Chapter 4

The King of Surda

Eragon stood waiting. He stared into the horizon, squinting for any sign of a dragon. Beside him stood Saphira, on whom he had placed his hand. Also in their midst stood Hermandur, Uftak and Eldur, and their dragons. On a stool next to the door rested the Eldunarí of Glaedr.

They had gathered in front of Vroengard Castle, waiting to welcome Silvär and his dragon Vindbylür, and the newest additions to their order, who were travelling with them.

They stood with their breaths held. Eragon could almost see the air shimmer with their excitement, and he felt it as well. Through their connection, Eragon sensed Saphira feel the same way.

Another human! said Eragon. Despite his earlier statement that he was through with his kind, Eragon did feel a little happy. Four of us in the order now.

Four humans, two elves, one dwarf and one Urgal, Saphira observed.

Humans are in the greatest numbers.

No! said Saphira indignantly. Eight dragons! Do we not count?

Aye! How could I forget. Sorry, Saphira, he added sheepishly. Saphira chuckled deeply, a sound akin to thunder coming from her throat.

At that moment from the south came Blödhgarm and his ten spellcasters. After they all exchanged elven greetings (Eldur rather reluctantly), Blödhgarm took his place next to Eragon.

'No sign of him yet?'

'No.' Eragon shook his head.

For some time they stood there. How long it was exactly, Eragon could only guess. The only way to measure the time they had was that they could see the sun climbing slowly upwards in the sky towards the noon.

At length a black haired elf from Blödhgarm's group, Laufin (he was one of the two who had not accompanied Eragon to New Vroengard after the war, but had arrived with Silvär), spoke. 'Do you hear that?' he said. 'The wings of a dragon!'

Immediately Eragon felt everyone tense. He had heard it too. Thud, thud. Unmistakably was it the sound of a dragon's wings. He felt a chill settle on his shoulders. But it was not a chill of fear, but of anticipation. He could barely breathe. It is always so, he thought, and his Saphira heard, she gave no reply. But most of all… He remembered when Silvär and Vindbylür had come from Alagaësia. He had almost been jumping. In any other situation, the memory would burn his cheeks.

The thud, thud grew louder. Eragon looked wildly around for the source of the sound.

Little one, said Saphira, nudging him on the shoulder. He looked in front, out to the direction where lay Alagaësia. There, in the sky, was a tiny speck. But it grew progressively larger, and at such a rate no bird could surpass.

Soon it grew so large that it left no doubt that it was no bird. Eragon did not need to strain his ears to hear the thudding now.

Only a few minutes passed before Eragon was able to roughly distinguish the shape of a dragon. He began to make out a blurry outline of wings. And so it happens again.

Once more it is that we are the ones to see it happen, said Saphira.

Wonder how many Riders and dragons we will see being bonded.

No small number I can assure you, Iet Shur'tugal.

Some minutes passed which they hardly felt before Vindbylür was upon them, hovering over their heads.

Eragon waited patiently for the dragon to steady himself before he landed. Vindbylür, however, started circling them, without any sign of landing. Eragon frowned. Something is wrong…

'Silvär!' Eragon shouted. 'Vindbylür!'

'Hail, Ebrithil!' Silvär shouted back, smiling.

'What is happening? Why don't you land?'

Silvär grinned wickedly. Vindbylür continued circling. Slowly Eragon realized: no matter how hard he tried, he could not see the new Rider.

They're hiding the Rider! Eragon said to Saphira.

Saphira chuckled. Yes. The others watched the dragon and Rider overhead anxiously.

'Come down here at once!' cried Eragon.

Silvär laughed, throwing his head back. Slowly, the silver dragon began to descend. Lower and lower they went, until with a thump they landed on the soft grass.

Beaming, Silvär slipped off his dragon, masterfully freeing himself of the stirrups. He greeted everybody, but Eragon paid him no mind. For he had just laid his eyes upon the new Rider, and not, at he had expected, for the first time. His heart leapt.

As wide smile touched lips, up to his eyes it went, as he saw the new Rider dismount Vindbylür. Her copper hair was in disarray but she seemed not to mind. She cradled a little dragon in her arms. Its scales were a deep amber, and its tail was long. It looked, if such a term could be used for a dragon, quite harmless.

Its Rider set it down gently in the ground. The dragon looked up at the others of its race. In their eyes Eragon saw pure joy. Eragon looked at Saphira, who grinned.

As the Rider straightened, her brown eyes met Eragon's, which were also burning; of pride. She smiled.

Eragon laughed as she rushed at him and embraced him as tightly as he could not remember being embraced in a long time. He hugged her back, the broad smile etched upon his face.

'Uncle!' she said.

'So you are our next Rider!' said Eragon, as she stepped back. 'Look at your hair!' he said fondly. 'I'll have water prepared for you to bathe, and then have new clothes ready for you.'

Then he turned to the others. 'Riders and dragons! I present to you your newest member: this is Ismira Katrinasdaughter, whose father is Roran Stronghammer the son of Garrow, and of my close kin.'

He then proceeded to introducing each of the Riders and also Blödhgarm's group to Ismira. The Riders looked overjoyed, as they always did while meeting someone of their order for the first time. It was as Ismira was speaking to Uftak that Eragon heard a sound like thunder faintly. He dismissed it as unimportant and continued.

The sound was constant, and a few moments later, it grew too loud to be ignored. Thud, thud, the sound came. Everyone turned to look towards the mountains beyond the castle where they saw two dragons flying towards them.

Eragon recognized the forms as Fundor, a wild dragon with midnight blue scales, and his mate Opheila, who had lilac scales.

Ah them! said Eragon.

How could they miss such an important event as the birth of a new dragon? Saphira said.

Fundor and Opheila, first two of the wild dragon eggs under Vroengard, roared as they approached. Saphira also roared in return, as did Vindbylür. The other dragons, far younger than either, simply dipped their heads.

The wild dragons landed so hard that the ground shook. Eragon chuckled as Ismira gasped. Then the dragons ran to lose their momentum. At length they slowed and turned towards the others.

Greetings Shur'tugal Eragon, Lady Saphira, said Fundor in his deep rumble.

Hail Eragon-elda, Lady Saphira, said Opheila.

'To you as well,' said Eragon. 'Where are the others?' Eragon was referring to the other three wild dragons that had hatched after those two. The wild dragons hatched much more frequently than the bonded dragons, for food in the valley was abundant and they did not have to wait for their Riders.

They are off hunting, said Fundor. We were not aware that Vindbylür and his Rider were returning, and so they went off to some of the surrounding islands.

'Yes,' Eragon sighed. 'Forgive me for not sending word to you about this, we have been rather busy.' Eragon's eyes flashed towards Hermandur and Eldur, who looked guilty.

You need not apologize, Dragon Rider. We are very eager to meet the new dragon and his Rider.

So Eragon took Ismira's hand and brought her forth towards Fundor. Feeling the need for care, Eragon extended his mind towards hers and said, Do not pet him like you would a bonded dragon. I've had little dealing with these wild dragons, but I expect such gestures will offend him.

Eragon could see she was . Indeed, she almost gasped, but she recognized the warning in Eragon's stare.

She approached the dragon with care, who watched her, blinking slowly. Behind them towered Opheila, her gaze also fixed on Ismira.

Ismira, who did not yet know how to reach out with her mind to anyone other than her dragon, spoke aloud. She stuttered, 'Greetings, Skulblaka.' Her knowledge of the ancient language surprised Eragon, even though all she said was a word.

The dragon stared for a moment. Then, to Ismira's surprise as much as Eragon's, he chuckled. Saphira cocked her head, staring at him.

Worry not, Shur'tugal, he said, projecting his thoughts to everyone. Worry not. We do not eat hatchlings.

Ismira smiled nervously, then she said, 'Greetings, Skulblaka. I am Ismira Katrinasdaughter of Carvahall.'

Hoom-boom… I am Fundor, and my mate is Opheila, Ismira daughter of Katrina… Hm… Where be your dragon?

'He is here.'

So Ismira lifted up her dragon to the others. Immediately Eragon saw their eyes soften, and Opheila lowered her head and touched him with the tip of her snout.

He is a fine hatchling, she said.

At that moment, Fundor suddenly jerked his head.

'What is it?' asked Eragon.

Our group is being attacked by a Nïdhwal, said Fundor. He gathered his wings, then shot up into the air.

'Would you like us to come?' asked Eragon.

No, Shur'tugal. The Nïdhwal is young, almost a hatchling. Our brothers were caught unawares is all. We can take him.

Then he launched himself forward, going fast as Saphira had only sometimes.

But we do appreciate your concern, said his mate, and from his mind Eragon sensed agreement, but he had gone far.

The dragons then shut their minds off from them and disappeared into the sky.

'What was that about?' asked Ismira, frightened.

A Nïdhwal, explained Glaedr from his Eldunarí, is a sea-serpent. Ismira turned around, searching for the source of the voice. She spotted the Eldunarí and smiled understandingly. They are cousins of us dragons. They are very powerful, but I daresay five wild dragons will be enough for a hatchling. We need not worry.

'Yes, Ebrithil,' said Ismira.

This time Eragon could not stop himself. 'Who taught you these words?'

Ismira smiled slightly. 'Mostly Lady Arya, but sometimes the court wizard in Ilirea.'

Then she put her first two fingers on her lips. 'Atra du evarínya ono varda.'

Eragon gasped, but hastily did the same and answered, 'Atra esterní ono thelduin. Do you know the Ancient Language now?'

'Not much,' she admitted. 'Only these greetings and a few other words. Never thought I'd need to use this language, but…' Her voice trailed off into silence.

'Well,' said Eragon. 'You have been through a long journey today. I'll have some water prepared for you now, and then as I said, new clothes as well. But first tell me; have you named your dragon?'

'No, not yet.'

'Then do so,' Eragon said.

'Um, well… I want to name him something befitting a dragon. Something powerful and also that sounds good…'

'May I give a suggestion, Ismira?' asked Uftak suddenly.

'Sure.'

Uftak thought for a moment. He tried to say something, but faltered.

'Bah,' said Eldur, stepping forward. 'Say naught. Good names are only in mine language.' Hermandur said nothing.

'Have you any suggestions?' said Eragon with a small smile.

Eldur frowned. 'No, Ebrithil,' he admitted. 'I do not. Why don't you give it a try?'

'Alright. Ismira,' said Eragon. She looked at him eagerly. 'How is Zathvír?'

Ismira's face lit up excitedly. 'What does it mean, Uncle?'

'It means the great hunter.'

'It is a beautiful name… Zathvír.'

Zathvír leaped up into his Rider's arms and growled contentedly.

Eragon went to Silvär, who stood at the end of the group, leaning against Vindbylür. 'Ebrithil,' he said as Eragon approached.

'Silvär how are you?' said Eragon.

'Very well. Elrun ono Ebrithil.'

'I shall be expecting you in the throne room tomorrow afternoon to hear about your trip,' Eragon said. Behind them, the Riders were huddled around Zathvír as he hopped playfully around, trying to open his wings.

'Yes Ebrithil. There is something I wish to discuss with you as well,' Silvär said darkly.

Eragon looked sharply at him. 'What is it? Is something bothering you?'

'Nothing much, Ebrithil, it's just… I feel something. It is in the back of my mind, but it is coming forward now, but I hope it is nothing.'

The back of Eragon's neck prickled. That was dangerously like the apprehension he had been feeling for the past few days.

Could it mean something? You have been terribly quiet for some time, Eragon said to Saphira.

I do not know, little one. But I am beginning to feel it in my heart. We may have need to stretch our wings again and soar high in the air. High as we have not gone for nigh on two decades.

Eragon's dread strengthened. If something could unnerve Saphira, it was not something to be ignored.

But then again, it may be nothing, said Saphira, but she did not really believe it.

'What are you thinking, Ebrithil?' Silvär asked.

'I was speaking to Saphira, Silvär. I do not know much yet, but we will speak more of it tomorrow in the throne room.'

Silvär nodded knowingly. They were quiet for some time, each lost in his own thoughts.

'You have been through a long journey,' said Eragon at length, 'and I will need your help initiating Ismira's training. Go and rest now, both of you. We may yet have need of you…'

'We will go into the woods then, Ebrithil,' Silvär replied. 'We shall see you tomorrow.'

Eragon nodded and stood back as Silvär mounted Vindbylür. With a strong thrust of his wings, the dragon jumped into the air and headed south to the mountains, disappearing quickly into the gathering clouds.

Eragon turned towards the others, who were now speaking to each other. He walked to them.

'We cannot go through with the training today, as Saphira and I will be showing Ismira and Zathvír around and Silvär and Vindbylür are weary from their journey,' Eragon told them. 'So spend the day as you will.'

Then Eragon led Ismira to Vroengard Castle.

'It is a beautiful place, Uncle,' she said, eying the doors admiringly.

'That is the Elves' skill with magic that you see,' Eragon said. Then he proceeded to the steps in front of the doors. He gave some of his energy to them. The doors quivered for a moment, then silently swung open.

'How did you do that?' asked Ismira.

'The doors recognize me,' Eragon replied. 'And I will teach them to recognize you too, when you are through will your training's first part.'

Then Eragon went through them to the mail hall, beside him Saphira. They were followed by an awed Ismira who held Zathvír in her arms.

Eragon led her around the Castle, spending hours explaining the history of the Riders and their purpose. Time for him went by quickly that day. Ismira asked questions frequently, but he did not mind; for, as Saphira reminded him, he was not much different when he first became a Rider.

Many hours passed before Eragon and Ismira stood at the end of a long dark tunnel, too small for Saphira to follow. They stood in front of a double-door of wood.

'Beyond this door I cannot go,' Eragon explained when she looked at him questioningly. 'This is where the women bathe. It has pools of hot springs as far as I can tell, just like ours. I will ask Yaela to bring you some new clothes. She will then show you to your quarters.'

Ismira frowned. 'How do you have quarters for me already? You did not know I was coming.'

Eragon shrugged. 'We built ten at first, for the Riders. The Elves and Silvär (as he's an elf too) prefer to sing their own homes out of trees. I'll explain what that is later.'

'No need, Uncle, I am well aware of it.'

'Is there anything you do not know?' Eragon asked incredulously, making Ismira laugh. 'How many times have you been to Ellesméra?'

'I'm not sure,' she said. 'Once a year or two.'

Eragon stared at her disbelievingly. 'So Arya does still have contact with you people!'

'Yes, Uncle. We speak a lot with the elves. Lady Arya is a good friend of mother's. She has told me many things. About you as well.'

Eragon dearly hoped she could not see his cheeks burn in the darkness. 'What did she say?'

'Oh little things like your training and others.'

Eragon pressed her for more information, but that was all she was willing to say. At last Eragon gave up, and took Zathvír from her. He would feed him while Ismira recovered from the journey.

'Thank you Uncle,' she said softly.

With that Eragon made his way to Saphira, and together they went to back to his chambers, where Eragon fed Zathvír some of Saphira's dried meat strips. Zathvír snapped the meat up playfully, growling all the time.

Next Eragon contacted Yaela, who agreed to help Ismira. Some time later there was a rap on Eragon's door and Ismira entered, dressed in a simple red dress woven by elven hands.

Eragon stood from his bed as she came in. He said, 'That's better. You look beautiful in this dress, Ismira.'

'Thank you Uncle,' she said, smiling. 'The cloth is woven masterfully,' she observed.

'Elven weaving is the best,' Eragon said simply.

'I actually… I wish to speak of something.' Her smile had gone, replaced by a troubled expression.

Eragon offered her a seat and tea, both she took gratefully. Eragon sat down in a corner of the room on a cushion, sipping his tea quietly.

For some time they sat there in silence, which Eragon broke. 'I know what you wish to speak of.'

Ismira looked up from her tea. 'Is it true that Dragon Riders are immortal?'

Eragon nodded, smiling.

'Is it also true that ordinary humans are not?'

Eragon nodded again.

A single tear escaped her eye.

Eragon's smile widened. 'Yet, it is also true that Roran and Katrina are not ordinary people.'

She gasped. 'What do you mean?'

'Your father is part of my very small family, Ismira. I care more for him than you know. Did it not occur to you that I might have taken some measures to prevent that old fool from leaving us, now didn't it?

'Have you seen, in the fifteen years of your life, your parents age even a day?'

'I do not know, I've never thought about it before,' she admitted in a small voice.

'Ismira, rest assured that your parents will not pass by aging, I have seen to that.'

'If it is true, why didn't father ever mention it to me? I was worrying about this before we left, and mother and father were trying to comfort me saying stupid things.'

A laugh escaped Eragon's lips. 'That's because they don't know it themselves! Roran would never agree to such a thing, he had very strong opinions concerning death. He was reassuring me that I may still be killed in battle when he found out about my immortality. He said death is a part of us. And I agree, in part. It is part of a man. But you can become much more that just that, as you will see during your training, Ismira.'

Ismira then stood up, setting her tea down and leapt into Eragon's arms. 'I love you, Uncle.'

'And I you, child.'

For some time they spoke, then Ismira took her leave and exited to her own quarters. It was late at night when Eragon finally undressed for bed.

He looks like a fine hatchling, Saphira said sleepily. Will you not scry Roran now? A huge yawn she gave then.

Not now, I wish for Ismira to be here when I do as well.

The next day was not as bright as the last. The rainclouds had finally closed in around the island, and now hung low in the sky. A short drizzle had fallen before dawn, but did not last for long, nor was heavy. It was during the drizzle that Eragon woke up and rolled out from under Saphira.

Eragon stretched, trying to shake his sleep off. Next he rubbed his eyes with all the vigor he could muster. He yawned loudly.

It was then that Saphira noticed him awake.

Good morning Eragon, she said warmly.

To you as well, my sapphire.

She sat looking out the window, listening to the gentle patter of the rain upon it. Then Eragon noticed the rain too.

When did it start?

Less than an hour ago. It's not that hard, I doubt it will continue too long.

Eragon nodded, and went over to the washbasin. As he water made contact with his hands he jumped half out of his skin. The water was freezing!

What did you expect? asked an amused Saphira.

Not this! he snapped.

By the time Eragon finished donning his armor the rain had stopped, but the sun did not show her face still. Saphira flew out the window and Eragon made his way to the sparring grounds, as was their routine.

After exchanging greetings with the other Riders, Eragon turned to a very nervous Ismira, at whose feet Zathvír faltered about.

'So,' he began. 'This day we will formally begin your training as Shur'tugal. You have learned much of our history yesterday. Enough, I think, that you have no more questions just now.'

But he was interrupted by Ismira. Apparently questions were one thing she would never run out of.

You are one to talk¸ Saphira reminded him teasingly from somewhere in the mountains. Eragon ignored her, but she spoke truth.

'When will I start to learn magic?'

'Magic?' asked Eragon, puzzled. 'Why would I teach you magic?'

'How am I supposed to learn it on my own?' she demanded, suddenly fired up. 'I'm a Rider, am I not? Don't Riders perform magic?'

Eragon slowly realized. 'Roran told you that?'

'Aye.'

Eragon cursed silently. 'Does everybody know it now?' Eragon felt a bitter taste in his mouth. The Riders' magic was there most secret ability, few knew of it, and so it gave them an edge over their enemies.

'No, Uncle,' she replied. 'I knew you'd react as such. Rest assured that our secret is still so.'

Eragon let out a breath he did not know he had been holding. He smiled slightly. 'I will introduce you to magic after the first stage of your training – that is the basics of melee combat.'

Then he spoke to the others. 'Uftak, Hermandur! Fight. And Eldur and Silvär do the same.'

So the training commenced. Eragon found himself teaching Ismira how to stand in a fight; how to hold a sword and how to move, as Brom had taught Eragon all those years ago.

As the training went by, nostalgia welled up inside Eragon. He remembered fighting his father in the Spine. He felt a sudden desire to see those mountains again; to visit Palancar Valley. One by one memories flooded to the front of his mind. Therinsford, Yazuac, Daret. Then he remember Teirm, and also Dras Leona; how Brom had sacrificed his own life for Eragon. How then they had met Murtagh, and Eragon came to terms with how much he wished to see his brother too. Gil'ead, the Hadarac Desert, Farthen Dûr, Tronjheim, Ellesméra, everything came to his mind again, all the places he'd been to, all the things he'd done, and he realized just how much he missed his home. A home that he had abandoned fifteen years ago.

He also missed the people he left behind. Murtagh, son of Morzan and Eragon's half-brother, who was bonded to the ruby dragon Thorn. Both of them had exiled themselves to the north, and had not been heard from since. He also remembered Nasuada daughter of Ajihad and queen of the Broddring Kingdom. She who had led them to victory against Galbatorix, who had not lost hope in the darkest of times. Also came to his mind Roran, the man he had grown up with; his brother in all but blood, and the King of Palancar Valley. Orik, he also remembered; the Dwarven King and Eragon's foster-brother. Finally and most painfully he thought of Arya Dröttning of the Älfakyn.

Eragon let out a huge sigh as he easily dodged a clumsy slash from Ismira. Ismira growled, and brought down her practice sword with all the strength she had. Eragon started, and forgot the block the blow in his surprise. Ismira's sword came to rest on his shoulder.

'Dead,' she said, smirking. Even though his mind was elsewhere, he had lost. She had beaten him, and this was her first time wielding a sword. That was more than even Silvär could claim.

'Good,' Eragon commented, greatly impressed. 'You defeated me in our first match.'

'Thank you,' she said breathlessly.

He grew serious once more. 'But you need to practice your stamina. A fifteen minute long fight should not exhaust you like that.'

She shot up again. 'I'm not exhausted! I can still fight.'

Eragon smiled at her determination. 'That is what I like to hear! But this is your first day, if you were not tired I would be very suspicious. But it will not always be so, if you work on your stamina. But more important than that is to know your enemy. An essential part of that is that is to know your enemy's intentions. You can do that by reading his thoughts. We will begin to work on that now, so follow me.'

She followed him into the forest, in her hands her dragon. Deep it was where they were going, and it was many minutes before they arrived.

Eragon had led her into a clearing where fluttered butterflies over bunches of flowers. Through its middle ran a stream; fast, but not so deep. The clearing was circular, surrounded by thick trees and old. Their barks were of a dark shade, and their leaves were thick. Inch tall grass grew there. The sunlight shone brightly upon the clearing, making the water look like crystal.

There were sounds here only of nature, to clashing of swords in the forest so deep. The clearing was filled with the gurgle of the stream. From the trees squirrels were heard and also chirping birds. There was a freshness in the air.

Ismira sat Zathvír on a log at the end of the clearing, from where he watched them curiously.

Eragon looked around, then pointed to a rock next to the water. 'Sit there,' he said.

'Now,' he began to explain after she sat on the rock with her legs crossed. 'You must enter the minds of the creatures around you.'

'How can I do that?' she asked curiously.

'Do what you do when you speak communicate with Zathvír. Reach out with your mind. Feel the thoughts of everything in this clearing. When you see one, and know all will your training be complete.'

She shrugged. 'Easy enough.'

Eragon chuckled. 'You will see.'

For some time he saw her concentrating. Then she gasped, and almost fell off the rock.

'What happened?' asked Eragon sharply. 'What did you sense?'

'I crashed into iron walls,' she said frowning.

'Oh that!' Eragon said. 'That was my mind that you felt.' He put on an apologetic face.

'I figured. You would know how to block your mind. When will you teach me that?'

'I cannot teach you that, you can only learn it by practice. What you must do is focus on one thing. Do not let your mind falter, nor lose concentration. You can do that when you are free. Eventually you will see it becomes second nature to you once you master it. For now, however, do what I asked you to. I will leave now. After one hour I will send someone to find you.'

'No need, Uncle,' she said smiling. 'I know the way.'

Eragon grinned. 'Alright then, but do not be too long.'

With that he left, making his way to the sparring grounds. He saw the others practicing magic under Blödhgarm's supervision, which relieved him, and left him free to wander. He went to a river in the forest, where he bathed, and then came back to the sparring fields.

He then said to them, 'Tell me when you are done and we can practice mental kombat.'

Uftak stepped forward. 'We are done already, master.'

Eragon divided them into two groups. Silvär and Hermandur he put in one, and in the other Uftak and Eldur. 'Silvär and Hermandur will defend against me with the help of their dragons, while Saphira shall not help me. Eldur and Uftak, you will fight Blödhgarm.'

Eragon's group went to the forest, where they sat cross-legged, looks of concentration etched upon their faces. Eragon initiated the attack, sending a tendril of though toward Hermandur. Silvär knocked Eragon aside. From Hermandur Eragon felt gratitude towards the elf.

Next Eragon attacked Silvär, ramming his strength against the elf's mental walls. Eragon started to look for a way in. Suddenly he felt two consciousnesses, different from both tha man's and the elf's, ram into his mind. Eragon withdrew his mind little, placing Vindbylür and Fellebíra (for of course it was they!) between him and their Riders. Eragon swore under his breath, and retreated behind the confines of his own mind.

Sometime Eragon waited before he felt safe to reach out again. During that time his students did not attack. Through their link Eragon saw Saphira shoot a jet of flame at Fellebíra, who swerved in midair to avoid it. Seeing the opportunity, Eragon lunged at a distracted Hermandur, and broke through his barriers and into his mind.

Immediately Eragon felt a wave of the man's memories hit him, which Eragon ignored. At that time Silvär attacked Eragon, who swiftly moved out of the way.

The minds of Hermandur and Silvär collided, and with their dragons distracted, they became confused. It was then that Eragon acted. He pinned them down, conquering both their minds.

You need to practice your concentration. Both of you, he said before withdrawing and offering them a chance to salvage their sanity.

'It's unfair, Ebrithil!' exclaimed Hermandur. 'You said Lady Saphira would not help you!'

Eragon frowned. 'She did not. She had no idea what we were doing just now.' Eragon had blocked her out from that part of his mind, strange as it felt.

'She attacked Fellebíra so that you could defeat us!' shouted Hermandur. He immediately regretted saying that.

Eragon drove all his strength into his mind. Fellebíra tried to help, but Eragon knocked her aside easily. He shattered Hermandur's barriers and entered his mind again; this time by force.

I do not need a distraction to best you, Eragon said.

Silvär was looking surprised when Eragon withdrew. 'And it will always be so if you continue to be so naïve. Learn from your mistakes! Only if you accept your shortcomings can you overcome them.'

Hermandur looked stunned. 'I am sorry, Ebrithil… Forgive me…'

Eragon stood, and so did the others.

'I am going now,' he informed them. 'We'll speak in an hour, Silvär.'

Eragon went back to the sparring grounds, where he found Ismira sitting on a stump and looking at the Urgal and the dwarf fighting mentally with Blödhgarm. He called to her.

'Uncle!' she said. 'I wanted to look for you, but they told me you were busy in training.'

'When did you arrive?'

'Some fifteen minutes ago.'

'Tell me everything you saw,' Eragon said. 'But first…'

He went inside a small door build into the Castle's wall. From there he retrieved a stool, which he took and placed next to the stump. He sat down upon it.

'Now recount to me your experience in the forest.'

That she seemed eager to do. She told him of how she had probed the minds of insects around her, and then how a squirrel had arrived in the clearing. She described (very accurately he thought) to him the emotions and thoughts of the little animals as it was chased by Zathvír, who then pounced upon it and killed it with a bite to the neck. After finishing, she looked expectantly at Eragon.

Eragon thought for a moment. 'Hm… Not bad for a first time.'

She looked disappointed. 'You expected more didn't you.'

He sighed. 'Yes I did. But it was your first time, so don't let it trouble you overly too much.'

'Eragon, what I'm I listening for?'

'Everything, Ismira. You must listen until the forest has nothing left to show you. Then you will come to me.'

'Thank you… Ebrithil.'

Eragon smiled warmly. 'We are done for the day. We will not train further today because I have to speak with Silvär. I suggest you take this time to get to know the others.

She went away to where Uftak and Eldur were now listening to Blödhgarm telling them something. Eragon paid it little attention, instead looked with his mind to Saphira, who was flying with the other dragons following her. Eragon went deep into her consciousness, entering Skulblakas ven.

Now Eragon became unsure of who he was.

Saphira flapped her wings effortlessly as the trees zoomed down under her. She looked at the landscape, admiring the beauty. More than that she wished to see Eragon again.

Saphira twisted around in midair, startling the dragons behind her. Svâraúm growled, and performed an even more complex maneuver. The other dragons performed other moves Saphira had taught them. Saphira chuckled.

When Saphira neared them enough so that Eragon would see her clearly, he withdrew, smiling warmly. The ground shook as the dragons landed, one by one. Saphira; Vindbylür; Svâraúm; Fellebíra and Dy'riell. Saphira released a puff of smoke from her nostrils.

Hello, little one. Eragon rushed forth and kissed her snout. Then he mounted her. Only then was he able to look upon the other dragons properly.

'Greetings dragons!' he said. The dragons roared in answer. 'Saphira and I will be off now. We shall train no further today.'

They flew to the Castle doors which Eragon opened with some of his energy. They went then to the throne room. It was there that Eragon dismounted Saphira. The doors of the throne room had no enchantment upon them, and they opened with the pressing of a slab too.

The doors swung inwards and Eragon entered, followed by Saphira. The throne room was a long room with a high ceiling, from which hung three chandeliers. At the far end of the room was a high backed chair. Indeed its back was so high that Eragon could stand upon it and still lean his head on it. Against the side walls were benches, two with each. Between them were round tables with nothing upon them. The walls were lined with the elves' lanterns. The light from them threw the whole room into enlightenment.

The throne was placed upon a tall platform with twelve steps to it. At the end of the platform was a wooden fence on each side of the stairs. Behind the fence were wooden tables with chairs on each side. Behind the throne were large white silk curtains, thrown back to reveal huge maps of Alagaësia and the surrounding islands. Beside the throne, at angles, was a tall mirror on each side.

From the foot of the steps began a white carpet lined with gold embroidery that led to the throne and over it. Eragon walked upon it, and took his place on his throne. Saphira settled herself down near the steps. They sat like this for some time. It was not long before the doors opened once moor and Silvär entered, dressed in an elven tunic. Behind him dragged his great black linen cloak. The cloth of his garments was weaved to masterfully, it looked as though he were the one to sit in the throne instead of Eragon.

Behind Silvär came his silver dragon. Vindbylür was smaller than Saphira, but stockier. He was the kombat type, unlike Saphira, who was more slender.

Eragon stood as Silvär approached. They exchanged the elven greeting, then Silvär took a chair for himself while Vindbylür sat opposite to Saphira.

Then Silvär began recounting everything that has occurred. 'The first place we went to was Ellesméra. There we were greeting by Queen Arya and Fírnen. We stayed there for only a small time, for the egg was, of course, sent to the humans. We did not spend time with the elves much. Then we went to Palancar Valley.' Eragon nodded. Palancar Valley was the closest settlement of humans to Du Weldenvarden.

'There we learnt that King Roran had gone with his family to Ilirea to Queen Nasuada. We exposed the egg to many eager children there, but to no avail. Zathvír did not hatch for any. From there we went to the villages nearby. Slowly we moved towards the heart of the Broddring Kingdom. Gil'ead, Dras Leona, Belatona. We went many places, but, as you know, the egg didn't hatch until we were in Ilirea. In Nasuada's court when the egg began to hobble in Ismira's hands.'

Eragon said. 'I see. You said that you felt something was off, didn't you?'

'Well, there are a couple of reasons I've been feeling this way. There have been strange things happening in Alagaësia. First, an Urgal village was massacred a week after our arrival in Alagaësia. They believed that a rebellion had broken out in the village. But I didn't believe that. It was not likely. The village was part of many built fairly close together in a valley in the in the Spine. Also, the village had no governing party of its own, so a rebellion would really have no point. No, I think it was something else, someone from the outside.'

Eragon frowned. 'You say the villages were built close together, so would it not be hard for an outside army to slip in unnoticed?'

'Perhaps, but there is another thing I'd like to speak of. The village in question was on the slopes of the mountains on one end of the valley, built next to the mouth of a cave that led out of the Spine towards. It opened up somewhere near Teirm. Vindbylür and I went to the site ourselves. We found no weapons among the dead. We would have explored the cave too, but we, of course, had other business to attend to. So the duty was left to a group of dwarven guards from Tarnag. They found a letter, sealed with magic. They said it was centuries old, but I thought it unlikely, because Urgals had dwelt there for long years. And they do not write very often. I convinced Nasuada to let me have the letter and I have brought it to you. I thought you were the one who'd know what it meant.'

He produced a piece of parchment from his belt. 'Here.' Eragon took it. 'Thank you, Silvär,' Eragon said, but more for his trust in him.

He turned his attention to the letter. It looked ordinary enough. He turned it around. The seal was black stamp, from which Eragon sensed powerful magic radiating. He did not know what, but there was something about the magic that had a connexion with Eragon's foreboding. Saphira hissed and sat up.

'This magic…' Eragon said slowly. 'There is something about it that seems… familiar. Like something from a long-forgotten dream. Yet it does not comfort me. This is indeed something great you have brought me, Silvär. Know that I appreciate it greatly.' Silvär bowed his head.

'Another thing I'd like to tell you about it,' the elf said. 'The village was stripped of any provisions or gold stored in it. Everyone was killed. At least three of the men were Kull.'

Eragon felt a chill rise in his spine. 'People, who can use ancient and powerful magic, have attacked an Urgal village in the Spine and taken provisions… This could only mean…'

'Yes. There is a settlement, or an army, of a long-forgotten power in Alagaësia. Evil is brewing in the west, Iet Ebrithil. Can you feel it?'

Eragon nodded, tucking the letter in his belt. 'Yes…' he said slowly. 'I can feel it.'

Silvär gasped and pointed to the mirror on Eragon's right. Eragon turned around. The surface had gone black, and was rippling. Slowly a man's face appeared. He had a long pointed beard and wore purple robes.

'Aha!' he said, and satisfied, stepped back. He was in a hall that Eragon recognized as Nasuada's throne room. Suddenly the queen herself appeared into the mirror.

'Eragon!' she exclaimed delightedly.

'Nasuada, old friend!' Eragon said laughing. 'How long it has been! How are you, tell me!'

'I am very well Eragon, but there is grave news I have to tell you,' she said shortly. Eragon noticed how haggard she looked, dressed in travelling clothes.

'Nasuada, are you going somewhere?'

'Yes, in fact. I am going to Surda to a council to discuss some politics – namely the selection of a new king.'

'New king? Why would Surda need a new king?'

'Eragon… King Orrin is dead.'

Eragon froze, feeling sick. He had never been particularly fond of King Orrin, but his death struck Eragon as impossible. No… He remembered Orrin as energetic and carefree, if a little odd. 'What happened?'

'He was murdered, or as we think assassinated. Orrin was coming back from a conference when somebody struck him from behind using a poisoned dagger. The poison was of a fearful sort. Something our alchemists have never seen before. Or – well actually they have never seen even now. We found no trace of any poison in his body. And he was killed immediately.'

Eragon frowned. 'If he was killed just then, and no poison was found, then what makes you think there was a poison? Don't you think he'd just been killed by the dagger?'

She shook her head. 'That is the main problem. The dagger wasn't what killed him. It struck him in the shoulder, no vital organs did it damage.'

Eragon cursed. 'Why do you think he was killed like that?'

'I don't know. It may be for revenge, or to gain power in his stead, the reasons are endless. But we cannot be sure of anything just yet.'

They didn't speak for much longer after that aside from small, unimportant things. Then Nasuada bade them goodbye and took her leave.

Immediately Silvär spoke. 'That is further confirmation to our guesses. Something strange is at work in Alagaësia, Ebrithil.'

'Yes,' Eragon agreed. 'Something that we know not the nature of.'

A/N: So here it is finally the next chapter. i hope you liked it,waiting to hear in the reviews. i apologize for submitting so late, but man have i been busy xD and i had to read some tips on writing as such, but here it is finally. the next chapter will hopefully take lesser time to update.

and here are the answers to the reviews

-Elemental Dragon Slayer: Thank you for your continued support :D! (and yes iv finally realized you've got spaces in your name :P )

-Ky111: thanks for reviewing! im probably gonna write more about the mysterious man now that we've started into the actual plot.

-live laugh play music: thanks and sorry for disappointing you on the rider.

-Guest: your welcome :P

-Mark Silverwing: First Review: huh thanks for reviewing. i dont think it would really be interesting to hint the plot this early on. i know some writers do that, but its not my style.
Second Review: i'm no expert on medieval mattresses so thanks :P but im trying to show that he has little time for luxuries. the throne room receives delegations and such so they had to spend more time of that.
Third Review: im not trying to build any suspense in the third chapter...
Overall thanks for reviewing, i appreciate it.