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?”

nor can

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

kind for his own

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 be confused, but if he had questions,

them went to the library desk. The wizard there, a portly old man, glanced at

“Did you fin—”

found everything. This is

back, and then quickly wrote down the books Argrave was borrowing. Argrave sympathized briefly as he waited—it could not be easy to keep inventory

internally questioning why he was even bothering doing this, but Argrave did not

remembered to duck his head beneath the door frame this time around. He put the magic lamp back in its spot, and then

immediately. Things were not as neat as he left them. Some books had been moved, set aside, and some of his papers had been splayed out haphazardly over the edge, threatening to fall to the

intruder. Or

and set the books down, the wood creaking slightly 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

it?”

words drawing him out of his stupor. He walked to the table and set his stack of books down

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

slow learner.” Argrave said drolly. “For my

shook his head, evidently giving no credence to Argrave’s words. “Fine. I should note, though, that teaching magic to one outside of the Order of

it with his body. “Yes, yes, I understand.

walked to the door, and Argrave let him pass before quickly blocking off the door

you…?” he asked,

asked, feigning

Argrave into the room, but eventually shook his head.

called out.

stared Argrave in the eyes, staying silent. His crimson eyes were

is about mending irreparably broken bones, no? For your sister,” Argrave

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

turning on his heel and walking back

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

thing?”

to health and healthiness. Why do you think I studied blood magic, the

Elias turned

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

should deal with the pesky little cat in my

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