Jackal Among Snakes

Chapter 635: The Three Principles

Elenore looked at the debate raging all around between many different parties, and felt a rather peculiar feeling. She was certain that she was witnessing a historical event of far greater magnitude than even the organization of the parliament. That was merely an institution, and they could rise and fall. But today, they strived to create something that defined the essence of their government henceforth.

Argrave had created a very effective cudgel. By limiting what was to be written to a small document that didn’t dictate law, but rather fundamental aspects of how the citizens of Vasquer were to be treated, he could effectively force the crueler aspects of the heroes gathered to compromise. In the event that they could not obtain superiority over another, they would be far more likely to settle for equality.

Everyone on their side adamantly refused to separate human from elf, as was agreed. They refused to cement the idea of nobility or divine right. Long-standing traditions were challenged, and people were forced to be honest with one another. Beyond mere tribalism, there was very little dividing the races from each other. What few differences existed did not warrant dramatic difference in governance. The majority of these people had made their names known by merit, and the merit of the many demonstrated that superiority could come from any walk of life.

“You’re doing a lot better than I did realizing my dream.”

Elenore was whipped out of her thoughts, and turned to someone. He had the features of the Vasquer family—black hair, gray eyes. He looked upon Argrave with a certain measure of pride. He had the right to be proud, perhaps—he was Felipe I, the founder of their family. He had endured Gerechtigkeit with Vasquer, yet ultimately, his own blood betrayed him and founded a kingdom instead of carrying on his vision.

Elenore had heard Vasquer speak of him many times. Felipe and Vasquer had intended to establish a militant order that loosely governed the region, without much interference other than defense against invaders and raiders. After Gerechtigkeit, they had no regional competition. Their children didn’t care to carry on that vision—rather, they established a hereditary monarchy after their betrayal of their parents.

Elenore regarded him curiously. “How does it feel, to see how things have changed?”

Felipe stared ahead, thinking. “Relieving,” he finally said. “And depressing.”

“…because of Vasquer, I imagine,” Elenore guessed. To miss her by only a few weeks must’ve been unimaginably painful.

“Hmm.” Felipe nodded. “That’s one piece of the puzzle, but you’re missing a lot of context. You don’t get together with someone older than you by millennia and expect to outlive them. I just never assumed it would be me.” He looked over. “You must think I’m a real psycho. Maybe I am. It probably does take a psycho to see a golden feathered serpent and decide ‘yeah, that’s the one.’”

“Uhh…” Elenore sputtered, caught off-guard.

“Frankly, it was an accident that neither of us expected,” Felipe admitted. “I didn’t exactly choose. I got chosen. By fate, the universe, whatever.”

narrowed her eyes, growing more and more confused. Are children something one does

alright before my little rascal stabbed me, but I’ll take what I can get. Corpses can’t be choosers, despite what these bastards today are arguing about.” He looked at

Elenore caught herself. “She was great. I’ve never met

best. The very best.” He smiled. “But what you’ve got today… it’s better, in some ways. Our kids hated each other. You two… working together, cooperating… it’s so damned nice. Wish it could’ve been like this with mine. Tried to give them everything they wanted, but all it led to was them wanting more. I yelled at them a lot when they were greedy or

those here today—I shouldn’t add any more.” Felipe shook his head. “If you want some tired advice from a poltergeist, don’t ever let your siblings go. Hold them

at the advice, but she blinked fast enough none fell. She

stabbed like I did,” Felipe said sincerely. “And on my end, I’ll ruin anyone and everyone that tries to harm your brother. I’m pretty good at hurting. Sometimes I say mean things, and people cry. But even more often, I swing my hands about and make lights shine, and people die in

Road.

weight on her shoulders feel all the lighter. Knowing that Vasquer had lived with someone like this at her side, even if only for a short time… it made it all the easier to let her go and remember the good times. And already, what anger

done my part. If you want, though, I could say a few words to your husband,

thank you. Durran’s wonderful. Just…

Just as selfless as your mothe—no, your great-great-great-great-grandmother.

#####

constitution was a rewarding event to some, others did not take it quite so well. In particular, the noble wing of the parliament presided over this entire event with heavy heart, only a small few given permission to participate in open debate. Those few were clearly loyalists to the king rather than to their own

constitution was not such an easy thing it could happen in a day. Written hastily, it could have fundamental errors that might lead to grave mismanagement or misapplication in the future. At the end of the day,

Freedoms, which outlined the rights and protections citizens of Vasquer enjoyed. That was agreed to be the focus of the assembled parties, henceforth—outlining how the common citizens of Vasquer ought to be treated. Importantly, it was established that this principle, of

to be largely untouched by the legendary heroes revived here today. It would require significant mediation over months, as any decent constitution required. Moreover, the

practices like necromancy, illusion magic, or the burgeoning field of psychic magic. It, like the second, was to be set on the wayside, debated and redrafted over the course

open to further drafting was the only way to ensure compliance from the nobility and the spellcasters, by Elenore’s estimation. But even with only one

their voice be heard again. These people would not allow a rival to have a singular voice, and so they swallowed their pride and stuck around. Better to be heard and mocked than to

ensured a nation in which any race willing to exist peacefully alongside others was allowed to. The presence of people that held animosity against others turned from a troublesome thing to a boon—if they could not oppress their opposition, they insisted firmly upon

some of the brightest and most fiercely independent minds of several millennia… the document was drafted. Not all

Because it was fair.