Jackal Among Snakes

Though Argrave had been captivated by the discovery of [Blood Infusion], the Alchemist’s suggestion of robbing Erlebnis of knowledge drew his attention unlike anything else before.

Argrave and Anneliese walked into the Alchemist’s temporary abode constructed by his Pawns, where the giant waited for them with stacks of books laid out without much reason. He seemed to take issue with this, for he scooped up the books with many hands conjured from his body and placed them inside the wall. Argrave was baffled at what, exactly, this place was constructed of. Was this obsidian, or something more?

“Was that idea of yours more than just that?” Argrave decided to ask bluntly.

The Alchemist did not look back as he said, “Mortals have stolen from gods before.”

“Those tales generally end in smiting the mortal in question,” Argrave rebutted, recalling well the stories of gods and their wrath.

Whether in his world or in Heroes of Berendar, some poor sap would steal the Super Sandals, the Awesome Armor, or the Magic Mantle. Afterward, the thief would suffer a curse ten thousand times worse than whatever meager benefit the items actually offered. It was a bad deal.

“These tales spread only because people don’t like to think they are responsible for their mediocrity.” The Alchemist turned around. “But we can steal from Erlebnis. And whatever knowledge he holds will undoubtedly be of more use than this upstart, Mozzahr.”

“How do you know we can steal from a god?” Argrave gestured toward him.

“Personal experience,” the Alchemist said coldly.

Silence followed after that declaration. As Argrave exchanged glances with Anneliese, the Alchemist extended his hand to the ground. He clenched his fingers as if molding clay, and then a table rose up to occupy the once-empty room.

rather than one of hubris lies in the forces behind it.” The Alchemist waved his hand across

was an all-too-familiar statue: it depicted a malformed lump of meat vaguely resembling a head with a mouth possessing far too many teeth. It had two eyes but they were not in alignment, as though its face was melting and drooping

the animosity of the Qircassian Coalition by what you did

“Divine politics,” Anneliese repeated.

table to form a circle. “Gods might seem incomprehensible. They have unknowable urges—Erlebnis’ thirst for knowledge, Fellhorn’s desire for control of all water, Kirel Qircassia’s bid to flatten the earth to make way for his legions—but they are not so far removed from human struggles.” The Alchemist raised his huge hand up, raising one finger. “Least of all, now, when they are

of Vasquer.” Argrave stepped to the table and

decision. You would be best served abandoning that idea,” the Alchemist’s voice retaliated sharply, cracking like a whip. “This is not about your kingdom. This involves the world itself. Abandon your insistence on

was naturally obstinate and resisted advice that challenged his preconceived values, he had no issue letting go of this idea. ‘No gods, no masters’ was a good slogan, but the

The snow elf looked about cautiously, and then came

like those elven gods. Some are so far removed from mortality that communication is impossible. Their servants might fulfill that

might champion gods. This man is watched by Veid,” the Alchemist pointed Galamon out, sliding a king piece closer. When it neared, it morphed into an elaborate idol depicting a woman clothed in fur—Veid herself. “I doubt she could be called upon

examined the crafted statue

masters, scholars, and seers… they watch you like wolves, waiting for opportunity. If the forces of the world permitted it, they would stalk you every second, propositioning you. But they are bound to their shrines, and this is a relatively godless continent. There are little more than local spirits scattered throughout your kingdom, and I have

a little aggrieved when it was phrased like that, but he didn’t have much rebuttal. It was true—he did

set the king piece he held down, twisting it. “Shouldn’t I be…

think that makes you a pariah? Moronic. People outside the faction fear the Qircassian Coalition, meaning cooperation is near as likely an outcome as ostracization. And the key point of your conflict is this: you dealt Kirel a grievous blow. Another god fragmented his realm.” The Alchemist reached out, rearranging pieces. He waved to them all. “You have proven your mettle. This is a

with divinity almost as an inevitability, but he didn’t think the time would come so soon. He looked to Anneliese, seeking her counsel, but she seemed to be in agreement with the Alchemist on first glance. Galamon was simply awed and touched

then Argrave looked back. “And what about you? Why aren’t

was a good indicator he was somewhat angry, Argrave suspected. Then, he

not for me?” Argrave held his hand out.