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.

perform some actions. But if

you…?” Anneliese’s brows furrowed in contemplation, then relaxed as an uneasy

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 catch me, and too thin to take the fortress. So… the calculus of power demands you choose to let me

see our people?

Traugott smiled broadly. “I

true that they’d need to bring all of their forces to 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 forces, Traugott was willing and able to mastermind all kinds of devious traps. He trusted Anneliese’s ability, but sending her alone was simply

think,” Argrave held

wish.” Traugott folded his

tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been

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

out one way or another. Maybe…” she went silent for nearly a minute, then returned with a quiet voice. “Maybe we can call upon

“Who?” Argrave questioned.

various names of Undying Souls that he might offer to Traugott faded away, leaving

I’ll give you what you want, you give me

he spotted 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.

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

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.

head. “It must be, if it resides in

be a southron elf, back when they were a meaningful force. Now… well, once you become a lich, you lose those distinctions. With Gerechtigkeit coming,

once opened it to make sure that it wasn’t nonsense. Surprisingly, it wasn’t. Traugott had been honest. They’d need

“What now?” Argrave said.

to shake on the deal.

eyes… and the animal soul within it awoke, barking and backing away from them. Galamon lashed out, crushing the abomination’s neck. It crumpled to the ground, joining the

at the Alchemist and Anneliese both. “For sure, this

The Alchemist nodded. Anneliese agreed. “I was unable to

that wise,

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

course.” Galamon took the paper. “I’ll scrutinize it

#####

he turned his head to the right. There, the black-haired, red-eyed Dario sat, 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 a degree remained unhealed, bound to crutches and

ever be able to use all of these, even. You’re making them faster than we can make the batteries for them.” Argrave scratched his cheek,

Dario narrowed