Jackal Among Snakes

Chapter 657: Harmony After Absence

When Argrave went to find Sophia, preparing himself for what he thought could be a serious and heart-wrenching conversation, he saw something that made him pause and watch. Orion was giving her a piggyback ride, and running around the courtyard very quickly as she screamed and laughed with pure joy. It was the closest thing to a rollercoaster that could be found in this world, he supposed. His brother seemed to be having just as much fun as she was, too.

When Argrave was finally spotted, their fun came to an early close—Orion hauled her from his back and set Sophia down, where she staggered uneasily. He moved her to a rock, said some words, then walked over to Argrave.

“Your Majesty,” Orion greeted, giving him a salute by putting his fist to his heart. He wore plainclothes, and evidence from the battle still persisted on his body at points. It must’ve been a tremendously close fight for even Orion to still bear scars long after its conclusion. “You’ve returned. I heard from Elenore what happened. Congratulations on your victory,” he said sincerely. “I apologize I was not better able to defend this place.”

Argrave narrowed his eyes. “You’re joking, right? You’re the only reason this place wasn’t entirely levelled.”

“Others like Durran contributed, but I won’t deny it as my proudest moment. I only wish I could have ended the battle earlier, before so many lives were lost.” He looked back to Sophia. “But enough of me. You came here to speak to Sophia, yes? I’ve been trying to keep her spirits up, in light of what she’s learned. Her spirits, and my own.”

Argrave watched Sophia as she regained her balance. She sat where Orion had left her, patiently waiting. “I came here to find you in equal measure. We have a lot to talk about. First, though… let me go talk to her. Elenore said it would best.”

“As she should. Sophia missed you dearly,” Orion agreed. “I will be nearby, should you need me.”

Orion walked away, and Argrave thought there was something that had changed about his brother’s demeanor. He seemed less… constricted, in a way. He couldn’t quite put his finger on it. Nevertheless, he turned and walked to Sophia, who still seemed dazed after travelling aback Orion.

Argrave came up just before Sophia and knelt down. “Hello, young lady.”

“Hello, Your Majesty,” she greeted, with an undeniable twinge of caution on her tone. Moreover, she used the formal address with him—was she taking cues from Orion, or was it something else?

“Are you alright, Sophia?” Argrave asked.

“I’m well. Annel—the queen. Is she…?”

“She’ll be coming in a moment—she just needs to resolve some matters before she does.” He scooted a little closer. “It seems like something’s bothering you, Sophia. Is anything wrong? Elenore said you wanted to speak to me about something.”

“I…” She looked down, closing her eyes. “I figured out some things. About who I am. About my brother.”

“I see.” Argrave nodded. He could tell that the revelations were weighing heavily on the girl’s mind. To finally connect the dots between this world-ending calamity that they’d been speaking of, and her own brother… he couldn’t imagine how a nine-year-old girl could cope with that especially easily. He said words he felt needed to be said. “I hope you know that it doesn’t change things between us, Sophia. And it certainly doesn’t change how much I missed you while I was gone. Did you not miss me?”

what he’d been hoping for—Sophia lunged out and hugged him, and he stood up with her hanging from his

she confessed at once, her torrent of emotions pouring out now

arms around him, trembling. “He told me he was coming to get me. I told him I

back. “Everything’s going

to do this, that it was the only way for us to be happy…”

couldn’t give her answers now. Perhaps he couldn’t ever. All

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long while where both assuaged

brother is the very calamity that has ripped and torn through so many…” Orion shook his head. “Everyone has been telling tales of the monstrosities that Gerechtigkeit has wrought. Now, she can put a face to them all: her precious brother, the only one who protected her in that miscreant’s castle, the only other besides us who loved

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nothing, but found his brother’s profound description

bring herself to ask it of you as a favor,” Orion continued. “But even supposing we can… the question remains if we should. Can such destruction and cruelty be forgiven, under any circumstances? I am uncertain. Yet… it’s hardly

Orion said that, but only shook

no more.” Anneliese crossed her arms in solemn contemplation. “You look

the heart of it, stirring Argrave’s mind in the process. “It was his enslaved will made manifest. I suspect Gerechtigkeit has the same intentions for the other Gilderwatchers, though it’ll manifest in a different manner—influence over the masses. Lindon, in his ingenuity, hid a message to us in the knight. He suggested that we endeavor to embrace the latent potential within our bloodline to influence the mind.” Orion touched his head. “He claimed I’d the most affinity, but I’m skeptical. No matter how hard I try, nothing

Argrave raised a brow.

while giving us an edge, are insufficient for the

put it into perspective. Frankly, I’ve no idea where to start. There’s not a large body of literature regarding the Gilderwatchers, even in what Erlebnis

so long—investigating what happened to him,” Anneliese cut in. “I have a lead on where to search for Onychinusa. We have a lot to

do nothing directly—are smoke and ashes. Gerechtigkeit is the only

a worthy opponent he

you for telling us this, Orion,” Anneliese said

about how damned brave you are.

laughed. Argrave expected a rigorous protest, but his brother only said, “Do as you wish.

past his surprise for now, saying only, “We have much more to discuss, but I’d prefer Elenore

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next headed to another that he wished to thank. When he’d heard that Garm would be picking out the souls that he resurrected, Argrave did have some doubts… but ultimately, the people that he brought proved to be the greatest