Jackal Among Snakes

What did it take for a mortal to sit on an even level with the gods themselves? Rook thought that was plainly on display here, today. Argrave had proven his worth long ago. There was not some divine characteristic separating man from god—at least not in his experience, during his ascension to this so-called exalted position. Gods were as vulnerable to mortal failings as they were before. Indeed, with their sphere of influence deciding their desires, it might be said that mortal failings were more present. Oftentimes, Rook lied without reason for terrible consequence. Not even ten thousand years of introspection had cured him of that affliction.

What made a god was all merely a matter of character and power displayed during the cycle of judgment. Argrave wielded both in abundance here at this trial.

After the terms of equity for the trial were established, Argrave did not hesitate in accepting the shackles of law that bound him to the trial. The terms weren’t overly punishing—this trial was about delivering the truth, and nothing but.

“I’m going to get right out with it—rip the bandage away, so to speak.” Argrave looked at each god in turn, and Rook found himself eagerly awaiting what would be said. “I’ve been working with Sataistador, and now, we’re going to invade the Great Chu to destroy both Erlebnis and the Qircassian Coalition.”

Law’s Court was no stranger to theatrics, but the silent drama after that declaration put most of them to shame. Rook had heard many tall tales—and been a part of some, himself—but he’d seldom heard an opening to a trial more ridiculous than that one. Many of the Blackgard Union looked at the golden shackles around Argrave’s wrist binding him to the dictates they’d established. They were looking to see if they were broken, somehow. That made Rook’s day. He was certain that this conversation was going to be quite the entertaining one.

Almazora and Stout Heart Swan, who’d had dealings with Sataistador, almost made to leave immediately. The dictates of the trial made sure that they could not interrupt Argrave during his initial telling of the tale, but that didn’t stop them from leaving. It was only Argrave’s insistent voice that made them stop their trot.

“It was Sataistador that leaked out to me that the Imperial Navy of the Great Chu was coming. We met in the White Planes. I’d intended for him to be a part of the Blackgard Union, but one of my own refused and humiliated him. From there, we brokered another deal. It was to meet up in the mortal realm, to have a personal conversation.”

Everyone looked to have the same questions—had Argrave made this deal in the White Planes? Was that why he was so confident about this going according to plan? But as they were all without the right to speak, Rook watched, chuckling as all others fumed in silence. The boyish Yinther looked liable to explode from curiosity. Only Veid looked like she had the same grasp on things as Argrave did.

“First, I will speak to practicality. All of you fear Sataistador—rightly so. I do too.” Argrave shifted in his throne, patting his chest to emphasize his heart with a sympathetic look donned on his face. He gave quite the performance—even Rook had his heart of stone moved slightly. “He’s a maniac who seems able to appear anywhere and everywhere, and the idea of him wreaking havoc through my territory gives me no small amount of stress. However, what I can be sure of is that he will most certainly try something if I cannot muster something to represent me in this war.

“As I’m sure that you all know, Emperor Ji Meng, ruler of the Great Chu, still lives. He’s in my custody, well at hand. The Great Chu has long resisted the machinations of all manner of gods. Their forces cannot be underestimated. The vast constructions they’ve built, the great magics that they’ve harnessed, are beyond any other mortal nation on this world. But the Qircassian Coalition, with the aid of Erlebnis, had managed to put their lock over the nation. Emperor Ji Meng is the key.” Argrave clenched his fist together boldly.

steal from him and give to

it doesn’t matter. The Great Chu has done it before, as I’m sure you know. And with us at its back, your reach can extend beyond Vasquer. You can tap

Rook did so. The plan sounded decent enough from Rook’s scrutiny. He was probably the one the argument appealed to most—just after him, Raccomen and Stout Heart Swan. But the

righteous level, I doubt anyone can deny the damage that Qircassia and Erlebnis have done together. I learned the truth about the fall of the ancient elven empire that once occupied Vasquer. Erlebnis was solely responsible. That may be news to some, affirmation of rumor to others… but I can assure you it is true, as I have the last

card to deal, and

this content belongs on

that fact. But even should we exclude his atrocious act against those people…

was just as reviled as Sataistador’s—no, even more so. Rook himself remembered hearing the

catalyst for the Smiling Raven’s rise to power. His machinations led to its existence. His schemes led to the destruction of an entire continent, wiped down to the very last man. No animal, insect, or any life at all was spared the wrath of the Smiling Raven, and it came about because of Erlebnis’ actions. That is what I learned in his archives, gods and goddesses,” Argrave raised his hand up and pointed to the sky. “And that is why I so strongly hasten

the more justice-minded gods seemed to like it. Perhaps Rook was being overly critical. Bringing up the Smiling Raven was certainly a potent persuasive

it bothered him. “These are not enemies ill chosen. They are the reasons why this cycle has become as bloody as it has. At the same

do, if I’m to be frank. I want nothing more than to remain at home, in Vasquer, taking care of my family as best I can while we prepare for Gerechtigkeit. But information in the archives has led me to discover information of vital importance about this cycle of judgment

that statement sit with them for a moment, looking at each in turn. He focused on Law’s Justiciar, sitting in the center of the half-circle. “I understand that this is much to consider. At the same time, there’s something I’d not like you to forget.” Argrave tapped his chest. “I don’t pick fights I can’t win. Fellhorn, Mozzahr, Qircassia, Erlebnis—all walked away from me licking their wounds, battered and broken. The only reason I speak to you now is because Gerechtigkeit looms above. I do need you. Not for

as all those around him waited with questions ready to burst free of their lips. With the announcement of the Justiciar, they’d be open to ask questions. Argrave had done a tremendous job. Now, all that remained was the questioning.

pronounced grandly, “The interrogation begins. Law claims the first question, by

Justiciar, leaned in. “How did Erlebnis create the Smiling

an answer. “The Smiling Raven was once a man known as Raven. Erlebnis warped him and twisted him into something dark and inhuman, and as a result, Raven broke, becoming what some of you

king was deftly keeping the subject on the Smiling Raven, and