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.”

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

his body got used to the cold once

expecting something

purpose, just an hour or so of relaxation. Hard to relax when I have

got another cold.” He reached into his pockets, feeling the bronze hand mirror but little else. “I lost my hanky.

head inside for

Far as I’m concerned, I’m behind-schedule,” Argrave waved his hands dismissively and then stretched. “Let’s go to that library. Rowe’s hopefully there, can teach me

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

#####

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

who let you in here, hmm?” Rowe questioned, his

me I had free rein of his patriarchate. I thought I might take a look at some of the

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

ask you if I could take some spellbooks from here. Druidic magic spellbooks. I need

teach you spells? I know the Abyssal Hand Erlebnis has knowledge of our magic. I’ve seen

only give their kids so much before they become spoiled,” Argrave walked a little closer, cane tapping against the cold stone floor. “He decided I still have to work hard, tragic as that may be. No cranial brain-beams of esoteric

to establish. Have you even the slightest notion how difficult paper is to get

please.”

Stop wasting my time. I’ve already got egg on my face from you airing my secret about Crystal Wind. I don’t need to suffer yet more of your

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

Rowe grind his teeth. “That sarcasm of yours, infuriating, as ever…” Rowe scratched the top of his bald head. “If it’s a trade,

how to Inscribe. Specifically, how to translate low-ranking spells into Inscriptions, so that you can create the simpler enchanted items. Knowing how to translate means this vast library can be put to good use.” Argrave waved his

I can give you

access, obviously.” Argrave spread his hand out as though it was

Oh, and I suppose you’ll want them to be nicely wrapped in gold

what’s wrong with that? Did I forget to

Rowe retorted. “I made sure that the Veidimen would help you, but I did not

Berendar. If you send one of those to Jast, have them wait for me.

the big-mouth?

you’re saying. Listen, we can draft a damned contract if you’re so timid. Anneliese and Galamon will keep me to my word if I do

Rowe nodded. “Well… 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 for

shorted here. Don’t act like

head, walking away muttering

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 was

“Grandmother,” Anneliese greeted.