Ronan groaned as he slouched against Bjartkoü's scaly leg. He was exhausted. "I swear Bjartkoü, Eragon-ebrithil isn't a Dragon Rider, he's a demon sent from the pits of hell to make my life full of pain and misery."
Bjartkoü chuckled, "Eragon-ebrithil is just trying to make you stronger, Ronan. Saphira-ebrithil has taught me many things I would not have thought to do, had we been alone. Be thankful that we have teachers who can help us."
"Still I swear I think he's been out to get me because of that small incident when I tried using the word Brisingr. He didn't have to get so mad at me, not like I hurt anyone." Ronan mumbled out crossly.
"Didn't you accidently set Eragon-ebrithil on fire?"
Ronan glared at the white dragon, "it was an accident! He put it out right away."
Bjartkoü roared in laughter, Ronan glared at him, "Shut up!"
"Ahahahaha, only that can happen to you! I guess that's why Eragon-elda had you go back to the basics of magic. I remember your first day of your magic training, it was hilarious!"
Ronan grimaced as he remembered that day.
(Flashback)
Ronan was grinning ear to ear. He was sitting crossed legged on the peak of the highest mountain that surrounded them in the desert. It had been smoothed over with magic so that people could train there now. The reason for Ronan's excited mood was because this was the day he would properly learn magic.
Eragon appeared from a hole in the ground he had shaped by magic so they could get to the top of the mountain without flying, as Saphira was teaching Bjartkoü everything she knew, from flying to hunting, and of course, how to fight.
Once when Ronan saw the familiar head of his mentor pop out of the ground he immediately jumped to his feet, bouncing on his feet. "What are we going to learn today master?" he asked excitedly.
Eragon smiled, but as he tried to speak Ronan spoke again, "are we going to learn how to create storms? Or making a great wave of fire erupt from our hands? Or how to create lightning? Or-"
"Calm down Ronan." Eragon advised the boy who immediately stopped talking but he still bounced on his feet.
Eragon dramatically reached into his pocket, "today you will finally learn the great art of magic. Magic is the basis of a riders power, with it he can change the elements around him, protect himself from weapons, creating things out of nothing, and much more." He announced dramatically as he removed his hand from his pocket, his hand closed over whatever he held in his hand. "You are going to…." Eragon said dramatically Ronan hanging onto every word, his eyes burning with excitement. Eragon opened his hand to reveal… a pebble. "Lift this pebble!" he announced.
Ronan's excitement stopped immediately, … A pebble?" he asked, no sign of excitement in his dead tone.
Eragon nodded seriously. "But…. It's a pebble." Ronan said with a dead pan.
Eragon smirked deviously, "it may be a pebble but this is the first step of many for learning magic. I had to do this as well, watch." He looked at the small pebble on his palm, "Stenr rïsa!" The pebble rose from his hand and it hovered in the air, kept there by magic.
Eragon moved the pebble so it hovered near Ronan's face. He snatched it and gazed at the small pebble, "what are you going to do master?" he asked.
Eragon pondered on that, "I guess I'll just… light something on fire or something." He idly said while Ronan sweat dropped, "but I wanna light stuff on fire!" he whined.
Eragon whacked the boy lightly on the head. "Make the pebble rise and then I'll teach you how to set stuff on fire."
"Fine." Ronan walked away with a sulk before climbing on a small boulder and sat on it. He gazed at the endless desert before him, before glancing at the pebble. He bounced it in his palm before closing his eyes as he searched his mind for where he knew the magic resided within him. He found it after a few moments probing. He opened his eyes as he spoke, "Stenr Rïsa!"
The pebble rose an inch above his opened palm, it hovered there for a few moments before wobbling and falling back into his hand. Ronan immediately felt as though he had been running for a long time, he gasped for breath as the energy left him like dew evaporates in the afternoon sun.
"This is going to take awhile." Ronan muttered, "Stenr Rïsa!"
The sun had rose to its full height before starting to sink on the horizon, the sand turning a deep gold as the sinking sun slowly became night. The moon slowly rose and the sand seemed to glimmer silver in the moonlight, Ronan ignored this, he just kept rising the pebble over and over. He was exhausted but his determination was still as strong, he could now raise the pebble several inches above his glowing palm and have it hover for a close 30 seconds before his concentration broke and the pebble would fall back into his palm.
He was so engrossed in his task that when a hand was placed on his shoulder he yelled "Gah!" and jumped a foot in the air before falling off the boulder.
"Oww." Ronan mumbled as his face smashed against the hard sandstone, a pair of feet appeared in front of him and he glanced up and saw that a grinning Eragon was above him. Eragon held his hand out and Ronan grasped it and Eragon helped him to his feet.
"You have done good for your first day, but you should rest now." Eragon advised him.
"Does that mean I get to learn how to summon fire now?" Ronan asked with a grin.
"No."
Ronan stopped grinning and sulked while Eragon laughed again, "in time Ronan. Don't push your limits, it'll come to you." Eragon left and headed down to the cave they were living in, Ronan hot on his heels.
(Flashback End)
Ronan had come to hate that pebble with a burning passion, for the next week Ronan had worked on raising the pebble and when Eragon-ebrithil had deemed that he had mastered levitating the pebble he was ready for something else. Ronan immediately thought his mentor was going to teach him awesome spells but to his horror he learned that he had to levitate the pebble as high as he could and make it move in circles.
The reason for this, Eragon explained, was to help his concentration along with increasing his energy capacity.
Ronan thought that he did this just to make Ronan's life a living hell, he hated that pebble.
It took longer to master that because Ronan's concentration wasn't as good but with his determination he managed. After he had been told by Eragon that he had mastered that technique he was allowed to go back in the cave, Bjartkoü and Saphira were already in the cave and were eating a couple of goats they had found. Eragon had already made a soup out of it and Ronan eagerly scarfed it down.
As Ronan was eating his food Eragon had been sitting across the fire eating his own soup, all of a sudden Eragon threw something at Ronan who barley managed to catch it. "Up!" Eragon commanded. Ronan glanced at what he had caught and was surprised to see a wooden sword. He noticed Eragon had one as well. "Up!" Eragon commanded again and Ronan scrambled to his feet, Saphira and Bjartkoü moved out of the way.
Ronan and Eragon circled around the fire, neither attacking. "Uh Bjartkoü you have any tips with sword fighting? Eragon-ebrithil is going to kick my ass!"
Bjartkoü snorted from where he was laying next to Saphira, "Obviously not. I'm a dragon, why would I need a sword?"
Before Ronan could reply Eragon suddenly darted forward and swinging his makeshift sword. Ronan was too slow and yelped as the wood struck him in the ribs. He stumbled backwards and tripped on a small outcrop of the rock. He rolled to the side as Eragon's sword hit the ground where he had been moments before.
Eragon waited until Ronan got back on his feet, "defend yourself Ronan!" he barked.
Ronan charged at the blue rider, he swung his sword to the left but before it got near Eragon he arced it so it went for his right side. Eragon easily blocked it, he shoved the two swords making Ronan stumbled back again.
"Changing at the last second, nice!" Eragon complimented.
Eragon charged forward, he swung at Ronan who barely managed to block it with his sword. His arm ached from the force of the hit.
Eragon twisted his sword. Ronan's sword fell out of his hand and onto the sandstone. Before Ronan could do anything Eragon raised his sword with speeds Ronan could not follow. Ronan dimly heard the crack as the sword hit his head, followed with the pain. But it didn't matter he was already unconscious.
Cold water crashed down on him, Ronan woke up with a jolt. As he sat up his head seared in pain. Clutching his head up noticed that blood was in his hands, Ronan blearily looked around and saw Eragon standing above him.
"Hold still." Eragon said as his palm glowed and Eragon placed it on Ronan's head. Ronan let out a sigh as the pain in his head left. After Eragon retracted his hand Ronan glared at the older man. "You didn't have to knock me unconscious!"
"Your enemies won't wait for you to catch your breath Ronan. I was going easy on you, if I had used my full strength I doubt you'd have a head at the moment." Eragon said calmly.
Ronan gulped, he remembered Eragon telling him that the dragons had turned him into a hybrid of a sorts, he had the full strength and speed of an elf, but was still a human. Eragon could have easily killed him had they been real enemies.
Eragon threw another sword to Ronan who groaned, Eragon grinned.
The weeks blurred, Ronan went to bed exhausted every night from the training. He was allowed a day off once a week, though he usually spent that day reading from Eragon-ebrithil's books and scrolls that had been given to Eragon by the elves. But if he didn't feel like reading he and Bjartkoü would go flying.
He loved flying, nothing gave him more excitement than getting in the saddle and whoop as Bjartkoü launched himself off the mountain. The desert seemed endless, and the flight would last for hours, though they did remember of Eragon and Saphira's warnings about staying close to the mountain so that they couldn't get lost and more importantly that no one could see them. Ronan felt like a hawk when he was flying with Bjartkoü, their backs touching the few clouds that survived in the desert. Ronan could see miles and miles of sand; Bjartkoü would often show Ronan what things looked like with his vision in their mental connection. These flights also allowed the two to talk privately.
We're fortunate Ronan. Bjartkoü said one day as they flew.
What do you mean?
That we have Saphira-ebrithil and Eragon-ebrithil to teach us and guide us. They didn't have that. We can make a difference Ronan, Saphira told me how no one even knew that I existed. It still confounds her and Eragon on how Galbatorix did not find me like he had found her, Thorn, and the non-hatched egg. Or the fact that Eragon received that vision of where my parents had hidden me from the war. Bjartkoü explained.
The world works in strange ways, Bjartkoü. I mean who'd expect me, a son of a blacksmith in a small village that no one knows about, to be chosen by a dragon and become the second free Rider to fight against the king? Not me certainty. Ronan said. Why did you choose me? Was it because I was the first living being that held you that were not already a Rider? Ronan asked because he wanted to know why Bjartkoü had chosen him out of everyone in Alagaësia.
I chose you because you are kind Ronan. Your heart is full of passion and I could tell even before I hatched that you are the type to save the lives of your loved ones even if it caused your death. You have undying loyalty and you want Galbatorix to be overthrown. Your heart is pure Ronan. Bjartkoü said.
Ronan gapped at the dragon, surprised that Bjartkoü thought so highly of him. But I'm not like that. He said.
Bjartkoü released a small poof of smoke from his nostrils making Ronan gag slightly, Yes you are Ronan, I would not have chosen you if you weren't.
Ronan smiled, I'm happy you chose me Bjartkoü.
I am as well, young one. Bjartkoü warmly replied.
Ronan smirked slightly, so how's your crush on Saphira-ebrithil going?
Bjartkoü jerked at that and fell several feet before flapping his wings again and gained attitude. Ronan laughed, Man Bjartkoü I don't think you're a white dragon seeing as you could probably pass as a red dragon from your blush.
I have no idea what you're talking about. Bjartkoü mumbled out.
Ronan kept on grinning, come off it, we both know you like her.
Maybe… Bjartkoü sighed, its not like we can be mates, we're in the middle of a war, and what if she doesn't return my feelings! He wailed.
Ronan hugged Bjartkoü's neck, though he was careful to avoid his neck spikes, hey come on buddy, so what if we're in a war? We're not technically in it yet. Eragon-ebrithil wants our existence or more specifically your existence to stay hidden for as long as possible. We won't go to war until Eragon-ebrithil says our training is complete, or at least complete enough so we can handle our own.
That still doesn't answer the question if she likes me back. Bjartkoü grumbled.
Hey come on, who wouldn't love you? I've noticed the way she looks at you. I can say its safe to assure she likes you as well. Just give it time, the truth will only be revealed when it wishes too.
Bjartkoü rumbled a deep laugh, you've become quite the guru haven't you, Ronan?"
Ronan laughed along with his partner of heart and soul. Living alone with no one but two dragons and a rider will teach you many things my young grasshopper. He said in a wise and strict voice, which made the two laugh all over again.
Ronan could sense Bjartkoü was up to something after they finished laughing. What are you up too?
Ronan could practically feel the smirk that Bjartkoü no doubt had on his face. What are you-gah! Ronan quickly grabbed the neck spike that was closest to him and held of for dear life as Bjartkoü suddenly plummeted to the ground, before they became pancakes on the dunes Bjartkoü quickly opened his wings and gliding quickly on the breeze he stopped them from diving head first in the dunes. He immediately started to do barrel rolls, Ronan trying with all his might to hang on. After Bjartkoü did a loop de loop he finally slowed down until they were merely following the breeze.
That was awesome! Ronan yelled, Can we do it again!
Bjartkoü rumbled in pleasure, I take it you liked that?
Hell yeah! That was awesome!
If you like that than your going to love this- but before Bjartkoü could do any more flips or barrel rolls, Eragon's voice sounded in their heads, his voice was faint as they were pretty far away. You guys should come back now. The sun is about to set.
Roger that chief. Ronan said with a mock salute.
Bjartkoü changed direction and headed back towards the temporary base of the Riders.
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Bjartkoü flew into the entrance of the cave, a small cheery fire was the only light source in the cave save the moonlight. Eragon was sitting near the fire, his back against Saphira. Both were looking intently at some sort of scroll, Eragon quickly rolled it up as Ronan approached, but Ronan saw what appeared to be a map of Alagaësia before it disappeared in the magical vortex where Eragon kept two types of things. Things that were too heavy to carry or something he didn't want Ronan to see.
"Ah Ronan, Bjartkoü. I was wondering where you two had been." Eragon commented from besides the fire.
Ronan rubbed the back of his head sheepishly, "sorry Ebrithil. We went flying and lost track of time."
Eragon smiled at the younger Rider, "that is fine Ronan, no doubt it gets dull sitting in this cave twiddling your thumbs as you read scroll after scroll."
Ronan franticly shook his head, "No! All your scrolls are amazing, they speak of such wisdom and guidance. I just love to fly with Bjartkoü, it's amazing."
Eragon laughed, "I was kidding Ronan, but I am happy that you enjoy reading. Its good that you are a better reader than when you first came here, I'm surprised your father had taught you how to read, though to be fair you did not have much practice beforehand."
Ronan nodded, "what was that map Eragon-ebrithil?" he asked curiously wondering if Eragon would tell him.
Eragon paused slightly before simply saying, "That's it, just a map."
Ronan looked like he was about to protest before Eragon cut him off, "I will explain this to you later, you are not far enough in your training for this. But I promise that I will teach you."
Ronan nodded, it was good enough for now. He knew Eragon was only looking out for him, if he wasn't ready than he wasn't ready. Even if he didn't like it.
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"Defend yourself Ronan!" Eragon yelled. Ronan blocked at thrust, he side-stepped and swung his sword for Eragon's exposed neck.
Thwack! Eragon's sword blocked his blow, not to be deterred Ronan continued his assault on the older teen, his moves were fast, much faster when he had begun learning how to fight with the sword.
Eragon blocked his attacks but was slowly losing ground in the ferocity of Ronan's attacks, Eragon felt a sword nearly hit his rib before he blocked it.
Ronan stumbled back as Eragon thrust his sword at his neck. The wooden blade barely missing him.
Eragon swung his sword at Ronan's head, hoping to knock him out. Ronan was expecting it and quickly dropped to his knees as the wooden sword whistled above his head harmlessly. Ronan kicked at Eragon's legs, Eragon stumbled slightly but remained standing.
Ronan quickly got back up and thrust at Eragon's left shoulder blade.
Eragon's sword met his, Eragon twisted his sword and Ronan's wooden sword was taken out of his hands. Ronan felt the wooden sword's tip at his throat.
"Nice job Ronan." Eragon said as he let the wooden sword fall to his side.
Ronan smiled at the praise, he knew that Eragon was still the better swordsman but Eragon had said that he could easily hold his own against an opponent. It had been around five and a half months since they had arrived in the desert. The two Riders looked different than they had when they had first entered the desert. Ronan being the most changed.
Months of grueling training had shaped the already muscular boy into a young man who had no sign of baby fat. His hair had gotten longer and a few signs of facial hair was appearing on his chin, much to the boy's excitement. He had grown taller by around two inches, he was now 5'11 nearing six feet, something he was happy about. Being in the desert had also given him a much heavier tan, that with the other physical changes he did not look like the simple blacksmith all those months ago.
Eragon had gotten taller as well, the nineteen year old was now around 6'2 and his lean body had gotten more muscle. He was tanner as well, though not as tan as Ronan since his skin had been pale as snow because of turning into a half-elf. Eragon had a goatee though he did keep it short. Both of the Riders were more powerful than when they had first stepped foot in the desert. Ronan learning the ways of the Riders and Eragon teaching him and learning new things as well.
Loud vibrations in the air brought the two Rider's head up as they saw two shapes overhead. Bjartkoü and Saphira landed on the peak of the mountain where the two had been fighting.
Saphira had gotten larger in the past couple months, she was not as large as Gladr but was easily twice the size she had been during the battle of the Burning Plains. Which was around two houses large.
Bjartkoü was the most changed. He was no longer the small hatchling he had been five and a half months ago, he was easily the size of a house, he was roughly around the size Saphira had been before but a little bigger. Aside from the size and scale color there were some key differences between Bjartkoü and Saphira.
Bjartkoü was more stocky than Saphira, he was more broad in the shoulders as well. His muscles were compact and looked powerful, his legs were more bulky. His tail was large and more muscular but still moved with deadly grace. His wings, which were as white as the clouds, as was his namesake, were easily larger than his body. His teeth were easily the size of Ronan's arm and could probably slice a ox in half with ease, his spikes were also larger than Saphira's.
As Bjartkoü moved to Ronan, he could easily compare the size of his golden eyes to a dinner plate.
Hey Ronan. Bjartkoü's deep voice spoke in their mind.
Ronan scratched Bjartkoü's chin, making the male dragon hum in pleasure. As he leaned against Bjartkoü's leg he looked at his mentor and leader as he conversed with his own dragon.
"So what did you and Saphira want to talk to us about Master?" Ronan asked curiously.
Eragon look at the Rider before him before speaking, "its time I told you about Eldunarì."
"Eldunarì?" Ronan asked, not knowing the unfamiliar word. He was certain he had not read it in any books, Bjartkoü looked at the elder dragon and Rider with curiosity. "What is an Eldunarì?"
A dragon's heart of hearts. Saphira spoke.
A dragon's heart of hearts, whats that? Bjartkoü asked curiously.
"Is it a real heart?" Ronan asked.
Eragon did not respond, he merely went to Saphira's saddlebags and pulled out a large bag. He unzipped the bag.
Ronan watched with curious eyes, What do you think an Eldunarì is Bjartkoü? He asked his partner in heart and soul.
He's talking about us boy. An ancient deep voice spoke within the young teens mind making the boy jump in the air.
Oh Yaroc, look at what you did. You scared the poor child. A soothing gentle voice spoke within Ronan's mind.
Shush Amara, the boy should learn to expect the unexpected, it'd keep him alive more than rushing into danger like a bumbling idiot. The deep male's voice spoke again.
Yaroc, you're such a grouch. Another deep voice spoke, but it was not at deep nor ancient as the apparent Yaroc, he sounded younger than either of the voices.
What are you? Ronan asked warily, wondering if this was some sort of test conducted by Eragon.
Oh, you're keeping mind of all options. Good, perhaps you will live and reach your next birthday. Yaroc spoke again.
Uhmm… Thanks? Ronan said not sure if it was an insult or compliment.
We're here Ronan. Amara's soothing voice spoke again. Ronan's gaze turned to the bag, which he now realized was glowing with different colors. He slowly approached the bag, and with a silent questioning to Eragon if he could continue, he peered inside the bag.
Ronan gasped as he saw the Eldunarì. Five in total, each a different brilliant color. One was a rosy red, he didn't know how but he immediately knew that was Amara. He saw a deep green, a royal blue, a majestic purple, and the largest of them all was dark silver. They were also very big, the smallest probably around a foot, while the largest Ronan doubted that he could easily carry, he could tell that they were pretty heavy.
"These are Eldunarì?" Ronan asked in wonder. Realization struck the boy. He turned and gave a look of utter disbelief at Eragon. "Heart of hearts. Real dragons are in there?"
Eragon nodded his head, he then told Ronan everything about an Eldunarì. What they were and how they were made. And what they could do.
Ronan's mind struggled to comprehend everything, too much information coming at once. "So the reason why Galbatorix is so powerful, the reason why he could defeat every Rider and dragon are because of Eldunarì?" Ronan concluded.
He turned towards Bjartkoü, "did you know about this?" he demanded.
Bjartkoü shook his massive head, I have felt my Eldunarì within me, but I never knew what it was. I asked Saphira-ebrithil once but she did not tell me, she merely told me I had to wait until you were ready to know.
"But why did you have to wait for me to be ready for this news?" Ronan asked his mentors.
"The reason Ronan." Eragon began. "Is because you are still young, you have progressed remarkably in all the fields I have taught you, but you are still new to this. To be frank, it's new to us as well. I did not know what an Eldunarì until I was given these by a friend. It was only then did Saphira tell me what they were."
Ronan curiously looked at the majestic blue dragon before him, "and how did you know what an Eldunarì was?" he asked.
The masters who taught Eragon and I when we lived amongst the elves. Saphira said.
"And they were?" Ronan asked because they never told him who their masters were whenever he asked.
In time Ronan. Saphira said calmly making the fifteen-near-sixteen year-old pout.
"We are getting off topic." Eragon said. "Ronan the reason I did not tell you this right off the bat is because I wanted to teach you more. The Eldunarì are never told to a brand new rider and their dragon. This has been a rule amongst the Riders for centuries."
"Why?"
"Because a dragon may have removed their Eldunarì to impress their Rider, if that were to happen and someone was to stumble upon one then they would have the power of a dragon at their calling. Not to mention it was an easy way to kill the dragon."
Eragon gestured to the bag of the Eldunarì, "in total we have a total of twelve Eldunarì. If you count Saphira's and Bjartkoü's Eldunarì, though they should not remove it. Another five are in the other bag. The reason I did not show them to you is because they are still healing."
"Healing?" Ronan asked what seemed to be the hundredth question in the past couple hours.
"Every Eldunarì that is in Galbatorix's collection has had their minds broken into and crushed, they were all mentally insane. It was only because of us and the knowledge that there are two free Riders left to fight the King is what helped them recover. Some may never be fully healed and if we do kill the King they will probably ask to be destroyed so they may be with their Rider in the Void." Eragon explained sadly.
Ronan's fists tightened and his knuckles turned white from the pressure, "how can Galbatorix do that!" He exploded, "how can he live with breaking into the minds of dragons just to merely take their energy to commit even more crimes!" he yelled in rage. His hatred of Galbatoirx reaching new heights. Back when he was still a smith he hated the King, like everyone else in the village. He hated the high taxes, how he never sent help to those who were in desperate need of food and warmth during the freezing winters. When he became a Rider he was fearful that Galbatorix would find him and make him serve him. When he was training with Eragon he learned more of Galbatorix's crimes, the horrors he caused. He was responsible for slaughtering his Order and the dragons. Making Bjartkoü and Saphira the last free dragons alive. And he hated that he made Murtagh and Thorn, he did not know much of them besides that they hate Galbatoirx, swear vows in the Ancient Language and bond them to his service with their True Names, he made them commit crimes in his name. But now after learning of Eldunarì, Ronan felt like he was about to explode.
Ronan's anger was washed away as the calming presence of Bjartkoü swept into his mind, Peace young one. Do not lose yourself in hatred and anger. Calm down. Bjartkoü calming voice spoke.
Ronan took deep breaths and after the anger was long gone he looked back at Eragon and Saphira.
Eragon's face was sympathetic. "I felt the same as you when I found out."
Ronan nodded, he had to ask one more question. "So if those are five of the Eldunarì, what about the others? Those five seemed to be sane to me at least. Though that Yaroc guy was a jerk."
Eragon laughed, then tension in the large cave gone. "Aye, he may seem like a grouch but he just wants us to be safe. He and his Rider were on the council when Galbatorix asked for another dragon egg. He is the most wisest and powerful of all ten Eldunarì. He is just cautious, we are the last hope for the rebellion Ronan."
Ronan nodded, Eragon had told him that the war was being fought so that the victor would have control of the dragon riders. "But master, we aren't on any of the sides." He pointed out.
Eragon grinned, "I know that Ronan. We're going to make our own side."