/n/jackal-among-snakes-1520/c-588
chapter-587

Argrave stood at the edge of the central courtyard of the Palace of Heaven. Whether from above or below, the tales said that this place had never been breached. Its walls could withstand the fury of gods, and apparently there were measures to prevent any entry from above. But here they stood, the first of history. Beyond was a verdant garden far removed from the stony plateau they’d come from. Considering the Stormfield still worked, there would be other enemies in here. Their silence, however, was deafening.

The small breach in the walls of the Palace of Heaven was soon blocked by their ally, Law—Erlebnis’ relentless pursuit was brought to a halt, if only for now. But if he had been able to leave, the garrison manning this place would let Erlebnis reenter just as easily. They didn’t have much time for rest, for the god of knowledge had become somewhat like Sataistador—alone, and highly mobile. Sataistador had dodged death countless time by keeping himself as little more than a man. Perhaps that had been Erlebnis’ conscious goal, or perhaps not… regardless, it was frightening.

“Where is Rook?” questioned Veid, resplendent in Veidimen-style armor. Other gods shadowed her—Raccomen, Lira, and even Almazora, who’d ceased her defense on Berendar for this fight.

“Erlebnis caught him,” Anneliese explained, looking around the courtyard warily. “I think he died, but…”

“You think?” Argrave repeated, then shook his head. “I watched him dissipate. He’s dead. But we don’t have time to think of that. We need to claim as much of this place as we can. We always planned on having Law inside the Palace, fighting Erlebnis, but he’s dealing with him on the outside instead. Roles need to change.”

“You need to take me to the Stormfield.” Governor Zen was the first to set foot on the grass ahead, and he held a strange red sword in his hand. “I can guide us there. I’ve studied this place, and the array, in great detail. I know this fortress inside and out.”

“So do I—lest you forget, all of my commanders, even myself, studied its layout. Is guiding us what Sataistador asked you to do?” Argrave said accusingly. Now that the governor had shown his hand in calling Sataistador as reinforcement, there was no need to be coy about these things.

The governor gestured to the spot where he’d torn out his ribcage. “I think I demonstrated amply I’m on your side in this battle. We made an alliance—I intend to keep it. I called him here to aid us. You’d be dead without that.” He turned his head back to the courtyard. “We can’t linger here long. Erlebnis has shown he can break free of Sataistador and Law, and lest you forget, we haven’t claimed all of the Palace of Heaven for ourselves—merely set foot inside it.”

Orion stepped forward and gripped the governor’s robes, jostling him. “What did Sataistador ask for you to do in this battle?”

“Win it. Nothing more… grandson-in-law.” Governor Zen spread his arms out, not touching Orion.

Argrave was expecting Anneliese to inform him that was a lie immediately, but looking at her face for answers told him the governor was being genuine. Argrave didn’t know what to make of that. He had anticipated the god of war to have at least one request of the governor… but none? Were they wrong? Was Sataistador not planning a betrayal of some kind? Then why had he worked with Zen in secrecy?

“Each deity needs to focus on one aspect of the fortress,” Argrave decided, then tapped his brother until he released Zen. “Almazora—accompany Zen to the Stormfield. Lira—deal with the pressure exerted by the walls, so our troops can approach. Raccomen—focus on opening the sky, so Durran can provide support from above. Veid—continue working with Galamon, commanding the troops. Everyone needs to get the hell away from me. Erlebnis is after me.”

“Meaning?” Anneliese prompted him.

“His anger surprised us. His hatred of me, his tunnel vision; we can use it to our advantage, now, if I plan something before he comes again. I’ve fought Mozzahr, Norman—I’m almost used to broken, ravenous monsters by this point.”

“You’re joking,” Almazora said, aghast.

Argrave turned to her and shook his head. “I joke less than I once did.”

“You’re overestimating yourself. I saw what he did with his magic—he’s quite literally burning himself away for a vague hope of ending you,” Raccomen criticized. “Veid can handle my role of opening the sky. I’ll come with, and aid you with my mastery over space. Erlebnis cannot be underestimated, especially not if he takes such drastic actions. You’re needed.”

“Alright,” Argrave easily accepted the god’s suggestion. “Then, let’s—”

“Melanie needs to confer with you,” Elenore’s voice cut into his head as he spoke. “She needs advice on how to deal with the lich if he hasn’t lost his mind. And, after, she needs to know how to fight against Fellhorn.”

Argrave had been thrown a lot of curveballs today, and impressed himself with his ability to roll with them. Nevertheless, this one caught him square in the face. He didn’t quite have an answer for that, just a question.

“The hell is Melanie dealing with?”