Jackal Among Snakes

Chapter 597

The very second that Argrave blinked open his eyes, he tried to sit up quickly. That proved to be a resounding mistake as pain assailed him from within, and he felt hot liquid rise up his throat—from the taste of it, blood. He coughed ungracefully, and felt that unpleasantness spill out over his face.

“Oh, what in the… just my luck,” He faintly heard a voice, and then saw someone he recognized well—Titus. The former southern tribal took a nearby wet cloth and wiped Argrave’s face. It seemed like only after a few seconds did he realize Argrave’s eyes were open. When Titus realized he might be dealing with a living thing, he retracted the cloth and said quietly, “You in there?”

Argrave gave a nod and said weakly, “Thanks, Titus.”

The man narrowed his eyes, yet smiled. “It’s Durran, actually. Elenore said you were having a weird memory thing.”

“Right.” Argrave closed his eyes, accepting there would be some adjustment. “What happened?”

“We lost.” Durran plopped the cloth down. “Kirel Qircassia came down and killed Law and Rook. You’ve been unconscious for three years. Gerechtigkeit’s already destroyed half of the world.”

Argrave laughed through his nose, yet even that made him groan in pain. “Just tell me what happened, you freak.”

“Freak? That was you some time ago. Your face was crooked. We fixed it, though, as best we could.” Durran sat down in a nearby chair with a huff, and only then did Argrave start to piece together some of his surroundings. By the look of things, he was still in the Great Chu. “Tell you what happened… what do you think happened? Qircassian Coalition got what was coming to them. Erlebnis died. Sataistador… we think he’s dead, but no one will say for certain. Regardless, he’s hardly any threat anymore. My godly patron is hunting him. The Great Chu… I won’t say it’s peaceful, but it’s quieter than it was. Emperor Ji Meng issued a decree insisting the whole empire pray for your wellbeing. He gave you alllll the credit. He claimed you killed two gods alone.”

“He’s an emperor now?” Argrave looked over, puzzled. “But Ji Meng burnt his soul away to coordinate the fire of chaos’ attack. He can’t be alive.” Durran looked as confused as Argrave felt, and it finally dawned on him—it was another name mix-up. “I’m talking about the governor. The one with the big family, and all the influence.”

“That was Zen.” Durran shook his head. “Something really did a number on you, didn’t it? Is this that fire?”

Argrave blinked a few times. He supposed that, with the Alchemist incapacitated, no one else knew what had happened to him. “It’s a long story. Can you get Anneliese? Please tell me I’m not misremembering that name.”

Durran leaned in. “That’s your sister.”

“I’d believe you if you didn’t have a stupid grin,” Argrave said through clenched teeth. “Just get her.”

his head. “Sorry. I, uhh… probably shouldn’t joke about that with things as they

her, then. She was lying just beside him in another bed. Her skin had all returned to normal, and Argrave thought that

trying to rise again with effort redoubled. More blood came out his mouth, and Durran physically pushed him back onto

she’s breathing. Everyone tells me she’ll make a full recovery, given time. Her fingers had to be

“Burned? How?” Argrave repeated.

you handle the fire

that? I didn’t want that!” Argrave raised his voice too loud, and coughed

to that.” Durran pushed him down more firmly. “If you act out, all you’re going to do is

wandered to the Alchemist. That man would know what to do, here. Argrave couldn’t rest until he was assured about Anneliese, and the Alchemist could give those assurances. But

He had Erlebnis’ knowledge inside of his head—anything that the Alchemist knew,

tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the

get everyone

now that

For all I know,

think I just might. I think I know what you mean. You want your closest

to catch people up… and catch up myself. So, bring

might be a problem.” Durran

the Order of the Gray Owl magister guarding Sophia, from my memory.”

a marvel how you keep saying things so confidently when you know your memory has the consistency of soup.” Durran shook his head, looking upon Argrave like he was a rare beast. “No, she’s the red-headed mercenary with green eyes who was blessed by Raccomen, who you made into a count. You sent her off to fight Traugott,

past confirming them all and asked

the mental connection between them is still up, but she’s not heard a word. That generally means the recipient is unconscious. That would mean,

“Just… get everyone.

#####

reasonably actionable. He had one of his blood echoes cast a spell to break a nearby glass cup, then retrieved one of its shards. On the fragment, he carefully carved an enchantment

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