Sorry about the long wait, everyone. This chapter is for you!
Unfortunately, by the time she and Istalri were packed, her already wavering resolve had dwindled to almost nothing. Are we doing the right thing? she asked her emerald dragon.
Istalri had no answer for her. Leaving the saddle with the provisions on her bed, Istalri glided her slowly down onto the grass below on the training field. She sought out Sorrell and explained her plight.
Sorrell's frown increased increased when she had finished. After a few seconds of thought, he said, "It is not a betrayal of Staria if you go to Ellesméra and try to talk her into coming back. However, as much as I respect Eragon, I do not believe it would be wise to try and force her."
"So you think I should go?"
Sorrell kissed her gently. "Go and try and everything will turn out all right in the end."
Veyna nodded and mounted Istalri, who had picked up the saddle while Veyna was talking. Her powerful wings churned the air as she directed her flight towards the distant land of Alagaësia.
The Rider shifted in the saddle, pulling out a small mirror. "Draumr kópa," she intoned, but the mirror's surface remained a cloudy black, like the last time she had tried to scry Staria. More than two months ago, when Eragon had first reported her missing. Even though the magic was lesser now, Veyna did not push or squirm against it. Staria was in Ellesméra, and they all knew it. She had no reason to hide herself except for personal privacy, which Veyna respected more than anything.
Or, Veyna realized with some relief, maybe the magic seemed weaker because it wasn't Staria's blocking her but the elves' wards against magical influences in Du Weldenvarden. Specially enchanted mirrors were the only way to scry anyone in the forest, and Veyna was merely attempting to see Staria herself. Maybe Staria was ready to come home after all.
Slightly comforted by this fact, she asked Istalri, "Will you keep your mind open for Adura's presence? You know her better than I."
I shall, once we get closer. It will be good to see Adura again.
It'll be nice to see both of them.
Still, I do not think it will be easy to continue Staria-Eragon's-daughter to return.
Veyna blinked. It was rare for Istalri to be worried about anything. Veyna was usually the paranoid one. Saphira said Adura would help us. Do you think she's had some contact with her, or is it just a guess?
I do not know. I doubt Staria would've liked the idea of Adura communicating with Eragon's bonded partner.
No, but Adura may have spoken with Fírnen, who then could've contacted his mate. Why would Staria go to Du Weldenvarden and Ellesméra anyway? Logically she would be just as upset with Arya as with Eragon.
Maybe because Arya played the part of her mother it's easier for Staria to accept, Istalri suggested.
Maybe.
Their conversation lapsed a bit as more clouds gathered in the sky to their right. A storm was brewing, and Veyna knew from Istalri's training that they did not want to be in the middle of it. Though rare, the storms above this sea contained lots of lightning, torrential rain, and winds that could blow them so off course that they'd miss the northern shore of Alagaësia—the beaches along Du Weldenvarden—and not even know it.
Istalri banked left but the wind had already started to pick up. Deep in the saddlebags, nestled alongside the fairth stenr of young Staria were two gems of power. Veyna hoped she wouldn't have to use them.
The forest green dragon increased the frequency of the beating of her wings, exerting herself more in the hopes of outrunning the storm. Drops of cold water began to fall and the world darkened around them. Istalri swooped down to the surface of the water and was careful not to dip her tail of wings in the expanse. It was not a headwind but one that pushed them in fury to the side, making Istalri struggle to remain on course.
Soon Istalri's left wing and neck began to burn painfully from straining to turn right. There was nothing but sea and stormy sky for as far as the eye could see and there would be no respite on land for at least another three days, probably more as flight pattern became erratic and unstable.
I wonder… Veyna pondered, then said, "Vindr letta." The spell worked and her dragon shot to the right, unhindered by the gale momentarily. Veyna's knuckles turned white as she grasped the saddle handle with both hands, struggling to maintain the spell. Istalri was still banking right, but her Rider could not hold it back any longer. With a whoosh it returned, the force nearly knocking Istalri over in a roll. The dragon steadied herself and resumed her arduous diagonal flight.
Veyna? she asked.
I'm okay, Veyna answered, but I won't be doing that again anytime soon.
I think the storm is ending, anyway, Istalri assured her. See there? Blue sky!
Her beloved dragon was right. Within ten minutes they had left the meddlesome weather behind them into clear blue sky once more. Veyna looked up at the sun. They had been battling the gale for two hours, and already Istalri felt as if she had flown to their final destination and back twice.
Land and rest, Veyna told her.
Are you sure? Staria needs us.
I'm sure.
Istalri hummed gratefully and alighted upon the water, spreading her wings to their full extension to keep her afloat. The hardest part was not floating but taking flight again with nothing from which to kick off.
I should teach you to fly, Istalri mused while resting.
Hmm? asked Veyna distractedly.
Join me, Istalri commanded.
Her dragon's mind tugged at her own and Veyna felt herself slipping out of her body like liquid. Istalri reared in the water, flapping her wet wings powerfully to get her back in the air. Once she was at a safe height, she shook herself and said, Flap my wings and move my tail to keep us aloft.
Veyna reached out and twitched her wing. They began banking badly to the right. She assumed control and did her best to steady the massive wings, but the dragon kept dipping and ascending, making her her own body slip on the saddle. It unconsciously startled her so much that when this happened. She reverted back involuntarily to her own body even though her legs and hands were secure and would never slip off. The mere impression of sliding was enough for her body's "fail-safes" to pull her back.
She shifted Istalri's wings and flapped them harder, but the dragon's body still bucked slightly. Remember the tail, Istalri reminded her. Veyna thrust it down and they shot upward. It was like sword battling, defending her mind, and spell work all at the same time.
As Veyna withdrew from her emerald dragon's body, she commented, Wow, I never realized that took so much concentration! How do you hold meaningful conversations with me while doing all that? And all those storms and winds to watch for? Breathing fire and scratching and clawing in battle? She patted one of Istalri's spikes. I never realized being a dragon was so difficult.
Istalri blinked, hiding her pleasure at the praise. You get used to it quickly.
They continued on in that fashion until Veyna could fly as well as Istalri on a smooth-aired day. Only a few hours after that, the dragon and her Rider landed on the white sandy beach of Vroengard. Veyna was anxious to continue but understood Istalri's need to rest and eat.
Flying over the elves' forest, Veyna began to grip the saddle harder in anticipation. When they finally alighted in Taíthos, Istalri's wings drooped and her head spun, but they had arrived.
I will stay, Istalri promised, and rejoin you tomorrow.
I can wait with you, Veyna protested.
Staria needs you more than I, Istalri answered.
Veyna touched her dragon's glittering scales, reflecting the moonlight. Thank you. She leapt like a deer into the night, knowing the woods like she knew her own hand. Veyna resisted the urge to pull Esterni out and hold it in front of her and have its tip light her way. Though her elven eyes could see the ground and obstacles fine, other beings roamed the forest at night. Their blood ran even thicker with magic than hers did. Some had once been elves, others just…beings. Along her journey of about a league, she thought she saw a wolf watching her among the shadows, but it slinked away quicker than she could positively identify it.
Up ahead a reddish orange lantern blazed, making the nearby foliage glow with a fiery light. The leaves and branches seemed to dance as the hypnotic light flickered. One lone elf stood by it; his arms were crossed and he stared straight ahead, vigilant and watchful. When she was only a few feet away he finally looked at her and dipped his head.
Welcome home, Veyna of the House Rílvenar, Gilderien the Wise said.
She smiled and dipped her head in return, twisting her hand over her sternum as she did so. Veyna passed the old elf into Ellesméra. The forges of Rhunön were dark, although not completely abandoned. A lone ember gleamed in the semi-darkness. After she had moved Gedwëy Evarínya, her one and only apprentice had taken over, but there was talk on the island that Rhunön wanted to move back to Ellesméra. Eragon was considering making it a first mission in apprenticeship to make a pilgrimage to Alagaësia and visit all of the races to get all of the materials for the forging of the sword. The first stop would be the dwarves at Tronjheim for a gem, then Ilirea for crossguard and sheath material, and finally to the elves for brightsteel. Rhunön would then make the weapon while the Rider visited any friends and family and would complete it in one week. It would be about a month long trip.
As she passed the magical barrier to Tialdarí Hall, it was as if she had been exposed to a waft of sweet flowery scent. No guard was posted at the entrance and all was quiet. She listened carefully for the sound of heavy breathing that she had followed here. A large blue tail snaked its way along the far end of the wall, leading into the last room. Light came from inside and the door hung open halfway. Veyna approached it and knocked softly.
"Come in," Staria responded quietly. Veyna pushed open the door. Her friend was seated on the bed, braiding her long brown hair with both hands. Her azure tunic dipped into a v-neck and her brown leggings were finer than the ones she kept on Gedwëy Evarínya. Though it was not uncommon to wear a silver headband, Staria now sported a gold circlet upon her brow. "Veyna?" she asked, looking up in disbelief.
"Staria," Veyna smiled, rejoicing in seeing her best friend after so long. Adura twisted around to survey Veyna with clear sapphire eyes.
"What are you doing here?" Staria leapt to her feet, half braided hair cascading down her shoulders.
"I came to see you," Veyna half-lied. Staria's demeanor was odd. From the way her eyes sparkled, she was obviously delighted to see Veyna, but she kept fidgeting, as though she was hiding something and would rather Veyna just leave. All in all, though, she seemed much happier.
"Come in," murmured Staria, gesturing to a spot on the bed a few feet away from her on the bed. Veyna closed the door until it was close to Adura's tail. She then sat down slowly on the bed as Staria tucked her legs underneath her. Veyna paused, unsure of what to say. "It's good to see you," Staria confessed honestly. "I'm sorry I went away."
"You don't have to apologize to me," Veyna told her. "I missed you."
Staria cracked a smile. "How's Istalri?"
"She's fine, resting in Taíthos after the flight here," Veyna explained. "Sorry, Adura, she won't be here until tomorrow."
"Oh, that's okay," Staria said offhandedly. "Adura found someone new to play with."
Unsure of what to make of the subtle hint, Veyna frowned slightly.
"You'll see," Staria promised.
"…Okay," Veyna said finally. "How are you?"
"I'm fine," Staria answered. "It's nice being back in Ellesméra."
"What about Arya?"
"What about her?"
"Well…is everything good between you two?"
Staria nodded and unconsciously adjusted the golden band on her brow. "I accepted my title as Dröttningu."
"You did?" Veyna exclaimed, still in her hushed voice. This startled her. "Then you've made peace with your lineage! You can come home!"
The smile dropped right off Staria's face. Veyna knew that look all too well. "Eragon sent you, didn't he? To bring me back?"
Unsure of what to say, Veyna just stared at her and nodded slightly.
"Well then, you can take this message back to Eragon," she hissed. "I am never returning to Gedwëy Evarínya. Ever!"