Jackal Among Snakes

Elenore spoke in Argrave’s mind, yet Galamon spoke aloud at the same time.

Elenore conveyed, “Anneliese suggests you tell him. Then, you can trap Traugott when he comes for the Undying Soul in question.”

Galamon said to Traugott, “We have no need for your tricks. The Veidimen are more than a match for this Palace of Heaven. We have no fear of death.”

Argrave reeled from the two voices with opposite suggestions, but stared at the shell of Norman bound by druidic magic without saying a word.

Traugott rebutted, “Many have tried to take the Palace of Heaven before. Hordes of divine servants, without free will enough to fear death, have fallen—and you think allegedly fearless mortals stand a better chance? Fortunately for me, I’m not offering this to you. You may be a rather unique specimen, Galamon, having abandoned vampirism… but you lack the certain insight that makes Argrave such an interesting conversational partner.”

Galamon looked ready to lash out, but the Alchemist placed one of his huge hands on the snow elf’s shoulder.

“Why in the world do you want an Undying Soul?” Argrave asked.

“There are few things more interesting in the natural world. Souls that can persist forever—that can move from body to body, or become eternal ghosts with power beyond imagination… it would have tremendous uses for me. You’ve seen what I’ve been working on, I trust? It would be quite interesting to create the perfect specimen.”

Argrave hesitated to bring up his own use of his Undying Soul. The Alchemist conjectured it was a large part of the reason that he was able to come here, to this realm—to the world of Heroes of Berendar. And furthermore, it was the crux of their plan with Sophia. Theoretically, only with his Undying Soul and her ability of creation could they transfer his physical form to where Gerechtigkeit’s true essence rested.

The idea of giving something that had such a capability to Traugott was frightening, especially when he toyed with a fragment of Sophia’s power.

Elenore’s voice cut into his thoughts. “Refusing to tell him doesn’t mean that he won’t learn. He’s said that he chose to come to you before Erlebnis, meaning his next conversation would likely be with Erlebnis, who would give him a target that we couldn’t possibly know. Who knows—perhaps Erlebnis has an Undying Soul of his own, tucked away in storage. Either way, if we don’t tell him… it’s pointless.”

“What if he’s just bluffing? He’s using a druidic bond, not his actual body—Anneliese’s empathy won’t work. He could get the keys to the kingdom if we’re incautious.”

“Which would you prefer to bet on—that Traugott managed to infiltrate the opera house without Erlebnis’ help, or that he’s bluffing? He may be clever, but he lacks the connections in the Great Chu to pull something like that off alone.”

Elenore’s cold reason cut away Argrave’s doubt. He conveyed to her, “Inform Galamon why. He’s a little uneasy with this.”

“Alright.” Argrave nodded, shifting on his feet. “I can give you a location.”

“Oooh,” Traugott said excitedly. “That greatly eliminates complications. Tell me, then. I’m all ears.”

“How can I trust you won’t just leave once I do?” Argrave narrowed his eyes.

generally like to keep agreements I make, unless they inconvenience me—like the ones I made with him. I’m supposed to get him some things, perform some actions. But if he’s dead, he won’t have hands to receive, nor thoughts enough to comprehend my actions. That would be ideal for me. Even beyond that, I don’t intend on seeking out this Undying Soul until

you…?” Anneliese’s brows furrowed in contemplation, then relaxed as an uneasy revelation came to her.

you should. I’m not naïve,” Traugott continued in a low tone. “I see the people you brought today—both the ones within my little workshop, and those without it. I understand what you intended for me. It stands to reason you’re going to try and kill me when I come for this soul. Very dastardly… not that I wouldn’t do the same in your shoes.” Traugott shook his head. “I won’t seek out the Undying Soul until you’re in the middle of assaulting the Palace of Heaven. You can’t afford to stretch your forces thin. They’d be too thin to

see our people? So,

Traugott smiled broadly. “I can’t

bear to take the Palace of Heaven. But for Traugott… ostensibly, Anneliese alone would be sufficient. Yet the notion of allowing Traugott and Anneliese to clash while they assaulted the Palace of Heaven was frightening. Not only was Anneliese vital for Argrave’s main

Argrave held up

Traugott

Amazon, be aware that

get ahead of him. He’s right. We can’t afford to

a while. “It still holds true that he’ll find out one way or another. Maybe…” she went silent for nearly a minute, then returned with a quiet voice. “Maybe we can call

“Who?” Argrave questioned.

might offer

you want, you give me what I want,”

said, pausing to explain further. “A small portion of it. Then, after… I’ll give you the whole paper.” He continued to write, and Argrave

looked between him and the paper—the man had already given them everything they needed by writing it down. If they just took it from him, now… but Elenore’s words rung true. Traugott was likely going to learn one way or

the Burnt Desert,” Argrave explained. “You can find a grand palace deep in the earth below Carlandian—it’s a coastal city on the eastern desert. You have to go into the town’s drained oasis to reach it. Though… since Durran’s killed the Vessels of Fellhorn in

head. “It must be, if it resides

a lich, you lose those distinctions. With Gerechtigkeit coming, he’s on the verge of insanity. The place is trapped, and crumbling.” Argrave held out his hand. “Now…

Norman’s shell, then held out the paper. Argrave at once opened it to make sure that it wasn’t nonsense. Surprisingly, it wasn’t. Traugott had been honest. They’d need to verify his point of vulnerability to be sure he

“What now?” Argrave said.

take the Palace of Heaven.” Traugott offered Norman’s hand, as if to shake

and backing away from them. Galamon lashed out, crushing the abomination’s neck. It crumpled to the

Argrave looked at the Alchemist and

Anneliese agreed. “I

wise, agreeing?” Galamon

this place. Then, we take care of this new problem. There’s someone we have to speak to. Galamon—can you look into this, decide if it’s

Galamon took the paper. “I’ll scrutinize it better

#####

looking up at Argrave almost as if he were a pest. Even still, this man who’d sabotaged their progress with the Heralds to such

all of these, even. You’re making them faster than we can make

Dario narrowed his