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.

the Heralds, she’s the very reason Gerechtigkeit is so much more powerful this cycle. How can I obscure her any longer? And once she’s

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

it from the gods’ ears, but now he’s forced our hands. You

“I assume they want to talk in Law’s

mental influence Gerechtigkeit presently exerts worldwide.” Elenore pointed at him. “But given how they fixated on your attendance, I can assume you’re the

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

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 knights similar to the silver one Orion fought. He’s building what might

the lunar dragon’s descendants, but it’s perhaps only

has been illicitly obtained; should you

to focus on without only one enemy remaining. Elenore, I’d like you to get all of

in her

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

raised

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 him to vow to help

The following silence told Argrave of the gravity of

Anneliese pointed out. “It could be interpreted as a slight. He might not remain our

important,” Argrave said simply, closing his eyes. “She could decide

nor Elenore brooked

some finality, “I’ll

#####

Court in relative awe. “This place… where’s the exit, Argrave? How did we get inside? I

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

even less so bringing her to this place. But Law was dictated by his own sphere of divinity to be confined by his word and bond. He

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

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

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 create distrust—heartening, considering what power Gerechtigkeit is already demonstrating

turn, he said, “But

within its white armor gleaming. “I’m listening.” It planted its sword on the ground, and the

took her in his arms. She clung to him tightly as he walked toward the giant, clearly uneased by the divine construct. “Law, this is Sophia of Vasquer. I’d like to

looked at him in some surprise when he introduced her using his own surname. The Justiciar, meanwhile, waited for

wish ill upon Sophia. Considering how the Blackgard Union—and in particular, because of the Kingdom of Vasquer’s efforts—has 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

always treated her as such, but he’d 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 thing to her,