Jackal Among Snakes

Chapter 4

Argrave scanned the bookshelf, holding the ensconced magic lamp up to the titles as he walked by in search of the tomes that he needed. In his periphery, he could spot a dash of red hair—the self-righteous Elias of Parbon. He was keeping an eye on Argrave just as he promised. He kept his distance, so Argrave could not complain overmuch.

The library of the Order of the Gray Owl was very grand. Argrave estimated the bookshelves to be around twenty feet tall. Some wizards and students were reading late into the night at the tables set out, and many more were patrolling the halls, guarding the precious books and helping those who needed help.

Argrave had been here many times before in ‘Heroes of Berendar’ and knew this library better than them, so he did not need their help. Books moved about daily in a library, though, so he would need to search for what he needed. He started to accrue a small pile of books in his arms. They felt heavy, far heavier than they had any right being.

So weak, Argrave thought as he stared at his arms.

“Elias,” Argrave called out. The man in question walked towards him slowly.

“I thought you said not to bother you,” Elias spoke, tone cold.

“You are no bother. Have higher self-esteem.” Argrave stared at Elias.

He sighed in defeat. “What do you want?”

“Look at my arms—like bamboo, though not half as strong. In contrast, there is you—justice lover, protector of the weak, with arms as thick as my legs. Look how my arms tremble carrying these books. Perhaps you could help the weak right now?”

Elias stared at him. His red eyes were quite cold, and his expression remained stern.

“What are you doing?”

“Pardon?” asked Argrave.

“I said, what are you doing?” Elias repeated. He pointed at Argrave. “You crippled my sister. You wish to talk about weak?” He pushed his finger into Argrave’s arm, pushing him slightly. “She will never walk again. She doesn’t smile like she used to. And for what? Because she denied a betrothal to you, a royal bastard? Or perhaps just because you’re sick?

“Don’t quip and jape like we’re good friends. I detest you. I suffer your presence so that you won’t be able to torment others. I know your nature, and I’m trying my best to make sure no one else will.”

Argrave stared Elias in the eye for a time, the tension in the library palpable. Eventually, Argrave nodded. “You are right. I apologize for being facetious. I am… unskilled at detecting how other people feel. And regarding your sister…”

Elias’ gaze hardened when Argrave mentioned her.

“I apologize. Sincerely.” Argrave bowed, back straining beneath the weight of the books he’d stacked in his arms.

Elias scoffed. “You always maintained it was an accident. A horse gone out of control,” he said contemptuously. “Why would you apologize if that were the case?”

my fault does not change. I cannot change that, nor can I fix past mistakes. All I have

though he were angered, and he finally tore his gaze away from Argrave’s own. Argrave turned back to the bookshelf, prepared to resume his task. Unexpectedly, the books he was holding were yanked from his grasp. Elias held them,

is too kind for

enough to stack yet more books on top of what Elias had already taken, but he collected the remainder of the books that he needed in short order. They were

desk. The wizard there, a portly old

“Did you fin—”

found everything.

back, and then quickly wrote down the books Argrave was borrowing. Argrave sympathized briefly as he waited—it could

two took the path back to Argrave’s room. Elias seemed to be internally questioning why he was even bothering doing this, but Argrave did not prod at him

his room, adjusting the books precariously as he did so. He remembered to duck his head beneath the door frame this time around. He put the magic lamp back

Some books had been moved, set aside, and some of his papers had been splayed out haphazardly

an intruder. Or

atop them and sighed, shaking his head as though disbelieving of what he

it?”

stupor. He walked to the table and set his stack of books

beginner books. Why would an Acolyte near the end of his term need a

said drolly. “For my

note, though, that teaching magic to one outside of the Order of the Gray Owl

to the open door, partially blocking it with his body. “Yes, yes, I understand. I have

took his hand off the books. He walked to the door, and Argrave let him pass before quickly blocking off the door again with

are you…?” he asked, trailing

Argrave asked, feigning

the room, but eventually

Argrave called out.

stared Argrave in the eyes, staying silent. His

broken bones, no? For

could offer a

red-haired man stopped, turning on his heel and walking back towards

is well-known for its ridiculously efficient regeneration. The natives of that land eat the salamanders en masse, and some suggest that is the reason they are so healthy—in particular, why their warriors seem to be able to regrow even their limbs. You may wish to investigate

you know such a thing?” Elias’ stern

was born sickly,” Argrave said quickly, excuse prepared in advance. “I always investigate things related to health and healthiness. Why do you think I studied blood magic, the core

wordless stare, Elias turned once more and

Argrave shook his head. His loss. Argrave walked back

deal with the

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