured him quietly, then caught it out of the air.

In that second of distraction, Traugott vanished. Even as Anneliese unfolded the paper, Argrave jerked his head about in paranoia. “This guy…” he muttered beneath his breath.

“Your Majesty!” a voice called out, and Argrave looked down to lock eyes with Sumner. “Elenore has told me about some rats trying to escape from the palace. With your leave, I would catch them,” he promised.

“Rats?” Argrave repeated, kneeling down. “Those loyalists, I imagine. Did she mention anything else? Have they succeeded in their activity?”

“She mentioned nothing of it,” Sumner shook his head.

“Alright. Time is of the essence. Hurry,” he nodded, then rose to look to Anneliese. “What’s on it?” he questioned her, looking at the paper fearfully.

“It is…” Anneliese trailed off, confusion causing her to err. “He wrote an apology.”

Argrave frowned at once. “You’re serious?”

Anneliese handed it to him in way of explaining it, and he took it after hesitating a beat. As her eyes scanned the city, she said, “We have much to do. I saw Galamon on the way down. He might need assistance. And Elenore…”

further hoped that he and Argrave could talk about the information he wrote on the booklet he’d given to Castro someday. If they talked, all would

he read, Argrave crumpled the paper in his tight

or reason behind his actions. What exactly did Traugott want? How much was he responsible for? And squirming in the back of his head, Argrave considered that all of this might be his fault. He had exposed Traugott to things he had no business knowing,

and there is much to do,” Anneliese

settled down here… I don’t know. I’ll put out a bounty, spread word, enlist Castro’s aid…” Argrave turned his head, where he witnessed a soldier kneeling before a body cleaved in twain by the Shadowlander. “The last thing we need is someone who

#####

ancient snake Vasquer. It

latter was more dangerous as the debris dislodged other rocks, provoking chain reactions that took dozens of lives in minor landslides. Some buildings were entirely buried. One detached tower had fallen away entirely, collapsing a large bazaar. People picked through its wreckage for one

managed to catch Georgina or Rovostar. Not that she blamed them—dealing with the Shadowlander was the pertinent matter, and she would sooner focus all efforts to that front for an assured victory than restrain two decidedly less dangerous people while endangering the other front. And besides… the loyalist incursion had

Durran’s, but he had given his to her after he returned from his expedition to break the stalemate in Atrus. She thought that

Easily seven feet tall, broad frame, emaciated, missing hands… it was Felipe, no doubt. His long gray hair drifted

head danced wildly, and she held her hand to the wall to ensure she didn’t pass out then and there. She had seen it all from her connection with Vasquer, yet

had fallen. Tall, pale, and somewhat emaciated… he had landed face-down. And unlike Felipe, he breathed. She

there?”

escort, then back to Levin. He remained still. Puzzled and

is there,” he concluded. His voice was weak,

funny thing you did, Levin,” Elenore said, embarrassed as her voice shook despite her mocking. “You looked like a flying squirrel with a vengeance. It

woman?” Levin asked, still remaining

her foot atop his fingers, trying to

is he dead?” Levin

her full weight on her foot, but Levin did not even stir. Slowly, she

satisfaction, then took a