Jackal Among Snakes

Argrave found himself gaining a difficult to shake habit. Whenever he was thinking, his right hand would wander to the black imprisoning gemstone hanging around his neck—the Ravenstone, as the Alchemist had dubbed it, perhaps in genuine jest. And these weeks upon learning of the coalition allied against them made him reach for the necklace nervously many, many times.

They tried to position themselves to handle the worst of the Chu, alerting the Archduchess of the North and the Bloodwoods both. The continent of the Chu Empire was far to the northeast, and so traditional seafaring techniques rendered it difficult to reach. Still, certain gods of seafaring—and Argrave knew there were some in the Qircassian Coalition—had the ability to lessen that difficulty. Additionally, in terms of seamanship, Vasquer was far behind most others. Most vessels off the coasts were trading vessels.

The only true ‘navy’ that existed was Relize’s fleet—largely trading vessels as well, made for the calm waters of the North Sea and locked within that body of water. The true ocean was miles away from the North Sea, and there were no paths connecting the two. The other naval presence, House Monticci… their fleet had been utterly destroyed two years ago, now.

As for their progress in rebuilding that force, Argrave arranged a meeting with an old friend.

Nikoletta of Monticci walked into the parliamentary hall of Blackgard, looking around at the place in some wonder. Argrave stepped up to meet her with Anneliese at his side, the indomitable pair of Orion and Galamon following along as their escorts.

“Cousin,” Argrave greeted in a polite tone. “Good to see you. Has your father recovered from the whole kidnapping business?”

“Your Majesty,” Nikoletta dipped her head. She’d cut her obsidian-color hair short, and seemed to have kept it that way. “Your Highness. Truth be told, I thought I’d never see my father breathing again, even. But no—he can breathe, walk, talk…” she wiped her face, her pink eyes seeming somewhat tired. “If I’m honest, I don’t think I’ll ever inherit the Dukedom. Mind you, I prefer it that way,” she added quickly, lest she be perceived as callous.

“I’m happy to see you’ve accepted an invitation to the parliament,” Argrave said, cutting straight to business. “It’s long overdue for Monticci to be better represented on the council. There’s much to do, but you’re welcome to join myself and the rest of the family for dinners henceforth. We can discuss that later. How’d your task go?”

Nikoletta put one hand on her hip and nodded. “Right. Business first. House Monticci has prepared perhaps ten ships fit for war. I scouted the other houses, took an account of what they had…” she bit her lip nervously. “Any ‘warships’ they have wouldn’t pass our shipyard’s standards. Bluntly put, our naval power is incredibly meagre. This city here, Blackgard, is the second major port on the ocean throughout the whole kingdom,” she waved backward, where the city waited beyond. “Some minor lords have fortifications along fishing towns and such. I’d estimate there’s well over ten thousand trading vessels sailing the sea—not at one time, mind you, but in total. But there’s never been reason to develop an outstanding navy. Veiden conducted the first naval invasion this continent has ever seen—it’s why it was so successful.”

Anneliese narrowed her eyes. “That is somewhat difficult to believe. By all accounts, your people constantly look for every advantage.”

We focused on developing inland combat, and magic.” His cousin sighed and looked at the distant port of Blackgard. “Bluntly put… it would take decades to develop a serious navy. If it’s true that another group of invaders come from overseas, then we

I’ll…” Argrave rubbed at his eyes, thinking hard, before he was taken back to reality. “I’ll have some people take you to your room. Grimalt,” he called out, and his royal guardsmen

away, Argrave lost himself in thought. He’d hoped that he’d be able to ward away the Chu at sea

subject to the same limitations. Their navy was large in number, virtually unparalleled in craftsmanship, and their sailors were some of the most experienced in the world. In the end, Galamon’s suggestion became more and more prudent—they would

Anneliese on the opposite side of a table, their plates recently cleared of a hearty meal. Argrave looked outside of their private room, watching the bustling

a strong navy, the Chu will find a landing point,” Argrave told Anneliese quietly. “Their ships are more numerous, faster—without seafaring patrols, they’ll find a spot to land, build fortifications, and then all manner of things will make Berendar their home—gods of the Qircassian Coalition, even. I think we can beat them.” He rubbed his hands together. “But I’d prefer not

our allies, and I think things will remain that way, but they seek

last thing I wanted,” Argrave sighed. “But

on him in the present, and perhaps dissuade him in the

don’t think he might turn his claws

well in forming a solid relationship with them. Hirnala, my friend, has built up a thriving trade network with the help of her husband Leopold. That trade has brought greater prosperity to Veiden—prosperity that Dras

in his chair. “Good lord. Did you plan

“Well… I did not anticipate it would go quite as well as it did. But yes, I hoped to tie Veiden and

years old, and still a horny bastard, Leopold… creeps me out. Still, should send them flowers or something,” Argrave marveled at Anneliese once again. “I forget

Argrave turned his head the Alchemist stood there in silken robes of his hair. As he jumped slightly, the twenty-foot-monster declared, “You must

a weapon of divinity and holding it at the ready. Argrave held up his hand and stood, saying loudly, “Stop it, Orion. Just an inconsiderate, emotionally dead guest, not an assassin.” He

extend her blessing of connection to me,” the Alchemist said, watching Orion as he put away the blade

of the door, shutting it. He’d broken the doorknob, so it hung loosely, and