Jackal Among Snakes

At the senate meeting, Dario had unilaterally surrendered all knowledge of Dwarven metalworking to the senate. Afterward, he faded into the background. If he was as unsympathetic before an audience as he claimed, that was the best move he could've made. All it did was remove Argrave’s leverage from the table. It also greatly facilitated his next move—a quiet departure while Argrave remained trapped in dialogue with the rest of the senate.

By the time Argrave learned that Dario had departed Mundi, the mysterious artificer was long gone. With the magma moat taking minutes to open and close and his business with the senate unfinished, he abandoned any notion of pursuit at once. The most he did was send word to Elenore, but given the man’s talent at stealth he expected nothing to come of it.

Back at the senate, Therapont had managed to squash the notion of abandoning the alliance before it could gain momentum. Still, long days of negotiation awaited. Argrave requested he return to his kingdom to gather counsel, and was granted permission to bring more people on the condition Melanie remain behind. He agreed.

They returned to Therapont’s residence, where Argrave prepared to depart.

"I appreciate your help, Melanie," Argrave told her earnestly. He wasn't quite comfortable leaving her here, but it was necessary. Tasks awaited him on the surface. “You’ve been every bit as helpful as I thought you’d be.”

She scratched her nose, perhaps to hide some embarrassment at his praise. "You know me. Just a little helper. You can send my payment to Nodremaid. My people will be ready for a few chests of gold."

"While I'm at it, I'll send hazard pay. After all, I need you to do two things. Schmooze with the senators, and investigate everywhere Dario's been. Just don't get caught breaking laws. I think anyone could recognize you."

"Don't get caught?" Melanie repeated.

Argrave smiled. "I'm leaving another friend with you. He might help on that front."

Leaving the Alchemist and Melanie behind, Argrave departed Mundi. His head brewed half a thousand ideas about how he could sway the people of this foreign country beneath the world. Through the senate, through his people, he would endeavor to make sure they cooperated to reach Sandelabara. Because it seemed his monstrous companion once called Raven would accept no other outcome.

The moment he was freed of the confines of dwarven metal, Argrave cast [Worldstrider] to return to Blackgard. Anneliese was absent, so he sought out Elenore first. He opened her door to find her working dutifully in her office. Durran stood behind her, evidently distracting his wife judging from the exasperated joy on her face.

“Argrave.” She rose, her face returning to business at once. “You really should send word before you return.”

“You knew I was coming,” he said dismissively. “And besides, where’s the fun in that?”

Elenore sighed as Durran walked out from behind the desk. “You two can be quite alike, sometimes. No matter.” She gathered her thoughts. “I sent more people to the ruins where the Iron Giants were located. I’ve no doubt Melanie was competent in her disassembly, but perhaps there’s something she might’ve missed. Your queen is out demonstrating to Dras the presence of the Chu, and explaining our defense plan.”

“Meanwhile I, it seems, have been designated to speak to the mountain men beneath the ground.” Durran walked up to Argrave, patting his arm. “We don’t talk enough these days, Argrave.”

“Give it time. We might raid another god’s vault—I’ll need you then,” Argrave jested.

Durran nodded with a smile. “Alright. Do you care to come with and meet my contacts in the Burnt Desert? Rather—beneath the Burnt Desert.”

“They’re your contacts. I think I’d be the third wheel. Besides, I think you’re chasing ghosts,” Argrave told him bluntly, then looked at Elenore and added, “Meaning no disrespect to your thoroughness.”

Elenore shrugged. “I’ve chased enough ghosts in my days to learn they’re not to be left neglected. One might say they can come back to haunt you.”

Argrave laughed, and Elenore hid her pleasure that her joke had landed. “You’ve been a blessing to us all, Elenore. I won’t keep you from your work.” Argrave took Durran’s shoulder, shepherding him out the door. “Let me catch Durran up on Dario while we wait for Anneliese.”

Elenore nodded. “Yes. I’ll scrounge some sort of ceremony up to explain why the Veidimen are joining into our politics.”

#####

Argrave spent his time detailing Durran on the man they were looking for. He didn’t expect much from this lead, but he told all in case Elenore was right to be so thorough—it had been known to happen. Thereafter, Anneliese and Dras returned. Argrave gave an affectionate greeting to Anneliese, and a cordial one to Dras. Then, as Elenore worked her magic, they elected to dine.

“If some of these foods are among the supplies sent to the north, my men might well consider this a vacation,” Dras noted, staring at his empty plate.

Argrave pushed away his own empty plate, then rested his arms on the table. “Who are you putting on the parliament?”

Dras leaned back in his chair. “Ah, I was waiting for that question. I was surprised my favorite daughter didn’t ask it, frankly.” He spoke casually and friendly, dropping the demeanor of patriarch here. A sign of trust, perhaps, or genuine affection.

“I believe I have some idea about who would fit the role. I simply cannot guess the names,” Anneliese added, almost defensively. “From what I saw, politics have shifted in Veiden slightly.”

Dras nodded. “With Veid’s aid, I consolidated some tribes, further centralizing things.” He leaned in. “The ones I’m sending to your parliament are loyal chiefs with small tribes beneath them. They’ll be bringing their whole families—I trust this is no issue?”

Argrave answered enthusiastically, “Your people are more than welcome.”

“But Rowe will be leading them all.” Dras smiled widely. “He was quite furious when I told him he’d be living here for some years. Veid calmed him, though. She’s been immeasurably helpful.”

Argrave grew silent at this news, looking to Anneliese for comfort. He hoped she might signal this was some sort of joke, but no such sign came. Dras was deadly serious. Argrave looked back and asked, “You’re sending Rowe. Rowe, called Rowe the Righteous. Rowe, who has a dragon. Are you intending to cause us problems?”

“Have you forgotten they must all obey my daughter absolutely?” Dras pointed both of his hands at her. “They’ll be puppets on your strings. This is meant to help. His dragon, Crystal Wind, will be aiding us in the north, but I’d prefer Rowe here, aiding you. Specifically, I’ve given him a very simple request.” He looked at Anneliese. “He’s come to tutor you.”

Anneliese’s amber eyes widened in surprise. “Rowe himself?” She bit at her lips, deliberating her next words. “Patriarch, I cannot understand why you show us such grace.”

“Nepotism,” Dras declared grandly.

“Argrave and I do not stay in one place for very long,” Anneliese continued. “I cannot guarantee I will be around to receive his tutoring.”

“He will be around for some time.” Dras waved his hand away. “I appreciate that you are not greedy, but this is not your decision. It’s mine. If a father cannot dote upon his daughter whenever he wishes, the world would end overnight. This adoption has been rather to my liking.”

Anneliese looked somewhat frustrated, but Argrave was pleased. He put his hand atop her own. “Looks like you’ll breach S-rank. Always knew you would, but with Rowe’s teachings…”

His words seemed to allow what was to happen to settle in, and Anneliese accepted her good fortune. The meal ended without incident. Just as Dras was rather enjoying adoption, Argrave was rather enjoying this generous father-in-law. How much would he be willing to give to her? He would have to test that theory.

#####

Elenore’s handling of the Veidimen integration was very graceful. She invented some justifications, and used some that they already had to explain the presence of the snow elves. She fabricated trade privileges—in essence, she claimed that accepting them into parliament would make the Veidimen take Vasquer as their only trading partner, and would further force them to surrender yet more magic. Both were already happening, but those of the parliament didn’t know that. Secondly, she simply explained that they needed Veiden’s navy to repel coastal invaders. Given that Argrave had not been an alarmist about the threat of the Ebon Cult, the members of parliament felt this notion trustworthy.

In the end, though a vote was not necessary given that the crown itself decided parliamentary seats, a vote was held. It passed by a very thin margin, demonstrating reluctant acceptance by his people. Patriarch Dras returned to Veiden, his duty done here and another beginning elsewhere. It was quite a weight removed to know that a naval invasion was no longer as imminent as it was.

After the meeting, Argrave received a rather surprising guest—Hause. They exchanged brief greetings, but she was quick to get to the point.

“I’ve communicated with the other members of the Blackgard Union,” Hause said. Argrave was tired, and his eyes wandered the elaborate braid containing her blonde hair. “I’ve decided to join, after hearing and mulling over the Alchemist’s words. And more than that, I am debating… employing my ability.”

Argrave’s focus returned at once. “Your ability to unlock one’s potential?”

“What else?” She lowered her head, and jewelry in her braids clattered against each other. “Do not get your hopes up. But I agree that your goal… it might necessitate what I have.” She looked back up at him. “Still, I come bearing other news than my joining of your union. All of the gods of the union have manifested. They seek to establish a presence on this continent.”

Argrave took a deep breath and sighed. “Time moves ever onward… well, I promised them that much. Will Raccomen be occupying the empty stretch of land we promised?”

“He will,” Hause agreed. “They will all send proselytizers soon. If you wish it, I can play the role as mediator between you and them, ensuring a smooth transition. I believe I have a grasp on what you intend for Blackgard, and Elenore and I already work somewhat closely since she helped construct my temple.”

Argrave didn’t need to think long before he nodded. “Thank you. Your mediation would be very helpful. Depending on how quick these missionaries are, I might not be here to welcome them.”

After clarifying some more things with Hause, Argrave got back to his primary task—namely, preparing for the diplomatic conquest of the dwarves. He discussed the idea at length with Anneliese, and they came to a singular conclusion.

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