Jackal Among Snakes

Argrave hadn’t spoken to Galamon much at all since Garm was lost to them. Argrave couldn’t deny he was upset Galamon had gone behind his back so blatantly. They sat cross-legged amidst the sand dunes, the night sky above. The chill of winter had set in; they were well into the heart of the cold season. There was an awkward air between the two of them. It reminded Argrave of a dispute with his brother or father—they’d just avoid each other, saying only words that needed to be said…

“You look better,” said Galamon.

…until they started talking again, like nothing had happened at all. Maybe it was unproductive.

“I feel better,” returned Argrave.

But even if it was unproductive, Argrave liked things this way.

“That’s good,” nodded Galamon, white eyes focused on his armor. It was already well-maintained, but he kept it impeccably so.

Argrave stared as his hands moved, rubbing sand and oil against his armor for reasons Argrave couldn’t begin to guess. He looked around. Anneliese was taking care of something, while Durran read Garm’s writing, even now—the tribal seemed to be enchanted with it. Though Garm had left some writings related to the soul behind, Argrave still felt hesitant to read them for some reason.

His mind wandered, and he wondered what it was like to wear armor all day. Brows furrowed, he turned to Galamon.

“You think I should learn how to fight?”

Galamon paused, then turned his head towards Argrave slowly.

“…put Durran down easily enough,” he noted with the faintest smile, then focused back on his work.

Argrave laughed a little, feeling some strange mix of pride and shame. “I bet he could take me down twice as quick if the aggressor and defender switched places. But seriously… It’d be good to be versatile. If things go south…”

Galamon polished, but Argrave could tell he was thinking of an answer.

“The southron elves put it well. Magic has no ceiling.” He looked at Argrave. “Focus on it, you’ll keep getting better.”

“But things happen,” Argrave held his arms out, then uncrossed his legs. “Good to learn a trick or two, no?”

Galamon took a deep breath. “For you…” his white eyes scanned Argrave. “Your frame got bigger. I used to be your size… long time ago. I could give you advice for some things.” He shook his head. “Even still, I’d focus on learning to be agile. Magic will always be more powerful than a blade. Just dodge, get distance, obliterate them.”

“Let’s hear this advice, then,” Argrave suggested eagerly.

“Eat more,” Galamon said plainly. “You eat like a bird.”

Argrave hadn’t been expecting that. He’d been shoveling food into his mouth for the past month to the point of vomiting, and the idea of eating more now wasn’t particularly pleasant.

“Like a bird?” Argrave repeated, drawing lines in the sand. “Must’ve never seen a pelican.”

Galamon said nothing in response.

In truth, Argrave didn’t fancy the idea of learning how to fight. The few hard knocks he’d taken hadn’t been pleasant. He still shuddered when he remembered getting his cheek caved in by Induen, or the battle with Quarrus. Getting up close and personal offered the potential of a lot more of that.

He could read a book for hours and have a blast, but exercise was different. Whether before or now, he never cared for weightlifting or running. He didn’t care about looking well-built, either. Dressing nice, wearing jewelry—that was the easier

eye—Anneliese returned. He smiled and waved, and she waved back, walking towards them. His thoughts returned back to exercise, but with Anneliese’s presence now involved.

I want to build myself up a little,” he said

then spotted Anneliese as well.

something. She picked up her small Brumesinger,

and they don’t even know it,” Galamon shook his head.

at Galamon,

two

Argrave scratched his cheek, embarrassed. “You and me both,” he finally said. “Thought you might be against this sort of

Galamon asked,

‘you stick with your own people!’ type

would be right at home in a horror movie. Eventually,

Living in

consumes the land, rapists,

people,” he finished. Galamon stared at Argrave for a long

sore subject was brought up,

two of you are good,” Galamon concluded. “Not

her hand. Argrave’s Brumesingers jumped free from his

she greeted. “We ought to retire. An early morning awaits, especially if we intend to

little lady.” He stood up and

#####

at the city of Sethia. Perhaps that was not accurate—he stared above Sethia, at the clouds looming

tribal warrior turned his head to

shook his head. “Never

Sethia. Presumably, the Vessels’ presence in the city had something to do with that—the air around them

a distance, Argrave could not deduce how well the city was doing underneath Titus. What he could notice, though, was that Aurum,

you see snow,” Argrave pulled Durran along. “Crazy stuff.

up with Anneliese and Galamon. They passed through a narrow bit of mountain, and beyond, the place opened up into the small town

as gloomy as before. Argrave looked around. The southron elves noticed them, and

before the four of them. Much of her jet-black skin was concealed by thick equipment, likely intended

you’re the reason my father can’t walk anymore,”

his head. Once his eyes fell on her, she visibly flinched. He was taken aback by that reaction, but he realized his eyes—Garm’s eyes—must

a hostile tone right off. Very prudent. It’s like you’re eager

her eyes widened again—evidently, she’d not expected to

thick forge gloves and holding her hand out. He shook it. “Why are you…? A great many people are

me perfectly, and they can’t wait to put my head on it. I’ll pass. A friend of mine told me that’s a miserable experience.” He looked back to Argrave. “Argrave,

Argrave finished. “The best blacksmith

she hesitated, she did eventually hold out her hand to

her head. “My father said good things about you. All of

understandingly. “If it’ll