Jackal Among Snakes

Chapter 212

Though Argrave had claimed he would have a heart-to-heart with Galamon… the task proved considerably more difficult once he actually found himself riding his horse next to the elven vampire as they travelled in a relatively safe area.

“Don’t bother,” Galamon said, riding his horse diligently. “No need to make sure I’m fine.”

Argrave pulled his horse up to Galamon. He was starting to learn to ride horses better, yet he still found himself lacking when compared to the experienced rider that was Galamon. Argrave would assume that his companion would ride infrequently, being as large as he was, but apparently such was not the case.

“You heard what I said to Durran, then? Not fond of a heart-to-heart?” Argrave questioned, riding closer.

Galamon looked to him for a moment, his glance alone confirming what Argrave asked.

After deliberating for a long while, he finally constructed something he was relatively sure would work. “Have you thought about what you’re going to do once I cure your vampirism?”

Galamon finally kept his gaze on Argrave. His white eyes betrayed little, doubly so beneath his helmet, but eventually he let out the lightest of chuckles.

“It depends on whether my ten-year period of servitude is up,” he said.

Argrave laughed. “I’d very nearly forgotten about that,” he admitted. “I don’t really know what you like to do, though. I don’t know what you want out of life.”

“I am simple,” Galamon shook his head.

“Simple how?” Argrave pressed, lowering his head as they passed beneath bare branches. Winter was past its prime, and the hibernating trees seemed to be a little livelier. Perhaps, in time, leaves would adorn them once more.

Galamon slowed his horse to pass by a treacherous part of the terrain. “All I’ve ever wanted… is to do something decent that secures my family’s future, and then retire with them.” Galamon took a deep breath and sighed. “The people around me always made me do more. Demanded more of me. First Dras, now you.”

Argrave looked vaguely uncomfortable. “I didn’t mean to…”

“I’m fine with it,” Galamon assured at once. “I am proud of what I’ve done. I just never planned to do it.” Galamon stroked the side of his horse’s neck to comfort it. “Veid charts my fate. If this is what she decided for me, I will rise to meet the task.”

Argrave nodded, thinking more on what Galamon said. “Why do you have so much faith in Veid?”

Galamon considered that. “My parents taught me to.”

Argrave had not been expecting such a simple answer.

“You’re dissatisfied?” Galamon noted. “I fought in war after war alongside Dras. That tested my faith time and time again. After I… contracted vampirism, I wandered Berendar. My faith was challenged constantly. No challenge ever bested that faith my parents instilled in me.” Galamon examined his gauntleted hands as they clenched the reins. “I know other gods are real. I have seen the ways of other people. And what I concluded… is that I love the Veidimen. I love our ways. I am partial to my kind—I wish to see them prosper before others, I will admit it. And Veid… she protects those I love. Such is her sole purpose. She molded our society, our people, our ways. And so I love Veid.”

Argrave always had some difficulty understanding Galamon as a person. Now, though… now, he felt like he got a glimpse into the man he truly was. He hadn’t intended to, but it happened nonetheless. This might be the most Galamon had talked about himself before.

admire you. I wouldn’t be here if not for you—not just because you saved my life.

nodded. “I’m glad. I

his lip, deliberating on whether or not he should say

tightened.

good person… if he has the right influence. As it is now, his family life… it’s part of the reason he is who he is.” Argrave rubbed his hands together. “Instead of a crusader, maybe I

Galamon

“I don’t

his sharpness. “I don’t like him. I think he’s a danger to the

sleep anyway,” Argrave pointed

furrowed his brows for half a moment before he caught on and laughed. A laugh from Galamon was a

the conversation. “I’m glad you told me honestly,” he told Galamon. “And

“Hmm,” Galamon only grunted.

it to Kin’s End,” Argrave changed the subject. “There, we can get you and Durran better outfitted, get better weapons. From

is more than enough,” Galamon shook his head. “I asked for replenished enchanted

we’ll proceed carefully, as always. Now more than ever, caution must be the sole thing we trust in. This civil

“Meaning?”

That, alone, tells me I have an effect. But if I play things wisely… maybe it won’t

#####

town nestled between hills. It was not large in the sense that it was populous—indeed, with rocky terrain and sparse natural resources, it was in an inopportune location, and consequently could not support a large population. Yet the houses and buildings in it were each and all grand and impeccably constructed, and the tall

on her shoulders. “Alright. I have examined things thoroughly.” She adjusted herself, gathering her bearings after using druidic magic

time,” Argrave

royal knights. They were standing outside a building, guarding. I presume Orion is within,” she began. “Beyond that, I believe things are as you said. I searched for those wearing the uniform of a High Wizard but found none. I noticed no sizable military

He let his paranoia run rampant as he considered everything he knew about Kin’s End.

spell again and the bird vanished from her shoulder. Argrave waited patiently,

we travelled with, the Waxknights. I…” Guilt flavored her tone, as though ashamed of her lack of

fine. We caught it, and that’s what’s important.” He nodded carefully. “I’d like you to see

Argrave’s directive, he shared a glance with

a long while, she eventually contributed, “There is a man within. He looks… he looks somewhat like you. Tall—taller than me, but

and a lithe build,” Argrave finished, recalling Induen’s appearance all too well. “Am I right? Or is

Anneliese noted. “Though he is

long breath, obvious questions rushing to his mind at once as he struggled to grasp why Induen might be here. He felt his heart beat a little faster and brushed

once more,” Argrave directed her. “The inside of each building, every nook and cranny. Any places

then

anxious, so he rose to his feet and

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