I got some good inspiration for the rest of the story. I can't wait to write it all out. I suppose I should add that I don't own the Inheritance Cycle or its characters. Thanks to all the reviewers you make it worth wile.
Revelations
The new day began when Wolf rose with the rest of the Honor Guard and started preparations to leave. He decided they the group would make all haste for Hedarth. Next he worked on figuring out how he would divide the Honor Guard into details for Orik and Arya. He had just finished dividing up the warriors when one of his men stationed outside announced that Varnir the elven ambassador wanted to see him. Wolf told the guard to let him. Varnir parted the tent flap and entered the tent. He inclined his head in respect. Wolf motioned for the chair across from his table, Varnir sat. "What can I do for you Varnir?"
"I heard Orik and Arya were invited to the Dragon Riders Hall. I do not mean to be presumptuous but would it be alright if I went with you?"
Wolf raised an eyebrow at Varnir's question "Why would you wish to visit the Hall?" Varnir shifted in the seat during his question. He is nervous Wolf realized, but nervous about what?
"I was a close friend of Eragon during the Second Rider War and I would like to see him again" Varnir raised his chin ready to defend his request.
Wolf had already decided that it would not be a major problem to let a few extra people join them on their trip, but he could not advertise that choice so he pretended to ponder the request before he answered. "I don't see a problem with you coming along if you are a friend of Eragon's. He could be only happy to see you."
Varnir smiled "I will go gather my things then." Before he exited the tent he turned to Wolf "Thank you very much."
Wolf nodded then turned back to his work. On the table in front of him was map of Alagaesia with the land to the east Eragon had discovered added to it. Wolf went over the plan for the journey once more. They would leave Carvahall, travel by horse to Yazuac, from there to Furnost skirting around Uru'baen. They would travel along the base of the Beors until they reached the Az Ragni. They would follow it to Hedarth and board the ship that would take them to the Hall. "Dempton come here" Wolf called to the guard station outside. The man entered the tent "Sir!" "Send someone to get Queen Arya, King Orik, and Varnir. Tell them I wish to speak to them."
"Aye aye sir" the guard left the tent and Wolf sat down and waited for the rest to arrive.
Arya had just finished packing when an elf outside called to her. "My lady Commander Wolf wishes to speak to you in his tent." She stood and placed her pack on her cot and exited the tent. "Very well were you told when?" The elf nodded "Yes my lady they said that as soon as you could." "Thank you, you are dismissed." The elf bowed and left her alone. She headed to where Firnen slept. She saw him still asleep and smiled "Come on you big lug Wolf wishes to see us".
Firnen opened one eye "Is it important?"
Arya shrugged "I don't know really just that he asked us to come." Firnen just snorted at that. Come on we have to go".
"Fine fine we will go, but you ruined my sleep I might be cranky, and a cranky dragon is not a good thing at all." Firnen rose and Arya jumped to his back.
Arya laughed at his statement "I'm sure it's not but that doesn't excuse us from attending. If going upsets you just think of Saphira." A warm happy feeling filled the dragon as he thought of the dragoness.
A sense of amusement filled the dragon confusing Arya for a moment. "If you find yourself upset then maybe you should think of Eragon." commented Firnen with a bit of innuendo.Arya's face turned a deep shade of red as she caught the meaning of his statement. She swatted at his leg, but the damage had been done. She barely got her emotions under control before certain images entered her mind. Firnen laughed his dragon laugh at her embarrassment. "That was not funny." Arya choked out.
"I beg to differ I found it amusing" Firnen continued to chuckle as they took to the sky. "Let's just go shall we" Arya managed to say.
They landed and Arya dismounted and turned to Firnen "You go hunt or do something". "You are still embarrassed aren't you?" "No I am not." Arya said. "Very well I will go hunt I detest these meetings, hardly anything gets done." Arya couldn't help but agree with Firnen on that. She turned as he took to the sky and waited as the guards outside announced her. When Wolf told them to let her enter, she swept aside the flap and walked in. Her eyes traveled to the table in the tent. On it was a map of Alagaesia except it had more land added on to it.
"I hope I didn't interrupt anything when I asked you to come here." Arya looked over to where Wolf sat behind the desk.
"No I had just finished packing when I received your message. What was it you wanted to speak to me about?" Arya's curiosity was piqued.
Wolf stood up and walked over to the map "It wasn't just you I asked to see I also asked Orik to come, he should be here anytime. As for the reason that will have to wait for Orik to arrive." He had just finished speaking when the guard outside announced that King Orik was here. Wolf looked at her "The timing is impeccable." Wolf turned to the entrance "Let him in." he called to the guards outside.
Orik entered the tent "Hello Wolf, Greetings Arya.". He turned to Wolf "Now what did you want to see us about."
Wolf motioned to the table where the map lay. Both Arya and Orik moved over to examine it. "I have decided on our route toward Hedarth." He explained it to them, pointing to every stop on the map. "When we finally reach Hedarth there will be a ship waiting to take us to the Hall. After that your time there will be yours to do with as you please any questions?" When no one asked any he smiled "Good we meet at the road leading out of town in one hour." They all stood, excused each other and left to attend to their own needs before departing.
Wolf left to ready his warriors for the journey he summoned them to gather before his tent. He stood in front of them "We leave in one hour, break camp and divide into your groups." The warriors all started to break the camp. Wolf stood watching the activity when he was satisfied that all was going well he headed for his tent to pack his own belongings.
They had met at the road and set out traveling. All along the way Liduen had hardly noticed her but would talk with Varnir often. On their eleventh day of travel Hedarth came into sight. It was a sight that filled Arya's heart with joy and anxiety. On the next day they entered the town of Hedarth. They spent a day and night in the town resting. The next day when they all awoke waiting for them at the dock was a ship. They gathered their things and stepped on board. After Arya finished stowing away her things she walked on deck. "Arya, come here I would like you to meet someone." She turned to see Wolf standing next to a man that was a very odd person indeed.
"Arya may I introduce you to Captain Burgess he is the Captain of the Talita. One of the best sailors that ever set foot on a ship." Wolf was standing next to a very unsavory looking man he had on tattered trousers and a loose tunic. Strapped to his hip was a single edge sword that had a slightly curved blade. On his head was a large brimmed hat with a large feather in its band. His skin was a sickly yellow color and looked as rough as parchment.
"Welcome aboard the Talita mi lady." Burgess doffed his hat and did a little bow. A few sailors had stopped working and were looking at them. Burgess caught sight of the sailors "Oy! What are you gents looking at, back to work."
Arya wrinkled her nose. The man smelled like strong liquor that humans were fond of drinking. Her acceptance of Wolf's statement that he was a good sailor was rapidly disappearing.
"If you'll s'cuse me my ship needs tending to she's a fickle lady. You don't pay enough attention to her and she gets angry." Burgess walked down the deck to the bow whistling a tune to himself, running a hand down the railing.
Arya raised an eyebrow as she turned to Wolf. "A master sailor you said."
Wolf shrugged his shoulders "So the man's a little dependent on the drink, dresses like a pirate, and is a little touched in the head. He has earned a little freedom; I'd have no other man commanding the ship I'm on."
Wolf's reassurances did little to quell her misgivings about Burgess's competence. She walked along the railing toward the prow of the ship. Firnen was circling above them. She watched as he folded his wings to his body and dived into the river. The sight filled her with joy.
"Gents to your stations. All hands make more sails." "Aye aye Captain." Burgess's voice boomed across the deck. All around her sailors were scurrying across the deck climbing the rigging. Arya went below decks. Burgess stood on the Quarterdeck hands on the wheel. Arya saw him watching her as she moved between the sailors towards the stairwell leading below decks. He sent a wink her way as she started down the stairs.
She had finished unpacking her things when there was a knock on the door to her cabin. She opened the door to find a very green Orik on the other side. "Arya, would you mind if I came in." He was clutching his stomach and weaving on his feet.
Arya opened the door wider to let him in. As he stumbled passed her she couldn't help but be concerned. "Orik is everything alright, you don't look so good."
"I don't feel well. Dwarfs were made from stone. Stone and water do not mix, it's just not natural.
Arya hid a smile as she realized the Dwarf King was seasick. She closed the door behind him and helped him to the bunk. "I'm sure that once you get some food in it your stomach will settle."
Orik merely grumbled. It wasn't long before a snore alerted her to the fact that he was asleep. She smiled and headed onto the deck to give him some peace. It was dark when she stepped on deck, as her eyes adjusted to the darkest she saw Liduen standing on the Fo'c'sle. Arya walked over to the Rider and stopped a few feet from Liduen. Arya was trying to summon up the courage to ask her about Eragon.
Liduen turned around "Can I help you Queen Arya?"
Arya finally summoned up her courage "I was wondering if you would tell me how Eragon became sick."
Liduen pursed her lips "He was meditating and was bitten by a mad wolf. The sickness spread to his own mind. One of the Elder Riders found me and asked for my help. I was honored to help Eragon. He was moved to his room and I nursed him back to sleep."
Arya nodded processing the information. She was about to open her mouth and ask what existed between the two of them. When Liduen turned around and look out at the land around them. "Towards the end of his sickness he would ramble in his sleep. Do you know what he would say?"
Arya shook her head then realized the Rider could not see her. "What would he say?" Arya feared the answer.
"It was always one word. He would just repeat one word. Can you guess what it was? Never mind don't guess I will tell you. It was Arya he would call for you when he was sick but you were not there." She turned around and there was anger in her eyes. "He loved you; he still loves you I think"
Arya raised her chin refusing to be ashamed of the fact that she had stayed with her people. "Is there anything between the two of you is that why you angry at me?"
A change came over her face. Liduen's look of anger turned to one of confusion, then amusement. "No, not at all. He was my teacher, almost like a father to me. I never thought of him like that never why would you think that?"
"Blodhgarm told me that you helped nurse him to health and that after that he was happier than ever when he was better." Arya struggled to maintain the calm composure she held on her face.
Liduen saw through it and laughed "He was my teacher. When I finished my training he would confide in me. We became close friends, nothing more."
Arya couldn't help but let a relieved sigh escape her lips. She could only manage a small "Oh".
Liduen almost smiled "Now I told you I am friends with Eragon. I would not like to see him hurt. I am warning you it would not be very good for you." With that the Rider whirled around Arya and started to walk toward the staircase. She stopped at the top of it and turned around "Goodnight Lady Arya sleep well." Liduen then headed down the stairs to her quarters.
The relief that welled up in Arya's chest was immense. There was nothing between Eragon and Liduen except the bond that forms between a teacher and student. An immense burden had been lifted from her shoulders. Arya was leaning against the railing lost in her thoughts when out of the water rose a Dragon's head.
"Have you had your talk to Liduen yet? The emerald dragon turned its head sidewise so that one giant eye peered into Arya's eyes.
Arya nodded "Yes, just now actually. She was still lost in her thoughts.
Firnen waited for a moment but when Arya did not continue he grew annoyed. The dragon blew smoke into Arya's face causing her to stumble backwards. "And what happened?"
Arya coughed trying to clear the smoke from her lungs. "She is not involved with Eragon. They are just teacher and pupil nothing more."
Firnen lifted his lips attempting a smile that ended up more as a snarl. A habit he had picked up during their travels, something she found slightly unnerving. "Good, you no longer have to worry about losing him to Liduen then."
She smiled at the thought, "No I don't." She turned around and headed for the stairs confident that she would be able to sleep without a problem. Arya entered her cabin and found no Orik. He must have left and headed to his own cabin while she was on deck. She climbed into her bunk and fell into her waking dreams, dreams that were very pleasant indeed.
From then on the days moved slowly. To slow for Arya's liking she had nothing to bide her time with until the arrival. She would pace the decks or fly with Firnen. On the fifth day they rounded a bend in the river, the sight that met Arya's eyes took her breath away. There was a fork in the river between the two branches of the river rose a peak. On top of the peak was a castle it was as big as Galbatorix's palace in Uru'baen. Below it at the base of the cliff there was a group of docks. That was where they would meet the Riders.
Wolf moved to stand behind Orik and Arya. "When we arrive you will each be greeted by Lord Eragon and he will show you the grounds." Orik and Arya turned to face Wolf.
"What happens after we are shown around?" the question came from Orik.
Wolf shrugged "That is really up to you. If you so wish you will be allowed to explore the grounds, you may even be allowed to look in on some of the classes. Some of them but not all of them, the Riders have secrets that will remain secret. Within the hour we will be docked. I suggest you gather your things and prepare to disembark." Both Arya and Orik headed below decks to get ready. While Arya was getting her things together she could not ignore the butterflies in her stomach. She climbed the stairs to the deck and stood looking at the Hall in the distance.
In his study atop the keep of the Dragon Riders Hall Eragon was pacing back in forth. The impending arrival of Orik and Arya were tearing his nerves to shreds. There was a knock at his door, in two strides Eragon was across the room and at the door. He flung it open and on the other side was a messenger boy. "Are here already?"
The messenger boys hand was poised to knock again "Mi lord the lookouts report a ship is about to dock."
Eragon nodded he strode to a chair and yanked his cloak off it. As he thanked the messenger boy he fastened the clasp around his shoulders and started down the stairs. When he reached the docks Saphira was already there waiting for him. "This is it, after all this time this is it."
Saphira fixed a large sapphire orb on him. "Yes it is and unless you control yourself and calm down you will make a fool of yourself. As much as I would enjoy that, you would gripe for all eternity." Eragon was slightly insulted by her remark but did as she advised. THUD THUD THUD Eragon turned as the sound of wings compressing the air beneath them reached his ears. The great beast that the wings belonged to landed next to Saphira and its rider jumped from the saddle to the ground
"We came as quickly as we could when we heard." The rider looked out at the boat fast approaching. "I always wondered when this moment would come." The rider let out a humorless laugh "We have both been waiting for this moment. You with happiness, me with dread."
Eragon looked over at the man beside him, he laid a hand on the man's shoulder "Do not worry it will be fine. I'm sure that they will accept you."
The man shook his head "I am not so sure but I will accept my fate whatever it is." Both Riders stood waiting for the ship to dock. When it reached the dock and tied off. A gangplank was lowered to the dock. Down the plank a portion of Eragon's Honor Guard marched off. They were followed by Arya and Orik. When Eragon's eyes fell on Arya an eruption of emotion coursed through him. He was not sure what he was feeling. Eragon saw Arya's eyes go wide when she saw his companion. He feared the reaction of Orik when he saw the man with him.
Eragon watched as Orik walked down the gangplank, he caught sight of Eragon's companion and his eyes widened just as Arya's had. He charged down the plank toward the man beside Eragon. "YOU, MURDERER, TRAITOR, YOU WILL DIE." With that he ran toward the Eragon's fellow Rider.
The Rider turned to Eragon "You see Eragon what did I tell you. I will die brother for my crimes."
Eragon shook his head "I will not let that happen Murtagh. We can figure something out."
