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.
AN: I am reposting this chapter because I have finally found a Beta. 'Sharnorasian Empire' I would like to thank her for all the work she did on this chapter. Thank you, SE and now on with the show.
Chapter 25
"Greetings, Eryana, Arya." Nasuada said brightly as they entered. Eryana was surprised to find Orrin and Jerome present as well, but counted herself lucky. It would help make this quick and possibly allow her and Arya some time at the training grounds. "I'm surprised to see you both so early. Did you have a restful night?" Eryana studied the woman for a moment, but only found honest curiosity in her words. It was better than the hatred and anger that were there before.
"Aye," Arya answered, while following her mate's thoughts. "It was very restful. I see the Army has decided to adapt a new…formation in its tents." It was half a statement and half a question and they were both surprised when Nasuada chuckled.
"Apparently you are now the center of the army." Nasuada smiled and both riders were relieved to see that it was completely genuine. "And apparently we have a new group among us. Du Shurtugal Varda, Is it?" At their groans she chuckled again. "Maybe we should save that conversation for later. Tell me what can I do to help you this morning? I was not expecting you until the War Council."
"We wanted to check on the status of your search." Eryana admitted, "Saphira and Eridor flew the surrounding areas last night and reported no Empire movement."
Orrin sighed, "They searched everywhere they could think of, Lady Eryana, and they turned the keep inside out. They came up empty handed."
Eryana nodded in understanding, "Very well I suggest that we begin to operate under our second option."
"Excuse me, Lady Eryana, if I may?" Jerome interrupted her. When she nodded he asked, "What is it that you are looking for exactly. Maybe I can help you?"
"It was nothing in particular, Sir." Eryana said, "we were just being thorough." She paused in thought for a moment then added, "But perhaps you can answer a few questions for me."
"Certainly, my lady." He bowed his head, "What is it you wish to know?"
"Where you aware that Craven had vowed his service to the king?" She asked, "Was anyone?"
"No, my lady." Jerome said and Eryana could hear the honesty in his voice. "We never would have allowed it. We tolerated the presence of the Empire soldiers because Craven told us to and honestly we weren't ready to fight back against them or the king, but we never would have allowed someone to lead us who willingly supported that tyrant."
Eryana nodded in acceptance of his answer, "You told me yesterday morning that Craven had lost himself about a year ago. What did you mean?"
"Just that." Jerome sighed, "Just over a year ago the Empire Soldiers showed up with two men leading them. I don't know who they were, they never showed their faces, but they demanded an audience with Craven. He eventually allowed it and they were shown to the keep. They were locked up there for hours before we heard anything from them again and when they came down Craven announced that the soldiers would be staying for our protection and that we were to obey them. He came out a few times in the following weeks but eventually he stopped all together, just sending orders through the soldiers. We were denied entrance when we requested to see him."
What do you think, my love? Arya asked.
If I had to guess I would say that the two men were the twins. Eryana sighed, Now why they were sent here I do not know.
Turning back to address the older man she said, "I thank you for the information, Jerome. If I had to guess I would say that was the day Craven began service to the King, willing or not however I do not know."
"So what does this mean Lady Eryana?" Orrin Asked
"My best guess?" She asked and when he nodded she continued, "My best guess is that Galbatorix simply saw a fast and easy way to gain the loyalty of the city. He probably does not truly care about it either way, but if he could control it the better for him. If our plans came to his attention then he used his hold over Craven to spy on us and learn what her could about what our powers are, and possibly take one of us out." She paused to gather her thoughts and then added, "He knows that there is a new rider that much is for sure. He will also have been able to gage how much more powerful we have become, but I doubt that he knows everything. I do not believe that he will send anyone to recapture the city, but I would double to guards just in case."
"However," Arya added when her lover stopped, "I would expect him to send reinforcements to Dars-Leona because that is one city he does not want to lose. Also, I would expect to encounter the Red Rider when we attack. Whether he knows of our plans for that city is anyone's guess, but since we cannot change them it really does not matter."
"So we just go ahead and walk into what could be a trap?" Nasuada asked aggravated.
"Peace Nasuada." Eryana said softly. "We send out scouts and watch for the Kings movements. We plan, we prepare, and when the time comes we fight."
"Is there any chance of Arya and Eridor being able to join us in battle?" The Varden Leader asked.
Eryana was silent as she contemplated the question. Her desire to protect her mate warring with her knowledge of their duties. The truth was the Eridor was large enough to fight in battle. If his growth rate continued at its current pace he would be the size that Saphira was at the Battle of Tronjheim, which would also mean that he would be able to breathe fire soon. Neither Saphira nor she had any formal training as Dragon Riders before the battle and they managed, but it was so much safer with training. Perhaps over the next few days they would rectify that. Saphira and Eridor would probably need two or three days to cover their business then the four of them could work on some battle training.
As she thought about it she realized that there was an element that they had been forgetting and that would need to be addressed as soon as possible. Once they were finished here she would take her mate to the training grounds. She was aware of Arya following her train of thought but the elf didn't say anything. Eryana knew that she trusted her to make the right decision, regardless of how she felt personally. She was also aware of the other three watching her expectantly.
Sighing she looked at them, "It is possible for them to fight in the battle, but they still will not be able to help with Murtagh and Torn. Until we can cover some of the proper training it is simply too dangerous." Pausing for a moment she added, "give Saphira and me a week to gauge their progress and we will be able to tell you more at that time."
Orrin nodded while Nasuada asked, "Speaking of. Where are Saphira and Eridor this morning?"
"They had some things that they needed to see to." Eryana explained, "They will be back sometime late tonight."
"You mean there not here?" Orrin sounded shocked, "What happens if we are attacked? They won't be here to help us."
"Peace, King Orrin." Arya said, "They are close by. All we have to do is call and they will come if they are needed."
"Very Well." Nasuada said, "let's hope for all our sakes that we won't need them. I want a few days peace before we have to worry about fighting again."
Eryana smiled at her, "Aye, but peace I believe will not be easy to come by. The families will be arriving in a few days and we have to prepare ourselves for the siege. If the King reinforces Dars-Leona it is possible that it will last for several days, even with two riders present."
Nasuada nodded, "True, but that is something that we will address tonight at the war council. If there is nothing else that you need, Orrin and I should finish our business with Jerome."
Eryana and Arya both bowed, "Thank for your time." Arya said straightening up, "If you need us you can send word through our guard. Apparently they will be easy to find from now on." Her manner was teasing and she could see Baldor smile.
"Aye," Eryana agreed, "We will be at the training grounds for most of the day." She stopped for a moment and then asked, "Before we go. Where is Roran housed? Is he in the city or in the camp?"
"I believe General Stronghammer has elected to stay in the Camp." Nasuada informed her. "He was offered a room in the keep but argued that he and his wife would prefer to be in the open while the weather was nice and that they would wait until Dars-Leona to take a room. I think that his tent is not far from your encampment."
"Thank you, Nasuada." Eryana tilted her head and then motioned her mate. "We will take our leave, but will see you this evening."
As they walked outside Arya asked quietly, "Why are we going to the training grounds? Should we not take the time to rest while we can?"
Eryana smiled at her but choose to answer her in her mind. We have been so caught on trying to get you and Eridor trained as Riders that we never stopped to think that we aren't training Riders. We are training Dragon Masters.
What do you mean, my love? Arya was confused, We are still Riders and need to be trained as such.
You are right. Eryana agreed You are riders and we will train you as riders, but you, Eridor, Saphira and I are also Dragon Masters. We are linked together in many ways. We communicate in our minds and because it is a natural thing we will be able to harness that and work together as a team. Both as two sets of riders and two sets of mates.
Arya understood what her lover meant. While they would need to work as fighting together in teams and that didn't just mean as two teams of dragon riders. There were times when it would not work to fight from their Dragon's back. While Saphira and Eridor would need to work in tandem by attacking from above, she and Eryana would need to be able to do the same thing on the ground. What do you suggest, my beloved Rider? How should we go about remedying the situation?
You and I have always worked well together as a team, my princess. Eryana answered Ever since we first met it was like we could read each other's thoughts as we fought. Whether we were sparring against each other, or fighting together in battle it did not matter. Now we can read each other's thoughts. Are minds are joined and we already know that we will not willing separate them. She took a moment to gather her thoughts. When in battle it is possible you and I will have to fight on the ground. When that happens we tend to fight multiple opponents at once. While separated the number that we could handle would be relatively small, even with our advanced speed and senses. If we practice working together and using our link to its fullest we should be able to increase that number greatly.
So you are suggesting that we practice fighting against large groups on men in order to learn how best to work together. Arya summarized.
Do you have a better idea, my love? Eryana asked her as they approached the training field; I am always opened to your suggestions.
Arya took a moment to think about the idea. Not even aware that all action stopped when she and her mate stepped onto the field. All eyes were waiting to see what they were going to do. Those of their guard who were on duty took up their position a respectable distance away but were ready for any sign of trouble. Those of their guard who were off duty made their way closer to their leaders in case they were needed.
Nay, I have no better idea. Arya admitted. How many were you thinking we should start with, my love?
Twenty. Eryana answered immediately. We will increase the number by ten or twenty depending on how we fare.
Very well, my rider. Arya smiled at her. It is your show. I would suggest informing your guard of our plans before you call for aide. Otherwise they might be a little upset.
Eryana laughed at her mate, but followed her advice. She called Baldor over and gave him a quick explanation of what they were going to do.
"I'm not sure I like this idea, Eryana." Baldor frowned at her. "How are we suppose to protect you if you are fighting up to one hundred men at once? Even with practice blades you could get injured or killed."
"I understand your concern, Baldor." Eryana said gently. "But this is necessary. Arya and I need to use every advantage we might have if we are going to be able to beat the King when the time comes, and this is one of them. We need to be able to work as a perfect team and the only way to do that is practice. If we are injured we will be able to heal ourselves. I promise."
"Alright." Baldor nodded, "but I still don't like it."
"Rest easy, my friend." Eryana clapped the large man on his shoulder, "No one on the field means us any harm. Trust me; we would know if they did." She added when his frown returned. Turning to her lover she asked, "Are you ready?"
"Aye." Arya said drawing her sword and protecting the edges. "I am."
Drawing her own sword Eryana protected its edges. She did not wish to harm anyone but she knew that it was always a risk. The Varden practiced with dulled swords in the training area and healers were always on standby to treat what injuries did occur. Turning towards the waiting crowds she raised her voice.
"Hear me, warriors of the Varden." She called, "Shurtugal Arya and I are in need of your assistance. I call for twenty volunteers to step forward and fight with us. Twenty warriors to train with us. Twenty warriors who are willing to attack us as a group." She could see them all shift in their spots unsure of what they were being asked to do.
"What is the purpose of this, Lady Eryana?" She recognized her cousin's voice and sought him out in the crowed.
"As I said. Training, just training and nothing more." She bowed her head, "Will you fight General Stronghammer?"
"Aye." He said stepping forward. "I will fight. I could use some practice and I bet after you and Lady Arya kick my ass enough, I might just learn a thing or two."
Eryana saw his hammer in his belt but he wielded a practice blade in his hand. The crowd laughed at his comment. "Just like old times then, cousin." Eryana smiled, "It's been several years since I was able to kick your ass." He simply smiled at her in return.
Seeing his willingness led to several more volunteers and eventually Arya and Eryana found themselves surrounded on all sides by determined warriors. Reading themselves both riders opened their connection to each other to its highest. Merging their minds together until there was no separating the two. Silence reigned as twenty two people waited to see who would make the first move.
