Jackal Among Snakes

“You’re a rather difficult man to hold something over.” Argrave sat cross-legged before Ji Meng, Anneliese in a similar position just beside him.

“You can certainly hold your victory over my head.”

Ji Meng drank his tea with crushed Ebonice fragments inside of it. He’d been forced to ingest that for a long while. Even once he stopped, it would take a little while before his magic would begin to return. If they kept going, perhaps it might become a permanent thing. Perhaps he’d earn an Ebonice kidney stone. As it stood, all it was doing was preventing his recovery. If they embedded a shard of the stuff in his flesh as they did with Georgina, it would be ineffective—he could cast spells at A rank or higher without trouble. By ingesting, it dissipated any magic he’d gather ambiently.

“You have children—hundreds. I don’t think you especially value any of them, so it would be impossible to guarantee your cooperation that way.” Argrave tapped his fingers against his knee.

“I disagree. I love my family… but regardless, cooperation regarding what?” Ji Meng acted ignorant. He hadn’t been told the full plan outright, but he had been told enough to know what Argrave intended.

“Claiming your throne, and then ruling on your behalf, for a relatively peaceful conquest.”

“I see. That.” Ji Meng ran his fingers along his wispy beard. “I do love my children, despite your claims. Honestly,” he insisted. “But… if you decided to put one of them on the throne, none of the Great Chu would respect them. Some of them take after me—they’re intelligent, resourceful. But reputation is far more important than intelligence for you, as you need to use your puppet emperor to pacify the nation. Intelligence might harm your schemes more than anything.” Ji Meng sipped once more.

“I’m glad you understand. The simple fact is, I can’t gain any substantial ground in the Great Chu without your assistance. You can’t return to the Great Chu without mine.”

Ji Meng set his drink down and stared at Argrave. “So it seems.”

Neither party said anything, thinking and observing without any commitment. Argrave had been through a hellish journey to come here. There were more than a few times he thought he wouldn’t make it. Ji Meng’s journey was no less harsh, and he was Argrave’s senior by a large amount. Argrave had the upper hand currently, but even the smallest of misplays, and the war against the Qircassian Coalition could become one of the bloodiest imaginable.

“Do you have any suggestions?” Anneliese asked boldly.

Ji Meng looked surprised by the question. If it was not a ‘no,’ his answer would reveal a lot. He smiled and said, “Would it be too much to ask for trust?”

Both Argrave and Anneliese nodded.

“Very well. This tea, then.” Ji Meng pushed the cup. “It wouldn’t be especially conspicuous if I kept drinking it. Let that be a show of my surrender.”

Argrave nodded. “That’s certainly a start.”

Ji Meng ran his fingers along the rim of the cup. “My men, my spellcasters… keep them here, in Berendar, in your prisons.”

“It would harm your legitimacy too much if your men did not return with you,” Anneliese shook her head. “We will keep the spellcasters. But your honor guard—those still alive, at the least—will accompany you.”

“Without divine armaments,” Argrave added. “Instead, we’ll give them blades of Vasquer.”

“And how many men would that be?” Ji Meng asked, keeping his tone neutral.

“About thirty survived. Twenty-five aren’t…” Argrave trailed off, hesitant to use the word disabled. “Twenty-five are combat ready.”

than halved,” Ji Meng lamented, spinning his cup. “How

administration… after all, you’ve learned about the dangerous threat of the Qircassian Coalition and have enlisted my aid to

a name in my homeland, and I think it will suit you well.” He grabbed his cup and

He was truly a fantastic leader. That made him all the more dangerous under

each other.” Argrave rose to his feet.

be somewhat overwhelming for someone when they’re first introduced. It was certainly the largest learning curve for me when I became emperor. I can help you out, Grand Commandant Sun.

not forget that’s what happened to you.” He pointed down at him. “You were buried by your own court. I’m the one digging you out, now. You can live a long time, happy and well-fed, if you show the proper appreciation. I promise you that much,

Meng smiled, watching as Argrave

#####

They had already returned to Blackgard, where their next task awaited. Their travels would take them back northward sooner rather than later,

will have our hands full,” Anneliese

Argrave mused. “The man’s fully grown, and set in his ways. That, at least, means we know what to expect. We just have to watch him as carefully as if he is a child.

Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen

and walked in step with Argrave, but after a long moment of quiet contemplation she turned her head. “Do

turn. “They call those changes midlife

serious,” Anneliese said, sternly

a poorly-sewn scarf. It looked like a child had made it—and given the appearance of the old woman, that seemed likely. But she was no old woman. She was Lira, goddess

back. “Your

Argrave nodded. “I’m very happy you’re

reasons, I might still come. All I’ve heard says that you two are kind souls.

we should get to the

concession. “Aye, I suppose that’s the best way to go about

her last word, but fortunately for everyone Anneliese spoke first. “Has Elenore mentioned what we intend

proposal soon to go to the other gods, but not much more beyond that,” Lira said, looking

Argrave nodded. “The fact is, your power will be

her blessings that she doesn’t even use. She has

mind for other purposes. It would necessitate a great deal of my mental power to sustain that doorway if Argrave and all his companions so brazenly walk through it. But… that power is precisely why

Lira

to war against the Qircassian Coalition. Having a way

the kindness of the people I’ve met throughout my life to keep me alive,” Lira said sternly. “And you intend to use my power to wage

to stand beside her. “We wouldn’t be asking this of you if we didn’t believe it wholly necessary. The Qircassian Coalition is working with Erlebnis to

saw those ships, saw that god you brought before us. You’re not the aggressors in this war, but that can change as quickly as the tides.” The old woman kneaded her wrinkled hands. “Tell

a doorway between a great ship called the

could Raccomen. What do you intend

incredibly difficult to break the coast of southern Great Chu. Once we do,

thirsty for gain, but I am not. I hunger for harmony. I hope we can set aside all of our ambition