Chapter XIII: An Alliance
Kavalnir could not break her gaze towards the queen. Agathore could not break his gaze towards Kavalnir. She didn't move for what seemed like a minute, the queen's sudden presence was startling. Collecting herself, Kavalnir shook her head and ran her hands through her hair. She fixed her dress out before putting a hand to her lips.
Queen Islanzadi glided towards her and lowered it. "There is no need," she repeated her line. "I already know much about you." Kavalnir flushed. Islanzadi smiled brightly. "But we have passed introductions. I'm afraid you were out for that." Both laughed lightly. "It is time now to convene in the dining hall, you deserve a well-prepared meal for your travels!"
The dining hall itself was vast, lined with ferns and other plants. It smelled of delicious fruit, as all along the giant wooden table centering the hall, there were numerous bowls of brightly-colored delicacies. They reminded Agathore of the fruits he ate that very morning for breakfast. His mind meandered silently back to the following events.
Queen Islanzadi placed herself at the head of the table, Blagen resting on her arm. Agathore sat to her left, Kavalnir to the right. The three were soon joined by Lyra and her guard assistants. They had proceeded ahead while Islanzadi and Kavalnir shared greetings to make sure everything was finally prepared. Kavalnir yawned. It struck something in the queen.
"I am appreciative of your travels across this country for us," Queen Islanzadi began, "and with that I understand you are tired. If you could, possibly, recall your events for me, if you'd like? It will help in discerning what decisions we should make next."
Agathore nodded, clearing his throat. "The journey we have faced- you make it seem so much more daunting than it actually was."
Kavalnir shot him a look. Are you insane? I would have much rather stayed in the quiet of that town than do the traveling any day.
But would you have given up the time to learn so much about yourself, Agathore noted to her on the side of his explanation. "I suppose the first leg of our journey was the most difficult. It was a time of pure confusion. Had we known more of what was going on in our own minds, maybe we would have come to terms with this change better."
"What change?" Islanzadi cocked her head to the side.
Kavalnir cut in. "Surely you know? It's a form of telepathic ability."
The queen nodded. "Oh, yes. I know what you speak of. Could you elaborate further, though?"
Agathore sighed contently, watching his friend discuss their personal power.
"I think this entire thing is how the journey began-" Kavalnir rushed into the story. "I was in the market square -of home that is- and...my horse runs away. I went to get him, and I don't know. I yelled something, went limp, or blank...or something...and he caught me." She pointed to Agathore. "When I came to, I was in his barn. That was the day when we first realized that we had a mental ability."
Islanzadi nodded again. "Hmm, but, how does it work mutually?"
"He can hear my thoughts, and I can hear his. Well, not so much hear, but it's like having a mental conversation."
Agathore added, "That includes an awareness of the entire knowledge of the other person, as well. That was one of the things I discovered later on."
Later on? The all-too-familiar female voice penetrated his mind. How did you discover it yourself?
When you let your mind wander, it's open for anyone like me to feel free and stumble in.
You discover a lot about this connection, don't you?
I have.
Maybe you should explain it.
Agathore took a breath. "If she lets her mind open, Kavalnir's thoughts are susceptible to many forms of mind penetration. She puts herself at risk. And that brings up another point- we have to protect each other in two ways. Mental and physical. That may have skewed your visions on the difficulty of this journey."
Islanzadi's brows raised. "Right. I apologize, you were explaining that previously." She turned to Kavalnir and grinned slightly. "Do continue."
The boy nodded. "The actual mind-link that we share made traveling with Kavalnir easier. She was generally correct about what she stated previously." As he talked, elves emerged from the kitchen behind the three, carrying trays of vegetables and fruits. Kavalnir eyed the food ravenously, keeping an ear on what her friend was saying.
"We talked in my residence for a while, before we discovered that we were able to share our thoughts. I think the first mental penetration actually came from an animal...that was surprising. I assume now that it was from opening our minds to what we encountered. Curious to find out what was actually going on within the two of us, Kavalnir and I packed our few belongings and left. During our travels, we met with an elusive man called Murtagh, and he educated us with his knowledge of the Riders." At this point, Islanzadi was completely engrossed in what Agathore was saying. "The traveling took us past rivers, mountains, and through many towns. But there were latent factors to our connection that did not start appearing until some time into it. Near the Ramr river, we discovered my facial features were altering. Kavalnir discovered hers by accident, nearly having her killed by a supporter of the Empire."
Kavalnir winced as she recalled this. Her face turned away, but she felt Agathore's mind groping for hers, longing to reconnect and relax. She grabbed a few berries and vegetables for her plate, an elven waiter filled her glass with wine. She smiled at her companion, taking a bite of food. He smiled in return, continuing.
"That happening was only days before we arrived here. We have been taken care of greatly, and it is a comfort to know that finally, we will get some real answers." Agathore packed his plate with food, starving. Queen Islanzadi watched as her guests ate quietly. She stroked Blagden with the back of her index finger, contemplating what to say. When she gathered her words, Islanzadi spoke.
"I'm afraid I cannot tell you everything you want to know." Her words caught Kavalnir by surprise, who coughed swallowing her drink.
"What?" The girl retaliated.
"Do not fear, child. I have not finished my statements. I am afraid," she continued, "that I do not have all the answers for you. Your situation confuses even me, as I have never seen two people share one thought and one mind before. I can promise you one thing, however. I know where you will be able to find the answers you have been searching so long for. When I divulge such information to you, that is, we will be in complete secret. For now, I want you to enjoy your meals. You deserve them."
The raven perched upon Islanzadi's arm watched as the guests nodded, returning to their food. Kavalnir kept her eyes off of her plate, and Agathore could not keep his eyes off of Kavalnir. They continued to consume the meal they had been given.
Islanzadi's promise to adjourn to a more secretive location held true. She took the conversation to a separate hall, sitting Kavalnir and Agathore in front of her throne-like chair. The room was dimly lit by torched fires hanging on the walls. It had a warm feeling, though the rest of the hall was empty.
She also took extra precaution to make sure no one had followed them into the hall. Agathore was asked to explain his story first. He testified to Islanzadi, sharing his experience from various points in his life. He elaborated highly on his recent travels and information of the Empire. When it was Kavalnir's turn to speak, she was quiet at first. Her personal testimony contained much less useful information regarding her powerful "enemy". She focused on elucidating upon the facts Agathore had presented, giving her personal spin on each separate story. After both witnessed, the queen elaborated on her information she brought up earlier.
"I have sages and trained warriors who can assist you." Her decision was pulled from the information she gathered from each guest's stories. "You have both seen many different things within your lifetime. I see no threat in my mind towards the reason you were brought together in such a way. No doubt, of course, you are the ones who will assist our efforts in defeating the tyrant Galbatorix." She stated her ideas plainly. "He will attempt to defeat you, and that is the only concern."
The conversation shifted from personal experience to serious strategy thought. Agathore interjected. "Sages and warriors, I assume you have chosen that path so they may train us in our physical and mental abilities."
"You have assumed correctly," Queen Islanzadi nodded in his direction. "I believe in a strong body and mind, not that you don't have those already. Both of you are highly gifted as it is."
"Then why send us to trainers?" Kavalnir questioned the queen's theory. "If you say we have strong bodies, that is?"
The queen smiled. "You are slow to react in this area, are you not? Always looking for the full reasoning. I say what I say with an intent to strengthen you even more. My seers have told me of many events to come. Please do not doubt this. I cannot give away such secrets, all I may tell you is that grave things lie ahead."
Kavalnir and Agathore shot concerned looks at one another. "Grave," they mouthed, though the word echoed in mutual thought.
Perhaps she knows of the same visions we do? Kavalnir questioned this to Agathore.
I have no doubt that someone else has seen what we have. The future these days is not difficult to predict.
Agathore turned back to Islanzadi. "We understand where you're coming from. I believe we accept your conditions. Fortification and protection is all we can ask for."
The queen nodded. "I expected so. In order to keep track of your progress, I want you to reside in the hall for the time being."
Both nodded. "If you don't mind, may we see where we will be residing?" Agathore stood, stretching. "The journey behind us has left our bodies drained and our minds weak."
Islanzadi stood as well, smoothing out her luminescent robes. Blagden fluttered his wings on her shoulder, squawking twice. She smiled, "Surely. As a matter of fact, I will have Lyra do it. She has been guarding our conversation as soon as we stepped into the dining hall." From behind Kavalnir and Agathore, the tall doors pulled apart. The lanky figure that was no doubt Lyra came dancing towards them.
"I will show you your rooms now," she took both by the wrists, turning.
Kavalnir turned back to face Queen Islanzadi once again before departure. The elf stood before her, head raised, a grin stretching across her face. She whispered "go" to the girl and extended a hand. Kavalnir took it, and felt Islanzadi squeeze it tightly. "You will be absolutely fine."
Lyra skipped along the edge of the dining hall, dragging Agathore and Kavalnir behind her. She hummed a tune, it sounded absolutely perfect. Kavalnir let her thoughts wander once again, leaving Agathore to roam among them.
What did she say to you?
Kavalnir's brow furrowed, turning her gaze to her friend. What do you mean?
I saw Islanzadi mouth something to you before we left. I didn't catch what it was.
Oh...nothing. It was nothing.
Agathore chuckled. Haven't I already gone through this? Knowing you, it's never nothing.
Mhm, Kavalnir concurred. Well she just said, 'you will be absolutely fine.' I'm not sure what she meant by it, exactly.
I'm afraid I don't know what that means, either. I suppose in good time we will find out.
Yes, as always.
Lyra stopped in the garden the party had proceeded through only hours before. She traced the lines of double oak doors, feeling the detail with the tips of her fingers. "This will be your room," she faced her followers. "I hope you like it." She smiled, opening the doors effortlessly.
The room behind the doors contained a variety of things. There were openings in the ceiling through which light came pouring in. Vines and branches of various sorts shaded the room, the light outside was dimming. A large round floor bed lay to the right, drapes of gold netting hung over it, partially veiling intricately designed pillows and sheets below. Neither Kavalnir nor Agathore had seen a bed so large. The room itself was the size of a small Uru'baen house. To the left there stood another open door, and Kavalnir could see that it was a washroom. She noted the giant tub in the center, surrounded by more plant life. The rug was soft underneath their feet, its faded golden designs matching the overall decor. On the opposite wall there was a window. Its golden shades were open, light trickling in. An oak desk sat underneath it, two chairs on either end. Gold and white candles sat in a huddle in the center of the table, burning pale green flames. The room had a scent of pine, which invited Agathore's senses to receive more. He himself noted that his belongings -along with Kavalnir's- were sitting on each chair.
Their weapons had been laid on a separate table to the left of the bathroom door. Each was polished or restrung. Agathore ran a hand over his sword, feeling the sharpened blade carefully with his middle finger. He put that hand in his pocket. Upon doing so, he remembered the pale blue ribbon he still had possession of. Pulling the fabric out of his pocket slowly, he eyed Kavalnir's sword. Without hesitating, he tied the ribbon to the handle, fastening it just so so that it could not fall loose or untied.
Kavalnir emerged from the washroom, heading straight across the rug to the bed. She sat herself down on the massive mattress. Her expression relaxed almost instantly and she fell back, letting her arms flop out to her sides. Agathore watched as with each foot, she removed the opposing shoe. No sooner did he remember that Lyra was still with them. He turned, and she was still at the doorway, watching as her guests admired the room.
"I assume you like it, yes?"
Kavalnir sighed from across the room. A faint "yes" dragged out in the air.
Agathore nodded and smiled too. "It's absolutely perfect."
Lyra laughed. "I'm glad you like it. I'll leave you to it, then. Shall I check to make sure everything is comfortable later on?"
"We'll be fine, thank you." Agathore removed his vest, revealing his bare chest. He flushed slightly.
"I get the hint," Lyra winked and turned her back to her friends. "Have a good rest!" She closed the door quietly and slipped away.
Agathore strode over to the bed where Kavalnir lay, also removing his boots. He sat next to his friend, examining the room once more.
"Tomorrow we start that training," Kavalnir said contently from her position. Her eyes were closed. Agathore could hear the oxygen rushing in and out of her chest.
He nodded. "Are you sure you can handle that?" He laughed and turned to her, lying down on his stomach. She laughed once too, letting the conversation drift into peaceful rest.