What exactly do I call you now? Argrave questioned Leopold, his tone somewhat lacking its typical vigor. He genuinely did not know. Relize never gained a leader in Heroes of Berendar. This was a new development entirely divorced from what Argrave knew just as Elenores actions were.

The two of them sat alone in the Dandalan patriarchs study. Things had simply ended up this way. He was unused to being anywhere without Anneliese, but right now he felt fine with it.

The leader has no title, Leopold shook his head. This position has been taken only once before. It has no name because it is fundamentally transitory. The Grand Council would not abide giving legitimacy to the position by assigning it a titleI am merely the leader of Relize. The aged patrician looked to Argrave. Soon enough, Ill be calling you your Majesty.

Argrave nodded. Youll put the crown on my head, most likely.

Leopold leaned into his desk. Less excited than I thought youd be. The patrician pulled back a drawer, retrieving a casket. He pried it open with his knife, then retrieved a purple bottle. Want some wine? This is fine stuff, and I know you have quite a thirst.

Argrave shook his head. Enjoy it, he said somberly. So, I suspect youll be revoking the Rescindment of Profligacy and Corruption?

Leopold nodded. On the day of your coronation. Bit of sleight of hand. Hide something monumental behind something even more monumental. The man thumbed at the cork, looking around for something to remove it. First thing we have to send the Relize magic architects out to that site you spoke of. Theyll examine the mountain and determine if this fortress you intend to construct in Indanus is actually feasible.

Argraves brain cleared for a moment, reminded of his duty. Thats good. Dont forget to bring Melan along for thathe owes me.

Not sure how you managed that thing with the vampires Leopold shook his head. Im especially not sure how you got the Wratsons to help you with that. Theyre standoffish. Its a comforting development, nonetheless. I never knew they had an S-rank mage in their service theyre the only in Relize, I think

Mmm, Argrave nodded, not feeling his typical urge to show off or act grandiose. Leopold. If one of your sons killed someone, what would you do? And not in self-defense, not in passion but cold-bloodedly.

Leopold had been fiddling with the bottles cork with his knife, but he stopped and looked at Argrave. What do you mean, if? Rex did.

Rex? Argrave repeated.

Leopold nodded. Yes, Rex. He was well, he was a grandson, come to think of it but I loved him well enough to call him my son. His father died in a raid, you see, so I mostly raised him. He the patrician paused. I dont want to talk about it. This is supposed to be a happy day, you damned fool, he rebuked. Shortly put, I disinherited him and turned him over to the Councils hands.

Immediately? Argrave pressed.

no, Leopold admitted. It took some time. Had to change my mind see him for who he really was. See how I failed. Steel myself. He shook his head, then stroked his beard once. Enough of this. Move on.

Argrave nodded slowly, staring at the windows behind Leopold and into the rushing river.

#####

I think you should give her a pass, Durran said to Argrave. Maybe if youve got another natural disaster on your radar, you might show it to her like you showed me that tower falling down. Got me in line, didnt it?

Argrave was in no mood for jokes, and he stared Durran eye-to-eye, waiting for the man to speak further. Though they sat in the dining hall, alone at dusk, neither touched the food before them.

Durrans face hardened slightly when Argrave didnt even crack a smile. He explained himself seriously, saying, The people she disposed of cowards and opportunists. Theyd be the first to back out once it came time to fight Gerechtigkeit. Shes established new leaders in Atrusones that she chose, ones that can help us.

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Youd have traitors instead of cowards, Argrave pointed out frankly. Thats certainly reliable.

Durran shook his head. Most of them werent aware of what Elenore is doing. Even the delegates that came here they didnt have any clue of Elenores plans. She couldnt risk them telling you, after all. The former tribal leaned in closely, moonlight shimmering against his golden tattoos. And shes right. Felipe orchestrated this, not her. She just helped him along.

Argrave laughed, but not out of amusement.

And think of it. Now, the king has spurred the north into opposition against the crown. Theyre further dividing their forces because more foes actively antagonize the loyalists, Durran explained heatedly. This was the smart thing to do. We have to win this war.

All I see is more deaths on the board, Argrave finally spoke his thoughts earnestly. So, Atrus was staying neutralgood. Fewer people die. More are ready to confront the true threat, Gerechtigkeit, unscarred by war and battle.

Durran leaned away a bit. Instead, youd have more of our people die fighting a stronger opponent? He lifted his hands up. If we win easier, Argrave, much less of our people perish. Our people, with proven loyalty and steady allegiances.

Argrave shook his head.

Frustrated, Durran pounded the table. Dont give me that defiled saint act, he said insistently. I talk with Galamon more than you might think. He talks. I know that you killed those druidic scouts. How was that situation different? These people hadnt harmed you, hadnt harmed anyone. But they were pivotal in gaining an advantage in battle, in war. You slaughtered them all.

That gave Argrave pause. Was the situation different? He thought it was, but he had long ago come to terms with the fact that hed done that. Maybe his own bias was blinding him to the fact that Elenore had good reason to do what she did, no matter what line shed crossed.

if it was the same, why did she think she had to hide what she was doing from me, from all of us? Argrave asked, not knowing the answer himself.

Thats even Durran, devils advocate that he was being, couldnt answer that. I dont know, Argrave.

Argrave nodded, coming to much the same conclusion himself.

The whole time Ive been travelling with you say what you will, but you always act as though you know best, Durran said. You deceive peopleeven your alliesto get them to do what you want. You started out deceiving Elenore. You think you have their best interests in heart. Like sister, like brother. Youd be a hypocrite, parting ways with her.

I Argrave began, but then realized he was just trying to defend himself of the accusation of hypocrisy. Keep talking.

I wanted want, Durran corrected. I want things to work out between the two of you. I well, you know me. You know my twin sisters, what they did, he threw up his hands. They killed themselves. One in particular Chinusa. She did some terrible, terrible things to a lot of people before she went. It was I dont know. Maybe she was making everybody hate her before she dove to the other side. Or maybe she was seeing if there was anybody whod actually stick with her when all she did was test. Test, strain, and hurt.

Argrave looked at him, lost for words.

Elenores not really like Chinusa. I dont think I dont think theres any chance of her doing what she did, he said, evidently having trouble saying it aloud. Their personality way too different. Regardless, Argrave Ive said my piece.

#####

There is no guilt. No shame. Only conviction, Anneliese told Argrave. She truly believes in what she did.

And how does she feel knowing she deceived? Argrave pressed.

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The both of them sat on their bed. Galamon was there, too, standing near the door. As ever, he acted as their guard.

If it bothered her overmuch, she would not have done it, Galamon was the one to answer.

Argrave turned his head to the usually stoic man. You have thoughts on this?

In war if you innovate, move the line on the bounds of what youre willing to do Galamon looked back, white eyes cold. The enemy will do it too.

Argrave furrowed his brows. Margrave Reinhardt didnt spread the plague in northern lands even once hed learned thats what was happening, he disagreed at once.

As was demonstrated today a leader doesnt control their subordinates absolutely, Galamon pointed out. One of his people likely would have. The news never spread. And we stopped the plague. Something like this changes the culture of the war. Honor is needed for the future. With honor, you ensure what depths you sink to will not one day be returned to you redoubled.

Argrave lost himself to silence. He thought Galamon was right, at least partially. But then, Felipe would sink to any depth, so it was a somewhat pointless argument. And Gerechtigkeit no honor existed there. He was a bottomless pit.

Im sorry about this, Argrave, Anneliese spoke. I was unalert. I noticed incongruities, but she had explanations on hand for each. I allowed myself to grow lax. Getting drunk what was I thinking?

Argrave shook his head. Its my fault. I didnt convince Elenore that wed be able to win without doing something this drastic. I didnt earn her trust well enough.

You absolve her too readily. She chose, Galamon reminded him.

Argrave laid back against the bed. Ill need to talk to her again tomorrow.

What about? Anneliese pressed.

I think we should figure that out, Argrave looked to Anneliese.

#####

Argrave knocked on a solid wooden door, then put his hands behind his back. A woman opened itArgrave recognized her. She often attended to Elenore. She cast a glance back, opened the door wider, and then stepped past Argrave. He walked inside the room.

Elenore sat on her bed. She was leaning down, turning the cranks on her prosthetic feet to tighten the clamps. Having donned much of the bronze jewelry, Argrave knew she saw him or perceived him, whatever the proper term was.

Youre here, she greeted him normally, like whatever had happened was all but a dream. She finished her task and stood up. I have some tea. Mint, sweetened, just as you like it, she stepped towards a table. Im surprised that Anneliese isnt with you.

Argrave shook his head and shut the door behind him. I dont need her here. Not for this.

Elenore did not spare a glance back. Youll have tea, I hope.

Sure, we can have tea, Argrave agreed amiably. But I think I should get to the point right away.

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Elenore stopped walking, turning back. Is that right?

Argrave nodded. Yes, it is. Simply put I dont think we can work together moving forward.

Elenore leaned against the table, and Argrave briefly thought he had surprised her so badly she lost her balance. Her face was steady, though, telling him he might be wrong.

what do you mean? she asked him, voice monotone.

I made a mistake, Argrave said. My parents always told me not to get into business with family. Guess they were right, he broke off into a chuckle.

So, you Elenore paused a long while. Her face shifted as she digested things. In the end, her face settled and she asked, Whats going to happen?

Well the ball is already in motion. Ill be going through with the war, the coronation but I cant, in good faith, involve you in things. I wont be consulting you. I wont be asking you for any more favors. Argrave spread his arms out. I cant put it any other way. We wont be working together.

Elenore exhaled, crossing her arms and lowering her head. So I expect youll want me out of Leopolds mansion, then?

No, Argrave corrected her at once. Far from it. Youre as welcome here as I am. Ill come by occasionally, talk, have some tea so long as Im welcome. So long as youre willing to stay.

Im not following, Elenore said after a time.

Argrave sighed. Elenore sister, he said somewhat forcefully, walking closer. He put his hands on her shoulders. I like you. I do. I know Argrave trailed off, gathering himself. I know that you wanted to help. I know that you dont feel like you did anything wrong. But I cant condone what you did. I cant work with someone who doesnt have faith in me, he put it plainly.

You dont trust me, she raised her head up to him, eyeless sockets seeming to fix him in place.

You would never harm me. You would never harm any of the people I care about. I believe that whole heartedly. Personally speaking, I think I could overlook what youve done, he admitted. Maybe that makes me a pushover. Even still, I believe you when you say what you did was in my best interest, Argrave said confidently.

Argrave took his hands off her shoulders. But theres a lot more at stake than me and mine. Im not going to weep over the people you helped Felipe assassinate. I didnt know them. But this is as far as we go. You knew I wouldnt want this result, yet you did it anywayno, thats not right. You did it secretly because of that. He sighed once more and shook his head. Getting angry about it, trying to punish you that would be a ridiculous waste of time. I dont want to alienate you. But you have, it seems, a different destination in mind. If we both steer in opposite directions, were bound to crash.

Elenore swallowed, turned her head to the side, then turned back. But what will you do? I mean we talked about your plans her voice was wavering slightly.

Thats my concern, Argrave informed her with a sad smile. Dont worry about it, thoughall will be fine. Put it out of your mind.

The words clearly shook Elenore. Both of them knew she had said those exact words to Argrave in the past. But I came here I did what I did, to she couldnt finish her sentences.

Argrave took a deep breath. I know. You gave up a tremendous amount. Thats why Ill tell you this; if you need anything from me, I can help you. As a matter of fact, the time we travel to Vysenn to engage with the barbarian tribes comes closer every day. Id like you to come with me so that you might be healed fully. Im not severing ties, he assured her, giving her a hug. I just overestimated myself.

When Argrave felt Elenore shake slightly, he felt some twinge of guilt in his heart. But well, it was best to fight deception with deception, after all. Elenore would never see if he didnt do something drastic like thissomething that made her really reflect. After all, she still thought she did fundamentally nothing wrong.

And once she had reflected? Well hed welcome her back. Until then, he was the concerned yet disappointed family member.

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Argrave pulled away. Lets sit down, have some tea. How have you been feeling these days?