The ride to Vroengaurd was uneventful although as the island drew closer Estara's excitement grew. She had heard stories of the rigorous training that the riders were put through. The idea of leaning to use magic and fighting and flying sounded like a wonderful thing to Estara. Because she couldn't talk, everyone saw her as an invalid, she was seen as fragile as sickly as broken. She couldn't wait to be around people who expected her to learn to actually do something.
When the island came into sight she gasped. It was more beautiful than any of the stories could do justice. Tall towers of white marble reached towards the sky, while dragons of all sizes and colors circled about the spires. Estara would never have believed that when Eragon had come to this island 200 years ago that he had found it in ruins, and with the help of a small group of elves, had rebuilt it to the glorious monument that she saw before her. As she drew closer she saw various training grounds where she could see many young riders at work. Sparring with weapons, training with magic or flying about with their dragons.
The Urgal, who she was riding with landed in a large field to the north of all the buildings. He made a grunting noise, which she knew meant it was time to disembark. She had gotten along very well with the Urgal rider. It was he who had rescued her from the clearing where her brother had left her in his anger and had returned her back to her parents. Arya was not to accompany them back to the island, so it was her and the Urgal, who's name she learned as Arnak, who would be traveling back to Vroengaurd.
Arnak had been a very comforting presence. He understood that she mostly wanted to not talk about what had happened in the clearing, but had told her stories of growing up in the Urgal village where he had come from. He told her, in his rough curt tones, that the other young urgals had been envious that he had been chosen for the great honor of being a rider. A group of the young rams had gotten together and beaten him breaking bones and even his horns.
Estara had been horrified, until Arnak explained that they did this because they were jealous. In his community it was the greatest honor to be chosen to be a rider, and as such, had your choice of mates and always had the best huts reserved for you. Arnak explained that it was simply their own ignorance that made them act out, they years later he even had made friends with the rams who had beaten him. Arnak had made no mention about her brother, but Estara knew that he had told her the story to give her hope, and hope she had. She fervently believed that one day she would see her brother again, and that one day he would forgive her for being chosen, and in turn apologize for his cruel words.
A small crowd gathered as she dismounted from Arnak's dragon, Delois. Tracker, who was perched on her shoulder, was excited. He trumpeted, earning the same noise in response from many of the other dragons who had come to watch. Estara felt a large hand touch her shoulder, and she turned to see Arnak. He simply gave her a nod, that she understood meant it was time to go. They walked down a small path and in to the center of the tall buildings. Arnak lead her into the tallest of the bulidings and Estara's heart began beating rapidly. She was so nervous. She knew Arnak was taking her to meet Lord Eragon, and any other riders who had been chosen while the eggs made their annual trip to the main land.
Arnak waved his hand and the large oak double doors opened to allow them passage to a room. On the far end of the room, she saw a great blue dragon curled up on a large dais, just in front of that was a man, who appeared to be neither elf nor man, sitting at a large ornate desk. She knew instantly that this was Eragon. Stories of his transformation at the Ageti Blodhren were frequently told. He was pouring over some papers in front of him, and he held up a hand to signal that it would be a moment before he would be with them.
Estara took the moment to study the room. She looked around her and marveled at the simplicity of the room. Lord Eragon was the leader of the riders, but this room held none of the fancy trappings that Estara had assumed would come with that position. The room was simple, all of the furniture, except for the desk, looked as if it would be more comfortable in a farm house and caused what Estara believed was a funny contrast.
Her eyes flickered to the ceiling, and she was astounded. Painted upon the ceiling was a perfect rendition of the night sky. She stared, recognizing the different constellations that her brother had taught her. She felt for a moment, as if she was back home staring at the sky at night while listening to the animals around her.
She heard the creaking of the wooden door, and turned to see another pair walk in. In walked a dwarf rider, with a tall elf, that she could only assume was another new rider. She studied him with interest. The elf was tall and lean, but not with out strength. His hair was a dirty blond color, and instead of long and flowing, as she knew was the preferred way the elf's kept their hair, his was cut close to his head. His face was youthful, but his features were sharp, and his bright blue eyes seemed to glance at her with distain, when he saw that she was watching him. She turned around quickly, trying to keep an embarrassed blush from rising in her cheeks. Estara hadn't meant to stare at him, she had just been so curious at the presence of a new rider such as herself, that she'd gotten carried away.
She felt Tracker take off from her shoulder and watched him as he flew toward the other hatchling, trumpeting excitedly as he approached them shimmering gold dragon. She watched cheerfully as the two dragons flew in circles around each other nipping playfully at each other. A deep rumbling noise echoed through the room, startling Estara. She looked around, trying to discern the origin of the noise. Her attention was brought to the enormous blue dragon, who she guessed was Saphira, and she realized that the elder dragon must have laughed at the sight of the hatchlings playing. The two young dragons alighted on the limbs of Saphira, Tracker nuzzling her with familiarity. But before Estara could wonder why, Eragon spoke.
"Welcome, new riders," he said his voice filling the room. "It is always a good day when I can welcome new members to our ranks." Eragon approached the elf man and clasped his hand. "You must be Eldwin, I have heard about you from Arya. She says you're quite the accomplished swordsman." Eldwin simply nodded. Estara smiled, she was glad to know that it wasn't just her who was nervous about this meeting. And then Eragon turned to her, wiping the smile off her face. "And you must be Estara," Eragon took her hand gently. "Arya tells me that you too are extremely gifted."
Estara was confused. She was not gifted. She had no idea what he was talking about. I'm afraid the queen must have been mistaken, Lord Eragon, Estara said speaking directly into his mind. I have no talents to speak of sir. Eragon laughed out loud, Saphira joining in.
"I'm afraid you are mistaken Estara-Finiarea," Eragon said mirth lighting up his face. "For a human, to be able to speak to another with their mind, is a great accomplishment, for one of a race not blessed with an instinct for magic." Estara blushed at his praise. She had not known that what she had done was anything special. She knew of no one who could do it, but she just assumed it was another oddity of hers. "I am excited to see your progress here as you train." Estara stole a glance at Eldwin, who seemed to be staring at her with curious dislike.
She felt Tracker alight on her shoulder, and she was grateful for his comfortable weight. She sent him a picture of him nuzzling Saphira and let her confusion resonate through their connection. Tracker seemed to purr and sent her back a series of images. A baby, a pregnant woman, a dragon egg, a pair of dragons and finally an image of Estara's own mother, as she stroked her hair as Estara cried. Saphira is your mother? Tracker cocked his head to the right and Estara heard a deep voice answer back, Mother… Estara was sure that Tracker had just spoken.
She smiled at the thought that the little dragon was already learning, but she was very shocked to learn that her small dragon was a descendant of Saphira. And she was quite honored. She looked at the elder dragon, and was amazed. She had occasionally seen dragons before and was, every time, amazed at the raw powerful beauty of these creatures, but Saphira was exceptional. Saphira turned a great azure eye to her and she felt the dragon prod at her mind.
Hesitantly Estara opened her mind and allowed Saphira access. The dragon simply said, Take care of my little one Dragon-child.
Dragon child? Estara asked What do you mean by that? She heard Saphira's laughter, as did the whole room.
All in due time, little one, was the great dragon's simple response. On that note, Eragon wished them luck and said that he would be following their progress. Both the new riders bowed and then left. The dwarf rider, who's name Estara never got excused himself and Arnak showed Eldwin and her to their living quarters. Estara was surprised to find that each rider, while here, got their own rooms. Even more surprising, was that her room was right next to Eldwin's.
When Arnak had left them to get settled, she turned to introduce herself to Eldwin, only to find that his mind was like a brick wall and she could not speak with him. Eldwin turned to her and sneered, "I have no desire to speak with you, Oddling. You are merely a strange child who got lucky enough to be chosen by you're dragon. Much to Estara's surprise, his own dragon hissed at him. He shot a confused look at the small gold dragon and chastised her "Gilda, there is no need for that. Simply because you took a liking to her and her dragon means nothing." He turned his attention back to Estara. "I'm an elf and have no need for dealing with bizarre humans." Estara had had enough. She may have taken that kind of abuse back home, but she had no intention on sitting back while he insulted her. She reached out with her mind, an angry look on her face, and battered against his mind, breaking down his wall, brick by brick. Eldwin tried to keep her out, but try as he might, his defenses failed.
What is wrong with you? Estara yelled in his mind, causing him to flinch. I have done no wrong to you. We are both equals here and I should be treated as such. How effective do you really think you will be as a rider if you can not stand a human child? Do you truly think that you will be able to deal with all races fairly, as a rider should?
Eldwin's eyes hardened as he struggled to fight her off. "What do you know of a rider's duty, human child?"
Apparently more than you elf child, Estara spat back bitterly. The rider's were brought back to keep the peace between the races and to ensure that never again will a mad ruler like Galbatorix can not rise to power and commit genocide again. Or have you forgotten that the dragons were nearly wiped from existence and the elves were forced to retreat to their forests?
"Remember, human," Eldwin hissed. "I am not here to make friends, but to learn how to be a rider. I'll see you on the combat fields." And with that, he was gone. Estara felt the little gold dragon touch her mind. The little female dragon flashed her a series of images, all with the same meaning-I'm sorry. And then she too was gone.
Estara stormed to her room, slamming the door with great force behind her. She stood there fuming, until she felt Tracker nuzzle her neck. She began to relax a little. Through their connection Estara could tell he was just as confused as she was as to Eldwin's anger at her. No bother, my little friend she said to Tracker, who flew over to her bed and curled up on the pillow with a yawn. We'll show him, and every one who doubts us. We will be the greatest riders since Eragon himself.
Authors note: So Finiarea is sort of a made up word. Finiarel is the honorific that Oromis used with Eragon and Paolini defines it as a word used to describe a young male who shows potential. Despite an intensive Google search I couldn't find a female derivative so I took of the L and added an A. Hope you liked the new chapter. Another one should be up in a few days.
~ChaCha
