Jackal Among Snakes

Chapter 636

Chapter 636: Pieces of Peace

Knowing that all of them might not ever again return from the Shadowlands, Argrave gave one final compromise for those he’d brought back beyond the grave: a day to say their goodbyes to this world, in whatever manner they saw fit. He wasn’t trusting enough to see them roam freely, though, so he only allowed those who were fitted with something of Raven’s design to leave. It would kill them if they did not return in a timely fashion.

Argrave sat with Garm, who went without eating despite a good-looking pile of food being placed before him.

“How does it feel, knowing you’re responsible for all of this?” Argrave asked.

Garm picked up a leaf of lettuce and moved it between his fingers. “Empty, yet complete. It feels like there’s nothing more to do, and that’s a rather empty feeling. At the same time, I don’t feel things are as… unfinished as they were.”

Argrave nodded. “I don’t know how much time is remaining to you, but do you want to tie up some loose ends? We visited Malgeridum, but I’m not entirely sure that’s enough.”

“I got closure in that regard.” He studied Argrave. “It’s only you I haven’t tied things up with. In terms of the amount of time, you didn’t appear in my life the longest. But in terms of the influence? I don’t think any one person has had more impact on me.” He tapped the table. “What you said, about naming your first son after me…”

“Yeah. I meant that.” Argrave nodded. “If you want, the offer still stands.”

“No.” Garm looked at Argrave squarely. “I don’t want you to do that. I respect what you’re trying to do, but I want my name to be my own. Besides, it’d probably bring the kid bad luck.”

“Okay. I’ll remember that. Instead of the first, I’ll name the second son Garm.”

Garm laughed, then finally took a bite of his meal. “Alright, you bastard. Do whatever you want.” He chewed for a few minutes, then his gaze went distant. “It’s hard to imagine being anything other than alive. But I’ve been dead, twice. Once more isn’t so much trouble.”

Argrave stared solemnly, letting his thoughts go. “What you’ve done… so long as the people you chose are up to the task, it’ll never be forgotten. I absolve you of any sins.” Argrave drew a cross in the air. “Your soul is saved. Rejoice, my child.”

“I don’t need absolution. The only thing I’d have done differently is… well, I wouldn’t die.”

Argrave looked at him, having some trouble understanding that sentiment. “Then why help me?”

“Hmm.” Garm pushed away his plate. “Maybe… it’s because I think you might be the one person who’ll miss me when I’m gone. And even in spite of all I’ve done, you won’t forget I’ve done something worth remembering. Hell—I don’t understand it myself.”

Argrave couldn’t begin to understand why Garm had helped. But he was right in one thing—it wouldn’t be forgotten.

“In that sense, at least… memory… I’ll make sure you never die,” Argrave promised.

“You’ll have to live yourself,” Garm pointed out.

“Indeed I will…”

#####

“Argrave and Anneliese already brought

She seemed far more comfortable with them than she did anyone else. He had intended to come here, where he knew the dryads would still faithfully serve the imperial family, and bestow them upon the ascendant kingdom of Vasquer. With their aid, never again would they suffer famine. Mastery over the dryads had been one of the reasons his empire had been able to control the masses; through them, the imperial family controlled all agriculture, causing great prosperity or harrowing

quite late,”

so many that had once been children. With the presence of Onychinusa, they had been able to grow into adults; she had taken his role as their caretaker. He wouldn’t dare deprive her of that right. They kept the

this land was supposed to be yours,” he said to

stopped and stared at him. “But

He nodded. “It isn’t.”

Onychinusa rose to her feet. “Anneliese works so hard.

time, he was strangely relieved. A life of peace, or a life of reclaiming the nebulous

want?”

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do whatever I want.” She held

be

pretty easy,” she admitted. “I just watch, listen, learn. To see people’s lives play out…

he stayed quiet. “I only hope you make time to live

know not to enslave people, because Llewellen said it was hard on him. Argrave says to treat others

a little heartbroken that she struggled to understand things like that… yet at the same

proud of you,” Balzat said

“Okay.” She nodded.

his face, Balzat turned around. “I understand the elves here wanted to speak with me. I’m going

I’ll miss you,” she said. “And I wish we had more time

well. But even this was more

Onychinusa shrugged. “We’ll see.”

parents loved you. And I do, as well, difficult as it might be

#####

had revolted, but the fact

people… they had called for him asking for counsel. It felt like a joke

are leaving seeking better opportunities,” one of their commanders, who led a tumen, explained to him. “We wished to know how we might emulate the

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