Jackal Among Snakes

“The Blackgard Union is largely a defensive pact,” Anneliese explained to Hause, sitting on a chair before the goddess. “And it has little to do with our pre-existing relationship. Argrave and I have already committed to helping you, and you have agreed to offer some of your services. Should you join, your protection is further guaranteed by the gods that some of us champion.”

This stone chamber had been hollowed out of the mountains surrounding Blackgard, but in the month since its creation, Hause and her followers had made it a true home. Sonia, even despite the poisonous soil in this valley that needed to be purified by fruits from the elven realms, had managed to make this into a grand pavilion decorated with fountains and waterfalls.

Hause was not presumptuous enough to make this a throne room, but there was no denying it was a sort of audience chamber. She wore her pink robes, and her blonde hair was kept beautifully braided by black stone hairpins. Anneliese rather liked the braid, and thought she might imitate it. Her mind wandered to what Argrave would think if she did it like that. She daydreamed about having it styled like that when Argrave returned, tomorrow, to meet with Sataistador. What would he say? Would he like it?

Elenore glanced at Anneliese when she lost herself in daydreams, then picked up the slack, saying, “As Her Highness says, we wouldn’t ask for you to use your abilities to aid them. It’s simply something to better ensure protection.”

“There are many familiar names in this list,” Hause nodded. “Even still, I would speak to the other members of this union, if that is no insult.”

“Of course, I can…” Elenore trailed off just as Anneliese refocused. Her brows furrowed—Anneliese recognized she was likely talking to someone inside her head, using her blessing from Lira. “…I can definitely put you in… contact with them,” she finished, evidently distracted.

Who is talking to her? Anneliese wondered. When happiness lit up Elenore’s features, she presumed it was Durran.

“What a quaint place,” said a man from behind them, and Anneliese turned around on the chair she sat in. Argrave walked through the hall, admiring the tall hedges and flowers of the garden alongside the beautiful fountains. “Every time I leave this place, something wonderful gets made here.”

Anneliese had been so focused on decorum and dignity, trying to uphold her role as regent in Argrave’s absence. All that was tossed to the wind, and she rose to her feet quickly. Her voice rose in pitch with joy as he said, “Argrave!” She rushed toward him, and he slipped his arms behind her and lifted her up. She squeezed him as tightly as she could manage, both of them laughing with the happiness of a reunion. “I had no idea you would return today!”

“It was sudden for me, too.” Argrave set her down gently, then held both of his hands to her face. “Good lord, you have no idea how good it is to see you again.” He pulled her in and kissed her several times, then pulled away and looked at her. “Look at you in black and gold. You’re stunning. It’s like you were made for this whole regent business.”

“He only told me of his return seconds ago,” Elenore complained, coming to stand beside Anneliese. She looked away in exasperation at their overly affectionate reunion. “Though that annoys me… welcome back, Argrave. You’ve interrupted something.”

“We were inducting Hause into the Union,” Anneliese explained, remembering their duty even in the wake of her excitement. “Or, well… just talking about it, I suppose.” She scanned him seriously. “My word… your affliction, that curse, how did it go?”

“Gone. No complications,” Argrave said brightly, looking at Hause beyond her. He appeared a little anxious the longer he stared at her. “But, uh… give me a second.” He split away and walked past her, and Anneliese watched with her arms crossed in confusion.

“It has been a while. I never got the opportunity to thank you for your generosity. Far be it from me to interrupt your reunion—you two act unlike any king and queen I have seen,” Hause said with a smile as he neared. “It is refreshing.”

“Thank you,” Argrave accepted the compliment graciously. “Not to be abrupt, but… Raven wants to talk to you.”

Hause’s smiling face grew neutral, and she looked around to be sure that none of her people were listening. “To me alone? Or to all of us?”

“Just you,” Argrave clarified. Pity flashed across his face. “You’re the only one he has something to say to.”

Hause nodded slowly. “That’s… disappointing. Still, I will speak to him. Is he waiting somewhere, or…?”

we leave,” Argrave nodded. “I’d like to catch up with my family. I hope you don’t mind cutting this discussion

then held out her

and as they walked out of this calm and serene garden within Hause’s sanctuary, they passed by the Alchemist standing

Argrave said. “That’s what I’ve realized. I can call

Anneliese said

#####

Hause, towering over her. The pleasant sound of rushing water

the Alchemist began, placing both of his large hands before him. “That is imprudent. I’d advise you

all this avoidance… that is

discuss I’ve already solved.” The Alchemist looked to the side. “The device I captured you in… I remade it to contain another.” He tapped his chest. “Me. Whenever Argrave wishes, he can imprison me inside it. So, banish

in surprise. “Then…

their reason should I realize my potential ever again,” the

the caliber of my mistake. I saw you, and in fear, realized my worst nightmares. You were a good man. Perhaps if you had grown this power naturally, developed it on your own, you might’ve mastered it.” She stepped forward to him, reaching out. “But I interfered, and in so doing, broke the natural order. I cannot ever use my divinity to unlock potential again. I cannot afford to be the cause of so many deaths. Even now,

deaths?” The Alchemist shook his head. “You again burden yourself with pointless guilt. What occurred was my fault alone. Your stumble only led to my colossal

should burden you, instead?” Hause

me. My burden rests solely on ensuring that Argrave succeeds in this road he’s set

shook her head. “Only of the

they might ask of you. Now is the time to put that aside,” he

indulged

if you do, you’ll

#####

wondered why they even had mouths when they ate souls through their eyes, but he supposed that without them, these fennec foxes would not be half as adorable as they were currently being. Argrave

ring off the table. “This is after Rook

of it is from Erlebnis’ vault,” confirmed Elenore. “Artur remade your coat, your breastplate, and threw in more bits of plate armor made of dwarven metal. He says it should feel like wearing loose

picked through things. As he did, Artur

monster, Your Majesty.” The Magister hovered over to the table, gesturing toward the boots. “The boots grant you the capability to hover or slow your fall

He could see metal plates within it, keeping it somewhat stiff. And more than that, it had been redecorated decadently. The inside of the coat had been lined with the softest black fur, and the

coat,” said Artur nervously. “I remade it from leather found from some terrifying creature in the underground cities. I’ve had some good men try very hard to cut it. Steel simply won’t,” he explained. “It’s plated with dwarven metal, and given the toughest defensive

clothes…” Argrave said, then looked over at Artur. “Guilty pleasure of mine. I’m glad you didn’t put snakes on it. I much prefer the

the back, “Would you look at that. The king does experience

more potent than their peers. Galamon and Orion would be able to hold their own against creatures

dinner as pleasant as the one I left to, we have to deal with Sataistador and his lakeside date at Dedsworth.” As though sensing his seriousness, Argrave’s Brumesingers jumped down from his

“I mean… wouldn’t