Jackal Among Snakes

Chapter 11

Elias alighted from the carriage at the gates of Vendleber, scanning the small town’s streets thoroughly. He had removed the gray robe of the Order of the Gray Owl, instead donning the traditional white and gold of his House Parbon. After searching the streets for a time for the banner bearing the golden lion, he walked to the men guarding the gate.

“Excuse me,” Elias asked, touching one guard’s shoulder lightly. “Have you seen a large party of horsemen come through here with the banner of House Parbon?”

The guard jumped a little, and then looked up at Elias. “Errm… yes, we did. The lord told us to… well, I probably shouldn’t say,” the guard stopped himself.

Elias frowned. “Are they here, then?”

“Aye,” the guard nodded. “Most of them are camping outside the walls. I think they let a few stay in the inn on the western side of town, though.” The guard pointed. “The Rattled Rain, it’s called.”

“Thank you,” said Elias, retrieving a gold coin and handing it to the guard.

“Oh..!” the guard brightened. Elias turned and strode quickly to where the guard had pointed. “Thank you!” the guard yelled out, but Elias paid it little heed.

Half-running through the streets, Elias kept an eye on the wooden signs hanging above doorways. Once he spotted the Rattled Rain, he paused, catching his breath before entering the doorway. Some familiar faces turned to meet him—some of his father’s knights.

“Lucain. Mystle,” Elias greeted, walking towards them. “Where’s---”

“Elias,” a deep voice echoed through the inn. Elias turned his head towards the stairs, watching as his father slowly walked down into the inn’s common room. He looked disheveled, his long red hair splayed out across his plate mail in thick, greasy strands.

“Father,” Elias said, moving to greet him. “I came as soon as I heard that you had left Parbon.”

“Why are you here?” Margrave Reinhardt asked angrily. “You’re supposed to be in the Tower of the Gray Owl.”

“My term as a student is over,” Elias explained quickly. He held out a steel badge that bore an owl on it. “I’m a Wizard of the Gray Owl, now. My research was admissible.”

Reinhardt prodded his chest with a finger, sending Elias back a step. “And so you come here, instead of heading back to Parbon?”

“I should stand idly by while you go to help my uncle?” Elias spoke, matching his father’s bravado.

Reinhardt grit his teeth for a minute. Then, he stepped forward, hugging his son tightly. After a moment, they pulled away. The Margrave kept a firm grip on Elias’ shoulders. “Congratulations, Elias. I did not think a son of mine would ever become a Wizard, but that doesn’t change the fact that I am proud.”

Elias smiled slightly. It seemed a rare expression on both of the men’s faces. They sat at one of the tables in the corner, alone.

find you at Vendleber.

Reinhardt said resentfully. “I knew

as he slouched on the table. “Trouble with such a large host in tow? Was it one of the

the royal bastard.” The Margrave looked to his

it was only after a great defeat. “But he’s… I don’t believe he’s

the nose like a

filled

made me let my guard down. The whole way, he complained about horses and hating them. He played my temper, stoked my doubts, made himself appear weak, and ingrained his hatred of horses into my head… I thought to punish him by

in the chair, holding his hand to his

men were up for hours chasing horses. They need rest, as do the horses. We’ll head to Dirracha tomorrow. If you’re

said absentmindedly. “You said Argrave rode towards

leaning back in the chair until the plate he was wearing creaked. “The Duke’s daughter seemed willing to protect him. He’ll head towards there, seek protection. I didn’t bother sending anyone. By the time

and sleep.

her,” Reinhardt said, handing Elias a few gold coins from a pouch. “We’ll

“Yes?”

came.” Reinhardt patted his shoulder

out of view, and then the rest of the knights followed close behind

walked towards the gate of the city. The suns were just beginning to fade. He saw a few of his father’s knights and

issue, as most of the knights recognized his crimson hair common

the horses, looking for the one that looked most suitable. He

of the knights interrupted. “It’s an honor to see you,

deliver,” Elias explained. “I need

knight said. “In that case,

of adjustment, set off into a canter. When they were far

sorry, father. I won’t be of much help to you in the capital—more a hindrance. I should head to Mateth, find Argrave. Mete out punishment… or at least,

fact that his sister was the first thing on his mind. In truth, Elias felt he was

horse he had taken was the one

#####

kept his gaze fixed on a pigeon. He had the distinct feeling that he was locking gazes with it. It stayed a fair distance away from

need to do something about these pigeons

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