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.

interest for you to assault the Palace of Heaven. I made some… agreements with Erlebnis. I 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,

then relaxed as an uneasy revelation came to her. “No.

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 catch me, and too thin to take the fortress. So… the calculus of

see our people? So, you’re nearby,” Argrave

Traugott smiled broadly. “I can’t

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 forces, Traugott was willing and able to mastermind all

think,” Argrave held

Traugott folded

discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the

Elenore, then explained Traugott’s gambit to her. When he was finished, he concluded, “I don’t see a way to get ahead of him. He’s right. We can’t afford to chase after him while we’re assaulting the Palace of Heaven. Anneliese

“It still holds true that he’ll find out one way or another. Maybe…” she went

“Who?” Argrave questioned.

offer to Traugott faded away, leaving him with only one offering. He turned around to look

you give me

some paper, then picked it up. He grabbed a charcoal bar and began to write. “I’ll write it down for you,” he 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 waited with his arms crossed. After a time, Traugott ripped the paper

took it from him, now… but Elenore’s words rung true. Traugott was likely going to learn one way or another. He was resourceful,

desert. You have to go into the town’s drained oasis to reach it. Though… since Durran’s killed the Vessels of Fellhorn

a lich?” Traugott asked, tilting his head. “It must be, if it resides

force. Now… well, once you become 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

wasn’t nonsense. Surprisingly, it wasn’t. Traugott had been honest. They’d need to verify his point of vulnerability

“What now?” Argrave said.

if to shake on the deal. Argrave stared at it contemptuously. Traugott retracted the hand. “Very well. Farewell, Argrave.

from them. Galamon lashed

the Alchemist and Anneliese both.

agreed. “I was unable to

that wise,

this place. Then, we take care of this new problem. There’s someone we have to

Galamon took the paper. “I’ll scrutinize it

#####

a long, long row of ballistae. Then, he turned his head to the right. There, the black-haired, red-eyed Dario sat, looking up at Argrave almost as if

think we’ll ever be able to use all of these, even. You’re making them faster than

narrowed his