Disclaimer: Again I, sadly, own nothing other than my OCs.
CHAPTER ELEVEN: PLOTS
Harry stood tall and proud under his favorite tree and staring out over the Black Lake and watching the sunset dance its colors across the skies. Scáth, who had grown to thrice the size he had been when they first came back to Hogwarts, stood behind him look nothing less than the mighty dragon he was. It had been two years since Harry had been sentenced by the gods at the end of the war to take care of Tom Riddle's soul. It had been a strange and unexpected two years. With the Dark Lord's memories wiped clean, the soul he was taking care of had no idea who it had been or why it was confined to the black diamond in Harry's sword, Bhuailteoir. Harry did his best to keep his hatred for the Dark Lord under control and not have it play a role in how he dealt with, essentially, an entirely different person. To his utter surprise, Harry had found himself caring for Tom Riddle as a parent would care for their child.
Over time Tom's memories returned to him but Harry had managed to handle things in such a manner where Tom didn't revert back into his homicidal self. In fact, he showed a great deal of regret for his actions, something that had surprised Harry to no end. Harry believed that he had accomplished this feat because he had been honest, straightforward, and kind when dealing with Tom. He didn't always tell Tom everything right away but when Tom asked Harry a question he always told him the truth, even if it was painful.
"Harry?" Hermione's voice sounded from behind Harry and Scáth. Dragon and Rider turned their heads simultaneously to see Hermione and Remus approaching them, both looking mildly apprehensive but determined all the same.
"Hey guys," Harry greeted with a smile, even as he turned back to look at the sunset. "What're you two doing out here?"
"Looking for you," Remus said as he came to stand next to Harry on one side while Hermione took the other. "Why are you just standing out here?"
"Waiting," Harry said simply, knowing full well it would irritate the girl next to him even though she had not been the one to ask the question. She simply hated it when someone answered a question with a vague answer.
"For wh–" Hermione's question was cut off midstream as her entire body froze. On the other side of him Remus had frozen in the middle of scratching the side of his nose. Behind him, Scáth looked no more than a frozen statue sculpted by an excellent artist.
"For that," Harry said with a sigh, even as he was blinded by the appearance three gods, who were still shrouded by white light. He didn't bother questioning why there were only three this time as apposed to fifteen like last time. He merely assumed that the others were busy with something more important.
"You have surprised us human," one of the gods said, not waiting for a greeting from Harry.
"Something I'm very apt at apparently," Harry couldn't help but remark with a smirk.
"You did not attempt to exact revenge on the soul that plagued your life," a female spoke up. Harry couldn't see anything of their identifying features so he could only guess as to which of the three were male and female and which had spoken. "Why?"
"As much as I would have liked to, that would have made me no better than him," Harry said calmly, though there was a hint of annoyance to his voice.
He drew Bhuailteoir and held it out to the gods. The blade floated over to the three figures and promptly stuck itself in the ground. The middle god held out their hands and Riddle's soul floated from the black diamond and floated above the god's palms. Harry watched in amazement as the swirling light slowly condensed into a glass orb that dropped into the gods waiting hands and then vanished as the god brought it close to their chest.
"Regardless," one of them said. "You have impressed us and your sentence is rescinded. You may return to Alagaësia." Not waiting for a response the gods vanished.
"–at?" Hermione finished her question as Harry stepped forward and retrieved his sword. "Uh," she continued in confusion. "What just happened? How did your sword get all the way over there?"
"It floated over there when the gods removed Riddle's soul and took it with them," Harry explained as he sheathed Bhuailteoir and drew his wand to summon the bags he had packed earlier that day. "It's over. He's gone forever and I can leave."
"But… we just…" Hermione said flabbergasted as she glanced back to the castle, then back to Harry, then to the sun, which was in the same position it had been when she got to the lake with Remus.
"They froze time," Harry said, taking pity upon the flustered girl. "Froze everything but me. Don't ask me why though."
"Well, regardless," Remus said shaking his head and taking the whole thing in stride. Really, he had learned long ago to expect the unexpected whenever Harry got involved. "We came out here to ask a favor of you before you leave."
"Oh?" Harry said as he strapped on Scáth's fur saddle, his curiosity piqued.
"We uh," Hermione said, looking at Remus for support. "We would… liketocomewithyou." She finally blurted in a rush. Despite the fact that she had spoken fairly quickly and sounded like she had spoken a single word, Harry had understood her and froze in the middle of lashing his bag to the saddle. Even Scáth looked to the pair in surprise.
"You want to come with?" Harry tried to clarify to make sure that he had heard correctly. He turned to look at them both even as he continued speaking. "To another dimension?"
"Yes," Remus said with a nod and an ever so small smirk. It was a rare thing to get one up on Harry. "I don't know Hermione's reasons but I for one don't particularly have anything left here. All of my real friends have passed and despite the rebuild of wizarding Britain, werewolves are still prejudiced against so there isn't any real reason for me to stay. You're the one person left in my life that still means something to me and I don't think I can let you go. So, I want to come with."
"I…" Hermione said hesitantly as she shifted nervously from foot to foot. She glanced back at the castle briefly before continuing. "Things aren't what I had expected them to be Harry. Between the stress of the war and… look just suffice it to say that I don't want to stay here and I want to come with you."
Harry looked at her seriously for several long moments. He didn't read her mind, he would never violate a friend like that, but he didn't particularly need to. He could see it clearly on her face. She wasn't happy. Harry knew Hermione had liked Weasley ever since third year as she had told him as much so he hadn't been surprised when he came back and found the two married. What had surprised him was body language he had read between the two. Weasley had been negligently content but Hermione had been uncomfortable and slowly trying to pull away from the red head. Harry could only assume this was because their relationship hadn't been what Hermione wanted or expected. He didn't know the details but didn't particularly think he needed to.
Do you think you can carry three? Harry questioned his bonded.
Why not cast a feather weight spell on yourself then I only have to carry two? Scáth said and Harry burst into giggles.
"Alright come on then," Harry said with a wave of his hand as he turned back to Scáth and enlarged the fur saddle before he finished strapping in his pack. "Wait," he said suddenly turning to Remus. "What about you and the full moon? I don't know how you'll be affected in that world and I don't know if we'll appear on a night with the full moon."
"I thought about that," Remus said with a slightly exasperated sigh. I asked Severus to brew several batches of the Wolfsbane potion that'll last me a while and I already took a dose before coming out here just in case that is what happened. Like you though, I can't say exactly how I'll be affected. Hopefully nothing too horrible will happen."
"Are you sure?" Harry said just to be safe.
"Yes," Remus said, even as Hermione asked, "Can we get going? Please?"
Harry looked at her and then looked in the direction where she was looking and saw someone running from the castle. He turned back and gave Hermione a look that said she had some explaining to do even as he brought her forward and helped her onto Scáth's shoulders. Once Remus was settled into place Harry cast the feather weight spell on himself and hoisted himself into place. Scáth quickly launched himself into the air and managed to gain a great deal of height before the person running towards them had reached the lake. Harry looked back briefly, his last glimpse of Hogwarts, before he gave Scáth the go ahead and they quickly slipped into the realm of Shadows.
Just as Hermione and Remus started to freak out a little bit, they reemerged underneath a starry sky and moonless night. Remus and Harry both actually sighed in relief when neither of them saw a full moon. Harry's relief was short lived however when almost a thousand voices pierced his unshielded mind. Harry winced in pain and Scáth growled along with him. All the voices were screaming for the same thing; death. They were so angry and in so much agony that all they wanted was for everything to die.
QUICKLY! A voice pierced through the pain in Harry and Scáth's mind. Fly higher and leave this area. Quick, before they notice!
Not pausing to question anything, Scáth quickly gained more altitude and used his power over the shadows to increase his speed. It took almost ten minutes but eventually they went beyond the reach of the pain and anger filled minds. Harry and Scáth breathed easier and the tension drained from their muscles. They both started once again though when an unexpected voice sounded in their heads, the same one that had advised them to get out of the area.
Foolish younglings! The voice said angrily, though not inflicting any pain on Harry and Scáth. Both of them recognized the voice as Umaroth's, the mysterious being that had informed Harry of the last free eggs and convinced him to summon them in order to remove the threat of them hatching for anyone that Galbatorix might control. Especially you Shadow Dragon! You put no thought into where you wanted to appear when you came out on the other side and you ended up right over Ilirea! Harry paled and Scáth missed a beat in his wing flaps, causing them to stumble slightly. They both recognized the elfin name for Urû'baen.
"Harry's what's going on?" Remus asked in confusion.
"Hang on," Harry said before turning his attention back to Umaroth. We apologize, we did not think. Do you know how long we have been gone?
Two and a half, almost three months, Umaroth said petulantly, not really having forgiven them but moving on to more pertinent matters. Galbatorix has started mobilizing his forces to move against the Varden and the Elves, though he has yet to notice that the eggs are no longer in his possession.
Well we can thank the gods for that, Harry said quietly between only him and Scáth.
Indeed, Scáth replied briefly before directing a question at Umaroth. Those voices back there in Urû'baen… they were Eldunarí weren't they?
Dragon and Rider both heard Umaroth sigh heavily before replying. Yes, they were. Galbatorix stole hundreds if not thousands of them when he conquered the Riders.
And you? Harry questioned as he mulled over that piece of information.
Again Umaroth sighed before answering. Yes. Just over a hundred of us were secreted away and hidden deep beneath Doru Araeba where Galbatorix couldn't find us. This discussion can wait though, you should head north to Carvahall as quickly as possible. Galbatorix sent the Ra'zac along with about thirty soldiers. We don't know much but have inferred that he thinks to control Eragon by kidnapping his cousin. They should be there within a half days march, maybe less.
Well he's probably right there, Harry remarked absently. Very well, we shall go there at once. Aloud Harry said, "Hold on! We're going through the shadows again." Remus and Hermione didn't have a chance to respond as Scáth quickly pulled on his link to the Shadow Realm. The journey was shorter than it had been between Hogwarts and here but it was enough to cause a drain on Scáth's energy and enough to disorient the two new comers to Alagaësia.
"What happened?" Hermione questioned from place in front of Remus, who was sitting between her and Harry. "Why did we do that again?"
"Because we were needed here," Harry explained as Scáth drifted lower and lower towards the small village of Carvahall. "I can't explain much but we were told that we were needed here as soon as possible. When we land I need you two to stay with Scáth in the forest ok?"
"Sure but why?" Remus asked as he laid as flat as he could so as to avoid the approaching branches.
"Because," Harry said as he dismounted when they landed in a small glade just west of the village proper. "The Empire is about to attack this village and I need to get everyone to leave. If we had landed in the middle of the village then everyone would have panicked. I want you to stay here because I'm not certain how things are going to play out and I want you as protected as possible. If you can, avoid using magic in the open for now. Magic users are scarce here and if you were found out you could be taken to the King, which would be tantamount to being handed over to Voldemort." Harry was about to walk off but paused as he remembered something. "Oh, and transfigure your clothes to look similar to mine so you don't stand out."
After that Harry quickly trotted off back towards Carvahall. As he approached, he surveyed the minds of the villagers until he had located the one he wanted in the very house where he had failed to save Garrow's life. When he managed to make his way through the village and to the two story house, which he actually noticed was very nicely built, he knocked sharply twice on the thick oak door. As he waited Harry heard movement off to his right but his mental scope didn't see anyone, not even animals. Grateful for his long cloak that hid most of his body, Harry surreptitiously lifted his right leg and drew the dagger that he kept there.
Be on guard, Harry said quietly to Scáth as he pounded on the door again. He knew no one was sleeping and all alive so there was no reason why they shouldn't have answered the door. Another sound of movement echoed through the night just as someone opened the door.
"Hello?" A kindly looking woman said as she peered through the crack. She had honey blond hair and looked to be in about her second trimester of pregnancy.
"Hello," Harry greeted warmly after glancing to his left where the noise had come from. "I am looking for Roran Garrowsson and cousin of Eragon."
"There be no one here by that name," the woman, Elain Harry caught from one of the other minds in the house. She made to close the door but Harry stopped her by placing his hand on the door, using his superior strength to keep it open.
"With respect ma'am," Harry said, keeping his voice level and calm despite the fact that he could still here movement around the sides of the house and yet couldn't sense any mind, human, animal, or insect, to go with the noises. "I know he is inside, he is in fact standing just around the corner listening to this conversation. I am a friend of Eragon's and I need to speak with him."
"What proof do you have to back your words?" A different voice sounded from behind the door. Elain sighed briefly before stepping aside and allowed the door to open more and revealed a boy (well a boy to Harry who was now eighteen) around sixteen with a small amount of stubble on his face, indicative of him just getting around to growing a beard. He had brown hair just like his cousin and stood just over five and a half feet.
"None save my words and the knowledge of how your father was killed," Harry said calmly as he silently gestured with his empty hand, questioning whether or not he could come in. When he was granted entrance and Elain closed the door, Harry wordlessly and wandlessly sealed the door from opening or closing and then whispered a few words in the ancient language to keep them from being eavesdropped on.
"What do you know of my father? And what is your name?" Roran questioned as he stood stiff and ready move at the first sign of danger.
"My name is Harry," Harry said as he shifted about the main room, looking for points of entry and any places where someone might force their way in. "And I know your father had to have been a good man in order to raise two strong men such as yourself and Eragon. I also know who is responsible for his death." He paused for a moment when his sensitive ears picked up the swishing of a cloak outside one of the windows but he quickly continued as if nothing was wrong. "Some months back some strangers visited your village yes? Garbed in cloaks and caused ice to run down the spines of anyone who looked at them."
"Yes," a big man said from the other side of the room. He was tall and muscular with a black beard and same color hair. His shirt was unbuttoned at the very top and revealed a rather hairy chest. His huge arms were brought on by his profession as a black smith, or so Harry believed since he caught flashed of the man working over a forge from his mind. "We believed them to be responsible or whatever creature that destroyed their farm."
"No creature destroyed the farm," Harry said as he kept an eye on the window that he heard slight clicking noises coming from. "It was the Ra'zac, the King's personal dragon hunters. The strange tracks you found at the farm were from Eragon's dragon."
Before anyone could register what he had said, Harry flung his arm out and released his dagger. It went sailing across the room and imbedded itself all the way to the hilt in the window frame, pinning a claw-like hand that had been seconds away from hoisting a body through the window. A high-pitched screech of pain pierced the night even as Harry drew his swords and approached the window. Just as another figure was about to leap through the window, Harry swung Bhuailteoir in a back hand cross and rammed its pummel straight into the face of what he presumed to be a Ra'zac. The creature wailed in pain like its companion as Harry took his other sword and stabbed. Harry felt his blade pierce something but as both creatures continued to struggle, he figured he didn't hit anything vital.
"Garjzla!" Harry barked the ancient language word for light as he sliced through the clawed hand that was pinned to the window frame. Bhuailteoir lit up like a second sun. The Ra'zac, who were highly sensitive light, screeched in pain before fleeing into the night, wounded and out matched. "It isn't safe here," Harry said as he sheathed his weapons and yanked out his dagger from the window from and tossed the severed hand. "The village must evacuate."
"We cannot just abandon our homes," someone protested, likely one of Horst's sons given the resemblance. "Our families have been in this valley for generations; they won't just up and leave."
"If they value their lives and the lives of their children then they will be ready to leave by dawn," Harry said ruthlessly. "The king will not stop until he rules everything and if he thinks he can accomplish that by capturing and killing every last one of you then he will. Particularly you," Harry said definitively as he pointed a finger at Roran. "Eragon is a Rider free from the king's control and he believes to control your cousin by holding you hostage. Do you truly wish for the world to fall into the hands of a madman simply because you wouldn't leave your homes?"
"There appeared to be only two of those creatures," Horst's son continued to protest.
"There is a host of some thirty soldiers that are better armed and better protected than any of you, on their way to this village right now," Harry said overriding the man's attempt to defy the need for everyone to vacate their homes. "The Ra'zac likely went ahead in an attempt to capture Roran unawares." That put a stop to any more thoughts of resistance. "I suggest you start packing and gather the rest of the villagers. We head east an hour before dawn."
"There's nothing but mountains to the east," Roran protested in confusion. "Then the Anora, which leads into the North Sea. We'll have trapped ourselves. We should head west through The Spine and then follow the coast south until we have evaded the soldiers and can safely cross back."
"We will lose them faster if we go east and cross the Anora," Harry said as he approached the front door and cancelled his spells. "From there we cross the few leagues to Du Weldenvarden where we will be protected by the elves."
"You're mad!" Roran protested as he chased Harry out of the house and towards the forest. "No one who enters that forest comes out sane again."
"Your cousin is there now undergoing training with the elves," Harry countered as he paused and turned to face Roran, getting in his face. "If you want the woman you love and your future child to live, get them ready to go and meet with everyone else on the eastern edge of the village." That got through to the man and he didn't bother to respond. He simply turned and rushed back towards the main body of the village. Harry smirked and turned back towards the forest and made his way back to Scáth.
You must hate me right now. Harry said to Scáth as he returned to the clearing.
I do not like being away from you any more than you do but it is necessary. Scáth said with sadness in his voice as he rose to his full height. Though know that I only do this because we can still communicate with each other and I can still aid you even though we are miles apart.
Our hearts are bound forever my beautiful shadow. Harry said as he hugged Scáth's neck. We shall never truly be apart. Fair winds and stay safe. I don't want you shadowing unless it's necessary.
Guard well your back little one, Scáth said as he leapt into the air and took off. Not all shadows are as friendly as me. Harry smiled at that and watched as his dragon disappeared into the night.
"Where's he going?" Hermione asked as she stared after the invisible dragon.
"To inform our teachers that we've returned," Harry said as he lowered his gaze. He nearly choked on surprised laughter at the sight of his friend and surrogate godfather. Their attempt to transfigure their clothing to mimic his was… poor to say the least. Remus was dressed in what looked like a cross between robes and muggle clothing and Hermione looked like she was wearing half a dress with pants. "Think mild ages guys," he said with a suppressed snicker. He pulled out his wand and waved it a few times over them both so they were wearing similar outfits. Tight leather tunics with black trousers. Both sets of clothing were charmed to withstand impact from arrows and resistant to cuts and tears.
"So why aren't we going with Scáth?" Remus questioned as he admired his new outfit, tugging it here and there so it would settle right.
"Because we need to see the villagers to safety," Harry said as he waved his wand and conjured two identical swords, one for Remus and one for Hermione. "Scáth is going to inform them because they need to know we're back and he can't shadow us all there without causing a very serious drain on his energy."
"You realize that I've no idea how to use this thing?" Hermione said as she held up her sword and giving Harry a pointed look.
"I'll teach you both," Harry said as he made a gesture for them both to follow him back to the village. "For now we need to get out of here before you have to use it for real."
The three of them made their way back into the village and proceeded to help everyone gather there things on the eastern edges. Anyone who could, brought horses for anyone who needed. There were some constant grumblings from the villagers about having to leave their homes but none were actually willing to stay behind. At precisely an hour and a half before dawn, everyone was ready. Harry took up the lead and they all started off towards the mountains on the east side of the valley. Harry set Hermione and Remus at the back of the group and had them obliterate their tracks to make it more difficult to be followed. An hour later, the Ra'zac returned with the soldiers.
–Scene Break–
Scáth flapped his mighty and powerful membranes as he used his thick tail as a rudder and turned to avoid a down draft that would have had him crashing into the forest below. He had reached Du Weldenvarden a day after he had left Harry and, after he had been forced to walk a good ways into the forest, had been flying ever since. He did his best to avoid any elven cities for fear of being attacked because of the color of his scales. It wasn't easy and he had a few close calls when he had passed the outskirts of Osilon but for the most part he had an easy flight.
Who approaches the elven nation? A voice demandedwithin Scáth's mind in the Ancient Language. Scáth knew the voice belonged to Gilderien the Wise, the elf that guarded Ellesméra.
Scáth, dragon to Harry, and pupil to the Morning Sage, Scáth replied in kind and respectfully, though with a hint of urgency to his voice. May I pass?
So long as you remain an ally of the elves you are welcome here. Gilderien said and then withdrew from the contact.
Scáth huffed in slight annoyance at having to go through that, thinking such things as unnecessary, for him at least. He was a mighty and proud dragon that would never bow to such atrocious actions, not to mention he would rather sever his own head then be a servant to a maniac like Galbatorix. Scáth sighed again and resigned himself to having to deal with such things when two legs got involved. It never ceased to amaze him how much creatures on two legs insisted on quarrelling with themselves. A slightly amused chuckle brought him out of his mental ramblings. It took him a few seconds to realize his bonded was laughing at him.
You know I'm right, Scáth said as he made his way towards the Crags of Tel'naeir.
I never said you weren't, Harry said, amusement thick in his voice as he continued to lead the villagers of Carvahall through the mountains and towards safety. I just found it funny.
You find everything funny, Scáth retorted as he alighted upon the cliffs where Oromis lived. He ignored those present for the time being in favor of taking a long draught from the river that flowed from the forest. I swear there are times when I think you would find a single blade of grass funny.
Have you ever watched a single blade of grass for any length of time? Harry questioned with such a straight voice. They are quite entertaining.
Not fair! Scáth complained as he choked on the water he had been drinking. The only response he received from Harry was renewed laughter.
"Scáth?" Oromis questioned in concern when said dragon finally seemed to have cleared his airway.
Good uh… Scáth paused embarrassedly and looked towards the sky to check the time of day. Afternoon master.
"Good afternoon," Oromis replied with mild amusement. "You seem thoroughly exhausted."
Yes, Scáth said as he plopped down by the stream. Forgive my rudeness in not greeting you properly or immediately. I've been flying for three days.
Excuse me! Harry said suddenly and loud enough to block out what Oromis had said in response. Why didn't you take breaks? It wasn't that vital that they knew we were back as soon as possible.
I got lost in flying, Scáth defended himself, albeit rather lamely. I didn't realize I was so exhausted until just before I got here. Besides there weren't very many places that would've allowed me to rest safely.
Don't you give me that, Harry reprimanded stubbornly, making his thoughts and feelings on that very clear. As soon as you are finished with Oromis you are to go straight to our tree house and rest.
You are not my mother. Scáth replied defiantly. He waited for a response but all he received was a stone wall of silence. He checked to see if something had happened to Harry but found that his bonded was calmly walking besides a horse through a forest and didn't suspect anything dangerous. It took him a few moments but he eventually realized that Harry was ignoring him. You're being ridiculous. Scáth said with an annoyed scowl. All he received was more silence. Fine! He spat with a growl. I will rest after I am done.
In the tree house immediately upon leaving the Crags, Harry persisted stubbornly. Scáth growled in annoyance but relented none the less. Thank you. Harry withdrew from the contact enough to no longer be a constant presence in Scáth's mind but not closing the contact completely. When his attention returned to his surroundings Scáth realized that he was being stared at by Oromis, Murtagh, Eragon, and Arya.
"Are you back with us?" Oromis questioned with a raised eyebrow.
Sorry, Scáth said sheepishly.
"Well then perhaps we'll start over," Oromis said with a half nod. "Why were you flying for three days and where is Harry?"
I was flying for three days because I forgot to take a break as I made my way over here to inform you of our return, Scáth said laying emphasis on the word forget and making sure Harry heard what he had said. He scowled when he received smug amusement back. And Harry is currently headed east from Carvahall with the rest of the villagers. I believe they are just over half way through the mountains that border the eastern edge of the valley.
"What?" Eragon questioned in shock and concern over his home village. "What happened?"
Nothing thankfully, Scáth assured calmly. But upon are arrival back here we… noticed a host of soldiers headed for the village and lead by the Ra'zac. It was our assumption that they were after Eragon's cousin, Roran, in an attempt by the king to gain leverage over one of, to him, two free Riders that he doesn't already control. Harry stayed behind to evacuate the village while I went ahead to inform you of our return.
"Why did you not just stay behind to assist in the evacuation?" Arya questioned in confusion.
We both figured that the four of you needed to be informed of our return, Scáth explained. We also believed that given my appearance that the villagers would be less likely to trust us.
"A reasonable conclusion," Oromis said with a nod of understanding. The only publicly known dragon was Shruikan, who was utterly mad. "I must admit, though, I was expecting you two to take longer than two months to end the war in Harry's home world."
We were there for two years, Scáth denied with a mighty yawn. By my calculations the time flow between worlds is about one week to one day. Therefore one month here would be about one year there.
"Well that would explain the difference in your size," Oromis said in mild surprise. "So you're now technically three years old as opposed to the almost one you were when you left."
Yes, Scáth said with a slight nod as he stood up. Before I take my leave to rest, you should know that Harry plans on taking the villagers to the western edge of Du Weldenvarden and the shelter of the elves. We realize that this may prove to be an inconvenience but given the importance of the situation we thought that the queen would see fit to allow at least a temporary sanctuary.
"I will speak with Islanzadí. I'm sure she would be willing to allow it, especially since it will aid in the protection of a free Rider." Oromis said reasonably as he scratched his chin in thought. He turned to Eragon and asked, "Do you know about how many villagers there are?"
"If the entire village has emptied then I would guess somewhere around two hundred people," Eragon said after a moment's thought. "I've never actually thought to take a real counting of everyone in the village."
"Alright," Oromis said with a thoughtful nod as he turned back to Scáth. "Go and rest Scáth. We'll talk more later."
Scáth nodded his head in recognition before walking up to stand before Murtagh, who hadn't spoken once since Scáth had landed. They stared into each other's eyes for several moments, Scáth's breath constantly making Murtagh's hair shift. Finally, Scáth brushed the tip of his snout against the top of Murtagh's head saying, he missed you. Not waiting for a response from the stunned man, Scáth quickly took flight and headed back towards Ellesméra.
–Scene Break–
"So are you going to tell me why we had to leave Hogwarts so quickly?" Harry questioned as he walked besides Hermione. They had left the mountains behind and crossed the Anora, with some magical help from Harry of course, a day and a half ago and were now crossing the blank stretch of land between the Anora and Du Weldenvarden. The trek between the valley and the river had actually been the most stressful, even with Hermione and Remus constantly obliterating their tracks and the wards they had set up at night. It wasn't until they had crossed the river they had started to relax.
"I just didn't think there was any need to linger is all," Hermione said with an uncomfortable shrug of her shoulders. "You wanted to leave and I wanted to come with. I could hardly pass up an opportunity to take a trip to a different dimension now could I?"
"Hermione," Harry said with a slight chuckle. He was almost tempted to believe her but he knew her to well to fall for it. "We may have had a falling out for what was ten years for you, but you're still a crappy liar." Hermione looked at him in annoyance. "What happened?"
Hermione sighed heavily in resignation before answering. "Everything happened Harry." She refused to look at him but Harry could see the sadness in her eyes none the less. "I always thought Ron would've grown up eventually, that he would have stopped acting so childish about everything, especially with a war going on, but he never did. Then we started dating and I was so happy and for a while everything was really good, we both seemed really happy, I know I was." She paused briefly to gather her thoughts and her courage before continuing. "Then it became public knowledge that you went missing and the war escalated and everything just snowballed from there. I was seriously worried that something had happened to you but Ron just got more and more angry, believing you had abandoned us. I got after him one night about being so stupid and selfish and…"
"He hit you," Harry said calmly and without any outward displays of the anger he felt towards his former friend.
"I could tell he didn't mean to do it and that he didn't think when he did because he looked just as shocked as I was," Hermione said as she shook her head in disbelief, still unable to believe that such a thing had happened to her. "It doesn't excuse what he did and I assure you I made sure that he'd never get it in his head that he could do that on a regular basis. He didn't sit down for a week because of the stinging hex I cast on his hot headed ass, he still has trouble sitting because of it." Harry snickered at Hermione's punishment; he couldn't help it. It was just too funny to imagine. "But ever since then things between us had been… different. I started seeing more and more of how he was really treating me and I just didn't like it. It was like he was turning me into his caregiver or mother or something."
"Why didn't you just leave then?" Harry questioned as he picked up a straggling kid that had lagged back from his mother.
"I was," Hermione said as she stepped around a small dip in the road. "Slowly. I didn't want to just up and leave and then have to be in constant contact with him because of the war. Then you came back but said you weren't staying and I figured that if you could leave then why couldn't I? After two years of making amends with each other I thought that there was a reasonable chance of you agreeing to let me come with so I wrote Ron a note saying that I was leaving, not who with or where to, just that I was leaving and went out to meet you."
"What would you have done if I had said no?" Harry asked as he looked behind them to see if there were any signs of pursuit, gladdened to see none. "He was the one running out to us after all."
"I probably would have stunned him and made my way to the boundary line before Apparating to a place where he couldn't find me." Hermione said with an unconcerned shrug.
Harry nodded in understanding but didn't bother making a comment, as he didn't really have one. They walked a ways in silence and Harry finally passed off the little boy he had picked up back to his mother. Another hour passed in peace before their semi peaceful trek encountered problems. Harry froze mid-step as the hair on the back of his neck stood on end, an indicator of his lifelong companion of danger. He looked around the plains they were crossing but saw nothing. It wasn't until he saw the shadow pass over everyone before he reacted.
"Atra du deloi rïsa!" Harry commanded in the ancient language, pulling on his reserve of energy in the black diamond in Bhuailteoir's pummel and the willingly given energy from Scáth's Eldunarí. Dozens of spikes rose from the earth surrounding the fleeing villagers and startling them all at the same time. The spikes rose over a hundred feet in the air before crossing each other to create a stone cage with sharp and deadly points sticking out at the top."Everyone get down!" He called, his voice amplified slightly by a nonverbal spell.
"What's wrong?" Remus questioned as he made his way over to Harry.
"We're about to have company." Harry said as he scanned the sky through the slats in their protective cage. He barely saw a figure moving across the sky. "You and Hermione stay here and cast as many spells as you can to keep this cage strong and invisible to protect the villagers."
"What're you going to do?" Hermione asked even as she drew her wand.
"I'm going to see if I can drive off the Ra'zac before they do any damage." Harry said with a smirk.
Before the other two could muster a response, Harry turned and darted through one of the slats in the giant cage. Hermione rushed after him but pulled up short when he was nowhere in sight. Instead, the only thing around was a gorgeous black raven with strange markings. It had a white spot on the inside of its right wing and its left had a strip of silver feathering running through the middle of its wing. Stunned, but not all together surprised, Hermione smirked and turned back into the protective cage and helped Remus with the spells.
Harry flapped his wings and rose higher into the sky towards the two shadows that were circling above. Using the skills he acquired from possessing a Shadow Eldunarí, Harry concealed his mind so no one would notice that he was anything but a raven with strange markings. Scáth was adamantly trying to talk Harry out of doing what he had planned due to the exhaustion brought on by performing such massive magic mere seconds before, but Harry was just as adamant about doing it since Scáth couldn't come to his aid. It was high noon and the nearest source of shadows was Du Weldenvarden which was still over twenty leagues away, much too far for the dragon to be of any assistance.
Harry flew higher and higher until he was flying a few dozen feet over the Ra'zac and their mounts, the Lethrblaka, the adult and full grown form of the Ra'zac. So intent were the Ra'zac upon searching the ground for their prey that none of them noticed the seemingly innocent bird that circled them. So confident were the hunters that they held no fear of being prey themselves. Upon seeing his opening, Harry entered a steep dive, aiming straight for one of the Lethrblaka's side. About ten feet before he would've made impact, Harry transformed back into a human and drew his swords. Before the Lethrblaka and Ra'zac mount could even register what was going on, Harry had flown past, digging Bhuailteoir into the Ra'zac's hip and sliced through the wing joint and membrane of the Lethrblaka with his other sword.
Parent and child (if they could be called such) screeched in agony. Both looked around wildly for the culprit of their pain but saw only the vast expanse of land beneath them and an innocent looking raven with strange markings floating about on the winds below. The other pair had looked over when the screeching had reached them but also saw nothing out of the ordinary and the two in pain were too blinded by it to notice as the raven switched course. Harry flew directly up at the uninjured Lethrblaka, transformed, dug his blades into the beasts belly before releasing and darting off again in his raven form.
The Lethrblaka and Ra'zac were screeching and clacking in panic, shock, and pain. Harry floated silently back towards the earth as the Lethrblaka wobbled away, the one with the nearly severed wing trying desperately to stay airborne long enough to get a safe distance away before landing with a heavy thud and painful screech. Harry watched from his perch on top of one of the spikes of the cage that was protecting the villagers until both Lethrblaka landed almost three leagues away, the one with the pierced abdomen collapsing onto the ground and bleeding heavily.
Now what? Scáth questioned seriously.
Now we wait. Harry answered in kind, as he kept his eyes on the shifting forms. He couldn't see much of what they were doing given the distance but because of his form and the uniform flatness he could see enough to know they were moving about. They can't use magic so unless Galbatorix gave them something to heal their wounds, which is unlikely given their skills, then they will be down for some time. I would prefer to move on but I don't want to risk the remaining Ra'zac seeing everyone and coming after us, especially at night when they are strongest. We are defensible here, especially if they do have something to heal their wounds.
You should not have drained yourself the way you did. Scáth reprimanded angrily but with a great deal of concern in his voice. It could have rendered you unconscious, even with the assistance of your reserves and me.
I know Scáth, Harry said with a small sigh through his black beak. But what else was I supposed to have done that wouldn't have taken longer and allowed the Ra'zac to descend upon the villagers or exposed me as a foreigner to Alagaësia?
I suppose nothing but just as you presume to be my caretaker, I can presume to be yours, Scáth said with endless amusement and smug satisfaction in his voice. I don't want you using anymore magic until you have fully recovered, even your kind of magic.
Am I supposed to stay a raven for the rest of the day then? Harry questioned in amusement. He wasn't the least bit offended by Scáth using his own tactics against himself, merely amused.
I would say yes but that wouldn't be advisable given the Ra'zac's proximity. Scáth said just to make a point but there was a longsuffering tone to his voice.
I love you my shadow, Harry said with a smirk as he floated down to the ground and turned back into himself.
And I you my crazy Rider. Scáth said as he withdrew from the contact and going back to sleep in order to regain the energy he had expanded by flying three days straight to return to Ellesméra and inform Oromis and Glaedr of their return. And quit it! Scáth said, suddenly returning to full contact with Harry's mind. I hate it when you start thinking like that. It means no end of trouble and a massive headache for everyone involved.
"Excuse me!" Harry said with a huffing laugh just out of ear shot of everyone hiding inside the protective cage.
You know what I'm talking about, Scáth said firmly before withdrawing a second time.
"Who're you talking to Harry?" Hermione questioned as she poked her head between the slats.
"Scáth," Harry said as he moved forward and back into the shelter. "He seems to think that every time I start thinking, trouble starts brewing."
"Something he and I can agree on," Hermione said with a smirk and a chuckle that caused Harry to burst into giggles of his own. He knew all too well that they both spoke the truth. Every time he got an idea in his head it usually resulted in one gigantic headache, even for himself. "How are you communicating with him from so far away though?"
"Just a little trick I know," Harry said with a sly wink. "So what kind of spells do you have in place?"
"About a dozen strengthening charms on each pillar," Hermione said, recognizing that Harry wouldn't elaborate on how he could communicate with Scáth when they were so far apart. "We also set up several wards just outside the perimeter to keep people from noticing the encampment and from entering it. They're weak wards but we layered them to make them stronger."
"Good," Harry said with a nod as he examined the pillar next to him. "I'll add a few of my own in a little while when I've regained my strength." Hermione nodded in understanding. She was about to ask something else but Roran came up and interrupted.
"What happened?" He asked looking at Harry and trying not to marvel at the structure around them. He had been just as impressed when Harry had frozen a section of the Anora River to allow them to cross without having to get wet.
"The Ra'zac and their flying mounts finally caught up with us," Harry explained as he glanced back out at the plains for any sign of pursuit. "They must've caught some sort of sign that told them which direction we left the village in. We must've missed some of our tacks between Carvahall and the Anora."
"Given Remus and I were the only ones obliterating tracks and there is about two hundred villagers plus horses I wouldn't be surprised if we did," Hermione said with a thoughtful look on her face. "Especially when you consider the fact that we had to do that for almost a hundred miles."
"Are they still around?" Roran asked as he fingered the head of the hammer he had come to use as his primary weapon. "Or can we move on?"
"They're wounded and about ten miles south tending to their injuries," Harry explained. "One of the Ra'zac isn't wounded so it would be ill advised for us to start moving and then get caught out in the open at night when they are stronger."
"I'll tell everyone to start setting up camp then," Roran said as he wandered off to do exactly that.
"So," Hermione said as Remus made his way over to them. "When did you become an animagus?"
Harry sighed and looked away uncomfortably. "Middle of fifth year." He said with sadness in his voice. "I had been looking into it ever since first year when we saw McGonagall transform but I had never really started doing anything about it until third when Sirius entered the picture. I figured that, heaven forbid, if I had ever found myself in a situation like his then it would be beneficial to be an animagus so as to be able to do what he did. I had been so excited when I accomplished it that I couldn't wait to tell Sirius but I didn't want to put it in a letter and I had achieved it after the Christmas holidays."
"I'm sorry your achievement was marred by such a year Harry," Remus said as he brought the youth into a hug. Hermione sighed sadly and came up to hug them both. "But I can assure you that Sirius would have been proud of you and just as excited, as would your parents."
"Thanks," Harry said with a grin as he enjoyed the hug for a few minutes before pulling away and started going over patrol plans with the two.
–Scene Break–
Scáth yawned mightily as he finally woke up fully rested from his extended flight from Carvahall to Ellesméra. It was the same night after Harry had driven off the Ra'zac to protect the villagers. They were still currently holed up in the stone cage with patrols running in shifts of two hours. So far as Harry could tell, the Ra'zac hadn't moved from where they had landed and neither of them would be entirely surprised if one of the Lethrblaka had died from its wounds, namely the one that Harry had pierced in the abdomen as its wounds were the more serious.
"Scáth?" Someone called causing said dragon to pause in the middle of a rather feline-like stretch.
Ebrithil, Scáth greeted in mild surprise when Oromis came walking through the door that led to the bedroom of the tree house he was staying in, the one he and Harry had shared during their first stay in the forest city. A moment later Scáth remembered his manners, which he had completely disregarded when he arrived on the Crags, and initiated the proper greeting that the elves used whenever they interact with each other. I was not expecting you to come over this evening. He said when they had finished the greeting.
"Yes," Oromis said with a nod. Scáth detected a strange tone in the elf's voice but he couldn't quite identify it. "I would've spoken to you sooner but you needed rest and I needed to think things over with Glaedr before I talked with you."
About what Master? Scáth questioned in curiosity.
"About the fact that you disgorged your Eldunarí," Oromis said in an uncharacteristically blunt manner.
What of it? Scáth said with forced civility, though his voice was rather stiff. It was a sensitive enough subject to talk about but Scáth had never planned on divulging to anyone, not one person that he had given Harry his heart of hearts. He and Harry had even gone so far as to swear to each other in the Ancient Language to never speak of it to anyone but themselves in case they had ever found themselves in a situation where someone was trying to force information out of them.
"I'm assuming you gave it to Harry but we, Glaedr and myself, were wondering why when Glaedr impressed upon you the seriousness of such an object and the potential dangers a dragon's Eldunarí posed in the wrong hands." Oromis said, a hint of disapproval entering his voice. He didn't know the power of a Shadow Eldunarí, none but the Shadow Dragons did, but an Eldunarí was dangerous regardless.
Master, Scáth said in the Ancient Language. He did his best to remain calm but his oath and his own agitation at being discovered. Firstly, I've no intention of being rude so if I at any point come across as such I apologize in advance. Second, you must understand that my words are limited due to a precautionary oath Harry and I both agreed to swear to prevent any damaging information from getting into the wrong hands.
"A wise decision I suppose," Oromis said after a moment's thought and an understanding look on his face.
Quite, Scáth responded with a slight nod of his head. Now, you should know that my… decision was not made on a simple whim or out of a desire to impress anyone or anything. It was done in an attempt to make us stronger and so that I may always be an aid to my Rider if we find ourselves in different places, as we are now. Furthermore, he continued somewhat pointedly before Oromis could interrupt, as he had been about to do. You should also know that while my ancestral memories of Alagaësia have dwindled to almost nothing due to my confinement during The Fall, my ancient memories of the Shadow Race, we dragons who walk in the dark, are as strong as ever since they feed off something separate than the earth. As opposed to the memories of Alagaësia the Shadow Memories are a detailed record of every Shadow Dragon that came before. They can only be accessed at certain times since that much information would drive even a dragon to insanity but at the moment that isn't pertinent. In short, I knew what I was doing and I trust Harry implicitly, as he does me. Thus far I do not regret or even question my decision and I do not expect to.
"If this is the case Scáth, then the bond you share with Harry is stronger than either Glaedr or I previously thought," Oromis relented, not offended in the slightest by Scáth's unrelenting tone or the way he had cut him off when he had attempted to respond in the middle of Scáth's speech. "You cannot blame me though for being concerned. The Eldunarí could prove disastrous in the wrong hands."
I understand and am not offended. Scáth said.
"I also came up here to inform you of Islanzadí's decision to deploy a battalion of about forty elves to meet up with Harry and the villagers." Oromis said as he looked out the giant tear drop window at the sea of green. "She agrees with the potential danger presented if Galbatorix were to get a hold of Eragon's cousin. They were deployed yesterday from one of our western outpost and she only had a chance to tell me this afternoon. I attempted to contact Harry right away to inform him but I could neither locate his mind nor locate him when I attempted to scry him. Do you know why?"
Yes, Scáth said as he approached the tear drop window and prepared to take flight. The Ra'zac finally caught up with him and the other villagers this afternoon. He managed to fend them off but has been shielding his presence ever since so as to level the field a little, since the Ra'zac are still in the vicinity.
"Then let us hope that our warriors reach them soon." Oromis said gravely. "I take it you are leaving to go back to him."
Yes, Scáth answered simply.
"Very well," Oromis said with an understanding nod. "Before you go though, know this: your teachers are proud of you. I don't think anyone, not even Galbatorix, progressed through the Rider's training as quickly as you two have, nor as ethically. Both of you have done the Rider legacy proud."
Scáth rumbled in embarrassment and mumbled a quick thank you before taking off into the night. He didn't wait very long before slipping through the shadows and reappearing above the encampment where Harry and the villagers were barely sleeping under the shroud of fear. He glided silently down and alighted upon the top of the stone cage, which only held his support because of the nearly sixty strengthening charms on each pillar. Despite his size, Scáth hadn't made a single sound. In spite of this, seconds after he had folded his wings a raven perched itself upon one of his ebony horns that curled its way over his head.
If you were not you, Scáth said with some mild amusement in his voice as he looked towards his horns, though he couldn't really see them. I would be tempted to eat you for daring to perch there. The raven cawed in apparent laughter before gliding down to the mass of spikes and transforming into Harry.
"I don't think you would enjoy eating a raven," Harry said with amusement and an unrepentant smirk on his face. "Too many feathers."
Then I would roast it before hand. Scáth said confidently, making Harry chuckle in amusement. Did you hear what Oromis said?
"Yes I was listening," Harry said with a nod as he turned his eyes to the east, the direction of Du Weldenvarden. "I was not expecting to meet up with a host of elves before we even reached the forest, though I suppose it is beneficial that we do, especially with the Ra'zac so near."
Have you seen or heard anything of them since you attacked them? Scáth questioned as he turned his own gaze south where the Ra'zac and Lethrblaka had last been seen.
No, Harry said grimly. I attempted to scry them when it got too dark but Galbatorix must have placed spells around them so they couldn't be spied on or it is a natural part of their genetic makeup, like the way their minds can't be detected. Can you see anything?
Scáth remained quiet for a few moments as he scanned the night horizon. No. He said finally. There aren't any fires lit and they are too well apt at hiding in the night for me to see anything.
"That's troubling." Harry said with some slight nervousness to his voice as he turned to match Scáth's gaze.
"What is Harry?" Hermione asked as she floated her way up between the slats of the cage and perched herself on top of one of the spires. "Hello Scáth," she added when she noticed the dragon, who very nearly blended in with the surrounding darkness. She sounded as if it was the most natural thing in the world but in reality she had been a little startled since she hadn't been expecting the dragon to be there.
"The Ra'zac," Harry explained as he absently fingered Bhuailteoir's pummel, a habit similar to when his hands clenched for his wand during times of stress. "There's been no sign of them since I drove them off and I know for a fact that one of them is uninjured and one of the Lethrblaka is at least well enough to move around on foot."
"Do we have no way of detecting their presence?" Hermione questioned in concern as she looked down towards all the people that were trying and mostly failing to get some rest.
"I could try a spell in the ancient language but I do not think that it would work," Harry said with a shake of his head. "Our magic isn't known in this world so there is no defense for it or a way around it. We should be safe here as long as we remain within the boundaries of the wards."
Do you sense that? Scáth suddenly asked as he looked about in great concern.
"I'd hold on to something if I were you Hermione," Harry said in a panic as he suddenly conjured chains and strapped himself to a nearby stone pillar. Hermione didn't bother to question and simply did as Harry had done.
Scáth took to the air mere seconds before the ground started to quake. It was no natural quake for even the air seemed to tremble. Birds that had been roosting in a nearby tree squawked in protest and scattered in all directions. Harry clung for dear life as the pillars that had been protecting them all were suddenly turned against them as they shook and vibrated with the earth. Hermione squealed as she nearly fell from her perch but managed to hang on. The villagers all woke from their restless sleep and started crying out in fear, never having experienced an earthquake before.
"What the hell is going on?" Harry shouted over the roaring of the earth when the quake refused to stop.
It is Galbatorix! Umaroth suddenly spoke within Harry's mind. He has finally discovered the absence of Fëon's and Fírnen's eggs. The remaining Ra'zac also just informed him that its partner and both Lethrblaka are dead.
"Shit!" Harry sworn violently in response to both the information and the fact that some of the pillars began to crack. He quickly drew his wand and started casting spells. How many does he have to be able to do something like this? He questioned mentally. He knew that the Eldunarí that he and Scáth had encountered when they had first returned to Alagaësia a few days ago must be in the king's hands and the source of his strength but he didn't think the man was this strong.
Hundreds, Umaroth said gravely. Harry and Scáth both could sense great dread coming from the Eldunarí. If not thousands. He took all but a few when he destroyed the Riders. Harry paused in his spell casting when he heard that. Just one single Eldunarí had augmented his strength to unbelievable proportions; he couldn't imagine the power that thousands would give someone, particularly Galbatorix. He remembered Umaroth tell him this a few days ago when they had returned to Alagaësia but he just hadn't fully comprehended what he had been told.
If he has that many and has discovered the theft then we all must prepare for all out war. Scáth said as he circled overhead so he wasn't bumbling on the ground because of the quake. Go Harry. I can see the elves from up here. They are only a few hours away. I will stay and protect the villagers until they have arrived. I will catch up with Remus and Hermione once we have a chance.
Are you sure? Harry questioned in concern as he looked up to his bonded.
No but it must be done. Scáth said seriously. We must be able to predict his movements. Harry sighed but didn't argue against the logic. He looked to Hermione, who looked back. She recognized the look and started to protest but Harry didn't give her a chance. He banished his chains and leapt off the cage and out of sight.