jackal-among-snakes-16091326
chapter-668

Though Argrave had been all but told that he might be expected to return the favor later down the line, for now, he wasn’t opposed to accepting the convenience of Jaray’s free help. Getting something for nothing had always been his preferred way of doing things. And help Jaray was—he helped Argrave mitigate any tension with Law, mostly by being a convenient cushion to the truth of the matter.

“Argrave was understandably terrified by the prospect of the White Planes collapsing,” Jaray had said to Law smoothly. “Is it any wonder he went to you, the only god who he could trust to keep their word? Truly, all that he asked of you was what was already established by the agreement made to form the Blackgard Union. Can it really be considered a wrongdoing, especially when done at the advice of others?”

Jaray’s intervention was rather like a mother swooping in to abate a father’s wrath. There was some disapproval expressed, some words of disappointment levied, and some questions about whether or not they were hiding further information. But with the setup Jaray had given him, Argrave felt like it was child’s play to bat all the questions aside and preserve the goodwill that had been established so long ago. Law went away renewing his vow to protect Sophia, but reminding Argrave that half-truths compromised authority and justice.

After, Jaray offered to help more, swaying favor toward Argrave regarding his intention to assume the role of the Blackgard Union’s leader. They decided instead to look to Jaray’s offer: attending the meeting. It was only then that they were free of him, and only then that they had the opportunity to relay what Jaray was like to their companions. Argrave told all—every beat of their conversation.

“You know what he likely is, don’t you?” Anneliese asked once he’d finished describing things to the others.

“A catspaw of the Heralds.” Argrave closed his eyes. “Meaning he’s hearing everything that we’re talking about, now.”

Elenore narrowed his eyes. “Perhaps you ought not call him a catspaw, then. Are you sure of this?”

“He dodged the question when we brought it to him. It was clear to me he didn’t intend to answer.” Anneliese shrugged. “That’s no proof, but there’s knowing something and knowing something.”

“You didn’t press him?” Durran asked.

“I felt we got our answer the moment he wormed his way past the first question.” Argrave tapped Durran’s shoulder. “But if it makes you feel better, I intend to pose it again when we meet outside of Law’s Court.”

“We’re going?” Galamon raised a brow.

Argrave looked at him. “We can’t afford to waste valuable days of time on a wild goose chase searching for lunar dragon descendants. Whether a trap or a genuine dialogue, this is worth confronting.”

The Veidimen commander nodded solemnly. “I urge caution. Securing safety around the world is more important than this meeting.”

Orion looked about to say something in disagreement, but Argrave beat him to it. “That’s why Anne and I are going alone.”

All Argrave’s advisors looked at him in shock.

“Their reactions don’t surprise me,” Anneliese said to Argrave almost as if the others weren’t there. “They didn’t see us fight in the Shadowlands.”

Argrave nodded to her, then looked to Elenore. “Can you stay here, get a grip on things? In particular, while he’s absent, find out what you can about Jaray.”

“I can do that. You’re sure about this?” Elenore questioned.

“Like Anne said… you didn’t see us in the Shadowlands. If you had… you’re probably seek out a therapist for me.” He patted his sister’s shoulders. “Good luck.”

“What about Sophia?” Elenore questioned.

“Keep her here, for the time being.” Argrave closed his eyes. “The next time I see her, I want a proper conversation.”

“Just make sure there is a next time, then,” Elenore insisted.