Jackal Among Snakes

A few dozen people occupied a spacious stone hall. They looked about the place and spoke to each other in hushed tones so as not to send their voices echoing on the unadorned and immaculate walls brightly lit by yellow magic lamps. There were three sections to this room, divided by two separate and gently sloping stairways. These sections had long, thin, continuous tables in rows with chairs just behind them. They all faced a platform that had two chairs beside each other and a podium before them. There was one double door behind the rows of tables and chairs made of simple, heavy black wood. Its surface bore a carving of a sun with its four rays turning into snake heads at the end.

The door opened, splitting the symbol down the middle as it parted for a new arrival. “All take your places for His Majesty Argrave, sovereign of all Vasquer,” declared a red-headed woman with a scarred face dressed in flamboyant fashion.

The small crowds dispersed, some of them casting glances at the woman and muttering her name—Melanie. She walked into the leftward section, taking a seat of her own beside some people dressed similarly to her. The place she’d just left was soon filled with new arrivals.

The first to step into the hall was a giant knight wearing golden armor. His long and thick single braid of black hair came out the back of his helmet, swaying in the air as he scanned the room. Soon, other royal knights joined him, taking their place in various strategic positions around the room. Content it was safe, Prince Orion stepped aside for the second arrival.

A pale woman with long, straight black hair in a simple green dress followed, escorted by a few knights of her own. She walked quickly, heading down the right aisle with certain steps. People watched her, but she paid them no mind. Princess Elenore took her place at the podium on the platform, and her knights joined the others.

Lastly, an extremely tall man wearing simple clothes of black and gold entered. He was of average build even despite his height and had medium-length wavy hair colored like obsidian. His skin was somewhat pale, but his sharp jaw and strong gaze gave an impression of vitality. King Argrave took the left aisle flanked by half a dozen knights.

Beside the king was a woman shorter than he was, though still taller than most of the knights escorting them. She had long, straight white hair descending to her waist, some of it brushing past elven ears. She wore a modest white dress with amber decorating it at points, complimenting her eyes of the same color. Queen Anneliese had a dignified calm to her, though when she saw the many people watching took a step closer to Argrave almost by instinct. The Magisters of the Order of the Gray Owl watched her curiously, and the nickname ‘Stormdancer’ was muttered by a few.

The king and queen made their way to the platform in the back of the room, and then took the two seats set out for them behind the podium. Orion came to stand between the two thrones, diligently watching as he stood prepared to guard the king and queen at any moment. With the royal family so closely gathered, one could tell by their obsidian-like hair and sharp gray eyes that these three were well and truly kin.

“The king is here.” Princess Elenore looked about the room. “Parliament is in session.”

Many adjusted in their spot in nervousness or anticipation. Argrave stared at the back of Elenore’s head while Anneliese’s gaze wandered the room. A golden bird landed on the queen’s shoulder. On the stone arches supporting the ceiling, black foxlike creatures with big ears lounged lazily, golden eyes half-closed.

“There are forty members in attendance on this day.” Elenore finally continued, her eyes wandering until they fell on a tan-skinned man with golden eyes. Durran smiled brightly at her. She continued disaffectedly, saying, “Some are temporary members. Some are standing in for their liege, who may be busy with governance or other duties. Some represent townships and cities. And some represent the interest of magical practitioners. Nevertheless, each and all of you are bound by a duty to represent the interest of all the people of Vasquer and ensure just governance. Do you so swear?”

A vague chorus of, ‘I do,’ echoed throughout the hall. Loudest of all was Magister Artur. He sat in the front row beside his colleagues, unadorned with fine jewelry and hanging mantle as he usually was. He simply sat, eyes dancing with many colors.

“Before we begin, His Majesty would like to say some words.” Elenore stepped away from the podium, placing her hands behind her back.

Argrave rose from his seat and stepped to the throne. He looked throughout the room for a moment. “I will be brief. The purpose of this institution is very simple. It is stability. It is the beating heart of the country. No matter what occurs elsewhere in the body, the heart must keep pumping. It must stand as the representative of the people before the king, letting their voice be heard and their will felt. In the event of dynastic complications or extended misrule, it must keep beating ever onward.

known. Like this, the kingdom governs as it vows to: on behalf of the people. Though you are forty now, that number will expand as this instrument of governance spreads its

gave one final look to the parliament, then stepped away back

loudly, “The first matter for the parliament’s decision is confirmation

the hall.

“The second matter for parliament’s decision is the unprecedented situation that

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what was already coming to be known as Blackgard awaited him, blooming with wildflowers at the beginning of summer. At the distant edges of

place will have to scale from empty plains to megalopolis very, very quickly. If we can’t… tens of thousands will die. And they might anyway, given

massive population influx to be sustainable for at least two years, until the crisis was finished. Accepting so many refugees en masse came with its own slew of administrative problems, most of all the prospect of tensions from uneasy people. Furthermore, it promised to be incredibly difficult to establish a new center of administration for

to keep staring off into space?” Elenore

her. “Maybe I am.” He looked back at the wooden double door behind him. “I think that went well. You directed

complicated. They’re scared. Furthermore, your would-be worshippers of the Relizean army are spreading word of your exploits to anyone who listens—you’re well-liked. On top of that, our parliamentary seats don’t want to exercise too much authority—they’re testing the boundaries of this

be envious of how damned

her eyes.

hoping you’re a little smarter than I thought,”

have made it

“It doesn’t matter. I can handle it. I can handle them,” she turned her head, watching the distant

Dras, get Rowe’s latest revision of my A-rank ascension theory. After all that,

always renew your vows at a later date, brother,” Orion said, bright voice

position to want for more. Imagine how

a deep breath and sighed, knowing full well she was

speak with you,” Elenore said, her voice

he upset you, somehow?” Anneliese asked, in tune with Elenore’s

“I’ll be off. I have to get back to

Argrave left as she

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asked,