Roran the Elman
Chapters
1. Roran
2. Plans for the Future
Part 1. A Father's Blessing
Part 2. Journey to Therinsford
3. A Man Named Tenga
4. Albreich
5. Training
Part 1. Scrying
Part 2. The Ancient Language
6. Over the next few Months
7. The Battle of Farthendur
8. Visions Near and Far
9. Home Again
10. Roran the Butcher
11. Revelation
Part 1. The Barrier
Part 2. I AM THE ELMAN
12. Betrayal
13. The Journey Through the Spine
14. Narda
15. Teirm
16. Jeod Longshanks
17. The Dragon Wing
Part 1. The Chase
Part 2. The Boar's Eye
18. Dauth
19. Battle of the Burning Plains
20. Power
21. Together Again
22. Vengeance
23. To Walk Alone
24. Trial of the Long Knives
25. Wedding Day
Part 1. Uninvited Guests
Part 2. The Laughing Dead
26. Man and Wife
27. Orders
28. Martland Redbeard
29. Insubordination
Part 1. Ambush
Part2. Promotion
30. Roran's Might
31. The Battle of Feinster
32. Roran's Apprentice
33. The Gates of Belatona
34. Dark Magic
35. I Know Your Name
36. The Rock of Kuthian
37. The March to Urubaen
38. Freedom
39. Final Battle
40. Rebuilding
41. Eragon and Arya
42. Lord of the Elmen
Chapter 1. Roran
Roran was the only son of Garrow and Marion. An only child at least until Eragon was born in the house and raised alongside Roran like brothers. Brothers in all things but blood was their favorite thing to say of each other. Selene Eragon's mother showed up after being gone for so long and gave birth to him. Then she asked if Garrow her brother and Marion would raise him. They agreed after much begging then Selene left never to herd from again. Not long after Marion died so it was just Garrow, Roran, and Eragon.
Roran was a hard worker much like his father. He liked to play but when it was time to be serious he was of a determined mind. Roran had a quick mind and was a good friend to have and many of the young men of Carvahal could testify to that. Concerning love Roran had eyes for only one girl in Carvahal and that was the butcher's daughter Katrina. Roran first laid eyes on her at the age of 9 she was 7. As they got older their affections for each other was clear to everyone but her over protective father Sloan. Roran often wondered how such a beautiful kind hearted person like Katrina could be related to such a weasel like Sloan. But it had more to do with her dead mother Ismira than Sloan himself.
Roran worked the farm with his father and cousin planting in the summer harvesting in the winter a year round task that built up Roran's strength and endurance. To keep food on the table Eragon would often go hunting in the Spine. A range of mountains that stretched across Alagaesia from north to south. So named because it resembled the spine of a human skeleton. Eragon was the human in the valley who dare the foreboding mountains to hunt wild game. On rare occasions Roran would accompany him, but most of the time he remained home with Garrow to help with odds and ends around the farm.
Roran was particularly anxious as he had given Eragon a message to give to Katrina. The first step in his plan to make Katrina his wife. Roran stood on the porch watching the snow blanket the mountains. "Winter will be here soon…" Garrow said joining him on the porch.
"Aye Eragon will be returning soon…"
"When he returns we will harvest the fields and get everything ready…"
After diner Roran went to bed dreaming of the beautiful Katrina. He heard the door open and Eragon's voice but remained in bed wrapped in his warm blankets. At sunrise Roran was up the same time Eragon was. The two wrestled in the kitchen until Garrow came in. They ate boiled eggs, fish, and porridge for breakfast. As they ate Roran listened to Eragon's adventures while hunting in the Spine. Then he follows Eragon to his room where he shows him the stone. When Roran touches the stone a strange feeling overtakes him.
Then the two follow Garrow outside to harvest the fields. The job takes them three days and by the time they are done the snow falls. During this time they pickle, shock, clean, and store the harvest. Beans, corn, oats, cabbages, etc are prepared for storage or trade for when the traders come. Another week passes before the traders arrive. The three men pack the wagon and it is off to town. While Eragon and Garrow search for Brent the jeweler to sell the fabulous stone to Roran learns that Dempton is in town. Dempton is a miller from Therinsford who came to get sockets made for his mill.
Horst the Blacksmith introduces them. "Ah Roran…Garrow's son…Horst has told me all about you."
They shake hands, "Thank you sir…" Roran waits until Horst leaves before speaking, "I wish to marry…but my prospects will be greater if I had gold to build a house and buy land for farming…I had intended to ask Horst for the job but he spoke of me to you…"
"Yes I pay well...I live above my mill so you won't have to pay rent…I will provide all your meals…The work is hard and dangerous…If you are interested I return in a week…"
"I am but let me speak with my father first…" They shake hands again then Roran leaves. He spots Eragon going into the tavern. He smiles and continues toward the alley by the butcher shop. Katrina is waiting. "I have news…" He says after they hug, "Dempton is in town and has offered me a job. I intend to take it…That way I save the money for us and make a proper request to your father…"
Katrina smiles, "A sound plan…Father will be more agreeable if you have a way to support me…" They steal a kiss in private, "I cannot wait to be your wife…"
"And I your husband…"
"KATRINA! Where are you girl…" Boomed Sloan's voice. They kiss again and she runs off.
"And what have you been up to?" Eragon asks.
"Oh this and that…"
The two cousins walk to Horst's house for dinner. There is eating, talking, and laughing. Then everyone gathers in the streets to watch plays, hear poetry, and songs. Then Brom the old storyteller of Carvahal comes forward to speak. Of all the people in Carvahal Brom was the most mysterious. He had patience for no one save Eragon or when he was giving unwanted advice to people. Roran liked him because of Eragon, but for the most part Roran kept his distance.