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?”

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

turned back to the bookshelf, prepared to resume his task. Unexpectedly, the books he was holding were yanked from his grasp. Elias held them,

kind

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 all books about fundamental magic—beginner level work to introduce a prospective reader into the world of magic. Elias seemed to

to the library desk. The wizard there, a

“Did you fin—”

“I found

briefly as he waited—it could

everything in order, the two took the path back to Argrave’s room. Elias seemed to be internally questioning why he was even bothering doing this, but Argrave

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 in its spot,

he left them. Some books had been moved, set aside, and some of his papers had been splayed out

an intruder. Or perhaps…

beneath their weight. He placed a hand atop them and sighed, shaking his head as though disbelieving of what he had just done. When Elias saw that Argrave was standing

it?” Elias

drawing him out of his stupor. He walked

Acolyte near the end of his term need a beginner’s books, I wonder?” Elias

Argrave said drolly. “For my case, it is related

to Argrave’s words. “Fine. I should note, though, that teaching magic to one outside of the Order of the Gray Owl without express

open door, partially blocking it with his body. “Yes,

him pass before quickly blocking

he asked,

Argrave asked,

the room,

Argrave called

staying silent. His crimson eyes were

is about mending irreparably broken bones, no? For

him despite loathing his guts—for that, Argrave could offer a little bit of knowledge he had accrued

turning on his heel and walking back towards Argrave.

is a certain salamander in the hills of Vysenn. It 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

know such a thing?”

things related to health and healthiness. Why do you think I

delivering another long wordless stare, Elias turned once more

to remember what I said. Argrave shook his head. His loss. Argrave walked back inside and shut the door firmly, pushing the bolt in

I suppose I should deal with the pesky little cat

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