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.

Majesty… be careful,” Orion cautioned, but Argrave only

When it came close enough, its great horn call

over them all. Up close, despite its terrifying nature… it had a beauty to it, Argrave couldn’t deny. It looked more like a marble sculpture

it was simply about mustering himself up to the task. Gradually, he swallowed. “I offered the spirits

the whale. It floated there, its great tail barely moving behind it as it

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

from people’s reactions that Chiteng, the distant god, did. He could not see past the whale, but he stepped aside and 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.

it, Argrave looked back at the whale. “…I’m assuming you’re telling me I can

Argrave supposed that so long as he didn’t receive a clear refusal, the answer was

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.

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

it crept towards Argrave. It seemed liable to split the entire island, and Argrave took a step back in fear. Orion grabbed Argrave,

saw was vastly different from the

was asked of him, Argrave exhaled loudly, gathering himself. He tried to

you doing?” the prince

with a calm he did not feel