Chapter 12. The Nu'Varden
Two weeks passed before Elva felt it was safe to travel. They walked across the ground heading west through ancient passes. After four days of travel the group found themselves surrounded by fifty armed men. They all wore black, hooded, robes, with face cowls.
Elva stepped forward and addressed them in the ancient language, "I am Elva farseer-These with me are my dragon Galmore-Arron and Katrina of the house of Stronghammer. We have sworn no oaths to the Shapeshifter King."
The leader of the hooded men removed his hood and cowl, "We recognize you dear lady and welcome to you. Welcome child of Stronghammer we are the Nu'Varden." They lead them to a cave at the base of a mountain near the Lake. It was a tunnel that deep underground.
"Where are we?" Katrina asked.
"We are under the old city of Tronjheim-Welcome to the deep roads of the Undercity."
As they walked Katrina spotted something odd. She walked up to what she thought was natural stone pillar or something. When she got close she gasped, because it was a tree of stone. It just wasn't one tree, but an entire forest of stone trees. Arron joined her and they stared in awe of the site. Soon they entered the under city. It was a massive cavern where the walls were indented with dozens of dwarf houses.
As they were lead up the main street Dwarves, Elves, Humans, and even Urgals gathered to stare in awe at the new comers. They were led to ancient underground building of stone carved into the underground base of a mountain. At the top of the stairs stood an Elf male with dark black hair.
"Welcome to the under-city of Tronjheim-I am Evander son of Arya last Queen of the Elves. We have waited a long time for thee daughter of Stronghammer."
Evander lead them into mountain fortress to his private study where only Katrina and Arron were allowed to enter with him. "You must have many questions and I shall answer before you even ask-but first answer me one-My mother Arya did you see her and if so-How did she meet her end?"
Katrina sighed, "Your mother watched over me from the moment she laid eyes on me-She sacrificed her life so that we can get away."
Evander closed his eyes and a single tear slid down his right cheek, he whispered something in the ancient language, then he opened his eyes and smiled. "We have hid here under these mountains for many a century-They are protected by thousands of spells so complicated that even the oldest of us have forgotten their meaning. All this is about you my dear Katrina-Your name is the namesake of Roran Stronghammer's love Katrina-She was rescued from the vile creatures the Razac by Roran and my mother's friend Eragon-Seers have foretold of young girl of Roran's house who will save us from the Shapeshifter King."
Katrina looked at Arron, "How in the world can I defeat the Emperor?"
"You need training-you must learn magic, the sword, and you must be stronger than you think you are or the world will forever be enslaved to the Emperor's power-Fortunately for us-the Shapeshifter King like all tyrants before him have become arrogant-We will use this arrogance against him. Your destiny was preordained by Eragon Shadeslayer who before he was captured used his great power to put into motion the things that have befallen you."
"If the Riders of old couldn't defeat the Emperor what hope do I have?"
Evander smiled, "You must become more powerful than the Riders of old you must become more powerful than any Rider of legend."
"And where do I fit into all this?' Arron asked.
"For now you are her guardian-until she gains the power she needs to defend herself." Evander stood, "I have said much-do not drown in thoughts about what I have said-Take rest for the next two days-then your training begins-There are servants who will attend to your every need."
Katrina left Evander's office overwhelmed, "What do you think about all this?"
Arron grunted, "I think with all he said there are things he still hid from us-He mentioned nothing about my dreams."
"Maybe that is all they were just dreams."
Their first night in the underground city Katrina and Arron wanted to be alone. On the second day they were invited to lunch with Evander and it was at lunch that they met King Tun'Vau a descendant of Orwick and Hrothgar Dwarven kings. They also met Tala daughter of Angela the witch and Maude. Selena daughter of Murtagh and Nausada along with her dragon Sundavara. After the lunch they attended an Elven concert which they enjoyed immensely.
Katrina lay on her bed staring up at the ceiling imagining herself destroying the Emperor, the Shapeshifter King. She wondered what kind of power could she possibly wield to face such a man.