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.”

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

weird,” Argrave said, shuddering as his body

expecting something

while. No purpose, just an hour or

with a clogged nose. “I think I’ve got another cold.” He

inside for the day,”

hands dismissively and then stretched. “Let’s go to that library. Rowe’s hopefully there, can teach me how to

her head with a quiet laugh from her nose and walked

#####

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 were

let you in here,

had free rein of

it is, so be it.” He

spellbooks from here. Druidic magic spellbooks. I need a way to… well,

to take books?” Rowe repeated. “That patron of yours didn’t teach you spells? I know the Abyssal Hand Erlebnis

before they become spoiled,” Argrave walked a little closer, cane tapping against the cold stone floor. “He

notion how difficult paper is to get in this snowscape? Our

Don’t make me beg, please.” Argrave tapped his cane against

Stop wasting my time. I’ve already got egg on my face from

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

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

so that you can create the simpler enchanted items. Knowing

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

spread his hand out as though it was the natural course of

to let you walk around and take whichever book you please? Oh, and

what’s wrong with that? Did I forget to mention the

made sure that the Veidimen would help you, but I did not surrender all of

to and from Berendar. If you send one of those to Jast, have them wait for me. I can bring a shipment of illusion spellbooks. That’s a whole new school

the big-mouth? I’m likely to

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

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

one getting shorted here. Don’t act like you’re

walking away muttering things like ‘impertinent

and Anneliese were of

“Grandmother,” Anneliese greeted.