Disclaimer: All rights to the Inheritance Cycle belong to Christopher Paolini and Knopf Books
Brom sat at the training ground, thinking about the future. There wasn't much else for him to do at the moment. He was still waiting for Roran to come back around and Eragon was still mulling over a revelation that Brom had laid upon him when they first reached the training grounds.
When Brom had told Roran and Saphira about his past he had divulged his time as a Dragonrider on the night that they had asked about Eragon's parentage. He thought it only appropriate to inform his newest student of the same. Eragon's surprise was expected and so was his need to contemplate what he had learned. Brom also knew him well enough that he could see the boy would be snapping out of it on his own in a few minutes, likely with a barrage of questions.
While Brom was lost in his own thoughts, his hand came to rest on Zarroc's pommel. He briefly entertained the thought of giving Eragon his birthright. Eragon was going to need a weapon and its nigh-indestructibility would go well with a werewolf's massive strength. Then again, in human form werewolves, while still possessing strength beyond what their frames would suggest, weren't much stronger than urgals and a blade the size of Zarroc would be too small to wield effectively in their wolven forms, which is the only time the sword's durability would be needed. No, it was best to give the sword to Roran to help legitimize his position as a Dragonrider.
Thoughts of weapons led Brom back to his original train of thought, the need to teach Eragon how to wield a weapon. He had learned much faster than Brom had expected yesterday and was already much better at reading his opponent and predicting their next move. Even so, his inexperience would continue to give Brom the advantage for, as he would guess, another few weeks. The problem was that with a human teaching him, even in his human form, Eragon would reach a point where his natural strength and inhuman speed would simply carry him through a fight against a more skilled opponent. It would work well enough against human and urgal opponents, but the first time he had to fight a werewolf or, should the worst occur, an elf he would himself lethally outmatched.
Brom would need to find someone much more physically powerful to teach him, and he had the perfect princess in mind. He would just have to wait for her to awaken. Then the trick would be to convince her. Brom wasn't looking forward to that part. It would take a not inconsiderable amount of diplomacy and a large favor.
He and Eragon were both interrupted from their musings when they noticed Roran and Saphira approaching. "What brings you two here?"
"I've decided to resume training with you," Roran said.
"I'm glad to hear that," Brom said. "And I'm eager to get back to teaching you magic. However, first I need to get Eragon set up with his transformation training."
"Very well," Roran agreed.
Brom lead Eragon off to the side and had him sit down. "I'm not going to lie. I don't truly know how to teach you to transform at will. But I do have an idea of how I can do so."
"How is that?" Eragon asked.
"First, I want to ask you for permission to explore your mind freely during these sessions," Brom said.
"You have it," Eragon said.
"Good," Brom said. "Now, I want you to close your eyes and think back on one of the times that you transformed during the full moon. I want you to try to remember what that felt like."
"And why do you need access to my mind for that?" Eragon asked.
"Because I'm going to try to help guide your mind through that process again. Then, once you have a sense for the feeling, I'm going to let you try to begin and complete the process on your own."
"Okay," Eragon said before closing his eyes. He thought back to the first transformation and the feeling of being too large for his own skin. Suddenly, he felt something probe his mind and jumped.
"That was just me," Brom reassured him. He then felt around the memory that Eragon had brought to the front of his mind. He located the feeling of the transformation and followed the memory back to the very beginning of the process.
"Alright, now just follow my mind. I'll emphasize the part of the memory dealing with the start of the process. Then I want you to try to follow that all the way through," Brom told the young werewolf.
Eragon nodded and closed his eyes. He thought back to the feeling of changing and tried to follow it through to a full transformation. Soon, he began feeling slightly too large for his skin. Excited by the results Eragon continued to follow the sensation through. Unfortunately, the sensation soon disappeared and Eragon felt himself return to normal. He opened his eyes and saw Brom giving him a smile of approval.
"That was surprisingly good for a first attempt," Brom said. "You actually grew a bit larger for a few seconds."
"I couldn't hold onto the memory, though," Eragon said.
"That's why you're practicing," Brom told him. "Keep trying. I'm going to get Roran back to his own training." Brom then stood and began walking toward Roran and Saphira.
"Wait!" Eragon said.
Brom stopped and turned around. "Yes?"
"What if I do manage to transform? I'll be naked out in the open."
"That's why I've brought you to a secluded part of the training ground," Brom said. "This is the most private place I could find on such short notice that could fit a werewolf as large as you. However, this is something you will need to get used to since werewolves are not as modest as other races."
Eragon nodded in acceptance of what Brom told him. He was about to return to practicing when Saphira spoke up.
"If you ever need a place to transform during the full moon or even to practice then you are always welcome to come to the Dragon Hold," she said. "I would enjoy your company."
"Thank you," Eragon replied with a smile. "I think I will."
"I see you've become acquainted with Saphira," Brom said, pleased. Eragon merely nodded in response and continued to practice transforming. Brom walked over to Roran and Saphira.
"Before I start on your magic training again," Brom said, "I want to make sure you're swordsmanship hasn't gotten rusty." He then pulled out his sword and dulled it as usual while Roran did the same. Then they both set themselves into a ready stance. Eragon cracked open his eyes to watch the two clash.
What resulted was a whirl of steel that Eragon could barely keep up with. He knew Brom and even Roran were much more skilled with a sword than he was, but he didn't realize just how great the gap in skill was until now. The match ended soon, though, as Roran had shown his skills were still sharp.
Oblivious to Eragon's shock the two Dragonriders seated themselves and prepared themselves for a lesson on magic and the Ancient Language. Eragon watched for awhile, impressed by what Brom and Roran were able to do by speaking just a few words. Eventually, though, he went back to trying to transform. Roran had a large head start on him in training and he would need to work hard to catch up.
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Training Eragon and Roran had proceeded in much the same manner for the next week, with the exception that the sessions had been moved into the Dragon Hold for greater privacy. In the morning Brom would teach Eragon literacy. Then the young man would practice transforming while Brom taught Roran to use the Ancient Language. Afterward Brom would teach Eragon and Roran more swordsmanship.
While Eragon had made great progress on his first attempt at a voluntary transformation and continued to excel during his combat lessons he had made little progress at transforming during the last week. Brom was neither worried nor surprised about it, though. From what he understood it was the single most difficult skill that a werewolf was likely to learn.
Roran was also making good progress with his training. However, despite allowing Brom to continue training him, he remained distant. Likely, he had yet to fully forgive the old man, which did not surprise Brom.
It was after one of these sessions that a messenger ran up to Brom. "Sir!" he called.
When Brom turned around he saw a thin, brown haired youth wearing plain clothes. "Are you Brom Morzansbane?" he asked.
"I am," Brom answered.
"Ajihad wants you to come to his office. He said it was important. He said that Arya had woken up," the boy said.
"I'll meet him there," Brom said. The youth ran off, likely looking to tell Ajihad about Brom's response. Brom hurried off himself. It had been years since he had last spoken with the elven princess and there was a lot to catch her up on.
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Arya was making her way to Ajihad's office. The healers had insisted that she stay and recover longer but she felt strong enough and Ajihad had requested her presence. Not only that, but she needed to find out what had happened since she had been captured. When she opened the doors to Ajihad's office she was surprised to see Brom sitting there.
"It has been many years since we've met, Brom," she said.
"Yes, it has. It's good to see you again, Arya svit-kona" Brom replied.
"It is good to see you again as well Argetlam," Arya replied.
"I do not go by that title any longer," Brom said sadly.
"Forgive me," Arya said. "It slipped my mind."
"Thank you for coming Arya," Ajihad said. "I suppose you wish to know what has happened of late."
"Yes. Have we found out about the fate of the dragon egg yet?" she asked, eager to know.
"It hatched," Brom said.
"Is the new Rider here?" Arya asked becoming excited.
"Yes. His name is Roran," Brom answered.
"I take it he is human?" Arya asked.
"He is," Brom answered. "But before I take you to him there is more that I need to talk to you about."
"What would that be?" Arya asked.
"I need you to train someone in swordplay," Brom said, deciding to ease into the situation.
"I imagined that you would be the one teaching the young Rider, but if you wish for me to teach him the art of the sword I would be honored," Arya said.
"Actually, Roran is not the one that I need you to teach. It is his cousin, Eragon," Brom said.
"Why can you not find someone else to teach him?" Arya asked. "There are many highly skilled swordsmen amongst both the Varden and the dwarves. Why do you need me specifically to train him?"
"Because, though it will not make sense at first, you will be training a werewolf," Brom said.
The resulting silence was worrying. Brom had expected an outburst almost immediately. That Arya had been rendered speechless only meant that her eventual outrage would be greater than expected.
"How could you bring one of those things here!?" she yelled. She then turned to Ajihad. "And how could you allow a dauthbest into Farthen Dur!?"
Ajihad was wearing his own look of outrage. "You are not my surperior, Arya. You do not give me orders. Is that understood?" Arya averted her gaze as the realization of her outburst caught up to her. "And neither of us have the right to expel anyone. That power ultimately lies with King Hrothgar. Or have you forgotten that we are both guests in his kingdom?"
Arya took a moment to regain her composure. "I apologize for my outburst," she said at last. "I was merely surprised. However, I must still ask why you want me to teach a werewolf swordsmanship."
"That is a bit of a tale. Before we go any further in this conversation, you should at least listen," Brom said. He then summarized how Eragon became a werewolf and how he came to Farthen Dur.
"So one of the First Race is involved?" Arya asked.
"So it seems," Brom confirmed.
"I thought they died out millennia ago?" Arya continued.
"It appears that there is at least one left," Brom said.
"Then how do you know we can trust Eragon if there is one of them involved?" Arya wondered.
"That's why I intend to help him," Brom said. "I know Eragon. I know he is a good person. I trust him, but I am worried about how the tasks ahead may change him. But I won't be much use teaching him to use a sword for much longer. But you have greater speed and strength than he does in his human form and I know your skill is almost unmatched which is why I'm asking you to teach him. Also, I don't have enough time to teach both Eragon and Roran as much as I would like to."
Arya remained quiet for a long stretch during which Brom was worried that she may decline his request. Eventually she said, "I will do it. But I am not doing it for this dauth…for this werewolf. I am doing this out of respect for you, Brom-elda."
"Thank you," Brom said stiffly. "But I insist that you call him by his name."
"Very well," Arya said with equal stiffness. "I will train Eragon."
"I will have him meet you in front of the training grounds tomorrow around two," Brom said. Arya merely nodded and turned to leave.
"Oh, one more thing," Brom said as Arya reached the door. She turned to listen to what Brom had to say. "I want you to at least show professional courtesy." Once again, Arya merely nodded and left.
"That could have gone better," Ajihad said.
"Actually, I expected more shouting," Brom admitted. "And I expected it to take much more convincing."
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"Do you know why the Varden is resisting the Empire?" Brom asked. Eragon, Roran, and Saphira were surprised by the question. Brom hadn't included any kind of history lessons before.
"Because of the taxes," Eragon asked after a moment of thought. Roran and Saphira merely remained silent.
"Acutally, no," Brom said. "Taxes are necessary for a government of any kind to run. True, the Empire increased the taxes, but not by that much."
"Then why?" Eragon asked. "And why are you asking us about this?"
"I'm asking because I doubted a pair of ex-farm boys would know much about what went on beyond their village. You two were even somewhat removed from Carvahall," Brom said. "And the reason that the Varden is rebelling is because the Empire has brought slavery back into the world. Corruption is rampant. And many towns and cities live in fear of Galbatorix's wrath. He has razed entire towns to stamp out suspected resistance. It is for these reasons that the Varden fights. I'm telling you three because you will be a large part of the fight against the Empire. It is important for you to know what is a necessary evil in running a kingdom and what is truly wrong."
After a pause Brom continued, "I want you three to think on that later. However, for right now we will be moving on to the swordsmanship lessons."
As Eragon got into position for the day's lesson Brom said, "I've actually gotten someone else to teach you how to wield a blade."
"And why is that?" Eragon asked.
"Because I am not physically capable of teaching you for much longer. Your speed and strength make up for a large part of the gap in experience. The only way that you will be able to keep progressing at this rate is if you have a more physically powerful teacher," Brom told him. "You'll be meeting her at the training ground."
"Who am I looking for?" Eragon asked.
"You'll be looking for an elven woman. She would be hard to miss, since she's the only elf in Farthen Dur," Brom said.
Eragon just nodded and left for the training ground. He wasn't entirely happy that he was being shunted off to another teacher, but he would respect Brom's decision.
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When Eragon arrived at the training ground he found no evidence of an elf. Seeing few other options, Eragon waited and watched the others at the training ground. Most were soldiers keeping their skills sharp.
He was brought out of his thoughts by a voice behind him. "You are Eragon?" the voice asked.
Eragon turned around to see an elven woman standing behind him. Despite his youth he was taller than the woman before him. He noted that she was also slender, even for someone as short as she was. Her slender, angular face was framed by ebony hair and a pair of large, emerald irises accented it even further. Protruding from beneath her hair was a pair of long, pointed ears. Eragon found the almost-human appearance of her face to be both beautiful and unnervingly eerie at the same time. The scowl she had been wearing the entire time only made Eragon more unsettled.
"Y-yes," Eragon said, continuing to stare at the elf before him.
"I am Arya. I will be teaching you to use a sword," she said, bluntly. "Lend me your blade and I will dull it. I will do the same to mine."
Eragon handed over his sword and watched as Arya magically dulled the blade much as Brom had done. When she finished she returned Eragon's sword and did the same for hers. She then set herself into a stance. "Prepare yourself," she said. Eragon did as told and set himself in his usual stance. "Now strike me!" the elf commanded.
Eragon hesitated at first, worried about the possibility of harming one as slender and frail-looking as Arya. Arya noticed his hesitance. "I said to strike me!" she demanded again, crossly. This time Eragon did as told, though he still held back. He was surprised when his attack was immediately parried and Arya pinned his sword to the ground effortlessly.
As Eragon struggled to free his sword Arya struck him in the abdomen with incredible force, more than Eragon thought he could muster himself. Then he felt Arya's elbow connect with the side of his head, keeping his sword pinned with one hand. Eragon lost consciousness soon after.
When the young man woke up again a few seconds later he saw Arya standing over him with an even deeper scowl on her face and true anger in her eyes. "It is foolish to underestimate me due to my appearance. During my time amongst the Varden I have come to realize that I am small even by the standards of human females. Even so, as strong as you are in this form I am stronger. As fast as you are I am faster. And I have had more years of practice with the sword then you've been alive. The next time that you fail to take me seriously as an opponent for any reason I will not be so lenient. Now get up and prepare yourself."
Eragon did as he was told, not wanting to incur this elf's wrath again. Despite the pounding in his skull he prepared himself for another bout. He was once again commanded to attack and did so without hesitation and without holding back. Arya blocked each of his strikes effortlessly and with lightning speed. Despite earlier showing the ease with which she could defeat him Arya simply allowed Eragon to try to pierce her defenses. Despite his best efforts he did not succeed.
"Enough," Arya said eventually. Eragon halted his assault as commanded. "Now it is your turn to go on the defensive," she said. When the first blow came Eragon was surprised to find that he was just barely able to block it. He was even able to block the second and third, albeit with great difficulty. Soon he realized that Arya was holding back herself, no doubt so that Eragon could learn to fight defensively. Despite her accommodation, thought, Eragon soon found her attacks landing. Though they would heal quickly enough, Eragon knew the blows would leave large bruises in their place. This went on for an hour with Eragon switching back and forth between offense and defense before Arya called a halt to the session. Arya's scowl had been present during the entire hour.
"You will meet me here tomorrow at the same time. We will continue your lesson then," she said. She then turned and walked away quickly, seemingly in a hurry to leave Eragon's presence.
For his part Eragon simply lay upon the ground and rested while the aches of his bruises subsided. He had a feeling that tomorrow would be no more pleasant.