AN: alright guys, chapter 12 is up and as the name suggest you will see Tenga here. I was disappointed by the lack of reviews for chapter 11 but I guess I deserved it. I wasn't happy myself with that chapter.
On a happier note, the story has crossed the 4400 views mark so YAY! Do please rate and review...PLEASEEEEEE!
Chapter 12: Tenga
"We will make camp here. Jones, you take five hobilars and scout around. While you are at it, I want you to bring us some fresh deer or a boar if you jocks could manage it," Eragon said light heartedly to the men behind him. It was close to dusk on the second day since they left Carvahall Castle and were now deep in the woods of the spine. Razorwings had proved to be extremely useful as a scout and had given Eragon unprecedented views of the lay of the land. Her vision was not as good as Saphira's but far better that an elf's. The men behind him immediately broke formation and started to make preparation for camp. The quartermaster's wagons were drawn forward into the centre while the men would place their tents radiating outward from the wagons. Considering the size of the forces, Eragon had to split his forces into five smaller, more manageable groups of six hundred men each. Each group was led by a veteran and respected commanders all of whom were in constant touch with each other through their minds.
Suddenly, a high pitched shriek was heard and Razorwings dived down from a cloud heading straight for Eragon who had just dismounted next to his freshly erected tent. He held out his left forearm and the bird landed upon it. He reached out with his mind and saw the memories of his friend. He could clearly make out the thin game trail that ran parallel to the mountainside and led deeper into the forest to a clearing large enough to hold enough tents for five thousand men and animals. This clearing had formed, as per legend, during the Du Fryn Skulblaka when the wild dragons had burned the forest to trap a force of Elves. Satisfied, he started to recede from the bird's mind but stopped when he felt a sense of frustration emanating from the later. He felt that the bird was trying to show him something, he gave in and allowed the bird to show whatever she wanted. A flurry of images whipped by his mind's eye, so quickly that he could only register the feeling of flying freely. Then the images slowed and the eagle's eye seemed to focus on a group of broken buildings nestled close to the mountains and covered with vegetation. He knew of these, they were the ruins of an old Watchtower build long ago by the elves. Then suddenly, a wizened old man with a bald head and flowing silver hair seemed to emerge from the ruins and looked up and seemingly stared straight at him and smiled a knowing smile. That can't be right, why do I feel that that man knows that Razorwings was scouting for me... I will have to investigate this. The eagle's memories ceased to flow and Eragon withdrew. Eragon rose his left hand to shoulder level, Eragon waited until Razorwings had settled on his shoulder before walking off to find Stannis.
"Stannis, I am riding out to scout around. I have a weird feeling about something that needs investigating. You are in charge till I return.," Eragon could see the confusion in the man's eyes.
"Take some men with you. I will not allow you to go alone. The Queen and Saphira gave specific instructions that in case something like this were to occur, you would not be allowed to go alone. So, my king, please take five chevaliers with you."
Eragon shook his head in mild irritation at the antics of the two women in his life before turning to the man and nodding. He immediately took off in search of five men to accompany the rider while Eragon returned to his tent to saddle Snowfire.
Eragon was riding at full gallop, his black cloak billowing behind him and the sounds of shod hooves drumming against hard earth and stone filled his ears as he and the five men behind him tore through the woods following a well worn trail to the elven ruins. Aside from flying, riding freely at one with his horse was one of the most cherished experiences for the young king. Darkness was falling quickly and he realised that soon it would be too dark to see. Istalri! he muttered and a strong red werelight came into being above his horse's head lighting the path for a good twenty paces. The men behind him sighed in relief as they finally could clearly see the path and Eragon smirked before urging his horse to greater speed.
After close to fifteen minutes of hard riding the group broke through the bushes and emerged into a clearing in front of the ruins. Slowing to a walk, Eragon scanned the area for any lifeforms. He gasped when his mind brushed against another mind which felt vast and ancient and extremely powerful. He withdrew into himself and hastily erected barriers before turning to the men. "Guard your minds well and stay on the alert, there is an extremely strong mind residing somewhere in those ruins." The men nodded and dismounted as he did the same and reached for Zar'roc.
"I don't think you need the swords." a disembodied voice was heard from the shadows of the nearest tallest building. Eragon spun around in time to see a wizened old man with a bald head and silvery beard walk out from the shadows.
"Good day to you Eragon shrutugal . My heart soars to see a true rider and a descendant of the Grey Folk," the man smiled at Eragon, his even white teeth visible in the darkness to his enhanced eyes.
"Greetings to you as well. May I know your name and what place is this?" Eragon asked.
"I am Tenga, son of Ingvar. And this is an old elven watchtower which I gather you already knew. It is late night and you and your men must be tired. Do come in so that you can rest. Besides we have much to discuss rider." Tenga turned around and headed up to the largest building which he realised was the tower itself. Opening a door, he walked inside, leaving the door open in a clear invitation to come in. Eragon was confused about his old man. He did not have an evil aura around him, quite the opposite, his aura was pure but he could feel great power in the man. He turned around and nodded to the men behind him, "unsaddle the horses and let them rest before following me inside."
"But, my king, what if he tries to harm you?"
"Trust me. I sense no ill-intent from his mind and aura."
The men nodded and started to unsaddle the horses. Eragon whistled sharply and Razorwings dived from the clouds, where she was circling, and landed on his shoulder. He walked into the tower and looked around. He was in a large circular room warmly lit by three braziers. There were many bookshelves on the circular walls of the room and tables and chairs were scattered here and there. A narrow circular flight of steps were in the centre of the room and Tenga was descending from a floor above.
"Ah! Come in, come in and sit down. I shall presently bring food down for you and your men but unfortunately I don't have anything for the beautiful eagle on your shoulders."
"Not to worry, she has already eaten her fill. How did you know that I was a rider?"
"Hmm... straight to the point, then. It is not difficult to hear the land and all living beings sing of your coming. The animals talk of having seen you, the trees remember your touch and even further proof is the eagle resting on your shoulders and your horse's loyalty towards you. But all this must wait. First eat!" He pulled Eragon towards a low table and made him sit, "please be patient. I shall bring along our supper." He smiled at him before disappearing into the floor above. With no other choice, Eragon waited for some time before realising that he hadn't scryed Arya. Razorwings took off from his shoulder to sit on the back of a chair. He stood up and looked around the room for any mirror. He didn't find any but found a clay bowl filled with water. He brought it to the table and whispered, "Draumr Kopa." The bedroom that he and Arya shared appeared. He saw that the room was empty but could hear some noises coming from somewhere beyond sight. "Arya! Are you there?" Eragon called out. She immediately appeared. Her face was etched with worry and anxiety but she managed a smile.
"I was worried. Why are you late and where are you?"
"I am fine. Sorry for being late but something came up. As to where I am, I am presently in an old elven watchtower dating to the days of the Du Fryn Skulblaka. I am resting here for the night in the company of an old hermit who says that he has a lot to discuss with me. I don't know what so don't ask. AND he is completely harmless. He does not mean me any harm, I assure you."
Arya's eyes had widened considerably, "it was foolish of you to leave the army behind with Stannis in charge and head out into the forest with five men. What if something were to happen to you? Where would that leave the kingdom? Saphira, or even me for that matter, King Eragon?"
Eragon was shocked by her anger. She was right of course. He would have to get back to Stannis. That backstabbing prick... "My beautiful queen," Eragon spoke softly, "I am terribly sorry to have worried you so much. But understand that Tenga means me no harm. He was spotted by Razorwings on a recce flight. I was curious as to who would reside here... what's wrong?" Eragon asked as he realised that Arya law had dropped on hearing Tenga's name.
"Tenga! Are you sure that is his name?" Arya asked, her shock clearly visible on her face.
"Yes I am sure. What do you know of him?"
"He is a very old and wise Eragon. He is a true descendant of the Grey Folk. His knowledge in magic and the its inner workings is unparalleled. Vrael was known to have personally consulted him on several critical decisions several times before the Fall... He had disappeared after the Fall and we thought that he had fallen... but it seems that we were mistaken. Learn what you can from him Eragon and if you can, convince him to come to Carvahall or atleast to Ellesmera. He would be a great ally." Eragon was bewildered. Vrael consulted Tenga...This is momentous news.
"I'll try my best." He picked up some noises and realised that the men were about to come in."I must take my leave, iet drottningu. Take care and pass my love to Saphira."
"You as well." And then she was gone.
As he stood up, he froze to see that Tenga was standing right behind him and he had not even felt him!
"Forgive me. I did not want to eavesdrop. And yes, all that you heard from the princess is true."
Eragon nodded but before he could say anything Tenga spoke again, "You are an interesting person, Eragon. Firstly, you are named after the very first rider. You are the King of Palancar Valley. You are married to the princess of the elves. For an elf to marry is unheard of and for Islanzadi to have agreed, well that seems impossible. And to top it all, your magic and strength is strong, much strong than it has any rights to be. But we must wait. Your men approach and it would do well to talk later after they have fallen asleep."
Eragon simply nodded as the door opened and the men walked in.
What will Tenga tell Eragon? Do tell how you liked or didn't like this chapter.
