Jackal Among Snakes

Many divine realms or places like the Shadowlands had specific rules to them. The realm that was host to the elven gods of the Bloodwoods ensured that all inside its boundaries had bounteous life springing from within them that would heal all of their wounds. Almazora’s realm gave all within it magic without limit. There were exceptions like Erlebnis’ realm, but most did have such quirks. Law’s Court was not one of the exceptions. As a matter of fact, it was one of the most noted examples.

“How would Law’s Court change the perspective of the gods?” Anneliese’s curiosity interrupted Argrave’s deep thoughts as he weighed the pros and cons.

Argrave walked to the window of Elenore’s office, watching the busy docks of Blackgard. “You saw me place the Domain of Order over the whole of this city. It ensures a level of cooperation and peace that few other cities can compare to. To be frank, it’s the only reason why we’ve been able to welcome refugees of such disparate cultures without massive unrest. It creates a uniform, unbiased authority. And best yet, the Domain of Order is only as strong as the people want it to be. If they hated the laws I’ve imposed, it would shatter. But they don’t, so it’s as strong as it’s ever been.” He looked back to Elenore and Anneliese. “What does that tell you about Law?”

“It’s a rather neutral power. I believe you’ve stated as much in the past.” Anneliese leaned against Elenore’s desk and crossed her arms.

“And that’s somewhat how his divine realm is used. In Law’s Court, different parties can enter into an agreement. While is his court, they will be bound by this agreement absolutely, compelled by his power to hold up their end of the arrangement. Whether god or mortal—even if it’s Law himself—they must obey.” Argrave turned around and stared intently to stress the importance of this fact.

He walked around the room as he continued to explain. “It’s the ideal place for many, many disputes to resolve themselves. Most often, it’s used for trials in massive organizations. If you promise to be fair, Law will compel you to be fair; if you promise not to deceive, the same. If you say that you won’t leave until a matter is settled, you will be bound to that plane until you fulfill that vow or cease to be.”

Elenore sighed and planted her arm on the desk. “A nightmarish place for someone like you, Argrave.”

He laughed through his nose. “No kidding.”

“How do you compel fairness? That’s rather subjective,” Anneliese said, contemplating.

“There are third parties one can rely on—and if none are suitable, Law’s Court provides. Do you remember those knights we saw descend on the northern beaches? White-gold armor, rather featureless and resplendent?”

Elenore hadn’t seen them, but Anneliese remembered and at once said, “The Justiciars.”

“They fit their title, yes. Three or more Justiciars could preside over a trial, depending on how many parties are putting forth opposing ideas—one for each perspective represented, and one to remain neutral and observe facts impartially.” Argrave gathered his thoughts as he ran his hand across his face, then continued, “I’ll admit, they’re well-suited for handling these things. They have millennia of experience. To that end, most rely upon Law’s Justiciars. It’s much easier than getting someone intimately acquainted with the situation and trusted by all parties.”

“It does present some dangers,” Anneliese agreed, amber eyes rolling about as she thought hard. “Like Elenore said… a nightmare for you, Argrave. They could compel you to be honest. Even I have some trouble doing that.”

Elenore nodded and stared up at Anneliese. “He couldn’t even omit facts. Poor thing. Imagine how the stress would get to him…”

of amusement. “But you’re not wrong. If we leak Sandelabara, or worse yet, Sophia, all of our efforts to do this subtly will turn to dust. That’s why I’m wondering if

the rules of engagement,

“Yeah. But the thing I’m worried

set rules that are too stringent, we risk giving something away, or worse yet, inspiring further distrust,” Anneliese interrupted as she grasped

hard, then looked at Argrave. “Could we win without the

We bring those from the Blackgard Union I know would be willing, and we just might win—assuming Sataistador and Emperor Ji Meng are kept firmly in line, which promises to be a lot to ask. But that’s the thing—from the beginning,

to become the leaders of the bold new world that lacks the Qircassian Coalition and Erlebnis…” Elenore scratched at her forehead. “Well, things

raised his brows in surprise. “You really think it’s worth

question. It would severely damage relations, but I think that it’s something we can mend given time. The worst they can call us is an

not meant to

why we act as we do, but I cannot

looked at her. “Good point. Almost like you’re an empath or

we go?” Elenore

but I’m leaning toward it. I think they will,

Anneliese asked. “For something like this… smaller may be better. Fewer people means fewer

always seems to do something that works out in our favor, and she’s proven able to tell gods to eat dirt. You and Elenore are probably the

“Why not go alone? It would send a powerful message. And

like going with Anneliese,” Argrave narrowed his

to die together, fighting Gerechtigkeit?” his queen reminded him practically. “Forgive

sense it seemed to make. As the last bit of resistance drained from his body, he sighed as a new burden settled upon his shoulders. “Alone, huh? What’s it they say… only a fool represents himself, or something to the effect? Well, fine. If you two are

go consult the others,”

#####

of the god’s Architects. Argrave had been present when the creature quite literally tore itself apart to build this gateway, signing its name in blood upon the

Argrave was frankly shocked how many of them enthusiastically agreed with the notion that he should go alone. He expected that sort of unilateral support from Orion, but nearly

had been delivered to all of the other gods in the coalition using Lira’s exceptional ability of communication. She seemed pleased that Argrave had taken her up on the advice. Now, one of Raccomen’s servants would come to escort him through