And the Wheels turn
"Ebrithil, why must I meditate for an hour each day? Wouldn't that time be better spent practicing magic or swordsmanship?" Aretha, the youngest of the riders, asked Eragon after her meditation. She was a human with mocha colored skin, whose dragon was Redick, a black with startling green eyes. Aretha was only fifteen, but had a bright mind and a strong will. They had only been on the island a month and already they were advancing in their skills. She was good with magic and quick with a sword, but her patience needed improving. Where his other students meditated for half an hour each day, he had her meditate for an hour in hopes that it would help calm her.
"When you are able to listen until you hear no more, I will tell you the full reason, but know this, meditating is a way to help you organize your thoughts, and calm your mind, which in turn will help you structure spells and maintain magic longer. You are a bright student, Aretha, but your mind is too chaotic. Have you read the scrolls I suggested?" Eragon sat down the quill he was using to write with and looked at his student. To look at Eragon now, you would still see the boy he used to be, but his eyes were wiser, his hair was longer and more lustrous, and his face resembled that of a male elf's, angled and cat like; only the hint of stubble on his cheeks gave him away as human.
"Yes master, all but one. I am still trying to get used to reading in the Ancient Language." She said, sitting in the chair across from him.
"I know it is difficult, but as long as you work at it, it will get easier." He said, looking up as Yülqa and Telíf flew by out the window. He smiled as he heard a roar and saw a small black speck rocket past. It was Redick, wanting the older wild dragons to play with him. Normally he would be with Saphira and Istalri, but both were out above the big lake, training the older dragons in the art of aerial combat. With them were Blödhgarm, who was substituting for Eragon while he taught Aretha, and Yaela, along with the seven apprentice riders and their dragons. He would have been out there but he felt it was more important to give his youngest student an individual lesson rather than with the whole group. "Trust me, when I was your age, I had the same problem. But I had great teachers who believed in me. I have faith that one day you will be even better at it than I am"
"Thank you Ebrithil, but I truly doubt that." She said, looking everywhere but at Eragon. She still wasn't used to him. She had heard stories of Eragon Kingkiller, Hero who had defeated the tyrant king. She couldn't believe that this peaceful, calm man was the same individual who led the rebel army to victory. She looked around his room, gaping at all the beautiful paintings that adorned the walls, not sure what to think. He was so strong and talented and knew more about everything than anyone she had ever met, and yet she was supposed to become better at something than he was? Yeah right.
You doubt yourself too much. Redick said softly.
It's the truth. How am I supposed to be good at anything when I cannot focus on one thing for more than a few minutes. My meditating always ends with me focusing on only one animal at a time. How am I supposed to hear the whole forest? It is too big! She said, her mental voice screaming. She always became frustrated after her meditations, because she couldn't do what Master Eragon asked of her. Every time she came back from meditating- which Eragon had insisted she do outside in a quiet place- she felt she had disappointed him with her inability to grow. Where are you?
He sent her a mental image of himself standing on the cliffs overlooking the big lake, in the distance the other riders and their dragons could be seen flipping and twirling through the air. She felt a longing in him to be out there with them, proving that he was as good a dragon as the rest of them. She could feel the tension vibrating through his legs as he crouched, willing his body not to make a fool of himself, Stop changing the subject. Ebrithil Eragon is not disappointed in you. You are young and inexperienced, he would not expect you to know everything right away. Cheer up! Before you know it, we'll be out with the others learning how to fight in unison.
She grimaced involuntarily at his enthusiasm, and heard Eragon chuckle softly. She looked up and noticed he was staring at her and she blushed; she was just thankful her skin was too dark to show it.
"Something on your mind Aretha?" He asked gently.
"Redick is just contemplating making a fool of himself." She said, smiling slightly, still embarrassed.
I was not! Redick said with a huff, although he too sounded more embarrassed than angry.
"Ah, well let us hope he doesn't so that you don't have to smooth his pride out huh?" He said, which earned him a bright smile. After that they sat in companionable silence for a few minutes until Eragon felt a questing mind touch his. Then the voice of Maëna, an elf that kept the library in order, spoke, her mind calm and peaceful, the strands of music like harps and lutes to his mind, A message from the queen Shadeslayer, she awaits you in the mirror room.
Thank you, Maëna. I will be there shortly. "I am sorry Aretha but I have some important business to tend to. I am not sure how long it will take so the rest of the day is yours. In place of your normal studies, however, you should read more of the compendium I gave you, and here is a list of books I want you to study, particularly the one on meditation. Also, don't forget to pay a visit to Blödhgarm for weapon's training."
"Of course Ebrithil." She said, standing from her chair.
Eragon gathered his quill and inkwell along with the parchment he was writing on, placed them in the drawers of his desk, and escorted Aretha out the door. He handed her the list he had made her and watched her trot down the hall, eager to ride with Redick. Once she was out of sight, he sighed and leaned against the door, rubbing his face with his hand. It had been near a decade since he had last spoken to Arya and the emotions it brought overwhelmed him. A hundred years it had been. A hundred years since they had shared their true names with each other. A hundred years since he had been that boy who fell madly in love with an elf who was the princess of her people. He was still in love with her. How could he not be? He had thought that, with enough time and distance, his feelings for her would lessen, but the opposite was true. If it was possible, he loved her more now then he had when they first parted. It was a weight crushing his heart, yet she had had her duties and he'd had his. Neither could abandon them for the sake of happiness. He understood that, but that knowledge did nothing to lessen the pain in his heart.
He sighed, pushed himself off the door, and made his way down the hallway to the library. The vastness of the buildings was so great, it was ten minutes before he made it to his destination. As the giant doors to the library opened, seemingly of their own volition, he noticed the glittering mass of Saphira waiting for him. She must have abandoned her lessons and flown straight there, wanting to be by his side when he spoke to Arya. As he looked at her he smiled, for he knew she was there to support him, as she always was, but her main reason for being here was to see Fírnen; the longing evident in her startlingly blue eyes. In the hundred years since the war ended, she had grown to be about three-fourths the size Glaedr had been before his body died. As she aged, her scales seemed to deepen in color, but her eyes were growing lighter. The process was slow but it had alarmed Eragon when he had noticed it. Glaedr and the other Eldunari had assured him that it was normal for a dragon's scales to change its color as it aged, and that the process would cease near her second century. He patted her on her neck and she huffed, releasing smoke that drifted up into the rafters of the building, many hundreds of feet above. She began to hum when he scratched the scales under her massive jaw and the tip of her tongue darted out and touched him on the cheek, a dragon's kiss. Little one.
They walked into the adjoining room together and faced a concave wall that contained the dozen or so polished mirrors used for communicating with the various people in Alagaesia. Many of the mirrors were forever dark, as the people on the other end were gone from this world. Currently, the only one lit up was the one directly in the middle. This was Arya's mirror, and it was she who stood before them; the green head of Fírnen beside her. Saphira lowered her head so that they could see her and huffed, sending smoke into Eragon's face. He coughed and waved a hand to clear the smoke, giving Saphira a playful look of scorn. Sorry. She said, although she didn't look the least bit sorry. Arya smiled when he turned back to the mirror, erasing the worry lines that were plaguing her face. She twisted her hand in front of her chest then touched her first two fingers to her lips, a move that was oddly formal. "Atra esterní ono thelduin Eragon, Saphira."
"Atra du evarínya ono varda Arya Dröttning. I would think we were past formal introductions by now." He said, repeating the gesture. There was a bite in his voice that he did not mean to let through. He hoped she was not offended, but if she was she did not show it.
"My apologies Eragon. I have been in meeting with the council all morning and it is hard to relax after that. It has been too long since I have had anyone besides Fírnen who I can truly be myself with." She said, relaxing her shoulders. "Fírnen wishes to know how the dragons are doing, and I am curious myself."
"The dragons are fine. Jaltin, the blue bonded with Sorrel, is getting ready to lay her eggs any day now. She wants Saphira to be there since this is her first time and she is scared that something is going to go wrong." He said, trying to keep the hurt from his voice. He knew it would be hard to look upon her again, but still, the pain it brought was sharp and bitter. Little one. You act as if the very mountains were upon your back. Your wings are not broken, shake this off and fly free. He sent her a mental picture of himself grimacing and finished telling her about the dragons. "The wild ones are flourishing like we had always hoped, and the bonded dragons are advancing quickly in their lessons. The youngest pair is doing well. Aretha is having trouble with her meditation, she is impatient about her training, but she is doing exceptionally well otherwise. Sorrel and Rumis are close to finishing their training and receiving their rider's sword. I am anxious to see how they react to the final test. What of you? Any news about the eggs?"
"None I'm afraid. Vanir has told me that since winter is fast approaching, that the eggs are going to be brought back to Du Weldenvarden until it is safe to travel the roads again. Also, as the Agaetí Blödhren is in a few months, the council was wondering if you and the riders would be joining us here for the celebration."
"I had not had plans of it, I'm afraid. It will not be my decision alone. I must speak with the other elves here and also with my students." He said. Of course, he wanted to go, but he was not sure if he would be able to. Angela's prophesy hung over his head like a weight about to drop.
Destinies change Eragon. You of all people know that. There is no physical barrier keeping us from our homeland, only the words of an old witch. Saphira said, shuffling her wings and laying down. You are not the same person you were back then. The boy who she cast the bones for is no more. You said it yourself; your true name has changed many times since I hatched for you.
Yeah, but-
Eragon Do you want to go back or not? Saphira asked, staring at him through narrowed eyes.
You are right. Eragon said, his hopes lifting. All this time I had been afraid to go back simply because of my superstitions. "I will contact you with their decision within a day or so."
"That is good to hear." She said, smiling again. Eragon smiled back and he felt a weight lift off his heart. He was going to see Arya again in person, after nearly a hundred years.
"What other news is there from Alagaesia?" Eragon asked, knowing there had to be a reason she had contacted them.
"There is nothing of major interest from the other races. Peace reigns like we had always hoped. The Urgals have just chosen a new ruler and Orik has informed me that he and Hvedra are going to travel with Kellif to Du Weldenvarden for the Agaetí."
"That's wonderful!" Eragon said, excited to see the dwarf king. During the first few years since he had left he and Orik had spoke often, but since then haven't contacted the other. Guilt welled up in Eragon for his lack of communication with his adopted brother, "What of the elves? Any news from the Eternal Wood?"
"Yes actually there is." She said, her smile disappearing. "I have informed the council that after the Blood-oath Celebration I plan on stepping down from my position as queen."
"What? Are you sure of this Arya?" He asked, surprise written on his face. Eragon had never seen Arya shirk her duties to her people. She gave up happiness to serve her mother as ambassador all those years ago, and then again, when she became queen.
"I am positive. I took up the staff and knotted throne because I knew that that was what my mother wanted of me and because the älfakyn needed a leader to rebuild all that was lost. I have helped my people to the best of my abilities, but I am unhappy Eragon, and I do not have the drive I did when I first became queen. I am of no more use to my people. The others can see I am unhappy. I wish to live on Ília Skulblakar and help you and the elves train the riders. Moreover, I do on occasion miss Saphira's and your company, as does Fírnen."
"As we both miss you. But Arya, to give up the throne?"
"I have thought long and hard about this Eragon." She said, her spine stiffening as it used to when her pride bristled, "At this point, I am only hurting my people with my unhappiness. Seventy years ago, even thirty years ago, I wouldn't have even thought about it, but my task is complete and now I must go where I am most useful. That is with the riders on Ília Skulblakar."
"If that is your wish, then I hope everything goes smoothly." He said, hope and anticipation clinging to his heart. "Is their anything you want me to tell the elves here?"
"I don't believe telling them just yet is necessary. When they left with you, they became independent. Du Weldenvarden may always be their home, but it is to you and the dragons that they owe their allegiance now." She said and Eragon began to argue, just for her to hold her hand up and continue, "No, it is okay. That is how it should be. It would be ridiculous for them to still hold allegiance for someone who is so far away."
Eragon nodded and crossed his hands behind his back. "Have you chosen a replacement as ruler of the elves?"
"I have." She said, laying one of her hands on Fírnen's head, patting his snout, "I have consulted him and the council and they both have approved. I have chosen Däthedr. He was my mother and father's adviser as well as mine. If there is any one älfa that is right for the position it is he."
"I think that is a good choice." He said, shifting his weight from one leg to the other. Just then Blödhgarm contacted him to notify him that the apprentices were back and were anxious to begin lessons. "Arya, I do not mean to be rude, but my students are awaiting me, was their anything more you needed?"
"Yes there is, but since it is not pressing, then it can wait until you contact me with your answer to the Blood-oath. I had hoped to speak with you more. It has been too long since we have just talked Eragon; I miss it." She said, patting Fírnen's neck as he keened softly, his eyes never leaving Saphira. She answered likewise, and from their link, Eragon could tell she was as torn up about Fírnen as he was about Arya. "Guliä waíse medh ono, Eragon, Saphira. Sé onr sverdar sitja hvass."
"The same to you Arya, Fírnen." he said, looking at the reflection of himself. He stood there, wondering at her words. She was stepping down. She was coming to his city to stay. His heart leapt, then soared, and the feeling of euphoria stole over him. In only a few months time, Arya would be here, on the Island. What if I can't make her see, Saphira? What if she doesn't want me? He asked, wondering why he suddenly felt sixteen again, his feeling of happiness suddenly disappearing.
Then you will just have to prove to her that you are worth her love. Saphira said, uncoiling herself. She stood, the tip of her snout touching his forehead, a hard tap that had him rubbing the spot, sure a welt was going to form. Just don't mess it up!
Instead of going straight to the room where his seven students waited, he and Saphira went to his study, where Saphira laid herself down on a cushion specifically for her and quickly went to sleep. He sat and collected himself, staring at the many fairths he had made over the years. He had one for each person that had meant something to him. There was Arya and Fírnen, along with Brom, Roran, Murtagh, Nasuada, Orik, Oromis and Glaedr. Hanging under Brom and Oromis' pictures were their swords: Undbitr, which was with the horde of swords in Galbatorix's keep, and Naegling, which the elves had salvaged from the battlefield around Gil'ead. There were also fairths of Carvahall, Ilirea, Ellesmera and Tronjheim. A detailed map of Alagaesia was painted on a table near the bookshelf that contained his most favorite books, including his well-worn copy of Domia abr Wyrda.Behind him hung a wall-sized fairth of the island as it looked from Saphira's back, and etched into the floor to ceiling doors was the sky and earth as it looked when they had climbed high above the storm clouds on their first trip to Vroengard.
When Eragon felt he was again in control of himself, he picked himself up from his chair, and left Saphira to sleep as he made his way to his students and their lessons.