Jackal Among Snakes

At the senate meeting, Dario had unilaterally surrendered all knowledge of Dwarven metalworking to the senate. Afterward, he faded into the background. If he was as unsympathetic before an audience as he claimed, that was the best move he could've made. All it did was remove Argrave’s leverage from the table. It also greatly facilitated his next move—a quiet departure while Argrave remained trapped in dialogue with the rest of the senate.

By the time Argrave learned that Dario had departed Mundi, the mysterious artificer was long gone. With the magma moat taking minutes to open and close and his business with the senate unfinished, he abandoned any notion of pursuit at once. The most he did was send word to Elenore, but given the man’s talent at stealth he expected nothing to come of it.

Back at the senate, Therapont had managed to squash the notion of abandoning the alliance before it could gain momentum. Still, long days of negotiation awaited. Argrave requested he return to his kingdom to gather counsel, and was granted permission to bring more people on the condition Melanie remain behind. He agreed.

They returned to Therapont’s residence, where Argrave prepared to depart.

"I appreciate your help, Melanie," Argrave told her earnestly. He wasn't quite comfortable leaving her here, but it was necessary. Tasks awaited him on the surface. “You’ve been every bit as helpful as I thought you’d be.”

She scratched her nose, perhaps to hide some embarrassment at his praise. "You know me. Just a little helper. You can send my payment to Nodremaid. My people will be ready for a few chests of gold."

"While I'm at it, I'll send hazard pay. After all, I need you to do two things. Schmooze with the senators, and investigate everywhere Dario's been. Just don't get caught breaking laws. I think anyone could recognize you."

"Don't get caught?" Melanie repeated.

Argrave smiled. "I'm leaving another friend with you. He might help on that front."

Leaving the Alchemist and Melanie behind, Argrave departed Mundi. His head brewed half a thousand ideas about how he could sway the people of this foreign country beneath the world. Through the senate, through his people, he would endeavor to make sure they cooperated to reach Sandelabara. Because it seemed his monstrous companion once called Raven would accept no other outcome.

The moment he was freed of the confines of dwarven metal, Argrave cast [Worldstrider] to return to Blackgard. Anneliese was absent, so he sought out Elenore first. He opened her door to find her working dutifully in her office. Durran stood behind her, evidently distracting his wife judging from the exasperated joy on her face.

“Argrave.” She rose, her face returning to business at once. “You really should send word before you return.”

“You knew I was coming,” he said dismissively. “And besides, where’s the fun in that?”

be quite alike, sometimes. No matter.” She gathered her thoughts. “I sent more people to the ruins where the Iron Giants were located. I’ve no doubt Melanie was competent in her disassembly, but perhaps there’s something she might’ve missed. Your

seems, have been designated to speak to the mountain men beneath the ground.” Durran walked up

time. We might raid another god’s vault—I’ll need you

come with and meet my contacts in the Burnt Desert? Rather—beneath the

I think I’d be the third wheel. Besides, I think you’re chasing ghosts,” Argrave told him bluntly, then looked at Elenore and added, “Meaning no disrespect to

ghosts in my days to learn they’re not to be left neglected. One might

blessing to us all, Elenore. I won’t keep you from your work.” Argrave

some sort of ceremony up to explain why the Veidimen are joining

#####

on the man they were looking for. He didn’t expect much from this lead, but he told all in case Elenore was right to be so thorough—it had been known to happen. Thereafter, Anneliese and Dras returned. Argrave gave an affectionate greeting to Anneliese, and a cordial one

north, my men might well consider

his own empty plate, then rested his arms on

chair. “Ah, I was waiting for that question. I was surprised my favorite daughter didn’t ask it, frankly.”

idea about who would fit the role. I simply cannot guess

“The ones I’m sending to your parliament are loyal chiefs with small tribes beneath them. They’ll be bringing their whole families—I trust this is no

people

told

she might signal this was some sort of joke, but no such sign came. Dras was deadly serious. Argrave looked back and asked,

dragon, Crystal Wind, will

deliberating her

“Nepotism,” Dras declared grandly.

very long,” Anneliese continued. “I cannot guarantee I will

will be around for some time.” Dras waved his hand away. “I appreciate that you are not greedy, but this is not your decision. It’s mine. If a father cannot dote