Disclaimer: No Characters, plot lines, places, or anything else from The Inheritance Cycle belong to me. I simply played with them and warped them to my own twisted imagination.
Chapter 22
"I am Eryana Shadeslayer, Rider of the Dragon Saphira, and Leader of the Order of Dragon Riders. With me are Arya Shadeslayer, Rider of the Dragon Eridor, Roran Stronghammer General of the Varden, and King Orik of the Dwarves. We are here to offer you your freedom." She answered their questions.
"I offer you freedom from tyranny and oppression. I offer you the freedom to fight for the right to create your own future and your own world. To stand up against Galbatorix and help end his reign." She looked around at the crowd, trying to judge their reactions. She could feel her partners' pride through their link as she continued, "I offer you a chance to join us and fight to protect all that you hold dear. Join the Varden and help us win the war."
"And what if we want to simply be left alone?" A voice screamed out. "What if we want nothing to do with your war?"
"It is not my war." Eryana answered it. "I did not start this war; I was thrown into it when the King destroyed all that I had known. But if you wish to hide in fear, then by all means you may do so. You are free to leave and go elsewhere; you are free to remain in the city, as long as you take oaths not to challenge us. We will not force anyone to fight with us. We want only those who are willing to pick up a blade and all that it means."
"What if we want you out of our city?" One old man yelled stepping forward, "This is our city. You do not belong here."
"It is your city," Eryana agreed, "But for the time being the Varden are in control. We do not wish to rule you." She continued, "But we cannot leave a city behind us that the King can use to attack us from. Once this war is over, the Varden will leave here. We all have our homes that we wish to return to and rebuild." She paused and looked at them. She could hear the Varden approaching the gate. She could see the look of concern on the people's faces. "Again I say, Join us. Fight with us and take your destiny into your own hands. If you wish to join all you must do is prove your loyalty to us and we will supply you for war."
She saw Nasuada step through the gate with Orrin and the other Leaders behind them. "We want none who are unwilling, but will take all who wish to join. You may take your time to make your decision and once you have you will be free to leave. We will meet with your council or elders later today to discuss the running of the city." Quieting her voice she and Arya jumped onto their Dragons back. Once they were settled the two dragons sent a roar of victory and launched themselves in the air. Eryana was heartened to hear an answering roar not only from the Varden but also from the people of Belatona.
I am glad that you are well, little ones, Saphira said as they circled the city, I was scared that we might have lost you, Eryana.
Aye, Blue Eyes, Eridor agreed, As happy as I am that you saved my rider, I would have preferred it if neither of you had been hurt.
I don't particularly enjoy it either, Eryana said with some amusement, But that dagger was heading straight for Arya's heart. I could never have let it hit. This time her voice shook and she found herself suddenly wishing that she was in her lover's arms.
That is an experience I never really wish to have again, my love. Arya admitted, but one that we both probably will again during this war.
Aye, my princess Eryana agreed sadly, But I could never have let you be hurt or worse killed. I love you too much for that.
And I love you, my rider Arya answered as they landed in front of the city walls and the two women dismounted. But you must understand that the same holds true for me. If I can spare you injury I will.
Eryana really had no response for that so she satisfied herself with sending all her love to her mate as they made their way to were Roran and Orik were filling Nasuada and the others in on what had transpired. "Congratulations, Shadeslayers. You managed to capture another city without I single loss of Varden life." Nasuada beamed at them, "And you, Eryana. I hear you were injured, how are you?"
Eryana actually groaned out loud this time, "Who is it that has such a loud mouth" She asked half amused and half annoyed "that everyone seems to know about it already."
The group laughed. Once they sobered Orrin asked, "Is it true what Baldor told us about the Leader? Was he really controlled by the King?"
"Aye," Arya answered "And it is cause for concern. We must determine why he was here. I would advise sending out search parties at once to locate anything of value to him, and I would have some of Trianna's group join in and search for wards or other means of magical concealment."
"It will be done, Lady Arya." One of the Generals answered with a slight bow. "I will see to it personally right now." With that he was gone.
"If the search turns up nothing, then the other option is even more troublesome." Eryana added, "It can only mean he was here to spy and that would mean he knew we were coming."
"It is possible." Nasuada nodded sadly. "We have had I share of traitors in the past." She was silent for a moment then added, "One of the Commanders reported two of his men missing this morning. They were high enough in the ranks to know what our plans were, and no one can account for them."
"We shall see." Arya said with a nod, "But for now our men are in need of rest and we must make plans to verify to loyalty of those who wish to join."
"We have already seen to that." Orrin offered. "My spell casters are ready to search their minds for duplicity and have them swear oaths of loyalty to the Varden."
"If you need any help check with Blodhgram." Eryana suggested, "I'm sure some of the elves will be willing to assist. Which reminds me. King Orik and General Stronghammer have expressed their concerns for our safety." When Nasuada's eyebrow rose in question she continued, "With the unknown factor of the king's presence they felt it was a good idea to have more people guarding us. We have agreed to allow the dwarves, humans, and Urgals assist the elves." She knew the Nasuada would understand the move behind it and she was right because the young leader simply nodded her head in understanding.
"I have instructed a few of the pages to begin erecting your tents where ever your dragons find themselves comfortable." Nasuada informed them, "If you want any modifications made to them, you might want to see to it. The war council will not meet until tomorrow afternoon late, while we allow ourselves time to settle in and deal with things here."
As she finished speaking they heard someone hailing them and looking around they saw an older gentleman approaching. Arya reached out and lightly touched her lover's arm. I'll go see to our tent and have a bath drawn if you want to deal with this.
Eryana could tell that her mate was weary and nodded her head in agreement. Go ahead, my love. I will speak with them and meet you shortly. Do you want me to bring anything when I come? Food, wine, anything that you need.
Aye, Arya agreed, Food and wine would be good my beloved rider, but most of all I simply need you and your arms around me.
You shall have it soon, my princess Eryana smiled softly Go ahead before they arrive. I'll see you soon.
As Arya took off Roran raised an eyebrow. "She is seeing to our accommodations." She told her cousin softly. "There are some special arrangements that need to be made." He simply nodded in agreement.
When the old man was finally close enough to speak without yelling he greeted them. "Good morning, Rider Eryana. I am Jerome, the new leader of Belatona." He bowed to her. "May I enquire about the identity of your companions and as to whether it is safe for us to talk?"
"Aye it is safe, my good sir." Eryana returned his bow and began introducing the others, "King Orik and General Stronghammer I believe you already know. This is Lady Nasuada, Leader of the Varden and King Orrin of Surda." She paused long enough for the other's to greet him then asked, "What may we do for you sir?"
"Many things, my lady," he smiled softly, "But first I wish to enquire about the health of Craven?"
"I'm sorry, Jerome." Eryana said honestly. "he didn't make it."
"What happened? If I may ask." Jerome's voice was nothing but curious.
"He was being controlled by the King." Eryana admitted, "That can only happen if he had given his will over to Galbatorix." When she saw Jerome nod she continued, "When we called for him to surrender he threw a dagger at Lady Arya. He was dead before the dagger could hit."
"Was the Lady injured?" he was honestly concerned.
"Nay I managed to get between her and dagger." Eryana admitted, knowing it would start more rumors, but they needed these people's help so she would be honest. "Lady Arya has already healed the wound."
Jerome sighed, "Craven lost himself a year or so ago. He used to be a friend, but I cannot condone his resent actions. I want to thank you and the Lady Arya for freeing us from him. None of us had been able to get close to him for some time." He paused and took a deep breath. "The people of Belatona will fight with the Varden." He swore, "And those who won't have already declared their desire to leave. Will you grant them safe passage?"
"Aye, We will." Nasuada promised, "And may I suggest that unless they wish to fight with the Empire that they head south towards Surda or west over the spine and towards the coast."
Jerome nodded, "I will relay the message. In the mean time what must we do to join you? Many of the young men are eager and those who cannot fight are willing to help in other ways."
"They need to see my spell casters." Orrin informed him. "We check everyone for duplicity and then they must give oaths against service to the king." At his frown Orrin added, "We have had problems with traitors in the past and this is the only way we can assure their loyalty. We will be demanding new oaths from our own people as well. We will not hold them in service; we just ask that they do not join against us."
Jerome nodded his head in agreement. "all those who stay will comply, though I can honestly say some of them will not be happy about it."
"I cannot say that I blame them," Eryana admitted, "but things must be done to ensure our victory." She saw his reluctant understanding so she added, "You might want to remind them that our army consist not only of humans, but also Dwarves, Elves, and Urgals. All have pledged their loyalty to this war and all are to be treated with respect. I will not tolerate anyone mistreating or attacking others and I will punish them accordingly."
About that time she felt Blodhgram's presence in her mind, Queen Islanzadi is requesting your presence, Eryana-elda. She wishes to hear your update before you retire. I tried to contact Arya-elda but she has informed me that she is otherwise occupied with seeing to your accommodations.
I will come momentarily. Eryana informed him and then returned her attention to the group, "I'm sorry I must take my leave. Queen Islanzadi is requesting a report on our progress."
"Lady Eryana, before you go." Jerome spoke quietly, "May we offer you and Lady Arya accommodations inside the city walls?"
Eryana bowed to him, "I thank you greatly for your offer, but must decline. Lady Arya and I prefer to house near our dragons and I fear they cannot fit inside your walls."
"I understand, my lady." He said honestly, "I thank you for your time."
She nodded in understanding and said her goodbyes to the others before making her way towards where she sensed their encampment. She thought about contacting Arya to ask her for her help in dealing with her mother, but she knew how much her lover hated the idea so decided against it. When she reached the Elves command tent on the outskirts of their area she went straight to the mirror in which the Queen was waiting. Greeting her properly she then said, "I'm sorry for the delay, your majesty. I was speaking with the new leader of the city."
"It is quite alright Eryana." The queen said smiling at her, shocking her slightly with the familiar address and show of emotions. "I hear that we were successful in our campaign."
"Aye, my queen, we were." Eryana admitted "and we now have several thousand new member of the Varden. They have agreed to fight with us and support us."
"That is good news." Islanzadi said, "I am glad to hear it. Now please tell me of your encounter with the cities leader. I hear that I have you to thank for my daughter's life."
Eryana couldn't help the groan that escaped her, but she responded, "You Majesty I would do anything for your daughter, as you well know."
"Please Eryana," Islanzadi said, "Let us drop the formalities when we are alone or in the presence of Arya. You are after all family." Eryana could feel her mate's shock at the queen's comment. They had never expected this. "Now please tell me what happened."
Eryana launched into the story as quickly as she could. She was thoroughly confused and ready to see her mate. Once she was finished the queen sighed, "Again thank you. I know you are eager to rest. Will you give my regards to Arya." When Eryana nodded she added, "And please, Eryana. I would like to discuss something with the two of you once we have settled Dars-Leona and before you leave for Du Weldenvarden."
"Of course, Islanzadi." Eryana inclined her head, "We would be glad to. Until then." Eryana said good bye and then ended the connection. She took a moment to center herself and then went to secure some food. Exchanging a few words with Blodhgram she made her way towards their tent. Saphira and Eridor must have been off flying or hunting because her bond to them were low and they were nowhere to be seen.
Arya had finished with the tent by the time she had arrived and was already waiting inside. She had placed both of their tents together to give them a larger space to work with. Eryana spent a few moments checking the wards. It would not allow entry to any without their permission so the elves would have to seek them out mentally first. It was also warded to only allow noises in and not out. Satisfied that they would have their privacy she ducked inside, ready to see her lover.