Jackal Among Snakes

Chapter 681: Cold World War

“Argrave has to die.”

Following that declaration, Jaray blew a puff of smoke from his mouth. He looked between countless gods arrayed here, who’d come either in-person or through emissaries. Following the tremendous display with the suns, doubts about the amiability of the newly-elected leader of the Blackgard Union had come into fruition in the form of this secret meeting. If Argrave would do something like that without consulting them, what more would he do? It was clear he didn’t have as much an interest in their opinion as he’d claimed.

“He’s gone to tremendous lengths to make sure that all of the cards remain in his hand,” Jaray continued. “When the final hand is dealt, and he alone decides what to do about the cycle of judgment, none of us will have any place remaining in his new order.”

“You claimed to me privately not a month ago that his efforts would lead to the end of all divinity,” one of the assembled gods noted. “The story’s a little different now.”

“I can’t prove it any longer.” Jaray shook his head. “I believe it, but the Heralds can’t back up my words. Their tongues have been cut off, effectively. Argrave decided that when he stole the souls of every living being and hid them away in his new sun. It’s emblematic of his intents toward all of us. To deprive without asking. To ‘help’ without consideration. Who’s to say what power he actually gained from it?”

“What are you suggesting?” another god questioned.

Jaray tipped his pipe, and ashes tumbled out. “Perhaps he can exert control as Gerechtigkeit intended to. Or perhaps, with just a thought, he could sever someone’s tie with their soul, killing them instantly. If either is true, he has all mortalkind in the palm of his hands. From rats to humans, cats to elves… in one fell swoop, he took it all. He can’t be allowed to do it again.”

“If he had any intention of cooperating, he could once again head to Law’s Court and explain himself. No—he remains in Blackgard, martialing his power, bringing every god and mortal that’s both loyal and powerful to prepare for Gerechtigkeit.” Another of the assembled wistfully shook their head. “If he intended to, he could’ve become a god long ago. That he hasn’t speaks of his intents. Argrave fights for the mortals alone.”

“Well said,” Jaray concurred. “But you mentioned a rather significant problem—one that’s the explanation for why I’ve brought us all here, rather overtly.” He raised his hand up. “Argrave remains in the heart of his power, building up more and more defenses around himself day by day. Some of the mortals surrounding him are nearly equal to gods in power, and even the gods are either too blindly trusting or simply don’t care about their own fate. Perhaps, idealistically, they believe their deaths would better serve this planet.”

“Ideals? We can’t have those,” a discontent-looking god said snidely.

Jaray inhaled deeply on his pipe, staring at the lone dissenter. “Any assassination will need to be exceedingly well-coordinated,” he continued. “To kill Argrave, both he and Anneliese need to be all but totally eviscerated. They share a divine power of a sorts which enables the both of them to survive off of the energy of everything. His blood magic burns through and absorbs anything’s essence—life force, magic, divine power, you name it—while Anneliese has an ability to distribute said essence. She can generally reinvigorate other’s supply of magic, but for Argrave, she can restore his body. They haven’t been idle in collecting an abundance of said essence. Any battle done with them will be devastatingly catastrophic.”

“That can’t be right,” one of the gods protested, leaning in. “That sort of power is absurd.”

just that—the two that went to the Shadowlands, carved a path through it, and returned victorious, bringing back a powerful tool they employ

“What tool?” Someone asked.

should know by now, I know things. Too many things. And I’ve helped

his words… but in time, it was clear that no protest

particle, Anneliese can revive him.” Jaray walked around the assembled gods. “The same doesn’t hold true for Anneliese. Argrave can restore her by attacking something with his

past the defenses he’s mustered. It was already heading that direction when it was established, but after the attack of that silver knight, Blackgard has become an impenetrable fortress. They’ve managed to recreate the protections of the Palace

that it has been stolen from Royal

spread through all present.

“And it’s something I’ve thought about plenty. Truth is, the Heralds haven’t been fully shut out. There’s one place where their voice can still be heard—and in that place, there’s

vague, Jaray, not

mean he’s tamed them. It’s not perfect. As a matter of fact, it’s rather ramshackle. But we have a venue to coordinate. We have a

#####

what he

I appreciate the moon more and more every day.” Argrave chuckled, hiding his mouth behind

here, just to get a proper survey of the situation. Without the wonders of druidic magic, Argrave was again coming to appreciate the

legitimate threat. Perhaps Jaray is ignorant of the fact that I’m helping you, but I’d put nothing past him. His specialty was knowing things, and this was long before the Heralds started whispering in his

at Anneliese, who sat at his right. “The Manumitter has been helping Elenore keep

ancient heroes that we left to help them agreed to be subsumed into some of the Shadowlanders. The revolution against the Hopeful’s control inherited some of the best expertise in strategy and leadership the world has ever seen, or will ever see. When we’ve conversed with

that some of the ancient heroes that Garm had brought back agreed to be subsumed into the Shadowlanders. Ultimately, they elected to live on, even if in this bizarre, subordinate fashion. He couldn’t fault them that, and perhaps it was a good

we can trust them not to act against our best interests,” Argrave said—not a ringing endorsement, but the truth. “Even if not, the Shadowlanders are in in the middle of a civil war. Neither side is especially eager for compromise.” He looked at Lorena. “Do you have any further insights about the Shadowlands? Can