Jackal Among Snakes

Delphasium, Mistress Tatia’s town, could not be called grand in scale, though the shining marble streets inside made it seem like a pearl amidst the desert. That place was far behind them, and Argrave felt it had been a suitable welcome to the Burnt Desert.

The mining city, Malgeridum, was giant compared to Delphasium, yet it lacked the magnificence the simple trading town had. It stood at the point where the sand dunes began to fade in way of hills of black rock and dirt, cratered deep into the earth. It had walls, but the city itself was so much lower than the surrounding terrain it was difficult to spot them from a distance. The first thing most would spot was rising smoke from the ever-burning furnaces, and the tarps waving in the wind to ward off sand.

The road to Malgeridum forked into two separate entrances, each for a distinct district. One district was obviously more maintained than the other, made for residential use, while the other was for labor and production. Argrave and his company stood beside Titus’ carriage, their bags fully packed. They would separate here—Argrave would head for the residential district while Titus would depart for the production district.

“What’s this?” Argrave held a thick round metal disc. It had eight triangles spaced equidistantly on the edge.

“A parting gift for the gentleman,” Titus explained. “I understand that the esteemed persons will be travelling to Argent. Even for those who have travelled there before, the dunes and the hills stretch on forever.” Titus looked out to the desert behind Argrave. “Just as a sailor must use the stars and a compass to mark their path across the ocean, so, too, must men in the Burnt Desert use a compass to traverse this sea of black sand.”

Argrave finally figured things out, and he flipped open the disc’s lid, revealing a bit of glassware above a simple magnetized needle. The cardinal directions were marked.

“This is…” Argrave looked down at it. “Damn. I feel pretty stupid. I was worrying about how I was going to find my way around in case things went sour, but… guess I forgot these stupid things existed,” Argrave laughed and shook his head. “I appreciate this. It’s a very considerate gift. I don’t know what I did to deserve it, exactly. Don’t you need it?”

Titus scratched the back of his neck, embarrassed. “It’s an old thing, in truth, one that I used long ago. But it’s reliable, and I believe that’s the most important thing.”

Argrave nodded and closed the lid with his thumb. “You’re a nice guy, Titus.”

“The gentleman was entertaining and polite—rare company for a merchant as me. And…” he stepped away, retrieving a simple red cloth wrapped around something rectangular. “Here. The madam expressed enjoyment of the Bitterbite leaves, and so I took the liberty to prepare some. Please,” he held them out to Anneliese.

She took them from his hands. “Such a thoughtful gift,” she smiled warmly.

Argrave felt something unpleasant in his chest, and he found himself stepping forward between the two of them. “So, you’re headed to the production district to unload things?” he addressed Titus.

“Yes, my men and I will be headed that way,” Titus confirmed. “I apologize, but I could not think of a gift for the second gentleman, Galamon…”

Galamon shook his head. “I have all I need.”

“I appreciate all you’ve done.” Argrave held his hand out, holding ten gold coins in hand stacked atop each other. “Here. I know you didn’t ask, but don’t refuse.”

Titus blinked for a moment, biting his lips in clear hesitance. Eventually, Argrave grabbed his wrist and dropped the coins in his hand.

“The gentleman is generous,” Titus sighed. “May your days be vigorous, and your nights tranquil,” he placed his hand on his chest and bowed deeply.

“Maybe not too­ vigorous,” Argrave said musingly. “I wish you well.”

Titus straightened, nodded, and whistled with his fingers. At once, his men spurred the camel forward, and they moved down the road, heading for the production district.

watched their caravan move away, feeling a little

finally,”

to Galamon and looked past, seeing the gleaming black and gold eyes hiding behind Galamon’s helmet atop his backpack. He really leaves himself open for low blows.

we have to get inside quickly, find a place to stay. Don’t want to linger in this city long. Not the same type of place as

#####

bare essential qualities of a

liberal with their resources—not a drop of water could be found anywhere, and every field of crops had tall fences with guards stationed. People lined up outside a stately building, tokens in

some areas. A few of the buildings were small enough that Argrave could see the roof if he craned his neck a little. It made traversing the place difficult, at times, because the population

Delphasium, and consequently, the place was filled with black sand blown in from the dunes they had come from. There was a strange, industrial scent hanging about most of the air from the mines, furnaces, and forges, and Argrave was glad that his lungs had recovered from that disease he’d caught in the Low Way. Most people walked about with cloth about their face

the wealthier residents of the city—Vessels, and their trusted aides. The well-maintained streets lined with orderly estates were like night

pointed out a gated area. Tents lined the courtyards, each occupied by large beds. “Luxury brothel, as I remember, but it’ll rent rooms to foreigners.

men stood on guard. “Hello,” he greeted. “Like to rent a room for the

Argrave, casting a glance to his fellow. “It will cost much,” he cautioned. “Foreigners…

price,” Argrave held his

coin?” the guard questioned,

“One

the

gold. It wasn’t enough to warrant using a rose gold coin, either. Even if he cared to use the larger currency, the people here

realize we’re not asking for your primary services, right? Just need a

price, gentleman,” the guard

please.” He turned back to the

#####

finger against his temple impatiently. Galamon stood behind him, at the ready, while Anneliese sat in another chair nearby, eyes darting from place to place. They were beneath a canopy in the center of the brothel, surrounded by the employees

with the back of his hand. “What are you looking

should know by now,” she returned

Argrave shook

nearly took employment at a place like this once… when she was at Berendar. She was offered a very

frowned. “Glad she

like these,”

get here,” Argrave said, waving his

Galamon grunted in agreement.

always desire this sort of thing,” Anneliese rebutted. “It

Argrave held up a hand to

his hand, and with the same wet skin the others displayed. He wore flashy clothing with too many colors and sashes to count, golden jewelry dangling from his neck, ears, and fingers—probably enough metal

jingling against each other. “Greetings,

that’s right,” Argrave confirmed,