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.

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, I don’t intend on seeking out

relaxed as an uneasy revelation came to her.

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

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

smiled broadly. “I

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

think,” Argrave held

you wish.” Traugott folded his hands

Amazon, be aware that

don’t see a way to get ahead of him. He’s right. We can’t afford to chase after

Maybe…” she went silent for nearly a minute, then

“Who?” Argrave questioned.

Argrave’s eyes lit up. Furthermore, various names of Undying Souls that he might offer to Traugott faded away, leaving him

want, you give

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

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 another. He was resourceful, if

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

his head. “It must be, if it resides in such

his lair, his home. He used to 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, he’s on the verge of insanity. The place is trapped, and crumbling.” Argrave held out his hand. “Now… your end of the

Norman’s shell, then held out the paper. Argrave at once opened it to make sure that it wasn’t nonsense. Surprisingly, it

“What now?” Argrave said.

Norman’s hand, as if to shake on the deal.

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

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

agreed. “I was

wise,

of this place. Then,

paper. “I’ll scrutinize

#####

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

even. You’re making them faster than we can make the batteries

narrowed his