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?”

I cannot change that, nor

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, grinding his teeth as he refused to meet

kind

the books that he needed in short order. They were

the library desk. The wizard there, a portly old

“Did you fin—”

interrupted. “I found

quickly wrote down the books Argrave was borrowing. Argrave sympathized briefly as he waited—it could not be easy to keep inventory with pen and paper as they had to

internally questioning why he was even bothering doing this, but Argrave did not prod at him further with bad jokes. He did not wish to be left carrying

his head beneath the

aside, and some of his papers had been splayed out haphazardly over the edge, threatening to fall to the floor. Argrave always kept things neat. He would not have left his room like

an intruder. Or perhaps… there still

Argrave 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

is it?”

stupor. He walked to the table

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

typically. A slow learner.” Argrave said drolly. “For

that teaching magic to one outside of the Order

door, partially blocking it with his

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

are you…?” he asked,

asked,

into the room, but eventually shook his head.

called out. “Thank

Argrave in the eyes, staying silent. His crimson eyes were cold. Eventually, he turned

bones, no? For your

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

man stopped, turning on his heel and walking back towards Argrave. “Who

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

you know such a thing?” Elias’

health and

delivering another long wordless stare, Elias turned once more and

what I said. Argrave shook his head. His loss. Argrave walked back

should deal with

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