jackal-among-snakes-16091326
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.

“I respect you,” Argrave said plainly. “And I admire you. I wouldn’t be here if not for you—not just because you saved my life. You were a model for persistence.”

Galamon nodded. “I’m glad. I try.”

Argrave bit his lip, deliberating on whether or not he should say something. Eventually, he asked, “How would you feel if I supported Orion?”

Galamon’s mouth noticeably tightened. “Supported?” he questioned.

“I think he can be a genuinely 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 can make him a proselytizer. A peaceful proselytizer,” he posited.

“Can you?” Galamon asked sharply.

Argrave sighed. “I don’t know.”

Galamon looked guilty at his sharpness. “I don’t like him. I think he’s a danger to the Veidimen. I would sleep easier if he died.”

“You don’t sleep anyway,” Argrave pointed out.

The elven vampire furrowed his brows for half a moment before he caught on and laughed. A laugh from Galamon was a rare and scary thing, so Argrave smiled.

Feeling he should leave on a positive note, Argrave tried to conclude the conversation. “I’m glad you told me honestly,” he told Galamon. “And I’ll take your counsel into mind. Believe me.”

“Hmm,” Galamon only grunted.

“Another day or two of covert travel, we’ll make it to Kin’s End,” Argrave changed the subject. “There, we can get you and Durran better outfitted, get better weapons. From what I remember, you didn’t ask for much, did you?”

“My greatsword is more than enough,” Galamon shook his head. “I asked for replenished enchanted arrows, plus specific armor requests. Durran had the ostentatious orders.”

“Excellent,” Argrave nodded. “Things are looking up. But we’ll proceed carefully, as always. Now more than ever, caution must be the sole thing we trust in. This civil war can be resolved splendidly… and it might just be time for me to step outside of my comfort zone.”

“Meaning?”

“Doing things I’ve never done before. Not in ‘Heroes of Berendar.’ Creating options that weren’t there for me,” Argrave said plainly. “I’ve caused things to go out of control. That, alone, tells me I have an effect. But if I play things wisely… maybe it won’t be all bad.” Argrave smiled, his gaze distant. “In fact, it might be fantastic.”