Jackal Among Snakes

Argrave opened the door to the abandoned house. He was greeted by a harsh smell. Galamon stood at the table, a fire heating up a large glass bottle that had been turned black by the flames.

“Jesus,” Argrave said, coughing. “I forgot how bad that stuff smells. You get used to it when you live next to it, but…”

“You’re back,” Galamon said. “Sleep well?”

“Better than usual.” Galamon nodded at Argrave’s answer, then picked up the glass bottle. He smothered the flames with a blanket.

“This was the last potion. Eight bottles of the calming brew, four stamina-restoring potions. I fixed the Ebonice arrow. It was bent.”

“I presume your leeching session went well?” He strode in, waving in front of his face to dispel the smell.

Galamon looked at Argrave coldly.

“Come on,” Argrave urged, tapping Galamon’s elbow. “Laughing at something is how you learn to live with it.”

The snow elf set the potion down and picked up a cloth to wipe his hands. “It is a curse. An affliction. An illness is no laughing matter.”

Argrave pursed his lips. “You don’t have to sleep, you don’t age, and the only price is a strange diet and heliophobia.”

“I will not rest with Veid when I die. Instead, I will be lost in the abyss.”

“So, don’t die,” Argrave said, then laughed. His laughter trailed to a stop as Galamon’s pure white eyes stared at him like he was a bug. “Well, whatever. If it’s so terrible, once we’ve killed the world-ending ancient calamity, we can cure you. Until then, keep those fangs sharp.”

“Vampirism cannot be cured,” Galamon said quickly.

“Not by you alone. Me? I have my ways.”

Galamon shook his head. “Erlebnis’ method would be costly.”

“Pfft, where'd that come from?” Argrave waved his hand dismissively, then looked around for his satchel. “Why involve an ancient god? There are plenty of ways.”

Galamon stared. “Supposing that is true… you assume I will not die in your fool’s quest.”

Argrave looked at him, pausing. “You won’t.”

had never entered your head before I mentioned

We’ve got to pack. You’ve got to pack. We’re heading to Barden.” Argrave grabbed the satchel and threw

putting stoppers in the bottles and loading them in. “It’s the eve

going to be extremely difficult. I need

Galamon said, waving his hands

I won’t get to the point. I refuse. Anyway, I was thinking of some ancient traditions the Veidimen have that I

am surprised you know of it. But it’s only accepted if there are extremely

Argrave nodded. He grabbed a few of the bottles off the table and put them in his satchel. “I’m glad you confirmed, because frankly, I wasn’t quite sure I got it right. I also don’t know how to make the signal. Simply put, you need to head to the ruins to create the circumstances for the… Veelstron sign,”

“What exactly is in these

for hours, but I’ll skip the details. When their warriors grew old, they’d

back. “I

but it broke recently—some stupid miners, you’ll

to fight against a

fight unless you take something,” Argrave assured. “Just be sure not to kick anything

friend? The yellow-haired, short woman. Surely she, with proven stealth capabilities, would

normal five senses. They sense one's magic. Besides, it’s dark in

went mute, gaze growing

long as you’re quick, it should be fine. They hit pretty hard, though. Don’t get hit,” Argrave emphasized, pointing. “Might as well leave your weapons out front, barring that axe you've got. Hard to kill them

sat down. He turned his head up at

considered returning the 3000 gold that you paid me. You were fighting against the world-ending calamity. It is my duty to help, I

virtue. Once the fighting breaks out, you’ll be off to fetch them in short order. It’s my duty to hold out until then. We’ll parley with the Veidimen, kill the tomb guardians, and then I’ll

shook his head and sighed. Argrave had rarely seen such an expression on the big man’s face. He stood, and Argrave looked up to

Dras did, I think. He united all of Veiden; you challenge He Who Would Judge the Gods. Both are monumental tasks beyond my ambition. I

hesitantly reached out and touched his shoulder. “I’m more worried about myself. I have

atmosphere became harmonious for a

are the archers.

washed back over Galamon’s face

#####

it was unadorned with fanciful things. Its most notable feature was a set of statues atop it. It depicted various human figures in saint-like poses. Each seemed to represent something. The modest carriage was contrasted fiercely by an array of gold-armored knights on horseback. They were royal knights,

looked like a heap of black cloth, but it was large enough that the carriage would not be able to drive over it unimpeded.

pick it up and throw it aside, but he paused. His back straightened, and then he kicked the cloth. It rolled over,

robes, and they concealed a set of black plate armor. His black hair was bound into one large braid, dropping

a horse. “There is a block ahead