Jackal Among Snakes - Chapter 251: Order in Chaos
Library

Chapter 251: Order in Chaos

Ruleo pointed both his index fingers at Elenore. Its over for you.

With that, Ruleo didnt hesitate a second in running away. The men that had come to restrain him simply let him pass, obviously more concerned with the news that the king was coming than trying to restrain someone from leaving.

Argraves mind felt like it restarted after Ruleo left, coming back to focus on the task at hand. Given what the man had just leaked, all those present would be rattled. Elenores troops were her lifeline, and having them lose faith, having them choose between the king of their country and her operation? He wasnt sure of their answer.

Elenore stepped forward boldly into the space Ruleo left behind. That fool would be better off with us. The king coming hereits unexpected, but well within the realm of what we can handle. Have you forgotten who I am? Have you forgotten this man, who stormed those catacombs of vampires not minutes ago? she moved to Argrave. Gather everyone. I must set some things into place, and then well leave together.

The effect of Elenores confident words was like a spell that warded away their doubts, and her men set off to gather people. Even Argrave felt soothed somewhat, but when he looked to Anneliese, the uncertainty on her face told him it was mere bravado to keep all in line. Elenore held her arm out, gesturing for Argrave to escort her. Argrave took her arm.

Take me to Vasquer, she told him.

Without another word, Argrave took off towards the giant golden snake in the back of the giant room.

Are you oka

Save it, Elenore interrupted. Do you know of any other exits to this place?

lghtnvlubm fr th bt nvl rdng rn

The vampires would have used it, Argrave told her at once. As far as I know, front door is the only door.

Felipe is coming here personally and I know him, I know how he thinks, she said, a grim calmness to her. Therese wouldnt know of Vasquer so theres another traitor in our midst. No, no forget that. Felipe is the pressing matter.

Elenore didnt look daunted by the prospect as she continued, We have to leave here as soon as we can. Felipe seeks possession of Vasquer. He wouldnt dare harm hera symbol of legitimacy as valued as the founders companion coming to harm under his watch would mar his reign indelibly. He would never take such a risk. Though its best we ask her thoughts on the matter, I believe she would agreewe cannot stay here, yet Vasquer will remain safe if we leave her.

Agreed, Argrave nodded, following thus far.

In a small group, we could leave now but escaping the capital would be impossible without my people. My men arent loyal by causetheyre loyal by benefit alone. They wont die for me, wont screen our escape. On top of all that, a lot of people here are very valuable links to distant places. Lastly, lets not mention the blow this would have on my reputation. Itd cripple my capabilities. Id be of much less help to you in the future. Elenore outlined to him. Levin I was not expecting this. Hes captured Therese.

Her footsteps faltered, and Argrave stopped. What? he asked.

Elenore appeared briefly distressed, yet she resumed walking not a moment later. Ruleo said she looked worse than before. Presumably, despite torture, shes not surrendered truly valuable information... elsewise, I would have no opportunity. Shes given me time, she noted, voice faintly tremulous.

Can we delay the king, evacuate? Argrave questioned, moving steadily towards Vasquer.

If he knows of Elenores capability, he would immediately know its a diversion, Anneliese chimed in on the opposite side of Argrave. Given the Bats reputation, hell know whats happening.

lghtnvlubm fr th bt nvl rdng rn

Elenore nodded. Yes he wouldnt delay his arrival. Owning Vasquer would be too valuable for him to dare delay. But nonetheless, now is not the time to be frugal. Ill send a few talented people out immediately to work at causing distractions around the city. It will divide the guard, make our escape easier. Even Felipe would not let his city burn to the ground before his eyeshis paranoia might make him think this is all just some diversion to ruin Dirracha.

No. You can send messages quicker with my Starsparrow, Anneliese suggested. It will be nigh undetectable.

Elenore nodded, brightening somewhat. Thats right. I can yes, thats the best way. All I need is to deliver one message to a trusted agentMerren. From there, he can get word to all of the others. A mass of arson, a series of minor attacks in the royal palace, calling in what few favors I have in the royal guard we have to sow disunity, ensure they come here divided and uneasy.

With the royal knights leading a siege against this place I mean, its as though were taking the place of the vampires we just wiped. The knight-commander, Jezuit, is an A-rank mage and master warrior well-equipped with old relics. We dont stand a chance, Argrave counseled.

These favors arent mere trifles, Argrave, Elenore said coldly. The sway I have in the capital is enough to cause serious damage.

Argrave nodded. I believe that. But even if only ten royal knights holed up in the stairs, can we win? Theyre some of the best-equipped and best-trained fighting forces in Berendar. Itd be impossible to assail, impossible to escape. Were in the heart of the kingdoms power. They can leisurely starve us out, if they want.

I know this, Elenore said after a moment of silence. They stopped before the gargantuan golden snake, still bound as ever. Her golden eyes followed them. Things are as I said. The king wants to possess Vasquer. There is a reason everything happens so quickly, so recklessly. The kings greed, his desire for Vasquerthat will be our best bet of manipulating things in our favor. Once he knows this is no fools quest, he will stop at nothing to come inside and secure this place.

Elenore slowly slid out of Argraves grasp, coming to stand on her own. Argrave rubbed his hands together and asked, Vasquer is the crux of your plan?

Probably, Elenore nodded. Do you know why those in central Vasquer remain loyal to Felipe? In war, he always led the charge, fought side-by-side with his vanguard. Trust me, I know him. We can bait him in. As for Vasquer Elenore turned to the snake. She I still need to talk to her, work things out. But before I do that, I need to know one thing. Levindoes something like this have precedent? Precedent in this game of yours?

lghtnvlubm fr th bt nvl rdng rn

Argraves gaze narrowed as he thought. Levin is a bit power-hungry, but hes a coward. He stays by Felipes side because he doesnt think that his father is capable of being usurped, of being defeated. Hes an opportunist. Hell take risks, but only if he can mitigate any harm that might come of them. Simply put, no. I dont understand why hes doing something like this.

Nor do I. My people have evidence of underhanded things hes doneMagnus murder, embezzlement, abuses of power he hired men to provoke Induens royal guard into attacking the people here at Dirracha, effectively starting a battle between the Margrave and the royal family, and by extension this whole war. That last one has no proof, but a woman under my employ testifies as much Elenore shook his head. The first order of business is to get that all of that evidence out there. But given what hes just done, I have to assume hes planned for as much. Not to mention he has someone planted among my men, getting word out. The traitor still needs to be dealt with.

Argrave frowned sharply at the revelation Levin was behind Magnus murder. Elenore either didnt catch or didnt care about his expression, for she turned to Vasquer and reached out. Quickly. No time for thoughts, feelings, distractions. It would be best if you talked to her with me, Elenore urged.

In truth, the prospect of speaking to Vasquer again brought Argrave pause. Nonetheless, he pulled free his glove and reached out, hand resting against the metallic-feeling scales of the gigantic golden snake.

Once again, the nearly violating presence seeped into Argraves mind. The snake was once again quite accommodating of his discomfort yet Elenore must have sent some knowledge of the situation over, for an inquiry came about their present situation.

Argrave simply plainly laid out the last conversation hed had in its entirety, offering it to Vasquer. Understanding and concern returned. Argrave felt strangely nostalgic. It was like having a phone call with his mother where hed told her some of his problems, and hed receive a genuine offer of help. At once, understanding fell upon himunderstanding of why Elenore valued this big snake so much.

That made him hesitate to leave her to Felipes clutches.

Yet before the thought could take root, something camehuman thoughts, this time, and human feelings. Argrave accepted them. At once, Elenores plan of action came rushing into his mind, soon after supplanted by Vasquers promise of cooperation.

Argrave stood there for a moment, grinding his teeth. Then, he slowly took his hand off, and turned back to his companions. It seems Ill need your help. The binding around Vasquers jawit needs to be removed. And well be needing a sharp blade.

lghtnvlubm fr bttr ur rn