Jackal Among Snakes

Argrave took a drink of what Muriem had provided him. It was a warm drink, but it was quite bitter and potent. It left a pleasant aftertaste, though, and Argrave quickly enough took a second drink and placed the stone cup gingerly back on the table. Anneliese sat beside him, listening to their conversation in silence.

“It sounds like Galamon has a big task ahead of him,” Muriem said, staring at the table with her hands on her lap. “I thought that… well, I don’t know what I thought. He sends gold to us every so often,” Muriem commented, looking at her son who sat quietly beside her. “Even when he isn’t here, I can live well and take care of Rhomaden.”

“I can take care of myself,” Rhomaden refuted.

Muriem reached forward and pinched his ear. “That right? Door is over there, young man.”

“Ow…!” Rhomaden freed himself and swatted at her hand.

Argrave maintained a polite, business-like smile. “Galamon’s as quiet and grim as ever. Still, he’s one of the best at what he does. One day, he’ll be sitting beside me as we talk. You can hold me to that.”

Muriem stared at him. Eventually, she nodded. “We write to each other, at times, but… tell him that I love him, and that I just want him to be happy.” She poked Rhomaden. “Rhom, what do you want to tell your father?”

“I don’t know,” said Rhomaden with an indifferent shrug. He had all the bearing of a moody teenager, Argrave thought.

Argrave leaned to the table, setting his elbows down and staring intently. “If you don’t mind me asking… how exactly did Galamon become a vampire?”

Muriem’s deep purple eyes shook, and she stiffened in the chair. “He… never told you?”

“He’s not much for conversation, as you know,” Argrave said with a light smile. “I only know at all because I found out another way.”

“I was not there,” Muriem said after a long pause. “You would be better off asking someone who was.”

“Maybe,” Argrave conceded with a nod. “But I don’t know who was, and their stories would probably have an impersonal affect anyway.”

Galamon’s wife pursed her lips, considering whether or not to speak. Eventually, she opened her mouth. “His brother was the one who turned him into a vampire. After, Galamon killed him. He was exiled for both kinslaying and vampirism. If you ask everyone around the city, they’ll say it happened because Berran was jealous of Galamon and sought to disgrace him. But…”

“But?” Argrave pressed.

“Berran and Galamon were always on good terms,” Muriem said quickly, some emotion brewing in her tone. “Berran turned Galamon; that much is beyond doubt. I don’t have any evidence for this, but I simply can’t believe Berran would act without another behind him, pressing him onwards. I’ll say no more. If you want brutal details, you would be best asking another. I do not enjoy reliving the worst day of my life.” She lowered her head, refusing to meet Argrave’s gaze.

Rhomaden leaned forward and rubbed his mother’s back, consoling her in the quiet. Argrave stood, taking another drink of the brew.

“Well, although this has been an enjoyable visit, I think I should leave now. I have things to attend to, and I would not want to overstay my welcome. Muriem, thank you for your hospitality,” Argrave bowed cordially, and retrieved his cane.

“Oh, well…” she looked briefly overwhelmed, and then said, “Thank you for coming to me with this. Tell Galamon that I love him, and that Rhomaden is becoming a fine young man.”

stood. Both of them walked outside. Argrave sneezed as the cold outside wind hit him, and he brought the fur cloak over

shuddering as his body got

expecting

No purpose, just an hour or so of relaxation. Hard to relax when I have so much

once more. “God damnit,” he complained with a clogged nose. “I think I’ve got another cold.” He reached into his pockets, feeling the bronze hand mirror but

should head inside for the day,” Anneliese

stretched. “Let’s go to that library. Rowe’s hopefully there, can

with a quiet laugh from her nose and walked onwards, leading Argrave to where

#####

in his beady gray eyes. The nasty scowl was gone, though, and Argrave would much prefer caution over dismissal. They stood in a grandiose library of stone. Statues and bookshelves were the room’s sole decorations. A great many people wandered about the library. Argrave presumed they were all spellcasters, for all he recognized

who let you in here, hmm?” Rowe

behind him. “The Patriarch told me I had free rein of his patriarchate. I thought I might take a look at some of the

harrumphed, saggy skin shaking. “If that’s the way it is, so be it.” He turned to walk, but Argrave spoke

here. Druidic magic spellbooks. I

didn’t teach you spells? I know the Abyssal Hand

cold stone floor. “He decided I still have to work hard, tragic as that may be. No cranial

to establish. Have you even the slightest notion how difficult paper is to get in this snowscape? Our knowledge is the fruit of our efforts and a

please.” Argrave

a scowl taking its place on his face. “Impertinent boy. Stop wasting my time. I’ve already got egg on my face from you airing my secret about Crystal

to stop the world from ending,” Argrave said drolly, stepping forward, “How about we trade? Knowledge for knowledge; human magic for elven

head. “If it’s a trade, I’ll agree, if only because both our forces need to be strengthened. What do you

how to translate low-ranking spells into Inscriptions, so that you can create the simpler enchanted items. Knowing how to translate means this vast

chin. “If it’s that much, I can give you a lot in return.

out as though it

book you please? Oh, and I suppose you’ll want them to be nicely wrapped in gold thread and delivered

“Really, what’s wrong with

the Veidimen would help you, but

tell you what. I know you have some vessels that smuggle things to and from Berendar. If you send one of those to Jast, have them wait for

Erlebnis, the big-mouth? I’m likely to be left

Listen, we can draft a damned contract if you’re so timid. Anneliese and Galamon will keep

damnit. I always come away talking with you feeling like I’ve just eaten dirt. I don’t like it. But fine. I’ll let you take what books you please, if only

Don’t act like you’re

shook his head, walking away muttering

perusing the wonderful new library, but her gaze was focused on another person. It was a woman. She and Anneliese were of the same height, and indeed looked quite similar in appearance. The other woman

“Grandmother,” Anneliese greeted.