(A/N) I am not sure why when I uploaded Chapter 46 it bolded and clumped everything together, but I have changed it now. Thank you for letting me know.
Chapter 46: The Daily Routine
For the next week or so, the Elvin princess rose from her slumber, jostled her mate awake, and trained the skill deficient Water Elves for battle. And her mate awoke reluctantly and got himself ready to train his charge. Eragon was happy to report the quick progress of Estheria's caliber as a Rider. Her improvement in meditation and magic were remarkable considering their limited time. However, sparring was a different concern. Unfortunately, she was not that skilled with a blade. Her skill was not up to par as Riders. It would be okay if her skill was…bad for a Rider, but, when a mere elf could best a full Rider, is when training must be taken to the next level. Blodhgarm was sent away to prepare for the battle himself, something he did with reluctance and with happiness. He seemed to enjoy training her.
And so, in that week Eragon began training Estheria himself in the ways of swordsmanship. With the amount of dodging he had to do, he deemed it was necessary to rid her of the stick and get a Rider's sword. However, her fighting style was not fit for Unbitr or Zar'roc, both being blades made for large hands with a long hilt for one handed use. She hated using one hand, citing getting more into a sparring match and quicker, stronger movements using both hands.
"Ebirthil, this sword is not for me."
"So I have noticed."
He thought about an acceptable solution.
Arya, can you hear me?
Ah…a distraction! Yes, please tell what I can do.
He chuckled at her antics.
Is Lord Fiolr here?
From the House of Valtharos?
The very same.
Yes, he is. He has a small platoon of men that he commands directly under Lord Däthedr.
Good, do you know if he still has the Rider's sword his mate had given him?
Yes, he never parts with it over long distance. Of course, he does not actually use it in battle, but it is never far from his sight either.
Very good, I must ask temporary use of it until the war is over for Estheria. Neither Zar'roc nor Unbitr suit her fighting style and I need to move towards a sword soon or else she will break every single stick we have in sight.
Would you like me to ask him for it?
Nay, I think Estheria should.
Very well, may the stars watch over you.
I wish you were watching over me.
She sent her laughter through their link before receding into the depths of his mind, an ever strong presence.
"Estheria, I have a proposition for you."
"What is it, ebirthil?"
"We can no longer continue with sparring with sticks." He caught himself, "That is actually not accurate. We can continue with sticks, but I am afraid that you will learn nothing more from it. There is another sword called Támerlein, a large hilt for cutting and slashing. A two handed Rider's sword that I feel will suit your style better than these."
"Where is it, ebirthil?" Her eyes held a gleam previously absent in her training. "Currently it is under the protection of the Elvin Lord Fiolr, a captain of a platoon under Lord Däthedr. I want you to go to him and ask him for it to use with training."
"And after training is done?"
"I shall tell you another time Estheria, what will be done after training."
"Very well, ebirthil." "Go seek Lord Fiolr when Valianas is with you again. Take the rest of the day off, roam around the city, I hardly think it becoming you come all the way here to see this same field. But do not get into too much trouble young Rider."
She scoffed at him, "I will be fine, ebirthil."
"Getting into trouble is easier than it looks…" He lowered his voice for impact, "And I do speak from experience Estheria."
The Water Elf princess smiled a little before wandering off in the direction of the city. Saphira and Valianas landed shortly after, the green dragon was getting better and better with the wind. But he trudged over to his Rider and greeted her before taking off to the market himself And Saphira…well Saphira tackled him as soon as their charges were out of their sight.
You have not flown with me for a long time, Little one. I am thoroughly disappointed in you.
Shall we rectify my mistake?
He swooped up into the saddle, swinging his entire body into motion.
Where shall we go today?
Anywhere in the skies.
Naturally, Little one.
The ground rumbled under her laughter as her wings caught the wind. She lifted off relatively quickly and soared through the air.
I have missed this Saphira.
I know, Little one.We have both been so occupied lately.
Saphira? Yes, Little one.
How much bigger is Shruikan then you?
Her body shook underneath him, he took it as laughter. Quite larger, though not as big as Glaedr ebirthil.
Would he be as half the size of Glaedr ebirthil?
A tad bit larger than that according to Glaedr ebirthil.
What else did ebirthil say?
Shruikan is not as agile as I. Years of staying cooped up without flying much with his Rider will do that to him. While he has the advantage of size and firepower, I can easily outmaneuver him in close spaces. Not only that, his flight was labored when we last saw him, I think Galbatorix may have permanently injured the dragon in one of his rages.
How do you say that?
He relied on his right wing more than his left. If we can further injure the left wing, we can further inhibit his flying and he will be open for attack.
Do we want to ground him or keep fighting in the air?
Keep him in the air, most definitely. Taking him from the air will be easier than taking him on the ground. At least he will be inhibited in the air. Not to mention, we have a greater chance of separating him from the eldunari in the air.
We need to separate him from the eldunari indefinitely.
A small force to infiltrate the castle then.
Yes…but who?
No one knows the layout of the castle but you.
And we need to fight him together in the air.
Well?
Arya knows the layout too, or I am sure she can know it by tonight if she searches my mind.
Little one, I do not like the sound of this. Arya is more than capable of taking care of herself.
I know that, but the thought of her in danger is the same as the thought of you in danger. Unbearable really.
We have no other choice.
Any elf can read your memories and do the same task, Little one.
But Arya is the only one I trust to complete the task. This is not something where the effort counts, she must succeed or we will not defeat him.
Little one, are you sure there is no other way?
I do not think so. She will not be alone.
If the king is grounded, then we may not have Arya with us.
That is alright, she will have her job to do, and there are many capable elves. In either case, I would rather not ask them to fight him with us. It ends with us.
Very well, discuss it with Arya while I talk with ebirthil. Perhaps he knows more of their location in the entire castle.
Saphira swooped down to the princess. She was far down the sparring grounds observing two Water elves fight in a ring. The princess immediately turned her attention towards their increasing form.
I do not feel like landing, Little one.
Very well.
Eragon undid his straps and jumped the twenty or so feet left. He glanced at her receding form and looked to one he sought out. His eyes darkened as he found his mate looking for him. A small smile played on her lips as he obediently walked over. Many of the Water elves looked at him as he walked by. Some greeted him, most just ignored him.
"Get back to practicing!" Vanir's voice rang out over the crowds as Eragon moved closer to his princess.
"To what do I owe the pleasure of your visit, dear Rider?"
"Just came to check on the progress of the soldiers."
I really hate how I cannot kiss you now, iet Drottningu. I am dying to.
Soon enough iet Shurtugal, soon enough you will be able to.
Her smile grew wider as she edged slightly closer to him. "Your opinion on the skills of these Elves."
"Remarkable improvement I must say, quite remarkable. You have done wonders here Arya, wonders indeed." He smiled at her, "Arya, I need to speak with you in private."
The princess narrowed her eyes but nonetheless sent for Nari to fill in for her temporarily. They walked through the sparring ring until they came upon small conference room in one of the soldiers' barracks. He finally turned to her after closing the door after them both. A naughty smile on her part pulled his body towards her, kissing him soundly as he wished to do before.
"What is the matter Eragon? You left early from training, is there something wrong?"
He shook his head, "Nay, never that. I sent Estheria to ask Lord Fiolr for temporary use of Támerlein."
"Then?"
"We may have overlooked some key factors in our plan."
"Which are?"
"We did not think about separating Galbatorix from the eldunari. And I feel that is a key factor in his defeat."
"But if he comes out of the castle on his dragon as you predict he will, he will already have separated himself from the eldunari."
"Slightly, the distance is not nearly enough… I need you and a team of elves to infiltrate the castle, find the eldunari, and send them away so he does not have access to them."
Arya nodded her understanding, but stopped halfway. "If the king is on the ground, then I will not be there to help you with him." She gave him a hard stare. "This is not something to separate us is it? I believed we clarified such matters beforehand."
He shook his head fervently, "No! No, of course not. I…you are the only one I trust with this mission. I…Arya, you are the only one who does not believe in failure. Effort will not count for anything, you must succeed, or else Saphira and I, we most likely will not make if you do not succeed in sending them away."
"I will do it as quickly as possible and return to your side should you need me."
He placed his hand over hers, "Thank you for doing this for me Arya."
She furrowed her eyebrows, "There was never any other option for me Iet skolir, never any option at all."
"Who will you take with you?"
"Nari, Ceris, Vanir most definitely. Raerieth, Tydrenea, Blodhgarm, Däthedr, and perhaps Fiolr depending on whether or not Celdin and Lifaen can accompany us."
"Have they returned from Ellesmera?"
"Nearly a few weeks ago."
"A solid infiltration group then. You must know the layout from my mind."
The princess nodded, "I have your memories, those are enough."
"Saphira is trying to see if Glaedr ebirthil has any more information about where the eldunari might be held within the castle."
"Even if not, Lifaen is quite proficient at detecting magic. He can pinpoint the source in the castle."
"There may be traps hidden here and there, and not to mention the Dragonseekers will be thick in numbers around the castle."
"We will be careful, it is not the first time I have infiltrated enemy territory."
"Where will you send the eldunari?"
"To Crags, no empire spy will try to seek entrance into that forest."
The Rider nodded, "I…please be careful Arya."
"As you will."
"Promise me."
"I will be careful Eragon, and so will you."
"Wiol Ono, I will be careful."
"I will call an assembly tomorrow and tell them the plan. The less people to know about this, the better. Only Nasuada, my mother, and the elves I will take shall be there. Not even King Orik shall know, not even him."
Eragon nodded his agreement, it was best if no one knew what they were attempting to finish. He took her hand in his, closing over the delicate structure completely before bringing his lips to gently skim over her smooth skin.
"What is wrong, Eragon?"
He glanced at her, his eyes protesting the question. He shrugged his shoulders as nonchalantly as he could.
"Everything iet Drottningu, everything. I am just feeling rather nervous with the battle so closer. Apprehensive, anxious, worried. Just in a permanent state of chaos with this battle so close."
She stayed silent, looking deep into his cerulean eyes. Her other hand skimmed cheek, tucking some longer locks of hair behind his ear.
"We should get back Arya, you have work to do and I am keeping you here."
She knew that, yet she was reluctant to leave. Closing the distance between she embraced him tightly. Her arms curved upwards resting on his shoulder blades, her head perfectly tucked away in the crook of his neck. Without word, she pulled away and made back towards the sparring grounds to finish her training regiment for the day.
Eragon walked out moments later heading towards the Dwarves' encampment. He had yet to meet Orik outside of the council meetings and it was high time he paid a visit to his Dwarven kin. Murmurs of Argetlam came through the encampment but no dwarf completely ignored him. Most of his haters were cast out after the trial for his assassination attempt. The others were won over when he killed his half brother Murtagh during one of the Empire's attempts to take Feinster over again. He asked a messenger where the King set up his tent. The boy pointed to a larger tent towards the far east. Thanking him, Eragon made his way over.
Four guards stood watch over the king and as he approached one disappeared while the other bowed and let him through.
"King Orik." The Rider bowed to the royalty before him.
The short statured man cried happily at his entrance before embracing him as best as he could.
"None of that, my dear brother! None of that indeed! Please sit, what can I do for you?"
The Rider smiled easily as he sat down.
"No order of imminent business at all. I apologize for not meeting with you sooner, Orik."
The dwarf waved away his apology, "It is no matter. We have all been quite preoccupied with the battle for Uru'baen so close. And not to mention Farthen Dur and Tronjheim have finally been rebuilt and its people put back in their rightful place. I tried to come many times, duty of the state held me back and in such a precarious position with my the new leadership and the traitors, I did not think it best I left yet."
"I am quite glad to hear the Dwarven people have their home once again. How is Hvedra?"
A small smile flickered across his face, "Quite good indeed. She stayed behind to rule in my place while I am here." He, however, sobered up quickly, "And you? How is Saphira, and the elf?"
A twinge of a small smile at his lack of acknowledgement of the 'elf' threatened to erupt, but he stayed in control of himself. "Saphira is good, hunting or resting at the moment and Lady Arya is training the newest soldiers for battle."
"And you? Training the new Rider? I heard the news, quite wondrous indeed. Perhaps maybe the Riders will be back as leaders again soon enough."
"Before then, Galbatorix must leave as a leader I am afraid."
"Ah, well complications are in order of course."
Their easy banter continued back and forth for some time until night truly descended upon Dras Leona.
Eragon?
Arya's voice rang out through his mind crystal clear as the first day he heard her.
I am listening.
Good, I have gathered the elves I will take for the infiltration. We need you here to discuss the details.
I am coming, I shall be there quickly.
He rescinded from her mind, but stayed as he always did, a shadow.
"Orik, I must leave you now, more affairs of the Varden."
His brother in honor chuckled but bid him goodbye. The Rider raced through the streets back towards the usual council meeting area. The guards silently let him in without word. The elves around him along with Islanzadi and Nasuada glanced up at him, but again, his eyes only sought his mate's.
She looked up from the map she was leaned over and graced him with a small smile before raising herself completely up and falling into her usual blank mask. Indeed the usual elves surrounded him. Nari, Ceris, Vanir, Raerieth, Tydrenea, Blodhgarm, Däthedr, Celdin, and Lifaen stood stoically around the table. He nodded at a few, smiling a little at Vanir, but mainly focused on the task at hand. A group of ten Elvin warriors total would leave the battle once the signal has been given and enter the fortress.
"We plan to bring the Empire out of their fortress grounds nearly half a mile. From then, you can cloak yourselves and enter the city from this underground sewage tunnel."
He pointed to the only known ungated entrance.
"And finding our way around the castle?"
Arya answered Celdin's question, "I have the means to do so and within the week, so shall you. We must keep together at all times in the castle. The Twins maybe dead, but there are many other capable magicians in his lair."
"When shall we leave?"
Islanzadi spoke here, "By the time you leave, the warriors you head shall not need guidance any more. I suggest as soon as the battle is fully gone under, then congregate towards the side of the army, and then go."
"If Galbatorix rides out," the elves turned to Eragon, "I shall engage him in battle and keep him occupied so he does not know of this plan. However, should he stay in the castle, I will join you in the infiltration. But under no means will anyone enter the castle while he is still in there alone."
Murmurs of their agreement whispered throughout.
"We have six days until we march on Uru'baen. It will be two days walk there. We will continue from sunup to sundown each day and on the third we shall commence. Let no one know of this plan. The less people to know, the less danger there is of the king finding out."
The small group disbanded as each elf went their respective ways. Islanzadi chatted for a little while with her daughter, but it seemed even she was eager to retire for the night. Wordlessly curving her arm around her mate's back, Arya let the cloak hide her identity as she clung to him for warmth. Even as spring approached, the nights could be nasty without the sun. They climbed up the stairs noiselessly and entered their room. However, their peace was short lived.
"Ebirthil! Ebirthil! Please come out!"
Eragon looked at Arya as concern flooded his face at the distress of his charge outside the room. Racing to the door, he flung it open.
"What is wrong Estheria?"
"Valianas…He…I do not know what happened. But he is injured and quite a distance away. I do not know what is wrong! Please help me ebirthil!"
She was crying and obviously in pain. She had no wound on herself, therefore the pain must have come from across the link between her and Valianas.
The elder Rider beckoned to Arya, "Come Estheria, stay with Arya. Do you know where he is?"
"Up by the river."
"Alright, do not worry yourself. Saphira and I shall find him. In the meantime, you stay with Arya and come separately as fast as you can. Is that understood?"
"Yes, ebirthil."
Eragon raced off to the dragonhold to find Saphira already ready to take off. Arya took Estheria and led her to the horse stables so they could follow close behind. The sheer distress the Water Elvin princess was unbearable to even watch. If this was what that bond did, she no longer desired to be a Dragon Rider.
"Come, we must go fast."
Estheria seemed to gather herself together and urged her horse on after her guide's. Saphira landed close to Valianas. His body was mangled and broken from…something. Eragon could not see what, but it did not matter. He raced down to the severely injured dragon.
Ebirthil…I am sorry.
What happened, hatchling?
Saphira spoke to the dragon while Eragon began the extensive healing. Sounds of horses in the near distance signaled Arya's and Estheria's approach.
I am inadequate. I wanted Estheria to ride me, to feel the joy of flying. But I was not strong enough. The wind took me and sent me through those trees. I cried out to my Rider, but I could do no more.
It is alright hatchling, we shall talk more on this later. As of now, try not to move. It will be counterproductive to the healing.
Saphira had a worried look on her face. If Eragon did not succeed in healing the young dragon…
Do not worry. The damage is severe, but it is healing quickly. The bleeding has stopped now, it is just the broken bones.
Thank you, Little one.
There is no need.
"Valianas!" Estheria tried to run to her dragon, but Arya caught her in a firm grip.
"Not now, give him two more minutes until the wings are healed and then he shall be able to respond better."
But the Water princess wrenched her arm out of her grip and ran to her dragon anyway.
"Oh Valianas! I…I am sorry! I did not know where you were until…until this happened!"
Tears flowed more freely, and the green dragon seemed to have a heavy heart. Nay dear Rider, it is I who is sorry. I tried to do too much. She laid a hand on his jaw, kissing the scaly skin.
"Almost done, Valianas. All that is left are the cuts and bruises on the wings."
The dragon responded by growling as an acknowledgment of his understanding. Arya walked around the other side and began to heal the cuts and bruise on the green dragon's other wing, the more people working on the dragon, the quicker the pain would subside for him. Within the hour, Valianas was healed and alive.
Thank you, ebirthil. And thank you, Arya Drottningu.
Eragon and Arya smiled at the green dragon as he lifted himself from the ground to stand on his two feet. "I cannot not thank you enough…either of you."
Arya looked in Estheria's direction. The Forest Elvin princess's face was not expressively happy, but she was not angry either, simply understanding. "You are welcome, Estheria Drottningu. Shall we head back?"
Arya glanced at her mate and he nodded to her directed question, he did not particularly like the cold either. The princess laughed at his ghastly expression and curved an arm around his waist again.
"I shall see you tomorrow then, ebirthil."
He furrowed his eyebrows, "Yes, you shall. But I do believe you are heading back to the Varden."
"Yes, but…"
I feel like a nice walk today, do you not?
Estheria smiled at Saphira.
Yes, Saphira-ebirthil.
Saphira lazily walked by with a swoosh of her tail, amusement lacing her eyes. Eragon and Arya, still latched on to each other followed after her, while the other two followed them. A gale of wind would go by and Arya would huddle under his arm, seeking warmth. An owl would hoot in the distance and Eragon would try and imitate it quite badly before it took off, eliciting laughter from his mate. It was moments like these that they kept fighting for. Moments of no worry or care of who or what was watching in the distance, moments that brought out the most happiness.
"Ebirthil?"
Eragon was pulled out of his thoughts as his charge came up next to him.
"What is it, Estheria?"
"Lord Fiolr said, when I asked for use of the sword, that I could keep it indefinitely."
Eragon narrowed his eyes, unsure of why the elf man was so lenient to her demands.
"That is good news. I am quite glad. Does the sword fit your fighting style?"
"Yes, very well actually, but I did have one question."
"Ask away."
"Lord Fiolr said he was willing to give the sword to a worthy Rider and not some farm boy. I do not understand why he would say something that."
Saphira growled. I shall have a talk with that pompous, pathetic excuse for royalty.
Eragon sent his disagreement. No, we are better than this.
"I shall answer your question, is that alright Estheria Drottningu?"
Arya switched places with her mate so her voice did not have to cross the distance.
"Lord Fiolr is of a rather high strung Elvin belief that they are better than all the other races and therefore should have exclusive rights to becoming Dragon Riders. His beliefs are fortunately as outdated as they are strong. He does not believe some worthy of being a Dragon Rider."
"I still do not understand."
Eragon began to speak. It was easier if he clarify any doubts on the matter. "Estheria, before I was Eragon Shurtugal, I was Eragon Son of None. I lived with my human uncle and cousin on a farm. I am a human, not an elf. It was there I came upon Saphira's egg and I became a dragon Rider. At the time I needed a Rider's sword, I asked Lord Fiolr for its use nearly two years, but he denied me permanent use of it. I had thought it because of his love for it and possessive nature, but now I know it is because of the prejudice."
She looked away, "I am sorry, ebirthil. I did not know."
He waved her apology away, "It is no matter, it is a valid question."
"What will you do?"
"Estheria, there are many people who will like you or who will dislike you. That does not matter. Although I do not have the respect of Lord Fiolr, I do have his command. He is still answerable to me, his hatred does not run so deep that it poses a threat. We all have better things to do than become stuck on the little bumps on the road here and there while we are riding on a horse."
"Does his opinion not matter to you, ebirthil?"
He shook his head, "Why should it? He is not my family of any kind, and I need not prove anything to him."
"Yes, ebirthil."
"However, Eragon, even if you do not acknowledge this insult, I shall deal with matter more personally."
"Arya…" His tone was a little warningly, as if to simply dissuade her from matters of a simple insult.
"Arya, I have braved many insults, I shall brave more. It is no matter."
Her voice was small only soft enough that he could hear her. However, considered the elf next to them had quite honed in senses, there was little doubt she could hear to.
"I will not have any elf insult you. You are a Rider, the Lord Rider at Vroengard no less. However, to the Elvin people, you are their future King, the mate of their future Queen and I shall not tolerate any insult to you just as you would not tolerate any insult to me amongst men or dwarves."
Her voice was slightly cold, but he could tell the underlying fierceness in her words.
"You are mates?"
Estheria's question was slightly misplaced. However appropriate or not, there was little that silence the curious mind of a new Rider.
"Yes we are, Estheria."
She looked down before speaking again. "Forgive my intrusion, I merely wished to know. I…"
But that thought remained unsaid. "What is it, Estheria?"
In the smallest voice she could have possibly made, she answered, "I wish to know about my mother. However, my father only said that was an Aquatic elf that agreed to carry the heir of the Water Elvin kingdom. We do not have the concept of life long mates."
"Estheria Drottningu, do you wish to have a life long mate?"
"Well, yes, yes I do."
"Riders are law unto themselves in this land. They follow many customs, some of which are old, some incorporated, others new. Taking on one lover to the next without abandon is not a custom of Riders. All that do take a mate do so for an entire lifetime, while they may court many, they will only have a physical relationship with one. You may, if you chose, follow this custom. I do warn you that the custom of your people is not a common one in Alagaesia, and I highly doubt that anyone would take kindly to that view here if you chose someone from anywhere here."
They walked in silence once more as Estheria pondered the other princess's words. Once they reached the Water Elvin dwelling in a spare barrack, Saphira easily lifted Valianas up to the balcony of her room while Estheria went to meet him there. They said their goodbyes, thanking them once again and retired for the night.
"Eragon, how old is Estheria?"
"Late twenties. Quite, quite young for an elf. Really is a hatchling." He smile sheepishly, "Yet still older than me."
The ground shook under Saphira's laughter, You would be hard pressed to find an elf younger than you besides Dusan and Alanna in the forests of Du Weldonvarden.
Age means next to nothing with experience. This war aged us beyond the years of a lifetime.
Truer words have yet to be spoken Little princess, truer words have yet to be spoken.