Jackal Among Snakes

Argrave and all of his companions returned to the mortal realm, Hause’s court in tow. Their point of arrival was the place they had first entered from—namely, in the heart of the Ebon Cult’s territory. That was quickly remedied, as the Alchemist cast [Worldstrider] once more, taking them back to Blackgard. Argrave felt as though he was doing something wrong whenever he saw or heard something, and so he quickly disclosed what he’d seen to the Alchemist—namely, Erlebnis’ curse.

Naturally, it was a matter that demanded some attention. Argrave separated from everyone else, using Elenore as a conduit to speak to the others as the Alchemist examined him. He inquired about the results of the battle.

Despite the great length of time that they’d been absent, the fight still raged—though perhaps ‘raged’ was the wrong word. It was a constant probing skirmish, where Ebon Cult spellcasters tried their defenses and retreated when no opening could be found. Sieges could last weeks, even months, and they occupied the defensive position. The Ebon Cult seemed reluctant to assault fully without Mozzahr’s aid. Still, it would need to be wrapped up with as little bloodshed as possible, ideally.

But just as the heist, this battle was largely a success. It would take a miracle for the Ebon Cult to regain the advantage without Mozzahr. That was the failing of a cult—without the one person holding it all together, it crumbled.

With that matter shelved for now, Argrave focused on the curse that Erlebnis had levied. They were in the Alchemist’s temporary obsidian abode atop the mountain, entirely sealed off from the world. Argrave sat on a cold obsidian table, feeling like he was at the doctor’s once more. The Alchemist stood over Argrave, reviewing the books he’d composed when the monstrous figure had first examined his body completely. He hoped they would be of some use.

“…so, what will you do now that Hause’s back?” Argrave questioned.

“She doesn’t know me,” the Alchemist said coldly. “That’s a question for you to answer. She can be a very valuable tool, and she owes you. Make good use of her. She can change the tide of everything, including our struggle against Gerechtigkeit.”

“She doesn’t know you?” Argrave repeated.

“She was present in my life for less than one percent of its existence,” he looked down at Argrave. “Yes. She doesn’t know me.”

Argrave grew silent as he tried to divine how old the Alchemist was from that information. His head started to hurt, and he instead thought back on other things.

“So, Anneliese said that your—"

“You’ve just been told that someone hears everything you hear, and yet you won’t shut up,” the Alchemist leaned over Argrave menacingly. “Wait. For. Me. To. Finish.”

Argrave knew he was babbling so much only because he was nervous, but the ever-constant disdain that the Alchemist showed grounded him for a moment. He waited there, trying to think of anything that might distract him from things. But nothing came.

“This cloak…” the Alchemist touched it, rubbing it between his fingers. “It drew out large quantities of Erlebnis’ power from the Blessing of Supersession, yes?”

“It did,” Argrave confirmed.

The Alchemist looked at the books again. “Vast quantities of Erlebnis’ power entered into your body. It is reasonable that he would be able to enact something like this. And just as the Keeper said, I believe I can see it. What he did… he blessed you. Or rather, he enhanced the blessing he’d already given you.”

Argrave scoffed. “Enhanced?”142.93.60.102

“You forget that babbling fool you brought me. He was ‘blessed.’ It’s only terminology.” The Alchemist shut the book, and Argrave realized after a few moments he was talking about Ingo. “You can use the Blessing of Supersession whenever you want. But when you do, I suspect he would be able to enhance his ability to perceive your body. The Keeper didn’t lie. Much.”

Argrave blinked, considering the implications of this. After a time, he refocused. “I watched you disassemble and reassemble me like I was a toy soldier,” Argrave pointed at him. “Tell me you can get rid of this.”

“Can I train my magic while I’m there?” Argrave asked hopefully.

“I suppose,” the Alchemist shrugged.

“Then I have something you need to get,” Argrave smiled. ”It’s far in the north… and we only need a pinch.”

#####

“…I see,” Anneliese said calmly, the wind of the mountaintop blowing her hair slightly. They stood outside the Alchemist’s silver abode, Vasquer watching over them.

Argrave stared her in the eyes for a few moments. “You do?”

“It seems necessary,” she shook her head, then grabbed a thick stand of her hair to braid it idly—a nervous tick of hers, resurfacing after so long. “It will be painful to be apart for so long. But…” she trailed off.

Elenore’s voice cut into his mind, relaying, “Anneliese says, ‘there are other ways we can talk.’ By the gods… have I become a glorified messenger?”

“You’re right,” Argrave nodded. “Painful but necessary. It’s best if no one knows where I go. He’s going to encase me in stone and then transfer me somewhere. I won’t know where.”

“Prudent,” Anneliese nodded. “No telling how Erlebnis might locate you—the direction of the wind, the smells, et cetera. And… despite what we saw, I do trust the Alchemist.”

“Why?” he pressed curiously, though he didn’t disagree.

“He has been remarkably faithful. Not to mention he… well, he did a lot to protect those he cared for. We are bound by duty and alliance, too. I shall not speak the rest, lest unwanted listeners learn more than they should.”

Argrave guessed this was about what she mentioned earlier—the Alchemist’s ‘lifeforce,’ whatever that meant. She’d seemed touched by what he’d done, then, and trusted him more since.

“Right,” Argrave nodded. “While I’m gone… I’m naming you my regent. The excuse for my absence is to recover from the battle with Mozzahr.”

“Not entirely inaccurate,” Anneliese nodded. “We waste time. Orion should be healed by now, demigod that he is. Melanie and Durran have already headed down into the underground. Elenore tells me that their arrival has caused quite a stir amongst the cultists, as a few recognize them. If you appear personally, and Mozzahr remains absent… their morale will break utterly. From there, we negotiate their surrender. Mial, Mozzahr’s daughter, is already wavering. It would be a victory with as few casualties as possible. Oh, and…” she trailed off.

Elenore’s voice surfaced in his head. “We’ve established contact with the dwarven nation. As it turns out, Anestis’ father is a senator. He kept that detail private, but he appears to be cooperating for now.”

“Excellent,” Argrave said, both aloud and in his head. “Then… it’s time to end this war before it truly begins.”

Argrave walked away, coming to stand with Vasquer. The feathered serpent craned out, and he touched its snout.

“Had a strange dream… and you were in it,” Argrave said, and Vasquer sent over relief at his safe return. He only had one emotion to return to her—hope. Argrave hoped he was finally on track to put an end to all this madness sewn by Gerechtigkeit, now and forevermore. Only time would tell.

done.me

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