Of Western Shores

Chapter IV – Sailing Westward

Firstly, thank you all for the reviews it is greatly appreciated! As said I do work full time and travel a lot for work so not often to I knock off and five and finish at five, secondly, I am currently planning my wedding with my wife to be so personal life is rather busy, having said that I have some unique ideas for this re-write and I am enjoying it.

Looking forward to getting to the meaty bits, i.e. the battles/romance/villain reveal!

Eragon rolled along the deck as Nar-Gazoth's curved spear bared down on him, missing him by inches as the earthen coloured blade bounced of the pale wooden deck. Eragon leapt to his feet and thrust Brisingr towards the giant kull's throat seeking to end the sparring session, however the large rider whipped up his spear and swatted the shorter sapphire blade away, the sword flying from Eragon's grip and skittling along the deck, out of reach, before Nar slammed the heavy oak stave of his spear into Eragon's stomach, knocking the wind out of the leader of the order. Eragon grunted and slipped to his knee as Nar whipped the point of his spear downward, but before he could end the duel Eragon kicked out his legs and hooked his feet in-between the kull's legs, causing Nar to pause his strike for but a moment. Using this delay, Eragon acted swiftly, using his leverage he pulled himself through the legs of his opponent, appearing behind Nar who did not react in time as Eragon jumped to his back and swung his arm around the kull's neck whilst driving his knee into his back, causing the earthen rider to fall to his knees and drop his weapon.

"Do you yield?" Eragon asked, his voice strained with the effort used to keep the kull from escaping his grip. Nar struggled to gain any purchase on Eragon to throw him off, and with the growl of frustration he ceased his struggle.

"I yield" came the deep reply of the kull. Upon hearing this Eragon released his arm from around his neck and stepped around, standing in front of the kull and offering his hand to help the rider to his feet. Nar-Gazoth smiled and clasped Eragon arm at the elbow and rose to his full height, dwarfing Eragon by a foot and a half at least. "Well fought my lord, fought like a true warrior despite being disarmed" Nar complimented and nodded his head in respect. It was then the pair noted the clapping and cheers of those who had gathered to watch, Eragon waved in acknowledgement before walking to retrieve his sword. He noted that the loose fitted linen shirt he wore was clinging to him with sweat and noted to himself to have a bath straight away.

"I agree little one, although some of the elf maidens appear to be watching with some interest" came the mirthful chuckle of Saphira who was currently completing a series of complex aerial displays. Eragon stowed away his sword and looked up to see what his dragon was getting at. He saw several elven ladies, many of whom were ship crew or part of the honour guard selected by Vanir looking over in his direction, most looked away with a slight blush where as others meet is gaze with small smiles. He looked down at himself again and where the linin was soaked with sweat it had left nothing to the imagination of what lay beneath. A few centuries ago he would've blushed crimson at their stares, but now he merely smiled back and walked back over to Nar-Gazoth, who too appeared bemused.

"Were you one of my race, you would have a pick of the women my lord. The other males would receive your scraps" Nar-Gazoth spoke and followed the sentence with a deep laugh.

"He could well do that anyway! If the man would not be so pious of course" shouted Vanir from the captain's deck, the elf was garbed well as he looked over various scrolls as well as a copy of the treaty that the lords of Elenwyr had all agreed too. The council meeting had gone well into the night before the agreements were made, and it would only be offered if the elves and dwarves of Alagaesia would be willing to meet the terms set.

"Perhaps rather than offering advice on nightly activities my dear friend, you would care to keep that sword arm exercised? It has been a while since I saw you spar, not since Eylerion bested you anyhow. Or are you worried you will dirty that new robe of yours" Eragon called back with a smirk. The dark-haired elf looked up from the treaty and caste a wicked smirk in reply, his eyes dancing with humour, it was well known that Vanir enjoyed a lively banter with Eragon and some of the riders. Whilst it was true he did not spar as often as he used to, he was still a formidable warrior in his own right, a master of the sword and spear, recently dedicating himself to the art of a cavalryman and the lance.

"I would challenge you to find an elf, man, dwarf or kull who has bested our beloved champion. I find no shame in that defeat, despite it being in front of the whole realm" Vanir replied somewhat nonchalantly, he always was one of dramatic display. It was once every one-hundred years that a grand tourney was held in Menegroth, allowing all to compete in the ways of sword, bow and lance for the honour of the mantle of champion, Eylerion taking the title on the last two occasions, Vanir being the finalist of the most recent event, besting the golden rider in archery but edged out in swordplay and made to look a child when jousting. "As for my robes, they are indeed new, thank you for noticing.

"You are not wrong there my friend, alas I am in need of a bath before we meet this evening so if you will excuse me" Eragon responded and walked up the steps to the captains' deck where Vanir was seated. He was given the largest quarters on the ship, much to his despair when the elven admiral had insisted he take it he recalled as he strode to the cabin doors and stepped inside the luxurious and spacious living quarter. The floors were covered in white and grey furs for comfort and warmth for ones' feet, the furniture was sung from the silver trees of Menegroth's forests with the largest and most impressive piece being the large four poster bed, which rested at the rear centre of the quarters by a large crystal window. A separate smaller chamber was to the left of the large bed which housed a spacious bath tub of smooth stone and judging by the steam and scent of Jasmin emanating from the tub it was already drawn for him. Sighing with contentment he removed his damp tunic and began to unlace the front of his breeches whilst he gazed out of the large crystal window of the chamber, admiring the horizon from whence they had come. Once loosened he allowed the soft fabric of his breeches to slide from his waist and down his strong thighs, as he did so however he heard and sharp gasp and the sound of soft boots coming to a sudden halt on the waxed wooden floors, causing him to snap his head around to see the source of the noise.

"I am so sorry my lord Eragon I had no idea you had come in! I would've announced myself I swear" spoke a young serving maid who stood in shock. Eragon did his very best to school his features to be calm and impassive despite be happened upon practically naked by a young and not unattractive women, with an air of calm and grace he stepped out of his breeches and reached for a towel that was placed atop a dresser next to the wash chamber door and wrapped it around his waist, concealing his lower regions. He too was mortified at what had occurred, no woman had seen him so exposed before, it was unsettling no matter his age or maturity.

"Worry not, seeing as you have seen far more than most I should at least know your name" he chuckled, trying to distract himself from the embarrassing situation he currently found himself in, which Saphira was finding hysterical in that moment. The maid still blushing kept her eyes firmly to her feet as she stammered a reply.

"Mavern my lord" she muttered.

"Very well Mavern, I assume I have you to thank for this bath?" he asked, the girl promptly nodding in agreement. "Well thank you very much, I needed one. You may go" he added and dismissed her. Mavern practically ran to the chamber door but stopped when Eragon called out once more. "Oh and Mavern, please ensure the door is locked. Wouldn't want anyone else stumbling in" with that the maid exited the room and shut the door behind her, a faint clicking sound of the lock being activated came to Eragon's keen ears. Safe in the knowledge that his chambers were now locked he threw off the towel and stepped into the stone bathtub and allowed his aching body to slip into the warm aromatic water within, a sigh of relief coming from his lungs as the warmth soothed his muscles. He was due to sit with Vanir, Nar-Gazoth and Aleesia later on that evening to discuss the plan once the dock in Alagaesia in two days' time, everything had to be clear before the council so that they presented a united front. His thoughts had drifted to Angela's prophecy that had been told to him all those ages ago, You will leave Alagaesia, never to return he remembered, yet he had been back once before and was doing so now. Perhaps one day he would leave those shores and never return, he was also told of an epic romance, that had not come to the fore either, at least not knowingly anyway. He relaxed the back of his head onto the lip of the tub and recalled the meeting with the lords of Elenwyr prior to their departure.

"Elenwyr has no formal army, we have veterans from the war and those who practice with weaponry yet nothing formal or regimented. It would also take time to muster a force and then train them" spoke an elven nobleman that Eragon knew from Menegroth. The council room was alive with debate and chatter amongst those in attendance. They had been arguing for hours on all matter of things, from supply lines, to diplomatic relations and trade.

"No formal army that may be but you forget that the cities have garrisons, we have enough soldiers to provide should we have need of them urgently. Felwithe has a standing navy also with about six thousand guards upon those ships" replied Lord Vanilor.

"If we committed the garrisons we would leave ourselves open to a counter attack and be defenceless" spoke up a dwarven lord. He had a point, Elenwyr would not be left undefended to protect other nations. The chatter had grown louder as the debated reigned on, lords and ladies trying to get their points across. From the noise the deep and strong voice of Eylerion cut across the countless voices, silencing them all at once as all in the room turned to the elf.

"The power of the elves is mighty here as is the dwarves. Every elf within this realm is a competent warrior and has a natural advantage through speed and strength over the other races. My suggestion would be to train the general population to a militia standard, have them master the spear and bow, these warriors could be the core defence of Elenwyr" Eylerion started as he cast his gaze about the room, waiting for an objection. When none came he carried on. "Gather the veterans of the rider war and have them be the spear head of our military might, at last count we had roughly six thousand warriors who have settled here from Ellesmera and the forest realm, I am sure you would have no objections from them"

"I agree with rider Eylerion, the elves make up the most of our number and have a natural advantage over the foe we may potentially face. Having said this, each race must provide to the defence of this realm" Eragon spoke, adding his thoughts into the debate. It would not sit well if one race stood for all, it would divide the peace and inflate a sense of entitlement. A fair haired human male stood from his seat, making it clear he wished to add his piece.

"I agree Lord Eragon, however the human population here isn't anywhere near the might of the elves or that of the dwarves. We are but farmers and artisans with a handful of warriors at most, we would of course defend this realm with our lives, but we won't be able to match the forces put forth by the other races" said the man, his voice calm and level under the gaze of all those present.

"Numbers matter not, it will do enough to see that man, elf, dwarf and of course the urgal stand side by side should it come to that. Numbers mean nothing to brothers and sisters in arms, only commanders" Eylerion replied with a gentle smile.

"And who would command such an army?" asked another lord.

"I would suggest Lord Eylerion for this task" Eragon spoke immediately, he did not fail to notice the surprised look on the golden rider's face nor that of his sisters. "I can think of no one better, he commanded armies in the final days of the war against Galbatorix, he is perhaps our greatest warrior and champion of this isle and commands the respect of all the warriors. Does anyone disagree?" Eragon continued, casting his steely gaze among those in the room. With no disagreement he turned to face the fair blonde-haired elf. "What say you?" his voice deep and unreadable. Eylerion rose from his seat once more and gauged the looks of the lords and ladies, seeing nothing by small smiles and impassive looks he turned to look at Eragon.

"I accept my lord, with honour" he replied with an incline of his head, causing a rousing applause from all those present.

"I believe this brings us to the matter of governance and rulership" Orik interjected, causing all to pause and turn to the dwarf. Eragon flinched inwardly as he knew what was about to occur. "This realm has prospered greatly in our short history, we are wealthy, strong and united. Yet we have no official leader that speaks for us all. This must change" continued the dwarf.

"Is not Lord Eragon the commander and king of this realm?" spoke a lady, echoing statements following her words.

"I am the leader of the riders, I do not speak for you. This council was drawn to discuss this realm's foreign policy, I cannot have made that alone. Each city is governed by its own lord and lady, I seek only to keep the realm and its people safe, I need not to rule to do this" Eragon replied calmly.

"Spoken like a true king!" spoke Lord Burin, his voice booming across the chamber and his hand slapping against the marble table. A few other dwarves cheered in response to the lords statement.

"I second this, you founded this isle and you have overseen its growth in such a short span of time. You are humble and wise and have the support of all the races here!" Orik added. At those words Lord Burin rose from his seat and placed a hand to his chest.

"I Burin, Lord of Novagod would see Lord Eragon, leader of the rider order, as ruler of Elenwyr, the rider king" the dwarf lord called. Eragon sat motionless, not sure how to react to the sudden change of pace. However, it did not stop there as others started to stand one by one, starting with Vanilor.

"I second this, I Vanilor lord of Felwithe would see Lord Eragon rule this fair realm" the golden-haired elf added, bringing his hand across his chest also. More lords and ladies rose as they pledged their support to his official ascension, he could feel Saphira's pride grow with each pledge of support before her own voice entered the minds of those present.

"I Saphira, queen of the skies, on behalf of all the dragons of this fair realm, would see Eragon rise up and rule our blessed realm" came her smooth but powerful voice, bringing smiles to the people present in the room, her last words however, were to Eragon alone. "Your father once led a small band of people and set a course to change the world, I imagine he would be very proud to see his son do the same thing"

Nar-Gazoth leaned on the prowl of the ship as it gracefully cut through the calm ocean waters, the gentle night breeze causing the sails and flags of the ship to flutter gently. The night sky was alive with the twinkle of a million stars above which illuminated the ship with a silver light and reflected in the water below, making it seem as if the ship was floating amongst the stars themselves, Nar thought it the most beautiful sight he had happened upon. He often sought out solitude in the night, seeking to expand his mind and listen to the world around him, though it was impossible to find anywhere on the ship devoid of people, he found some peace at the prowl. In the background he could hear soft steps of the elven sailors as they worked about the ship, righting the sails and checking the ropes, there was another step however softer than the sailor's boots.

"A beautiful night is it not" he asked quietly, his deep voice carrying across the night easily. He felt a newcomer come up beside him and look out over the water before them. Aleesia stood beside him, garbed in a sapphire travel tunic and black leggings, with a grey cloak draped over her shoulders, despite the warmth of the day the high seas could be chilly at night and despite knowing the magic to warm herself she would not, Eragon had said that using magic too frequently dulled the senses and relaxed the body, something that instilled an instant respect for him from Nar when he had first arrived for his training.

"It is indeed, starlight seems so pure but so distant. Like watchful guardians at the walls" she replied softly, drawing her cloak about her more. Nar observed her from the corner of his eye, she seems saddened by something, her usual cheer not as evident as he was used too, he thought not to pry the elf, they were always very private so instead focused on the conversation at hand.

"Not an expression I would've given, they are almost like a taunt" he began, pausing to see her look to him with a questioning glance. He smiled before carrying on. "As if the gods placed the rarest of gems into the sky, out of reach from us. Challenging us to chase them, only to bring failure to those who try"

"Tristan once told me he sees them as those who have passed on, the best of them joining their gods in the skies as pure light. I find that thought very beautiful" Aleesia spoke. Nar smiled at the mention of Tristan, it had pained him to leave the young man behind he was also grateful, they had no idea what might happen on this voyage and he felt better knowing he was safe.

"The boy has a way with words, at least when not speaking to Rose" Nar spoke, earning a musical laugh from the elf beside him. The pair had been very involved in raising the boy, Nar begin the tutor and fatherly figure in his life where as Aleesia provided the softer touch and taught him to read and write. He had done them both very proud. There was a loud cracking sound behind them as the sails of the ship were buffeted by a strong gust of wind, causing the riders to look up at the sight of Saphira's glittering sapphire scales race over the ship and glide low over the ocean ahead of them. Nar could make out the figure of Eragon on the dragonesses back, his long brown hair streaming behind him, he looked to Aleesia who was watching with an odd expression of longing and sadness at the sight before them. He was not blind, many times he had see the pair look at one another when the other wasn't, the lingering touches whenever they danced and the way their eyes always seemed to seek one another out in a crowd.

"You desire him to do you not?" Nar asked, causing Aleesia to turn and face him, her pale blue eyes studying him for a moment before she turned her gaze back to the rider and dragon before them. As moments passed without a word the kull thought he had overstepped and pried to far, but the elf took a short breath and turned to face him once more.

"I believe this is more than just desire Nar, I have not felt this way since Finwe, perhaps even ever" she breathed her confession. Nar thought to himself that this must have been the first time she had said the words aloud, judging by the slight smile that graced her beautiful face, as if a great burden had been lifted from her shoulders. He understood little of why men and elves would dance about one another so much, Aleesia was admitting to her feelings for the man, and he had been around human's long enough to know Eragon harboured something in return. Why wait, why linger?

"Then why do you not go to him? Why do you hang back, among the shadows of his heart?" Nar asked turning himself fully to face her. An urgal or kull would not halt back, nor a dragon, he did not understand.

"Fear my friend" she whispered in response, the sad smile returning to her lips.

"I don't follow?" he questioned, seeking to understand what was so difficult, love was nothing to fear was it?

"For years he trained my brother and I without anything between us, I thought him handsome, wise and unlike any human I had ever met before. It has only been the last fifty years or, so I have felt these strange emotions stir within me, as if they were buried deep before" she started and drew her cloak closer to her, wishing for even a moment of dragon fire. "Alas he has not made an advance and nor have I, and we are returning to Ellesmera where his former flame dwells. What does that say to you" she finished and looked back at her friend, who stood silent and patience. Aleesia recalled the very moment she felt something more than friendship and leadership burn within her for her leader.

It had been a warm summers day in Menegroth and as such many children and their parents gathered around the rushing river that flowed around the city. The river itself was perilous, with the currents being very strong and capable of sweeping even a dragon under in some places, however in the shallows the river was calm and a popular spot for leisure on warm days such as this.

Aleesia sat with a tome on her lap as she watched the children and parents play in the water together, elves, human and dwarves laughing and calling to one another as they went. The dragons were all out hunting save for Saphira who lazed atop the walls of the city as she basked in the sunlight, not far from her patrolling the wall was her rider. Aleesia briefly admired the way he walked for a moment, as if not noticing his graceful movements before, he looked handsome as he stopped atop his walls looking over his charges below. It was then that a scream pierced the joyful sounds by the river.

"My son!" came the panicked cry and suddenly everyone looked for the source of the voice. What Aleesia saw caused her heart to stop as she watched a young dwarfling who had climbed up one of the rocks, lost his footing and tumbled into the raging current below. People screamed as they witnessed the child fall, many people being unmoving with shock. Aleesia rose from her seated position and began to run forward, but a loud roar split the air as Saphira hurtled from the wall and clutched at the rocks at the base of the wall, trying to reach out for the child who was trying to reach out in vain. Upon the mighty dragoness back sat Eragon who swiftly unbuckled himself from the saddle and leapt into the raging waters, disappearing below the surface for a moment before he surfaced a moment later, the child clutching onto him tightly around his neck. Whilst many around the river edge seemed to relax including Aleesia, Saphira appeared to be ever more agitated as she could not reach her rider.

"Saphira! What is wrong" Aleesia called out with her mind, she had tried to touch Eragon's mind, but it was closed, letting nothing through.

"The current is too strong, and his leg is caught, he is using all his energy to stay afloat with magic. I can't reach him anymore!" the dragoness screamed back in panic, the elf maiden sensing the dragon's desire to leap into the water herself, instead she was pouring all the energy she could into her rider. Suddenly over the roar of the rushing current came a cry of agony followed by a bright burst of blue light, the water then suddenly pulling the struggling rider and child down river, the crowd following. Ahead Aleesia could see the city guard rushing to the river bank with rope and tossing it into the current, with what seemed like an age, Eragon was finally able to grasp the lifeline as the guards pulled him in, Saphira jumping into the shallows and plucked by dwarf and rider from the water and onto dry land.

"The child, is he ok?" Aleesia could make out Eragon asking as the guards tried to tend to him. She could see his leg twisted in an awkward manner that indicated it had been broken. The little dwarf sat shivering on the bank and it did not take long for his mother and father to rush to his side. Aleesia ran across the shallows, ignoring the feeling of her dress becoming wet as she dropped to her knees at Eragon's side, he was pale and weak but alive. As she looked over his beaten form she felt concern and admiration race through her at his deed.

"He is shaken but alive Eragon, thanks to you" she whispered as she placed her hand on his shoulder, feeling a warmth spread through her when she made contact with his skin.

"I'd say you were both fools" came Nar's voice which broke her from her memory, causing her eyes to widen a little and mouth drop, an action which caused the large kull to chuckle. "Do you not think he has not made an advance because he respects you so? From what I observe elven women are unlike those of humans, you are strong and unyielding, you make your own choices and he respects you greatly. Perhaps he is waiting for you, whilst you wait for him?" he finished.

"Has he spoken of this to you?" she asked, her interest piqued by his perspective.

"Not at all" came Nar's reply, causing Aleesia's face to drop ever so slightly. Upon seeing this the kull smiled and placed his large hand on her shoulder. "I need to hear no words when his eyes tell all my friend and Orik assures me he never looked at the elven queen as he looks at you, perhaps being away from home will help you both" he followed up wishing to ease her worries. "Being away from distractions and barriers are never a bad thing my lady" he said finally. He watched as an expression of understanding came across her face, Eylerion. "I fear the burden of being proclaimed as king on his return has caused some pressure, this has been brewing for some time as well, even when I arrived the population gossiped about him as such. I believe he will be a good king, I think he will see that in time"

Aleesia thought on his words, secretly flattered and joyful upon hearing what Orik had said, perhaps being away from her brother and the pressures of governing a realm would allow Eragon and her to talk more, she enjoyed their dance at the feast immensely and had felt great disappointment at its end. The council would take days to finalise a treaty and in the meantime she and the riders would have time to roam the forest, leaving her time to speak with Eragon, provided the elven queen allowed him a moments peace. I wonder if she feels for him as he once did for her? She had promised her brother she was go by their family's tree and see what had become of it, she also had a mind to visit Finwe's home, to look upon it one last time. She had made peace with his passing long ago, but had not returned in three centuries, perhaps she could look upon his home one last time, for memories sake.

"You prove to us on countless occasions how truly wrong we all were about your race Nar, you speak more wisdom and sense than even the oldest elves at times" Aleesia chuckled gently before her expression grew more serious. "Eragon was right to send Tristan into your care, he will grow into a better man for it. Tirramond too has been a wonderful mentor to Urgost, you should both be proud" she finished. Nar-Gazoth nodded his head in thanks and they both turned to view the ocean once more, knowing that in two days' time they would be arriving in Alagaesia. In the distances they could see Saphira weaving through the star lit night sky, her bellowing roar reaching across the ocean and beyond.

Thoughts? The romance will not be rushed, I am really looking forward to the next few chapters, the story will start to take shape and we will gain more of Eragon's mindset about the title of king being almost forced upon him in the coming chapters.

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