Jackal Among Snakes

Argrave stared up at a sheer wall of ice, the two suns above raining light down. The light travelled through the wall, illuminating it and sending rainbow-colored rays in odd directions. Though the light made it seem magical, Argrave was searching for enchantments without success. It was a wonder such a thing could persist throughout the ages without help from magic; a hundred-foot-tall wall made of ice could not be a simple endeavor.

He reached a hand out and touched the blue ice. Even through his gloves, he could feel the cold. It emanated outwards, and he pulled away his fingers as though he’d just touched dry ice. Even with the sunlight above, it did not melt, it did not morph, and it did not fall, protecting against the snow for thousands of years. Perhaps there was some irony in that; the greatest bulwark against the cold was cold.

Argrave heard footsteps behind, and he turned to spot Anneliese. The capital of Veiden lay before him; unlike the previous city of Katla, the eponymously named capital Veiden was made of stone. It was ancient, too. The buildings were carved, each one depicting some sort of historical scene. It looked more a ruin than a city, yet snow elves abounded nonetheless, joyfully participating in the suffering of the world.

“I’ve found their home,” Anneliese began, walking to him. “Galamon’s family lives not so far from here, according to the locals. Do you truly intend to visit them?”

“I do,” Argrave nodded, tapping his cane against the ground. He gestured for Anneliese to lead onwards, and they moved through the city slowly.

“I didn’t expect this place to be so… developed,” Argrave commented. “I hear the word ‘tribe,’ the mind thinks of backwards people. But this place is truly just a civilization separate from Berendar. I suppose a people capable of sailing and using steel have no reason to be simple.” He gazed at some of the stone carvings as he passed.

“The city of Veiden was carved from a glacier formed atop a mountain,” Anneliese spoke quickly. “Thousands of years of history have been etched into the stone here. Even then, we Veidimen were using steel. We have never been a technologically stunted people; we have only been divided and lacking resources. Now, that has changed.”

Argrave turned his head to Anneliese. He was very curious about her motivations, her goals, her likes, her dislikes. She liked to stay neutral and passive in conversation, but she seemed to genuinely care about Veiden. They shared a common interest; a fascination with the world of ‘Heroes of Berendar.’ Hers was more scholarly, granted. I suppose I have plenty of time to learn about her, Argrave thought.

“Here,” Anneliese pointed, stopping them both. “That building.”

Argrave turned towards where she was pointing. It seemed a fairly nice home—large enough for a family to live, certainly. It was square and stone like most other buildings in this city, so it was difficult to judge if it was exactly well-off. Argrave stepped forward towards the stone door at the entrance, lifting his cane and tapping it thrice.

After a few moments, he heard faint footsteps on the other side of the door. A woman’s voice called out, “Who is it?”

“Hi. Is this the residence of Galamon’s wife?” Argrave called out.

After a few moments, the door peeked open. A deep purple eye sized him up. “You… aren’t a Veidimen.”

“I’m a friend of your husband’s.” Argrave tapped his chest. “I wanted to meet his family, see how you’re holding up.”

She opened the door wide, some amount of confusion and shock on her face. She looked rather young, and her face had a kind innocence to it, as though retaining all its childlike naivete. Her hair was a bright gold color and kept short. “You mean… on the human continent? You spoke to him?”

“He’s my retainer, though he’s presently not here for reasons I’m sure you can surmise.” Argrave nodded. “May we come in?”

Her eyes darted around, her mouth agape in surprise. “I never thought… Galamon, how is he? Did he look well? How has he been doing?” the questions poured out as her wariness immediately faded. “Oh, forgive me. Come in. My name is Muriem. My son is downstairs, I should…” her voice faded away as she ran into the house.

while laughing lightly through his nose, and then he entered, cane clicking against the stone. He tried to shut

her, Argrave saw a familiar-looking dour face. He was rather taken aback by how similar the snow elf looked to his father, Galamon. Argrave reckoned If the boy

a seat,” Muriem beckoned. “Please. I’ll

#####

Mina’s arms off her, and said, “Come on,” pulling her friend along with her as they rushed to the side of the bald old man that had just devastated the enemy mages. He was barely taller than Mina, but considering what he’d just done,

Monticci. I’d advise you to be careful. The warriors fell into

“Thank the gods you came…” she brought a still trembling hand to her mouth. “Thank the gods…”

battle is not over,” he advised kindly. “That one spell has expended my magic greatly. Now, we still

nodding as she looked at the ground. “Right. I’m the ducal heir of House Monticci. I can’t be stopped by just this.” She stood. “There are invaders outside the walls, attacking the

air, and in the time it took Nikoletta to blink, she saw a jagged cut of lightning through the air. It struck her armor and the enchantments shone brightly, allowing only some lightning through.

Tower Master pointed his hand, and a thin needle of fire shot out of a quickly formed spell matrix followed by a scream

voice shaky. “We should get to safety. The forces

just abandon things, run away. I have a

we

don’t… damnit.”

death of Duke Enrico’s daughter was not a potential outcome of every

considering things. Eventually, she nodded. Her eyes drifted to the building close to what remained of the docks. “But my father is in

B-rank mage near him, and I am not incautious. He should

Nicky.” Mina tugged at

“But not to safety. Back to the wall. Those elves

Tower Master reached into his robes and pulled free a decadent black whistle. “If you’re so committed to that idea, take this. With it, you can call my wyvern. Blow it twice and point at the

the whistle in her hand, and then clenched it tight. “Thank you, Master Castro. House Monticci owes you the greatest debt imaginable.

Some of the people that had previously locked themselves in their homes were emerging, moving about in panic from the tremendous impacts. Most ran away

decided they would still be best suited near the docks than at the walls. The wyvern would be a game-changer. She clenched it tighter in hand, her other hand holding Mina by the arm so they

When she made it

turned her head back to look at Nikoletta. She’d taken up a bow, her sword

Melanie shouted, releasing the bowstring. She ducked behind one of the

Mina bristled,

breath for a long reprimand. “Later.” She stepped forward, minding that she did not reveal her head above the parapets.

damned boat landing on the wall. We had to deal with some mage who landed up here. Well, I did,” Melanie