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?”

not change. I cannot change that, nor can I fix past mistakes. All I have is

Argrave turned back to the bookshelf, prepared to

is too kind for his own

the remainder of the books that he needed in short order. They were all books about fundamental magic—beginner level work

library desk. The wizard there, a portly old man, glanced

“Did you fin—”

interrupted. “I found

he

to Argrave’s room. Elias seemed to be internally questioning why he was even bothering doing this, but Argrave did not prod at him further with bad jokes.

as he did so. He remembered to duck his head beneath the door frame

is askew, Argrave noted immediately. Things were not as neat as he left them. Some books had been moved, set aside, and some of his papers had

intruder. Or

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 there unmoving, he

is it?” Elias

him out of his stupor. He walked

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

Argrave said drolly. “For my case, it

giving no credence to Argrave’s words. “Fine. I should note, though, that teaching magic to one outside of the Order of the Gray Owl without express permission is a

blocking it with his

him pass before quickly blocking off the door again with his large

are you…?” he asked, trailing

Argrave asked,

Argrave into the room, but eventually shook his head.

called out. “Thank

His crimson eyes

no? For your sister,” Argrave called out, recalling

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

man stopped, turning on his heel and walking back

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

thing?” Elias’ stern gaze

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

loss. Argrave walked back inside and shut the door firmly, pushing the bolt in place and turning back to his

I should deal with the pesky little cat in my

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