AUTHORS NOTE: Thank you joeypoey16! AND R.F for your reviews. I had the time to write this so i did as promised. R&R and most importantly enjoy.
Chapter 9: When Trouble Arises.
Eragon ran with all he had, his clothed boots beating against the stone streets with relentlessness. Arya was a small ways ahead of him and her swiftness was well needed in a time such as this. His family was in danger, and the assassin had made that very clear. Someone was looking for blood. Eragon contacted Arya.
Have you contacted Alamir?
Yes. They are awaiting us at the central square.
Good. Worry was gnarling away at Eragons belly. So much so that with every lift of his legs an uncomfortable knot twisted into his side and he was forced to practically leap up four stairs at a time as he sought to catch up with Arya. She paused a moment to wait for him, then continued as he drew equal to her. They ran through another alley and brushed past a woman and her child who yelped and jumped out of the way.
Are you near Eragon? Alamir suddenly asked through their mental link. Yes, hold on. We are coming up beside the craftsman Shop now. Arya and Eragon came to a halt as they reached the Square and Eragon looked around for Saphira. She was clinging onto a tall tower with the shades of night hindering his view of her slightly. She growled and dropped down from her perch, igniting a loud bang when her large build hit the ground.
Her lip was curled back into a snarl and her claws were laid bare. She fluttered her wings and then craned her giant Saphira head towards them. Where is the culprit? Bring him to me and I shall tear out his throat!
Already done, so to speak. He is dead. Replied Arya.
Alamir suddenly appeared from behind a building and he approached them slowly, his large green frame hovering above the ground and his tail swiping back and forth. His expression was hard and his yellow eyes were narrowed and calculating. Did you find out who sent the assassin Young one?
In terms of a name we did not. Eragon searched through the mans mind and found out nothing except a figure whose face was concealed and a dark castle… I have no knowledge of the place or the man. All we heard was his voice.
And did the man's memories give you any reason to fear for Selenas well being? Does he know of her?
Eragon heart gave a painful tug, "You have no idea what's coming Rider." Rubin's words meant danger, and danger meant Selena could be in trouble. Eragon looked at Arya and seeing her face contorted in worry made a fiery determination spark within him. He would keep his family safe. No one was getting anywhere near Selena if he had anything to do with it, and he had everything to do with it.
Saphira let loose a roar, already hearing Eragons thoughts. They will not harm her little one. Not if they value their pitiful, withering lives. Her claws stretched out and scratched against the stone floor, causing Eragons ears to scream in protest.
He sent her his gratitude and held her azure eyes for a moment. I could not allow it either Saphira. She's my daughter for Fate's Sake! How could we be facing a possible new Galbatorix in only Six years time! It's blasphemous.
Saphira growled. How indeed, But remember little one we have many enemies, always have. The only difference is this one, this hooded man, He wants something more… not just our deaths, no, and he said he needed us to die for his plan. Whatever that plan is it can't be good. In no way is Alegasia safe with this urchin lurking in the shadows. We must do away with him, and soon.
Aye. The sooner the better, for us all.
Eragon cast his eyes back over to Arya. She was standing rigidly beside Alamir, who seemed to be trying to consol her with tender licks upon her shoulder. The notion concerned him more for her then her leather; Arya's leather could take such an action. Alamir's penetrating yellow eyes darted onto him and he suddenly spoke within Eragons mind again.
Her mind swims with worry for her daughter young one. She feels it will be her fault if Selena gets hurt because she was the one who sent her away. He informed.
Rubbish! Alamir this isn't her fault in the least! Alamir growled and motioned towards Arya, pausing in his licks. Eragon walked slowly towards her, trying to conjure up the words she obviously needed to hear. None of this was Arya's fault. Not in the least. He had to show her that nothing was going to befall Selena; he simply would not allow it.
"Arya." Eragon called out, standing behind her. Her stance was tense and Eragon noticed her hand was dangerously near to her sword. Worried, Eragon repeated himself. "Arya." he reached out for her and grasped her arm. "We can see to it that she will be safe. We can contact your mother immediately and inform her of what transpired today. She will not come anywhere near danger Arya, I will make sure of it."
Arya brushed his hand away and turned to face him. When he saw her face he visibly grimaced, yet he could understand her emotions at that moment. He felt them too. With an attempt to calm her he raised his hand again, this time touching her cheek with three fingers. His touch was soft, tender.
Arya's eyes brightened, but not out of joy or happiness. Under the stars her held back tears shown like mirrors against the moon. A sorrow she was so clearly fighting to control.
Eragon stepped closer to her. Nothing, He repeated in her mind, nothing will happen to her Abit Arya. She closed her eyes, temporarily shutting him out from her, for in her eyes Eragon could almost hear her hearts desires, her eyes revealed everything about her to him, but not now- not when he was shut out. Her next words came out as a whisper.
"I do not like this. We have a new enemy who is bent on killing us and our daughter is half way around the world, far away from our protection. From me Eragon. To say I am uncomfortable with the situation would be an understatement for the ages." She reopened her eyes and Eragon grimaced again. Arya's eyes were shimmering with heavy sadness. The thought of Selena being captured or harmed by these men, these creatures who dare seek war with them, made Eragon sick. He opened his mouth to reply but Alamir cut him off.
Young ones, here is not where we should be discussing this. Let us seek refuge elsewhere, in a room warded with your spells or another. Someone could be watching us. And I do not doubt there will be more of those men.
Arya surveyed their current standing point as if she'd forgotten just as Eragon had how right Alamir was. Here in the square was no place to have a discussion concerning neither their Daughter nor their lives. Arya's mind brushed his and he let her in instantly, Alamir is right, lets find a room. There is an inn a small distance from here. There is where we shall contact my mother, then our Selena.
Eragon nodded then looked around suspiciously. No shadow or alleyway was left innocent in his eyes. An enemy could attack from anywhere, at any time.
Saphira and Alamir took flight outward of town so they could sleep but promised they would not go far. Not when there was danger lurking. Eragon and Arya walked till they came across Arya's Inn, a place called The Snoozing Dragon. Any other time Eragon would have found that amusing, but not now.
Arya opened the door and Eragon stepped in after her. They were met with chandelier lighting and a small amount of commoners still awake and occupying the lengthy Inn. A maiden spotted them by the door and quickly trotted towards them, her brown apron swaying around her slim waist. Apparently she had had a busy day because her hair was a little shriveled and sticking out of her casual bun.
"Good evening and welcome to the Snoozing Dragon. How may we- Oh bless my soul! Is it-are you really- , She collected herself and cleared her throat, leaning in a little closer "Are you by chance the famous Peace bringers? Lord Eragon and Lady Arya!"
Arya gave no reply and Eragon inwardly groaned. "Lord Eragon." hardly. Though this sweet woman wouldn't know any more than the others how much I dislike being called that. I am no Lord. Blah! We have no time for this; Selena could be in danger now!
Eragon politely dipped his head in greeting and put a hand on Arya's shoulder. "Yes we are Riders ma'am. In that you are very right yet I am no Lord." The maiden gave Eragon a confused look and Arya decided to intervene.
"We seek a place for the night. Do you have any rooms available in which we could stay?"
The maiden's huge eyes flickered over to Arya and they widened even more. She looked her over as if summing her up as the most stunning thing she'd ever seen, her eyes widening the more she looked at her from head to toe. But Arya always looked that way, she was just beautiful.
"That we do lady rider. I will go and get you your key." Her eyes traveled over to Eragon and she observed him more closely as well, a rosy blush coming over her as she noticed brisingr on his hip. "One moment please." She said then turned and walked behind a counter and through a back door that swung into the kitchen.
As they waited Eragon looked down at his knuckles, attempting to act casual while mentally he was conversing with Arya. She also presumed a casual stance during their exchange so as not give ear to unwanted listeners.
We will tell her that we were attacked and probably followed. Then you can give her the details from what you remember of the man and everything about the dark castle. Any detail can be substantial to shedding some more light on this new threat. And of Selena... Arya carried off there and Eragon quickly replied.
Of Selena we can ask for her best Elvin warriors and guards. Islanzadi will more than likely provide more then that though. She is a princess after all, and her only granddaughter. I wouldn't be surprised if she goes as far as having Selena sleep in her personal Bedchamber.
She must- Arya began but was interrupted when the Maiden of the Inn returned with an excited smile. She walked right up to them and held out one Iron key to Eragon within her small hand. "We are honored to have such guests as the likes of you two here Lor- I mean Kingslayer Eragon and lady Arya." Arya nodded to her gracefully and Eragon took the key from the girl with a forced smile. As he did his hand briefly touched hers and the girl blushed red. "Y-your room is the last one on the left." She said shyly and He replied with a "Thank you." before walking over to the stairway which lead to the rooms.
Arya followed him silently and once they had climbed the stairs and came to a stop outside their door, Eragon quickly produced the key and together they entered.
There was one small bed with a thin mattress and a bedside desk accompanied by a lone candle. The room itself was small, but that mattered not. It was privacy they wanted. Arya quickly secured the door and then walked over to the bed. She sat cross-legged on the floor, against the mattress, and drew her water canteen and bowl from her bag. She then poured some water into the bowl and held it in her hands, close to her face.
Eragon quickly said the words that would ward them from eavesdroppers and took a seat beside her.
"Draumr Kopa." She whispered and the water in her hands suddenly took on a murky grey color. They waited somewhat patiently. Eragons leg was twitching and Arya shot out a hand to grasp it. "Be still." She commanded but Eragons leg refused to stop bouncing, effectively causing Arya's shoulder and side to bob with him. He threw her an apologetic look and shrugged.
Arya sighed but otherwise kept her eyes fixated on the water in her hands.
The water cleared to reveal a figure, though it was not whom they wanted to speak with. The elf guard gave no evidence of his surprise at seeing them and bowed respectively. "Arya Dröttingu, Shurtugal, how may I be of service." He said while twisting his hand over his sternum.
"Please go and receive Queen Islanzadi. There is no time to waste Shandu. Inform her of myself and Eragons need to have word with her. It is very important."
Shandu bowed, "At once Shurtugals! I shall make haste as the eagle does sore." With that he was off and Eragon was left to stare at the elf's quickly fading form. If Selena is still at sea then she should be safe. That will give us time to hide her and then Arya and I can find out more about this new threat. Then we can-
"Eragon, Arya. What is so important that you would seek word with me in the middle of a meeting with the High king of-"
"Mother this is a matter of urgency! Has my daughter reached your shores yet?" Arya interrupted her, and her tone was icy and clipped. Islanzadi looked at Arya as if trying to calculate the reason for her daughter's ill regard for manner and sudden outburst. "I have been informed that we should be expecting little Selena in less then two days time. Why Arya?" She narrowed her eyes and looked at Eragon for the first time since she entered the room. "What has transpired?"
Eragon decided to speak. "Islanzadi, earlier today Arya and I were attacked by an assassin. We quickly dealt with him but I had a look into his memories and discovered he was sent by some powerful new foe. I regretfully didn't get a look at his face before I was thrust from the Assassins mind but I did see that he was very powerful and very dangerous."
Islanzadi was very still; her face appeared to be in the elves usual mask of indifference, yet Eragon could see something pass in the eyes of the queen. It took him a moment to recognize it before the expression was hidden, but he had succeeded to recognize it none the less. Fear.
"This assassin, you said you dealt with him quite easily. If others were sent to finish the job you would just as easily finish them off as well no?" Now the queen's eyes held hope.
Arya glared at her unreservedly. "My queen." She said, and Eragon glanced at her hesitantly. Arya's voice was dangerously low. "Do not be a fool. This isn't so much about Eragon and I's ability to dispose of this new enemy. This is about Selena. We do not know anything about the cloaked man and there will, rest assured, be more attempts at our lives. Selena's safety is everything. Do you deny the safety of your own granddaughter? Or have you just grown accustomed to this new peace a bit too comfortably?"
If eyes could pop out of heads then Islanzadi's would have. Her expression was almost comical to Eragon. Arya had spoken not as a Princess under the Queens skirts, but a mother trying to protect her daughter, he had to fight hard to restrain a proud smile; Arya would always be the strong warrior of respect and dignity she had always been. If you forgot, she was sure to remind it of you.
"Daughter to the throne and Lady of the Riders, You speak out of respite and your own ignorance. What makes you think I would not protect my own granddaughter? I simply spoke from assumption. You and Eragon are Shurtugal and if you could not defeat this new foe then I would be afraid for my people, given the chance that this powerful "man" is like Galbatorix." Eragon flinched. "But we do not know enough about this man to assume that."
"You have grown foolish Mother. Peace does not last forever, surely you know that. Even if we are not facing another Galbatorix you should not be so quick to lower your defenses. My daughter is to be hidden from harm or I will come and receive her myself!"
Eragon quickly stepped into the conversation, not considering the fact he was throwing himself into the line of fire. "Dear Queen please hear us out. I know you love Selena just as we do, we are family now and I ask you to heed my words. They are the words of a father." Arya was still glaring icy emerald shards at her mother but Islanzadi held fast. The Elvin queen never once looked away from Arya, out of shirr Pride, but she nodded for Eragon to continue.
"Selena could die at the end of an assassin's blade if this man has knowledge of her." Eragon tightened his fists at the thought. He had to find this man and rid him from the world. Arya, sensing Eragons distress, finally broke eye contact with her mother and placed a hand on Eragons leg. She squeezed there and Eragon looked up at her. Without looking away from Arya he continued, "Protect our daughter, your family, while we handle this as Riders should. As parents should. And be not hesitant to single out possible spies or hidden enemies lurking behind trees. We all remember Galbatorix reign, we have not forgotten the war. And we are not ignorant of the dangers our leverage, especially Selena, could bring. If she were captured…" Eragon looked hard into Arya's eyes. Emerald met brown and the resolve was wearily accepted. "If she were captured," he picked up again, clearing his dry throat, "I would do whatever he asked of me to get her back."
Arya refused to even blink. She tightened her hold on his leg and Eragon looked at her with sadness. He would miss his life, this life, if it came to that.
Islanzadi said nothing as Eragon and Arya were seemingly lost in their own world until what seemed like hours later. "There is still the matter of discerning who will sit upon Alagaesia's Throne, remember Eragon." He finally looked away from Arya and back to her mother. "This man, this incoherent new enemy, will likely be awaiting you at Farthen Dur. You must be prepared to defend your lives. I…I apologize for my lack in seizing the situation as I should have. Forgive me daughter and forgive me Peace bringer. Our pride and joy shall be well hidden and protected, never before will there be a more skillfully hidden being in all of Ellesm`era. Rest assured and sleep somewhat easier with that knowledge."
"Goodbye Mother." Whispered Arya, all vulgar lost now. The water turned cloudy again and then faded back to normal, leaving them to stare at their own dark outlines. Silence ruled the space between them and Eragon stared at the lines in the floor boards. His head was down and his knees were pulled up against his chest with his arms hanging out over them, a tired and stressed pose.
Arya said nothing and he was left to venture through his ever troubled thoughts.
Selena…how could I live with myself if someone harmed you, just for the fact that you are my daughter. A Lead Riders Daughter. He sighed and closed his eyes. I am sorry Selena, so sorry.
"I am going to contact her now Eragon." Spoke Arya, finally breaking the silence. He nodded but didn't lift his head as Arya refilled the bowl and whispered, "Draumr Kopa."
Authors Note: Ok, so here's the deal. The Tristan Pov chapter won't be continued for a little bit. Its all part of my plan don't worry. The next chapter after this was going to be Tristan's but I've decided to give you all a treat instead. Tristan's pov will be good in my opinion, but I believe you will all appreciate what I have in store for you guys next chapter. Here's a hint, Who is adorable and worthy of being a cannon character? ;) see you when I see you.
- sueke
