/n/jackal-among-snakes-1520/c-296
chapter-295

In the days to come, Argrave amply demonstrated the fragility of Ivan’s hold over the region to Vasilisa.

From the outside looking in, a fortress might seem unassailable. From the inside, one could see the deficiencies the outside hid. Ivan was lord of all the wealthy lands of the north. And yet… the things that he had done did not pass unnoticed, and his manner of rule paled in comparison to Quadreign significantly. Vasquer was shattered, and people took note of that. And lastly, a lord’s vassals often mirrored their lord. Ivan was an opportunist and so surrounded himself with the like-minded.

Argrave first made mental notes of who he recalled being prominent in First Hope. Once these were established, he offered vagaries to Vasilisa suggesting places they might check out—it was just an excuse to confirm that things were as Argrave remembered. Though it wasn’t easy to get in contact with these prominent people, everyone knew who had the power on the island: all they had to do was ask around.

In many cases, they were just the same as Argrave’s memory. For instance, Margravine Sophia, née Drawnwater. She was the estranged wife of the margrave who lived on an estate outside Ivan’s tower. She maintained a prominent position in the aristocratic social world which Ivan refused to take part in. That prominence lent her cousin Pavel of Drawnwater significant mercantile clout. He had a monopoly over luxury goods because Sophia ensured all would-be buyers went to him first.

Ivan and Sophia’s marriage remained childless—a point of heated contention between husband and wife. With the right poison to an already strained relationship… with the right assurances from a third party… to say the least, Argrave didn’t need to spell out the plan to Vasilisa. Though he’d need to speak to the margravine to be sure, Argrave believed these two could form the cornerstone of their faction.

Beyond that pair, there were many others. The margrave’s knight-commander handled most military matters, as Ivan had no interest and no expertise in the matter. The mayor of First Hope handled the entirety of the city—administration, taxes, tolls, the city guard, and tariffs. He was in close contact with the margravine. On top of that, there were the many nobles swearing fealty to Ivan. They controlled the dependent settlements on the coast. Many of them were part of the aforementioned aristocratic social world dominated by the margravine—if not them personally, most had relatives involved.

Vasilisa and Argrave sat alone in their inn late at night. The magister was enjoying a drink as she often did. Galamon was out, refilling his flasks of blood.

“By now, I think things should be clear to you,” Argrave told her as he tapped his fingers on the table.

“You’ve all but said it—most things link back to the margravine,” she shook her head. “I still don’t see a way she can help us, beyond giving more insight as to where my house’s flame might be.”

“Let’s see if we can’t talk to her. This is where that link of yours comes in—I think we can leverage the idea of something profitable in Quadreign to arrange a meeting with Pavel, and then in turn the margravine. Provided she’s trustworthy, that whatever we talk about won’t reach the margrave… I think we have our in,” Argrave spread his hands out on the table.

Vasilisa bit at her lip. “I’m not exactly comfortable with the idea of promising something I don’t have. Now that I know why you’re trying to get the flame, I don’t doubt your genuine commitment. Even still…”

Argrave nodded, thinking of alternatives. Then… it felt like a moment of genius had come to him.

“Do you have any friends you might call upon? People that would be willing to go above and beyond… or perhaps someone who owes you a favor? Someone very wealthy?” Argrave asked, leading her to a conclusion.

Vasilisa looked down into her empty cup. “…I do. Unfortunately.”

Argrave asked with a blank face, “What does that mean?”

“The person in question is somewhat unsavory. And she’s close to the claimant king, Argrave,” Vasilisa said bitterly. “But… she does owe me a favor. Owes my house a favor, to be specific.”

“Is that so?” Argrave raised his brow. “Where’s the problem?”

Vasilisa raised both her hands to her temples and massaged. “I had hoped to avoid involving external powers in this…”

Argrave remained silent for a few moments, choosing his words carefully. “Frankly put, involving external powers might just be the thing that can unite the powers here easiest.” Argrave placed his elbow on the table and rested his head on his hand.

Vasilisa squeezed her head tight, and then fixed her blonde hair back. “…I’ll do it. But only once I know for certain that my house’s flame is actually here.”

Argrave gave a nod, suppressing his happiness. He had been deliberating how to tie their endeavors here to their base of power in Relize, and now it had come to him.

“Once Sanora’s bird isn’t tied up, she can deliver a message within the day,” Argrave informed her. “For now, let’s focus on arranging things with the margravine.”