/n/jackal-among-snakes-1520/c-64
chapter-63

Argrave walked into the Jast branch of the Order of the Gray Owl, adjusting the strap of the satchel bag off his neck. He looked behind his shoulder briefly. Anneliese and Galamon waited at the entrance, unable to enter as they both lacked a badge. It reminded him of a pair of parents watching their kid to go to kindergarten, and Argrave briefly chuckled.

His mirth very quickly died when he saw Elaine standing just before the central spire elevator, staring at him. Argrave figured by and large green was a warm color, but her eyes of that color were quite cold—or perhaps what Anneliese had told him was already shading his world in a different light.

“Do you find it funny to keep me waiting?” Elaine asked when Argrave came closer, immediately dispelling any doubt he had.

“My apologies,” Argrave said sincerely, coming to stand before her. She looked up at him boldly. “There was something that I needed to get before this. I should have informed you.”

Evidently the sincerity had no holes in it, for Elaine could only stare back for a few seconds before nodding. “And my proposition earlier—I can assume your visit to my brother is your answer to that? A resounding ‘no.’”

“I can see why you might think that,” Argrave nodded. “But I was telling the truth back then. I don’t have the books.”

She kept her gaze locked on Argrave for a few moments, and then turned away. “You were smart to go to my brother. He’s the best you can ask for in town. I hope things go well for you.”

It sounded a conciliatory statement, but Argrave trusted in Anneliese’s instincts and decided to continue with his plan, beginning, “There is another thing we might discuss after we take these books to the Veidimen, though. Something far more worth both our time than books, I think.” Argrave pointed a finger. “And you know what they say—time is money.”

“Do they now?” She turned her gaze back to him.

Argrave spread his hands out. “There’s a reason I wanted someone watching my back here. Some things I’ve got… let’s just say they’re not light burdens.” He tapped the satchel on his waist. “But we’ll talk more about that someplace where everyone isn’t staring at us. Provided you are amenable to that, Miss Elaine,” Argrave finished suavely, dipping his head.

She pursed her lips. “We’ll see what happens,” she said vaguely. “They’re bringing the illusion spellbooks down. Shouldn’t be much longer.”

“I guess you would have been waiting after all. All’s well that ends well,” he said brightly, trying to focus on the positives.

“I suppose so,” Elaine agreed, turning around. Argrave raised a brow, then shook his head. It’s a start, I suppose.