Jackal Among Snakes

Galamon opened the door for Argrave and stepped through it ahead of him. Argrave followed after warily, keeping his eye on the knight-commander as though searching for a reaction. Within, Rowe and Dras sat on pristine purple couches that looked out of place in the battered and worn stone palace. They had been talking, but with Argrave’s arrival their exchange stopped.

“There he is.” Rowe turned his body and rose to his feet, leaning on his staff. “I see you had to upstage me by bringing a bigger lizard to the meeting.”

“Lizard? That’s my grandmother you’re talking about. Be respectful.” Argrave rubbed his palms together, making way for Anneliese to enter. “Rowe. Dras. It’s good to see you.”

Rowe scoffed. “Look at him. He wins a war, now suddenly he’s ordering me about in front of everyone and forgetting the patriarch’s title. I suppose that’s what happens when you’re the tallest among the short. I forgot how small everyone was here… and before you think otherwise, I’m not speaking of height.”

As they spoke, Dras rose from the couch and stepped around it, walking up to Galamon. The knight-commander took off his helmet and looked down at the slightly shorter Dras.

Galamon said simply, “Patriarch.”

“Over a decade, and that’s all you can say?” Dras stared at him stoically, then he smiled. “Haven’t changed a bit, have you?”

“I have.” Galamon looked to Argrave. “I’ve… been liberated.”

Dras frowned for a moment, then looked to Argrave for explanation. To demonstrate to the patriarch, the king tapped his teeth.

“What?” Dras whipped his head back. “You’re serious?”

Argrave pointed to Galamon. “He doesn’t joke often.”

“But that has never been done before.” Rowe stepped forward, looking upon Galamon. “Smile, would you? You know how to do that, right?”

Galamon slowly brandished his teeth. He had sharp canines still, but certainly not to the point of vampirism.

“I…” Dras closed his eyes. “By Veid. This…” He ran his hand across his mouth. “When you came to me, I thought you nothing more than a messenger liable to die months after our ships delivered you home,” he said, turning to gaze to Argrave as he spoke. “I have more to say to you, but… Rowe, please brief Argrave on the details. As for Galamon… can we talk? Alone.”

Galamon said plainly, “I am knight-commander to His Majesty.”

“And you are defenseless as knight-commander before me, so go,” Rowe waved his hand.

until Argrave said, “You can talk with him if you

a deep breath. “Then… thank

on Galamon’s shoulder, and the two moved to the door so that they might speak

and shut, Argrave turned his head to the remaining guest in the

was introduced to my lot. All the wizards of Veiden lined up,

couch opposite Rowe and sat. “It’s not

about your kind’s ability to be self-interested even when the sky threatens to fall on their heads,” Rowe set

they’ll bend. They don’t know the extent of what’s coming, not really. Even that little vision imparted to them by the stone disc Castro

Rowe said as he laughed, watching Anneliese as she sat. “Speaking of children… the two of you, hmm? You can’t actually like humans too much, judging

behind Anneliese on the couch as they both only smiled, saying nothing further

soured into a grim

were always quick to grasp the

what I thought would happen, be it magically or…”

“Hard times create

Argrave. “What is it with you? Did you eat magic berries? Was your mother

his thumb at Anneliese. “She’s the real giant

you talk to people and you just know they’re going places. But you…” Rowe stared hard, the cynical wizard replaced by Patriarch Dras’ loyal servant doing his duty to his tribe. “Assuming you consolidate this uselessly

adapt for what comes before necessary. Build the fortifications needed to hold and defend. Position all loyal to us to capitalize on benefits, and ruthlessly crush opposition spurred by Gerechtigkeit.” She entwined her fingers. “All of that was Argrave’s idea, not mine. I would appreciate

Anneliese glare at him with fiery amber eyes, Rowe added in

Argrave interrupted, “Dras said he had something he wanted

advice.” Rowe said those words bitterly, and then hesitantly continued, “He Who Would Judge the Gods is unfond of allowing us time to sharpen our blades and work our spells. And I think the same will be true for you, too. We

#####

Galamon walked down the battered halls of the Dragon Palace. “We said

nodded, then looked to the patriarch.

for me?” Dras scratched the top of his bald, scarred head. “They’re fine, as far as I know. Things keep me too busy to check on them more than once a month. Perhaps you’d like to come visit them for

walking, and Dras

“What?” the patriarch asked.

stared with his cold white eyes. “I was

an iron pole and left there for three days in the sun.” Dras stepped closer. “And if that’s done in the view of all… no one would protest if I lifted your exile. You’d clearly be free of the

done before Veid.” Galamon looked