Jackal Among Snakes

Chapter 664: Uncontrollable Tempest of Change

“Argrave, some reports,” Elenore’s voice cut into Argrave’s ear the moment he was free of Raven’s lab.

“More?” He asked with surprise—she’d already delivered some on his journey back, something about riots.

“A claimant to the throne has risen in Dirracha. In the Archduchy of the North, edicts are spreading around with a declaration that King Argrave intends to systematically murder every person bearing red hair, as they share descendance from Gerechtigkeit.” Elenore’s reports flowed into Argrave’s head as constant as the rivers flowed down from the mountains. “Also, there’s… damn it. Someone’s come in. I think you’d best come over.”

Elenore’s voice faded from Argrave’s head. These incidents were like a bold declaration from their opponent. Even if they sought ways to counter his growing influence, Gerechtigkeit would occupy his time using what he’d already gained to tremendous effect. They had spent much of their time centralizing power around Blackgard, weakening regional lords—now, that lack of regional power meant a lack of ability to effectively enforce.

After rejoining with Anneliese, who was keeping similarly apprised and was similarly instructed to meet Elenore in person, they briefly came to similar conclusions before heading to meet with the head of the parliament. Argrave opened the doors to her office and stepped within.

“Elenore.” Argrave walked up to her desk. She spoke with several others, but gestured for them to leave at his arrival. Only once the others were gone did Argrave speak. “Anneliese and I had some words. It’s becoming clear to me that we won’t be able to hold out alone. We need to involve the gods. They’re the only ones with the potential to keep the peace around the continent. The local lords are insufficient.”

“Hmm. Funny.” Elenore placed her hands in front of her. “Did you happen to recognize those I was speaking to?”

Anneliese touched Argrave’s shoulder. “Those were the mortal envoys of other gods, Argrave. Do you remember?”

“What?” Argrave looked back to where they’d just left. “What were they doing here?”

“We’re not the only ones with eyes and ears.” Elenore rose to her feet, walking around her desk. “The gods are aware of what’s happening.”

Argrave brightened. “We don’t need to ask them for help, then? They’re volunteering?”

“Some may, I imagine. Mostly, they’re as terrified as we all are.” Elenore leaned against her desk. “They’re asking for answers, Argrave. I can only obfuscate and misdirect for so long. A great deal of them are convinced that you have the answers. Some lend it to your inheritance of Erlebnis’ knowledge. The older members, such as Law, remember that you testified knowledge of the fact that Gerechtigkeit would be stronger in this cycle in Law’s Court. They let you slip by without giving up too much, but now? They want answers.”

Argrave swallowed. He supposed he had been taking for granted the compliance of the gods after their victory against the Qircassian Coalition. He had been able to unite the wider world by virtue of their show of strength in defeating Kirel Qircassia, Erlebnis, and Sataistador. He convinced the older members to join forces, however, by spilling a select few beans—foremost among said beans was that Gerechtigkeit would be stronger this cycle.

“Hell.” Argrave brought his hand up to his face, biting his knuckle nervously. “Do they want me to go to Law’s Court to speak on the matter?”

Elenore nodded.

Argrave sighed deeply. He’d been hoping to receive aid without giving up the source of his knowledge—it might endanger Sophia. “Should I go?”

“Should you go?” Elenore stopped leaning against her desk and walked forward. “We have a fake bastard of Felipe III pressing his claim to the throne in Dirracha, and much of the city is in active revolt. The one lead we’re seeking about our bloodline is being undermined by Gerechtigkeit already. We have more riots and revolts every single day. We can’t make it through this without the aid of the gods, I’m afraid. Unless you intend on abandoning millions to die, which we all know you won’t, you have to go.”

Argrave looked at Anneliese, and she gave a quiet nod of confirmation.

to the Heralds, she’s the

with,” Anneliese said, putting a hand on Argrave’s shoulder. “Like it or not, the gods remain a formidable force in

Sophia just as much as we do. Perhaps he kept it from the gods’ ears, but now he’s forced our hands. You shouldn’t forget we still have all

assume they want to talk in

pointed at him. “But

gave a nod with a solemn sigh. “Alright. It’s clear we

army and our local lords are insufficient to quell this unrest. Moreover, Gerechtigkeit is rallying what few allies we didn’t deprive him of under the banner of intelligent beings like liches or

lunar dragon’s descendants, but it’s perhaps only with the gods’ assistance that we have any hope. Gerechtigkeit is fighting to prevent us from

narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it

the two of them. When they said nothing, he managed a grim smile. “That’s good. We have fewer problems to focus on without only one enemy remaining. Elenore, I’d like you to get all of my top minds together—I’m not stepping back into Law’s Court alone. I

a moment, speaking with someone in her head. “She’s in

bring her here,” Argrave instructed. “I’m going to bring

Elenore raised her

off into the distance. “I don’t like it, but I need insurance. Law will keep his word no matter what, even if he later learns I tricked him. Before all this begins, I’m going to get

following silence told Argrave of the gravity

be interpreted as a slight. He might

simply, closing

nor Elenore

said with some finality, “I’ll contact those

#####

of Law’s Court in relative awe. “This place… where’s the exit, Argrave? How did we get inside? I can’t see

looked around at the others that’d come with him, then answered Sophia, “This place doesn’t have a true exit, Sophia. I can’t explain it now, but I promise you I will. Have

feeling of deep unease within Argrave on this visit. He didn’t like bringing Sophia out of Blackgard, and even less so bringing her to this place. But Law was dictated by his own sphere of divinity

put an armored gauntlet where its heart ought to be in a salute. “Argrave. I’m pleased that you responded to the union’s request for a

feet, realizing it might be time for them to head out. “Well, I’m sure we’ll all walk out of this with a greater understanding of

nodded. “I cannot speak with finality, but from what I heard from others, it sounds to me as though the Blackgard Union is becoming all the more closely entwined. The coming collapse of the White Planes promises to bind us all closer, not

then when the Justiciar began to turn, he said, “But I need to ask

listening.” It planted its sword

the giant, clearly uneased by the divine construct. “Law, this is Sophia of Vasquer. I’d like to make a

in some surprise when he introduced her using

benefitted you, I’d like to ask a favor of you. Sophia… she has some people targeting her. People I’d qualify as equal strength to the gods themselves. This worries me greatly. She’s…” He looked at her. “She’s rather like a

never stated it outright. Judging from her expression, she was in utter disbelief he’d use such terms for her. It didn’t seem to be an unpleasant