Jackal Among Snakes

Though Dimocles offered his hand to close the deal, Argrave did not move to take it. They persisted in awkward silence for moments, seconds stretching into minutes.

“Do I have something on my hand?” Dimocles pulled it back, studying it with his blue-green eyes.

“You say you know so much about me,” Argrave spoke past him, staring down Dimocles. “Do you think I’m someone who likes to look good, or be good?”

Dimocles lowered his hand, returning Argrave’s gaze. “I’m thinking you look rather like you want to hit me.”

Argrave ground his teeth. “Your words, not mine. That’s been the case most of this conversation, looking back.”

“Well…” Dimocles’ face went cold, some of its perennial artificial warmth fading. “You should know that you’re not the only one with the Blessing of Supersession. And unlike you, I’ve been at A-rank for quite some time.”

Argrave’s hot blood grew a little colder. “So, the veneer of friendliness goes away?”

“I would just hate for you to make a mistake,” Dimocles answered back. “This isn’t a game that forgives mistakes, Argrave. And when a king errs, it’s his subjects that suffer.” His eyes wandered to Anneliese. “Your queen—she’s going to make some critical observations. Namely, that the emissaries are no longer bound to the shrines as they used to be. And that the Lord can personally manifest in this realm. With those two facts at hand, you should know that the Lord is… emotionally compelled to keep you alive. The same cannot be said for those near you.”

A deep-seated rage almost made Argrave make the mistake Dimocles was warning against. The thought of his closest companions being hunted by the monstrous emissaries made him nauseous. Perhaps that was precisely the point. He’d grown desensitized to personal danger, but regarding others? Perhaps Erlebnis did have a better grasp on Argrave’s psychology than he gave the god credit for.

Anneliese grabbed Argrave’s arm, drawing him from his stupor. He saw her Starsparrow sitting atop the ward he’d conjured, locked outside.

When he looked at her face, he somewhat knew the answer she’d give. Nonetheless, she provided it, saying, “The elven gods are fleeing from… a swarm of Erlebnis’ emissaries. They rain down S-rank spells endlessly. It…” she swallowed her despair, but it had already seeped through. “They seem to be retreating capably, but… and the elven armies…”

He turned his head to Dimocles, who smiled like a customer service representative even now. He asked Anneliese quietly, “Block him out.”

his, dividing Dimocles from

bad is it?”

destroy. They tear up the land with their magic—spells I have never seen, let alone heard of.” She kept a strong face because Dimocles watched,

let despair claim him. He insisted, “Kirel Qircassia has been here far longer than Erlebnis, if indeed he’s breached through in this area.

sewn for them to harvest. Regardless of if their bodies are weak or strong, they have the Blessing of Supersession just as you do. You told me of that boundless strength pooling within you upon its use,

shut tight. Seeing her grounded him, softened him, and made him lapse back into rationality. That was all he needed now—rationality. Anything for an

guarded. That was who Dimocles threatened. “I knew all the way back at the start of this. I knew to stay away from the ancient

the royal summit exposed your insight to the whole world. And we cannot know Erlebnis’ purpose in coming here.” Anneliese shook her head. She almost reached out to comfort him, but their position between all parties made her hesitate. “And I… I should be saying ‘god damn it,’ you fool. I cannot read Dimocles. I cannot help you. If I

different. [Polymorphism], that A-rank ascension… I

A-rank ascension pressured you

into anything. You tried to pressure me out of it, but I

the smallest of smiles

what the gods were capable of as a whole. This Divine Feudalism… I knew I couldn’t let a powerful god get a foothold on Berendar. I just… I thought I had more time.” He let out a deep sigh. “I’m not as smart as I thought I was. But supposing that everything Dimocles said here

even if on the run. I cannot say how long such a thing will last. And more importantly… would you say Kirel Qircassia is inferior to Erlebnis, in terms

“His emissaries are definitely stronger. But one on one? Kirel might be stronger, fully manifested. And he has his Qircassian Coalition. That’s

is true, the deal hinges on Erlebnis’ support. Even if Erlebnis truly does expect nothing from you, he would increase your reliance on him. Kirel Qircassia’s ‘friendship’ hinges on Erlebnis’ presence. The exiled elves—if indeed that was no lie—would be led by Altan, someone with undoubted loyalty to Erlebnis.” She took a breath as her rapid explanation came to an end. “In the end… everything he offers is

things into an orderly chart within his mind. Seconds passed as she let him

what choice I make… you’ll

will die with you, Argrave.” Her eyes, once nervous and unsteady, were immediately steadfast. “I will advise, disagree… but your life

unconditional support offered in this hellish pit he found himself in, Argrave teared up somewhat. It faded as he reminded himself of his responsibility. “Same here, little lady.” He looked to Dimocles.

Dimocles back into the conversation. The man waited

neither Argrave nor Anneliese offered a response. “All you have to do is nothing, Argrave,” Dimocles reminded him. “Take a stroll home. Bask in the changing kingdom, sit on your throne… the lord has done you a huge favor, ridding you of a headache. Though this may hurt to hear, there’s no shame in getting some help from a friend who loves you dearly. Being too proud for charity is a