Jackal Among Snakes

Argrave peered past an iron fence into a well-managed estate garden. It had a fountain, a very brief hedge maze, and at the very back, a rather grand mansion. Evidently a smuggler and a branch manager of the Order could grow very wealthy working together. Argrave nodded in recognition then turned away from the fence, gesturing to Anneliese and Galamon to follow. He made his way to the gate. A lone knight guarded it rather idly.

“Hello,” Argrave greeted, voice somewhat dull. He had not slept a wink, and as much reflected in his general demeanor. He learned a C-rank warding spell, though, so the effort was not wasted.

The knight did not react, so Argrave repeated, “Hello,” louder and more insistently. The knight turned his head to the sound slowly and then came to attention when he saw the three of them approaching, placing his hand on the pommel of his sword.

“This is the estate of Lady Elaine of Vyrbell. Please keep your distance,” the knight said loudly.

Argrave knew that this was only her estate in name only—Rivien made the majority of the money, but he didn’t wish to draw much attention to himself.

“I see, I see. Well, I wish to speak to Rivien of Vyrbell. I’m sure that he’ll want to speak to me,” Argrave clapped his hands together diplomatically.

When Rivien’s name was mentioned, the guard noticeably hesitated, his helmet moving back and forth between the three of them.

“…the lord is likely having breakfast now,” the knight said slowly.

“Just tell him that Argrave would like to see him. I have a matter he might help me with.”

The knight nodded, then stepped over to ring a bell. A servant from inside the gate came rushing forward in short order, and the knight relayed Argrave’s message. Content, he stepped away from the knight, facing Anneliese and Galamon.

“Anneliese. Keep an eye on the people in this meeting, try to feel out their dispositions towards us.” When Anneliese nodded, Argrave squeezed his eyes shut and then opened them, trying to dispel his tiredness. “Head’s killing me. Eyes hurt. At least I’ll sleep easier tonight,” Argrave focused on the positives.

“I slept, so I feel fine,” Anneliese said pointedly. “You should not stay up all night, even if you are having fun.”

Galamon eyed the both of them. “Fun? You only studied.”

“No, we learned magic,” Argrave corrected. “In terms of activities, it is immensely satisfying to see one’s studies come to fruition. It’s like…” Argrave searched for the right words. “Building yourself. Adding to yourself. Getting new limbs, new tools, that all exist within your mind.”

Anneliese nodded, then turned her head to watch the servant that’d moved away return. He spoke to the knight, and the armored man nodded. He walked over to the three of them, and Argrave turned.

“Lord Rivien will receive you alongside Lady Elaine,” the knight walked to the gate, opening it. “Our footman will take you to them. I would ask that you remove the circlets disguising your appearance.”

“Alongside Lady Elaine, hmm? What a delight,” Argrave said with a smile, feeling like he’d dodged a bullet. “You heard him. Circlets off, company,” Argrave directed, doing so as he spoke.

After a neat bow the footman led them through the garden, past the hedge maze, and through the door. They were greeted by a fanciful great room with two parallel winding stairways leading to a second floor. Here, at least, there was some respite from the constant dreary black present in most of Jast—the inside was mostly marble and dark wood, tastefully decorated with silver at points.

After some turns, Argrave and his companions were led to a room guarded by two knights. The footman wordlessly opened the door and gestured inside, where Argrave entered. A small dining room awaited them. Barring the attending servants, there were two people present. Rivien sat at the head of the table opposite the entryway, while Elaine sat at the seat closest to his left.

“See?” spoke Rivien, mouth still full of food. He chewed and wiped his face with a napkin, swallowing before saying to his sister, “I told you.”

Elaine was a little shocked to see him, and Argrave relished in that fact. He walked towards them, arms outstretched. “Speak of the devil and he shall appear,” Argrave said, staring at Elaine the whole while. “Though perhaps that idiom is not popular in this place. Hello, Rivien. We have not met before, but I know you quite well.”

Behind, Anneliese and Galamon tried to enter but were stopped by the knights. “The guards should wait outside,” he heard the knights argue.

Argrave turned on his heel. “Guards? These two are my companions.”

“Let them in,” Rivien said decisively. “And shut the doors.”

The two elves entered the room, and the doors were shut behind them. Argrave turned back. “Very kind of you to welcome me into your home on such short notice.”

“Business is scarcely kind,” Rivien said, planting his fork down and taking another bite of food. He chewed, staring at Argrave. He was quite a well-built man, and that made the finely made red clothes he wore appear much grander than they were. He seemed to be around his mid-thirties, and he had a pair of bright green eyes that made his gaze piercing.

Once Rivien swallowed, he pointed to a chair beside him. “Have a seat. Your companions, too.” He set the fork down for a moment, resting his elbows on the table and clasping his hands together. “I understand you wanted to have a conversation with me?”

“Yes,” Argrave nodded, making a show of walking slowly to the chair. “And who is this but Elaine?” he commented. “How might you know Rivien?” Argrave pulled back the chair closest to Rivien, opposite Elaine, and sat down. Anneliese and Galamon sat to his right.

“He’s my brother,” she said, face taut.

“Your brother. Imagine that,” Argrave said sarcastically. “It’s such a small world.”

Rivien was faintly amused by his theatrics, just as Argrave had been aiming for. He took his elbows off the table and grabbed the fork once again, pointing at Argrave with it. “Would you like some pork or ostrich egg? My chef is quite exemplary.”

“No thank you,” Argrave shook his head. “I’ve eaten. I have to apologize for interrupting a lovely breakfast between siblings for talk of business, but I think this might interest you.”

“Certainly. But I have to ask… how is it you came to know of me?” Rivien inquired, taking another bite of food.

“Our mutual winged friend,” Argrave said with a small smile, referring to who Rivien knew as ‘the Bat.’ In most of ‘Heroes of Berendar,’ the Bat was an enigmatic figure whose agents were central in many side quests. But Argrave knew who it was; Princess Elenore, a master strategist and schemer. Even blind, she sees more in Vasquer than all—or so some would say.

Of all the Vasquers, Elenore was the most reasonable and measured. On the flipside, she was the most deceptive, and capable of more cruelty than all of them. Hers was a dispassionate and pragmatic cruelty, derived not from sadism but from benefits. She worked only for herself.

As Argrave recalled, she had been one of the more popular romantic options. Many people like the idea of fixing a flawed person and winning affection from callousness. Her story was quite sad, Argrave had to admit, but then most of the Vasquers’ lives were misery. Argrave did not dislike her especially, but he was not overfond of the idea of working with her. Considering her influence, it seemed an inevitability.

Argrave glanced at Anneliese. Well, with Anneliese here, I’m sure I won’t be too badly screwed by her. Even if she’s not as good at scheming as Elenore, Anneliese’s smart enough to stop me from getting swept into the fire. Anneliese returned Argrave’s look, confused. Argrave shook his head dismissively, smiling as though to tell her it was nothing.

“As I thought. You see?” Rivien pointed to Elaine, drawing Argrave from his thoughts. “Well, if it’s that…” Rivien looked at the attendants still in the room and gestured towards the door with his head. They all bowed at once and made for the door quietly, filing out one by one. Argrave waited quietly.

Once the door shut, Rivien said, “This room is warded. You may speak freely without fear of being overheard.”

“I warded it, in fact,” Elaine interjected.

“How reliable, Elaine. What a power duo,” Argrave clapped his hands together. “To business. Firstly, I need you to get in contact with the Veidimen smugglers that come here. I know they don’t work with you, but you can swing it, I hope.”

Rivien briefly looked to Argrave’s elven companions. “The snow elves are skittish, especially after the failed invasion. If we contact them unexpectedly…”

“They’re expecting something from me. Elaine, I’m sure you know of what I speak.”

“I do. Castro sent the shipment,” she confirmed.

“Excellent, excellent,” Argrave nodded. “We’ll have to discuss things further later.”

“Alright. My commission, then,” Rivien said, placing his elbows on the table and leaning in.

“Hold for a minute,” Argrave raised one finger up. “There’s another matter, so let’s make this a bundle deal. Your crew… the Riveters,” Argrave said unconfidently, and seeing Rivien did not react, assumed he said it right. “I’m going to be moving a lot of very valuable things around. Doubtless word has already reached you about the innumerable books I hauled from the Order’s libraries.”

Rivien put his hands out. “I ordered my men not to touch your things. If you’re related to the Bat in any manner, I won’t get involved. I’ve learned much from others’ mistakes regarding that person. Much of my success can be attributed to him.”

“Well that’s just it,” Argrave continued. “Your little crew is the largest in town, and considering the valuable things I’m moving about… protection would be nice. I’d like you to watch the inn I’m staying at, make sure no undesirables set foot in there. In general, I’d like it if you could make sure no one bothers me as I attend to my business in Jast. It would be very much appreciated.”

Rivien tilted his head, expression stoic. “And if you placed some value on that appreciation?”

Argrave rummaged through his pocket and pulled out five pink coins. He slid them over to Rivien, then spread his hands out. “Is that sufficient?”

“How long will you be staying in Jast?” Rivien eyed the coins.

“Hopefully no more than three weeks,” Argrave responded quickly, anticipating the question.

Rivien reached his hand out across the table and placed a single digit on each coin. “Five now. Five more in three weeks, with the possibility of extension should your business be unfinished.”

“Come now,” Argrave began. “Your merry band is likely the most influential in Jast. If you put the word out that the very tall, very skinny man with black hair is off limits, everyone is going to fall in line without a word. My offer is reasonable.”

“You’re high profile,” Rivien shook his head. “The invasion at Mateth—rumor is spreading you stopped it. The Duke is calling you the ‘Hero of Monticci.’ There might be unexpected variables to deal with.”

“Is he now?” Argrave confirmed. He started gritting his teeth after Rivien nodded in confirmation. I told Nikoletta I wanted no credit—nothing. What is she thinking? Or is it Duke Enrico?

“Fine,” Argrave agreed hastily, both fatigued from lack of sleep and bothered by the news Rivien shared. He stood, offering his hand. “Five more in three weeks. I suppose keeping me intact long enough to pay will give you an incentive to offer good protection.”

Rivien took his hand, green eyes veritably glittering. “You’ll be safe, I assure you. It’s my business. I’ll contact the Veidimen. Shouldn’t take long if they’re waiting.”

“I certainly hope so,” Argrave nodded. “Now, Elaine. Let’s work out those illusion spellbooks for the Veidimen, shall we?”

Elaine stood, her expression somewhat icy. “Yes. Let’s.”

#####

“So? Any thoughts?” Argrave asked Anneliese and Galamon as the iron gate of Rivien’s estate shut behind them. Elaine had decided to go ahead to the Tower to get the shipment ready, and Argrave intended to join her in short order.

“Probably prudent. What few men I saw in his gang seemed competent enough. Well-equipped, at the least,” Galamon noted as they walked away from the fence.

“I believe he was being genuine,” Anneliese commented. “As for the other, Elaine… I could tell she was very bothered by the matter.”

“You think?” Argrave turned. “In what way?”

“Her pride was hit. She felt made light of—slighted, mocked. I thought that may have been what you were aiming for, what with the jokes. If not… that was what you achieved.”

Argrave bit his lips. “Some people… no sense of humor.” He looked to Anneliese. “Do you think she’ll do something?”

She thought. “Elaine also seemed bothered her brother did not defend her in the slightest. I believe… granted, I did not see much of her… certainly not enough to say with certainty… but she may not make things easy for us. If we’re to be working with her, it might cause problems.”

With a sigh, Argrave stopped in the road. The other two stopped shortly ahead, then walked back to rejoin Argrave. “Maybe we should just kill the old bag.” Seeing Anneliese and Galamon shift uneasily at the prospect, Argrave quickly added, “I’m only joking. But something will have to be done.”

“From my observations alone?” Anneliese asked uncertainly.

“’Alone?’” Argrave repeated. “Your observations are worth a great deal ‘alone.’” Argrave looked up at the distant Order tower. “I guess I have to be more considerate of people with prickly prides and enormous egos,” Argrave muttered, lost in thought. “Let’s go back to the inn before we meet her. I have an idea that may benefit everyone.”