RETURN TO ALEGAESIA
The next morning came all too quickly for Galaide; however he did enjoy an early morning visit from Eros before he had dressed.
"Are you ready yet?" The young Rider asked.
"Uh not yet." Galaide replied still sleepily.
"Well, while we're alone I'd like to talk to you about something" Both Riders dragons had gone to find some early morning breakfast and left the boys to themselves.
"Uh sure" Galaide looked up at Eros more alert than before.
"Well, I've noticed you watch me a lot, and you think about me too. Are you attracted to me?"
Galaide looked down and remained that way for a long while.
"You don't have to be ashamed by it. We've been isolated from Alagaesia for a long while and only three women have come into our lives. Arya, Aala, and Louisa have all been fine companions or in Queen Ayra's case a good ebrithil but neither of them have made me lust for woman as a whole."
Galaide was slow in his response "What, then are you saying?"
"I'm saying that I like the fact that you are attracted to me, I think maybe I am attracted to you too" was Eros's reply.
Eros, Polus searches for us came the thoughts of an unnerved Thornac.
"I'll be back in a bit. It'll give you the chance to think and to pack." Eros stated before leaving the dorm at a lengthily stride.
You know you like him too, so I don't see why you continue to hide in your shell even after he has basically offered himself to you too
It's not quite that simple. He only said he may be attracted to me, so there is a chance that I'm not what he wants at all
Galaide, I have known you for my whole life, and I've known Eros for some time too. He would never hate you for who you are
Both Galaide and A'mathea continued their debate for an hour more, whilst Galaide packed, before Eros returned still not wearing any upper garments.
A'mathea decided she would try and assist with her Riders feelings.
Eros could we talk? She asked the young male.
I'm guessing this is a private conversation? He asked in response.
It is.
Then what do you wish to say A'mathea?
Galaide does not wish to act on his feelings for you in fear that you might turn away from him in disgust. If not now he fears you will eventually do so.
Eros was almost completely startled at the words coming from the dazzling Amethyst dragon.
Thank you for telling me this, I appreciate it. But be rest assured that I would never be disgusted by Galaide.
"Have you thought anymore about what I said?" Eros asked his partner in crime.
"Yes" came the short sharp response from Galaide.
But I don't want to talk about it yet. He offered the last thought because he still felt uneasy talking about his feelings with A'mathea around. She was too protective of him.
The two Riders quickly packed their essentials into a travel sac each, and saddled their partners; they decided they would leave at nightfall under the cover of darkness. First they would go to Ellesmera the capital city of Elves to forge blades of their own. The old Elf blacksmith Rhunon, who forged all the Riders swords, was still alive and well.
As nightfall fell the two young Riders made their departure, quickly and quietly.
Not long after the two students had left, Eragon and his brother had packed and bade farewell to Blodhgarm and the other before they two cast off into the night. Being bigger and stronger than A'mathea and Thornac, Sapphira and Thorn quickly flew past their location, hidden lower in the valleys. It wasn't long before the students were following after their mentor and his brother.
Eragon, Not to alarm you but we have two young ones following us. A'mathea, and Thornac trying desperately to hide their minds but I can still feel them.
Eragon smiled to himself. It was no surprise that his two most skilful students would try to prove themselves in someway.
I'm sure there will be plenty of time for punishment when we all return. Eragon thought back to Sapphira.
It took a long four days to arrive in the borders of Alagaesia, but alas both groups had made it. Eragon and Murtagh turned off for Vroengard leaving Eros and Galaide alone to discover the lands. Galaide pulled out the map of Alagaesia he and Blodhgarm had made previously, to determine where they would go first. After a lot of deliberation and thought the two decided they would settle down in the small town of Carvahall to rest and regain their strengths. No sooner had the two Riders landed just outside the town had a well built mad who looked to be in his sixties came up to the pair.
"Well it's certainly a strange sight to see two male Riders around here; and above that, young Riders. So what brings a pair like yourselves to a town like this?"
"Good day sir I am Eros and this is my companion Galaide." Eros spoke up
"Good to meet you Eros and Galaide. My name is Horst. Come you should meet our lord Roran Garrowson.
"Of course we would love to" Galaide responded.
"Say Lord Roran is cousins with a Rider you know. He was an honourable man he was saved my daughter from a terrible fate in her life. Born of a horrid disease she was; and I tell you above that the Rider, Eragon was his name, slew the evil tyrant king Galbatorix.
"You say Eragon sir?"
"Aye, a fine young man he was. And he did look Grand upon his mighty companion Sapphira. Though he left Twenty years ago now. No one has seen him since he left the lands"
"Eragon was our mentor and teacher sir." Galaide stated rather profoundly.
"He was, was he now?" The old man asked; his face lighting up a little.
"Aye, Eros and I followed him here, though they turned off for an isle called Vroengard."
"Ah, home to the Riders of old" Horst spoke in wonder. "Still there will be plenty of time fore share and tell tonight at the feast we are having. Of course you four will be guests of honour."
"We don't mean to cause any commotion"-
"No, no it is quite all right our lord leaves for Ilea tomorrow. You see our Queen is ill and she has had a long rein, she will not last much longer and she has yet to choose an heir to her throne. We believe Lord Roran has a chance as Queen Nasuada has been training our lord in the way of royalty for three years now."
The old man explained more of events and goings on in Alagaesia while they walked along the bustling streets of Carvahall whilst Thornac and A'mathea flew overhead. "There is the lords' home upon that hill" Horst explained. "Perhaps you two should go introduce yourselves now. Tell the guards old Horst sent you."
The boys climbed the hill and were admitted into the manner house.
"Welcome to our home young ones" a beautiful middle aged woman entered the front hall. "I am Katrina and this' the woman pointed to a younger woman who bore resemblances to the older one. 'Is my Daughter Ismera. If you are hear for my Husband Roran then please make yourselves comfortable, he will be joining us shortly"
"Thank you your ladyship" Galaide responded bowing to the older of the two women.
She smiled at that. "Please call me Katrina"
"Katrina dear have you seen my festive robe?" Roran was calling from upstairs.
"It is hung down here my love. There are two young men to see you, they say Horst sent them." Roran came down the stairs rather quickly after that. "Hello there." He called in a friendly voice. The first thing Eros noticed was how similar to Eragon he looked.
"We come on behalf of our mentor and your Cousin Sir" Galaide offered to the older man.
"Would you be talking of Eragon there my friends?"
"Aye, we would sir." We bring news of his return to Alagaesia"
"Well that is splendid. He is just in time to raise the queens' spirits before she goes to the void beyond."
Galaide looked down "Uh sir our teacher has only gone to visit Vroengard he has not come for a social call."
"But perhaps Queen Arya can reach him before Nasuada must pass on" Roran replied. "Come friends, now is not a night to despair, Tis a festive night. I want to hear of all the things my little cousin has done during these years apart"
The feast was held out in the streets of Carvahall to allow the two dragons to join in the festivity. The younger members of the town found it most amusing to throw food into the mouths of the giant beasts dinning with them. A'mathea felt most comfortable at this as she enjoyed the thought of being treated like royalty. The boys decided they would turn in early for the night, due to the amount of travelling they were to undertake; Roran had provided them with a room at the end of the manor.
"So what do you suppose we'll do tomorrow then?" Galaide asked his headstrong partner.
"Maybe we could go to the Elven city?" Eros replied.
The next day Roran or lord Stronghammer as he was known to most, was due to depart for Ilea.
"Perhaps the two of you boys could join me, for extra protection and so that you can meet the queen. It would surely bring a smile to her face."
The boys were in a quiet discussion over this for a few minutes before answering.
"Of course we would love to go with you Lord Stronghammer" Galaide was always liked among the Elves at Du Shur'tugal Gata-The Dragon Rider Path, because of his well mannered behaviour.
"Excellent, we leave in an hour" Roran replied.
The whole town gathered at the gates to see them off.
"Ah it was good to meet fine young men such as yourselves" Horst offered to the young Riders.
"Thank you for your kindness Horst. It is well appreciated" This time it was Eros to bow at the old man.
"Let us be off" Roran called upon his dazzling white horse, Snowfire. "When I return I promise we will feast for forty days and forty nights"
At last the entire party left the town behind. They consisted of three guards on horseback in front of Roran, Two spellcasters riding beside him, and three guards riding behind. Roran had left his final Spellcaster with his wife Katrina back in the town. Eros and Galaide were riding above the small group upon A'mathea and Thornac.
Galaide, over to the right I see bandits fast approaching A'mathea warned.
What? Where?
In the trees. Hidden by some kind of net
But I don't have a weapon, neither does Eros.
Leave it to me. At that thought A'mathea turned into a dive and slept low over the trees. At the last minute she let out a two metre long jet of purple flames; the flames covered the bandit netting as the bandits underneath began to scream and holler in pain.
"What was that?" Roran called up to the two Riders.
"Bandits!" Galaide called from above.
"Brynjolf go and see" The Spellcaster on the right and a guard went to investigate the mess of screaming Bandits; The Elf and guard returned moments later with the insignia of the bandits.
"Warriors from Teirm my liege, no doubt more conspirators against the queen"
"Have them bound and silenced." Roran replied
"It is already done my Lord" the Elf replied climbing onto his horse.
The party continued five miles farther down the road with no more interruptions. Eventually they came to the waters edge and Daret Town.
"We rest here tonight. I have a friend in the area that would be willing to put us up for the night" Roran wondered into one of the larger huts, allowing time for the Horses to be stabled overnight. The Dragons left for the safety of the forests while the men and Elves slept.
"Angela I'd like you to meet Eros and Galaide, Two young Riders."
"You mean Dragon Riders?" the Herbalist exclaimed?
"The very same. Trained by our Eragon himself." Roran replied smiling.
"Well then it is a pleasure to meet you Young Riders. Can I offer to tell your fortune?"
"We would like that miss but we have no money." Eros replied solemnly.
"Did Angela ask for money? Now come young ones. Roran please make yourself comfortable. Solembum will make you comfortable." Roran left the herbalist to her duties and ordered his guard out with him.
"I sense you are troubled young Rider, you have an oncoming battle, more dangerous than anything you've faced before and the threat is deadly' Angela came to eye contact with Galaide 'You have difficult choices to make concerning your happiness. When the time comes you will have to decide on the path you will take."
Eros's reading was just as dark with the war, but happier overall.
"Thank you for putting us up Angela."
"Not at all Roran and I would be happy to accompany you to Ilea. I wish to see the queen once more before she goes on. I know a safe route to Gil'ead"
"Then by all accounts join us Angela, I will bye you a comfortable horse for the journey"
The party journeyed along the river until they came to Isenstar Lake, when they were ambushed by Warriors, thieves, and bandits under the Banner of what was Galbatorix's symbol of terror. A'mathea and Thornac struck however they could but some kind of magical boundaries kept their flames out.
"Shade!' Angela hissed. 'There is a shade protecting them."
"Then we all have to go now!"
"Indeed. There is no way we can expect these two Riders to beat him, they are too young and inexperienced"
But we have no choice but to beat him. Eros thought desperately.
Then choose a spell and we'll beat the Shade together. Thornac replied with ferocity in his tone.
We'll do it together as Riders and Dragons should. A'mathea thought aloud for them all to hear.
Then what spell should we cast? Galaide asked Eros.
Dauth risa! Eros replied.
Raise the dead? That's dangerous A'mathea commented with fear in her tone.
We can do it!
As Roran and his forces began to flee and skirt around the edge of the Lake Eros and Galaide homed in on the Shade
"NOW!" Eros screamed. Both Dragons let out another jet of purple and golden flames as the two Riders chanted together "Dauth Risa" and flew off higher into the sky. At once bones began to rise from the ground; they began to assemble into skeletal figures that charged toward the shade and sink him to the earth below.
The Shade should have a problem undoing that spell; it is a spell you created together. He'll be dead before he can undo it Eros smiled.
Now to finish off the army A'mathea growled. It was several hours before the Army was completely dead.
"Roran must be halfway to Bullridge by now" Galaide spoke pondering over his map.
"Then I say the sooner we get to Ilea the sooner Roran will get reinforcements from the queen"
"Agreed." Galaide replied. The Riders spent the rest of that day and through the night riding to Ilea. It was halfway into the next day when they spied the castle from afar.
"What's that?" Galaide asked pointing to a gleaming green mass in the distance. As if on cue the green mass let out a deep roar that echoed across the land.
Firnen! Was the only thought either Dragon gave.
What did you say? Eros asked his Golden companion.
The Green beast across the land is Firnen.
The two Riders slowed in their speed allowing the green mass referred to as Firnen to close the distance.
And what would two young Riders like yourselves be doing in Alagaesia? The voice inside both Riders heads made them jump in such surprise that Galaide almost fell off his saddle, and would have if his feet weren't strapped in.
Arya? Is that you?
Hello my young friends. It has been some time. AS Firnen flew closer Arya came into sight. It would seem that age had not affected her as harshly as it had some, and even though Galaide felt differently he had to admire the beauty of the queen of Ellesmera. She motioned for them to land outside the gates of Ilea and they followed suit.
"It was a surprise to hear the two of you were here, and a bigger surprise to come across you myself."
"It has been long since we last met your highness." Eros smiled at the queen.
"And the pair of you have grown into fine young men" the queen smiled back.
"We are not the only Riders to be in Alagaesia your highness. Eragon has also come."
"And where would your teacher be at this point?" The queen asked in return
"Vroengard. Lord Roran said he would ask if you could fetch him before the queen dies."
"Well in that case I must leave at once. Thank you for telling me this, younglings. And I bide you farewell"
With that Firnen launched himself into the air once more and took to the direction of Vroengard.
The two Riders turned to see the gleaming green dragon disappear into the distance, before turning to face the gates of Ilea
"Well here we are at last. The heart of Alagaesia; Ilea"
"Are you ready to go in?" Eros asked smiling.
Galaide mocked a gulp of fear. "As ready as I'll ever be."
You'll be fine. A'mathea thought, attempting to soothe her Rider.
Both boys looked at each other in the eyes before they both stepped through the gates of the city.
Ilea was nothing like Eros had thought it would be the streets were filled with cheerful people running around and selling or buying things. The houses looked grander than any of the houses in the town of Carvahall.
"Easy to get lost in this place" Galaide noted.
"I like it. My kind of place. Filled with people and nice looking houses."
"Let's just get to the castle" Galaide smiled.
The Riders made their way slowly through the bustling streets and up to the castle of Ilea.
"Halt! No admittance to commoners by order of the Queen."
"Excuse me?" Eros asked rather annoyed.
"The queen has decreed that only those of Royalty or with an appointment may enter the castle." The castle guard spoke again.
"We're here on behalf of the lord Roran, and his cousin Eragon Shadeslayer. We demand entry to the castle at once." Eros growled.
"Wait here one moment." The guard responded before entering the Castle gates. Moments later another guard came up to them.
"Who are you?" the guard ordered.
"Dragon Riders under the Teachings of Eragon Shadeslayer."
"Then you may enter the Castle and speak with our Queen. I should warn you if you attempt anything you will be hung." The guard turned to let them into the castle.
"About time" Eros huffed.
"Off to see the queen then' Eros raised an eyebrow at Galaide. 'To ease the tension." Galaide replied.
"Tension? What tension. You're over reacting"
May we join you yet? Eros had forgotten the two dragons circling the sky above.
The both of you can join us. He replied to his golden companion.
The guards outside the castle began to shout as the two dragons landed in the courtyard next to the castle. Nearby people began to stop and stare, a few of the children had even started to cry.
"What kind of stunt is this?" The guard captain called to the Riders.
"No stunt, just our Dragons. We can't be Riders without our dragons." Galaide replied unkindly.
Are you two quite finished playing with the guards? I'm rather bored of them now.
Humph. Trust you to be bored with tiny humans such as these. Thornac replied to A'mathea.
Can we just go see the queen now? She asked impatiently.
Ready for royalty, people?
I was born ready. A'mathea complained to her Rider.
I'd forgotten A'mathea's mother was a queen amongst dragons. Eros interrupted.
What happened to Dragon to Rider privacy?
"Any way, are we going to enter the queens' castle?" Galaide asked out loud.
"No time like the present I guess" replied an irritated Eros.