Jackal Among Snakes

A vast mountain towered overhead, like a sheer wall of gray stone warding off all who would dare approach. At its base, a great opening gave way into sheer darkness. The hole was so large that it could be seen far in the distance—indeed, if one could see the mountain, one could likely see the gaping entrance.

The opening was a perfect half-circle. Perhaps one hundred men could walk side-by-side and enter without issue, and its highest point was about three hundred feet tall. Briars carved from stone seemed to emerge from the tunnels, clawing up the side of the mountain before blossoming into brilliant stone roses. The years had defaced both the briars and the roses, many chipped or discolored by the elements.

A great wall of stone formed a half-ring fortress around the tunnel, and though formidable, it still paled in comparison to the entrance it protected. Much of the stone fortification had crumbled, yet people still persisted within, pitching tents and hosting fires in the vacant courtyard of the ruined castle. Much of the fortifications had been repurposed—instead of protecting against invaders that would come to the tunnel, they protected against that which might emerge from it.

Heavily armored knights roamed the entrance, keeping watch on the inky darkness beyond. Their armor bore a surcoat with a rose on the front, though all of the colors had faded to gray, and many bore miscolored patches as a consequence of repair. Despite the poor look of the surcoat, the steel was polished and glimmering. Magic persisted on the armor’s surface, each set thoroughly enchanted. Many of the knights bore sashes across their chest. These sashes had roses carved of stone pinned to them, each of identical quality. Some knights had many stone roses, while others had only one or two.

Light flickered in the darkness inside the tunnels. Most of the knights quickly came to attention. One, a knight bearing at least twenty stone roses on his sash, grabbed a horn from his side and raised his visor. He stepped past the simple stone fortifications, scarred face deathly still and serious as though awaiting a threat. The light came ever closer, dancing out of the darkness.

The sound of steel clanking echoed out. It soon became clear the light was torchlight, and the ones bearing it were knights just the same as those watching outside. The old knight relaxed somewhat, and then raised the horn to his lips, taking a deep breath. The sound echoed out across the ruined castle, and at once, people came from their tents, most armed and ready.

The old knight took off his helmet entirely, letting his unruly and matted gray hair fall to his shoulders. He stepped towards the entrance of the tunnel with slow, measured steps, moving to meet the emerging party. Once he had moved close enough to them, the emerging party slowed, and then pounded their fist against their heart.

“Greetings to Master Sentinel Alasdair!” they all shouted, somewhat synchronously.

“Relax, men,” Alasdair said, raising a hand. “Where is Knight Dirk?”

One of the sentinels stepped forward. “Reporting, sir. Knight Dirk died.”

“A Knight of a Dozen Roses died on a simple culling trip?” Alasdair said incredulously. “Have the beasts grown bolder yet?”

“No, sir.” The knight removed his helmet. “A portion of the road collapsed beneath him as he led. He fell and broke his neck.”

Alasdair sighed, raising a gauntleted hand to his mouth. “The fool. Too skilled, but overeager.” Alasdair looked up. “His body?”

“Lost, sir.” The knight could not look up. “He… his body fell too far. It tipped into the canals.”

Alasdair looked to the rest of the knights. None of them looked accomplished, merely weary and defeated. Deciding there was no point in harping on the matter, Alasdair nodded.

shoulders. “We must fight on

each other,” a Sentinel said, stepping forward and removing his helmet. He had dark hair, barely green, and a mischievous look about him coupled with shrewd eyes. “I’m starting to confuse them. Was Dirk the one with one-eye,

Alasdair said

journey: I receive another rose. We’re both Master Sentinels, you and I, Alasdair.” Ossian

younger knight. “Do

it aside and picking up another. Satisfied, he cast a spell. He shook it, and stone fell away from the rock, revealing

I do believe I am the youngest

given command, you know,” Alasdair said

group he’d emerged from the tunnels with, and then shook his head. “Well, I’m going to eat and sleep. The rest can do

trying to bore holes in the knight’s helmet with his

death began. “Ossian led us out of there. After the collapse, he took us all

knight, brows furrowed. He opened his mouth, ready to say something, but a horn sounded across their encampment. They came to attention, looking

muttered,

#####

back. “Three people, they blow a damn horn. Can’t I just have a quiet entry? I’m tired of a host of well-armed

at the vast tunnel behind the half-ring fort. Argrave

dragon sitting there. I return from Veiden, Nikoletta

watched as more and more people showed up to the walls. They peered down. The gates of the fort were already open, as the walls of

from it. Both noteworthy events,” Anneliese rebutted. “And now, not many people are brazen

nervous,” said Argrave distantly,

man stepped beneath the open portcullis at the front of the fortress, his helmet off. His hair was gray and unruly, matted and stifled from being suppressed beneath a

all the people to greet me, I get Alasdair…”

distance,” Alasdair held out his hand. “Outsiders are not welcome. If you seek shelter, leave now.

you…” Argrave trailed off, as though grasping for a name.

Galamon’s caution, who came to

you recognize me?” He frowned, pondering. “One of the servants for the merchants we use for supply, perhaps?” His gray eyes scrutinized Argrave. “No… your clothes are too well-made for that.

heard tales of you, sir,” Argrave said excitedly. He was doing his best to put on an act reminiscent of an overexcited, naïve nobleman fed stories about