Jackal Among Snakes

Chapter 668

Chapter 668: Reality Comes Crashing Down

Though Argrave had been all but told that he might be expected to return the favor later down the line, for now, he wasn’t opposed to accepting the convenience of Jaray’s free help. Getting something for nothing had always been his preferred way of doing things. And help Jaray was—he helped Argrave mitigate any tension with Law, mostly by being a convenient cushion to the truth of the matter.

“Argrave was understandably terrified by the prospect of the White Planes collapsing,” Jaray had said to Law smoothly. “Is it any wonder he went to you, the only god who he could trust to keep their word? Truly, all that he asked of you was what was already established by the agreement made to form the Blackgard Union. Can it really be considered a wrongdoing, especially when done at the advice of others?”

Jaray’s intervention was rather like a mother swooping in to abate a father’s wrath. There was some disapproval expressed, some words of disappointment levied, and some questions about whether or not they were hiding further information. But with the setup Jaray had given him, Argrave felt like it was child’s play to bat all the questions aside and preserve the goodwill that had been established so long ago. Law went away renewing his vow to protect Sophia, but reminding Argrave that half-truths compromised authority and justice.

After, Jaray offered to help more, swaying favor toward Argrave regarding his intention to assume the role of the Blackgard Union’s leader. They decided instead to look to Jaray’s offer: attending the meeting. It was only then that they were free of him, and only then that they had the opportunity to relay what Jaray was like to their companions. Argrave told all—every beat of their conversation.

“You know what he likely is, don’t you?” Anneliese asked once he’d finished describing things to the others.

“A catspaw of the Heralds.” Argrave closed his eyes. “Meaning he’s hearing everything that we’re talking about, now.”

Elenore narrowed his eyes. “Perhaps you ought not call him a catspaw, then. Are you sure of this?”

“He dodged the question when we brought it to him. It was clear to me he didn’t intend to answer.” Anneliese shrugged. “That’s no proof, but there’s knowing something and knowing something.”

“You didn’t press him?” Durran asked.

“I felt we got our answer the moment he wormed his way past the first question.” Argrave tapped Durran’s shoulder. “But if it makes you feel better, I intend to pose it again when we meet outside of Law’s Court.”

“We’re going?” Galamon raised a brow.

Argrave looked at him. “We can’t afford to waste valuable days of time on a wild goose chase searching for lunar dragon descendants. Whether a trap or a genuine dialogue, this is worth confronting.”

The Veidimen commander nodded solemnly. “I urge caution. Securing safety around the world is more important than this meeting.”

Orion looked about to say something in disagreement, but Argrave beat him to it. “That’s why Anne and I are going alone.”

All Argrave’s advisors looked at him in shock.

“Their reactions don’t surprise me,” Anneliese said to Argrave almost as if the others weren’t there. “They didn’t see us fight in the Shadowlands.”

you stay here, get a grip on things? In particular, while he’s

can do that. You’re sure

the Shadowlands. If you had… you’re probably seek out a

Sophia?”

for the time being.” Argrave closed his eyes. “The

there is a

#####

a distance. The location chosen was a mountain in Anorexhai—the continent that the Smiling Raven had wiped out, countless millennia before. It was deep inland, where the hum of the bugs in the rainforest echoed out far more constantly than any human activity. It was as untamed as the Bloodwoods, and nearly as harsh. There was no civilized presence here for hundreds

you’ve picked up on?”

you’ll emerge from this

in surprise. Raven shook his head to indicate it wasn’t a long time. Anneliese followed up curiously, “Could you tell what

non-harmful ointment. Still, I’d not advise inhaling.” He looked between the two of them. “Will

lounging on a fallen stump.

on Royal Road

up.

part of me wonders if I didn’t just see some divine symbolism. I walk in on you, Jaray, feeding a fat lizard red meat. If that’s not a portent for what’s to come of

the past. They suspect people are working with Gerechtigkeit, or the Heralds.”

but saying he knew their concern. “If that’s true, why

often far more boring. Not always.” Jaray laughed, then turned. “Come

royal pair followed after him. Anneliese kept a grasp on the situation from above with her Starsparrow, and Argrave guided her along as she focused on her druidic magic. The hike wasn’t particularly long, but it was quite steep. Anneliese and Argrave, enhanced as they were, easily kept the god’s

had described it—desolate, with the only hint of life being tracks so faint it was hard to decide if they were real. The howl of wind was but a quiet whisper here, and

friend?”

sky, puffing smoke. He pointed his finger. “See that

up, peering at the sky. He indeed spotted a blinking red dot, assuming it naturally to be a star or a planet or some other such celestial body. He shifted

smoking his pipe. “I don’t help, teasing her as I do. But she’s a good

It looked like a meteor, come to end them. “I’m wondering if

same as he did—in rapt attention, in awe and fear. “I think…

her briefly, then looked back above. “You want to

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