Jackal Among Snakes

Argrave heard a loud, deep rumbling noise echoing across the land, almost like a foghorn. He could feel it through his whole body. It shook the metaphorical cage around his head, and it was only after a few seconds that he remembered to open his eyes.

As far as the eye could see, a great red ocean twisted and cast waves upon the shore just as the real ocean might have. The sight brought back memories, and he urgently turned his head about as he remembered what he’d been doing. Orion, Ganbaatar, Vasilisa, and Nikoletta had all come with him. They looked around in panic. They were on an island of some kind—a tropical island, perhaps, though the trees had bark that looked like flesh and the flat, wide leaves were red and veiny. He might’ve called this a hellscape, yet the bright blue skies gave life to the grim place it sorely needed.

“Take it easy. Don’t do anything stupid,” Argrave told them at once. “We’re in the land of the elven gods, now. Most specifically, in Chiteng’s section of it.”

The deep horn split the air once again, shaking the very earth they stood on. It seemed louder this time. Everyone turned their head towards it source. And when they saw it…

“My…” Nikoletta trailed off, stepping away in fear.

Ganbaatar knelt down in the sand, lowering his head in deference that seemed strangely bitter and shocked. Orion walked to the shore, staring ahead in protective defiance of Argrave. Vasilisa took her place by Argrave’s side. And as for him… he simply beheld Chiteng.

Deep in the heart of the ocean of blood, a blocky throne stood strong, rising from the deep. It was made of rich, radiant ivory, and tall as a mountain besides. It had to be tall to accommodate the giant elven figure resting upon it. Like all of the wood elves, he had blonde hair and red eyes. Garbed in only a crimson robe, Chiteng slouched on his throne decadently… or decrepitly. His limp arms seemed to be the only thing stopping him from sliding further down, and his feet were hit by high waves all too often. Still, his eyes… they saw. He was alive, without question. And unlike Sarikiz, he was awake, too.

A whale swam away from the throne, every so often rearing above the surface and letting out that haunting call that sounded all too similar to a foghorn. It seemed made of the same ivory as that throne, yet still it swam without issue, coming closer and closer and sounding louder and louder. As Argrave saw the size of it, he wondered if it was the cause of every wave in that vast ocean.

“Towards thee I roll, thou all-destroying but unconquering whale…” Argrave said as awe and fear both seized his heart. He stepped ahead as its horn call dominated all thought, standing at the shore with Orion.

careful,” Orion cautioned, but Argrave only

that Chiteng’s whale was far larger than the island they stood on. When it came close enough, its great horn call stopped, and its ceaseless

beauty to it, Argrave couldn’t deny. It looked more like a marble sculpture than a

what had to be done, it was simply about mustering himself up to the task. Gradually, he swallowed. “I offered the spirits from the ancient god Fellhorn as a gift. My hope is that it aids you in the years

floated there, its

of the elven gods, the forces permeating here rejuvenate the body, making death a difficult prospect. I hope that I can enjoy the benefits of this realm

craned his neck just as the giant elf slammed his fist upon his throne. The ocean began to rumble, and a door rose up, settling along the shore. Argrave stared at the door. It looked like the same ivory as the throne—given Chiteng’s sphere of influence, it

whale. “…I’m assuming you’re telling me I can leave when I

that so long as he didn’t receive a clear refusal, the

the other matter. I ask that you forgive my hubris, but I must make a suggestion to you and the other gods of this realm,” Argrave said delicately, leaving pause for a blunt refusal. When none came, Argrave continued. “My subordinates travel to the other ancient altars, rousing each of your family in kind. My hope… my hope is that you will accept my direction in the conquest of another god already laying waste to your worshippers’ homeland, and further unite my

deep, guttural laugh echoed throughout the land, louder than even the whale’s horn call. Chiteng laughed, he realized. The god sounded amused, like a child had said something funny because of its ignorance. Argrave kept his head bowed and lowered, hoping that amusement did not spell

Yet then… the whale pushed against the shore, moving aside the sand with its broad head as it crept towards Argrave. It seemed liable to split the entire island, and Argrave took a step back in fear. Orion grabbed Argrave, prepared for anything. Yet the whale settled before them,

god he saw was vastly different from the one he’d seen moments ago. He was still slouched, yet his hand had moved

Argrave exhaled loudly, gathering himself.

you doing?” the prince asked

he did not feel inside. “We’re