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.”

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

Argrave said, shuddering as his body got used to the cold once

expecting something

Just the first time I sat down and talked about pointless stuff in a while. No purpose, just an hour

think I’ve got another cold.” He reached into his pockets, feeling the bronze hand mirror but little else.

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 how to hug trees and such. Maybe I can

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

#####

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

in here,

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

be it.” He

could take some spellbooks from here. Druidic magic spellbooks. I need a way to… well, I don’t need to say what I need

yours didn’t teach you spells? I know the Abyssal Hand Erlebnis has knowledge of our magic. I’ve seen those twisted abominations he calls his

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

lowered. “A ridiculous request. This library took near a millennium to establish. Have you even the slightest notion how difficult paper is to get

make me beg, please.” Argrave tapped his

its place on his face. “Impertinent boy. Stop wasting my time. I’ve already got egg on my face from

ending,” Argrave said drolly, stepping forward, “How about we trade? Knowledge

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

into Inscriptions, so that you can create the simpler enchanted

I can give you a lot in return. What is it

hand out as though it was the natural

access?” Rowe repeated. “You want me to let you walk around and take whichever book you please? Oh, and I suppose you’ll want them to be

nodded, cheerily sarcastic. “Really, what’s wrong with that? Did I

help you, but I did not

I’ll 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

lackey of Erlebnis, the big-mouth?

you’re saying. Listen, we can draft a damned contract if

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

here. Don’t act like

muttering things like ‘impertinent boy,’

the wonderful new library, but her gaze was focused on another person. It was a woman. She and Anneliese were

“Grandmother,” Anneliese greeted.