The Games – Part 1

Roran walked to the Queen's headquarters in a quick pace, trying to open a gap between the river of people storming through. Tents had been set all around the town of Bull Ridge and the city was alight with movement even though it was the middle of the night. Bull Ridge was located on the west of the Ramr River and offered an ideal location for the Games as it was close to flat land, water and mountains for the different challenges that were to take place. At the moment the inns in the city were well crowded and tents had been set around it for both athletes and spectators. The higher one's station and wealth was, the more luxurious the tent was. Each race of athletes as well as the Queens and Kings also had their own headquarters.

Not to his surprise, he realised that getting to Nasuada's quarters was no easy task. Even though, he himself was the Earl of Palancar Valley, his tents were situated further away from hers, and nowhere near as luxurious as the Queen's. Roran was at least 100 meters away from her tent but he could easily see the array of guards and magicians guarding her.

"Name and intention" the Head Guard asked him as soon as he arrived and Roran had to raise his eyebrows.

Surely it hadn't been that long since he had last seen her that the Guards wouldn't remember him! He must had fought together with at least half of them during the Uprising against Galbatorix and then the later battles that followed against some of his Generals.

"Let him pass, this is Roran, Earl of Palancar Valley" a man said and Roran turned around to see Martland Redbeard.

The Earl of Thun was wearing hunting gear but he looked in no shape to be wearing such attire. He had put on some weight since the last time Roran had seen him but his long hair and beard half concealed this fact. He had wrinkles on his face and many grey hairs on his bead. If Roran hadn't known that his second name was Redbeard he would have never guessed he used to have a beard of this colour.

The Guards made way but a company of magicians stepped forward.

"We need to examine your mind" they said in unison. There were three of them, all wearing dark robes and looking deadly serious.

"For Gokurara's shake I have fought beside this man!" Martland objected but the head magician raised his hand in the air.

"You know the orders, we need to examine everyone's minds" he said and Roran unwillingly nodded, motioning to his friend to calm down.

He didn't expect this to be the case but actually the magicians were quick with their examination and very professional, living most of his private memories at ease and only looking at potential threatening ones. When they finished with their examination they motioned for him to go in.

Martland grabbed Roran's shoulder and started pushing his way through to get to Nasuada's tent.

"Apologies for the examination. Extra measures have been put up for the Queen's protection" he explained and Roran hmphed.

"You would have thought the soldiers and Guards would remember me but yours is the first familiar face I see" he said.

"Aye, many new ones have been hired since the last Games, ten years ago. Even more, quite recently. If you ask me I don't agree with all these younglings prancing about. They have little to none experience and yet they are asked to protect the Queen. Ha!" he said and sounded annoyed.

"They are no older than what we were twenty years ago my friend" Roran explained in an amused manner but his friend still shook his head.

They reached the entrance to Nasuada's tents and again they were examined by magicians and had their weapons taken.

"Is this really necessary?" Roran asked as he pulled open the rugs to the tent.

He didn't get a reply to his question, however, because he heard an Urgal's annoyed growl and saw Nasuada shaking her head.

"We have talked about this before, Theon. During combat, humans need to have some weapons. It is not fair for them to stand against the Kull with their bare arms" Nasuada explained.

Theon, head of the Kull Tribes of the East Dessert, shot her a perplexed look.

Roran was usually not afraid around Urgals and had grown accustomed to their appearance and size but the Kull Leader in front of him was the biggest Kull he had seen in his entire life. Even though the tent was tall enough Theon was struggling to sit upright and had to kneel. Kneeling only intensified the line of muscles across his body and the slightly heated argument had given the Kull a dangerous expression.

Roran had fought against an Urgal bare armed during the Uprising against Galbatorix and he had won, but he could very much understand why human athletes were allowed to carry some weapons when standing against the Kull.

"Unless you doubt your Tribe's capabilities?" Nasuada gently asked and Theon growled, making the grounds of the tent shake.

"So it shall be then, Nightshade Queen" Theon said, flashing his canine teeth before he exited the grand tent.

Roran heard Martland next to him letting out a long sigh.

"Don't get me wrong I now enjoy the company of Urgals and think of Nar Garzhvog as a great Tribe leader but Nar Theon? He looks dangerous" he commented and Nasuada let out a long sigh.

"Aren't we all? Roran I apologise for not welcoming you to the campsite earlier but I have had many matters to attend to. I take it you have settled in well?" Nasuada gently asked and Roran nodded.

"My wife and daughter are enjoying the luxuries of our accommodation very much. Of course it does not compare to yours" he said and smiled.

Nasuada raised an eyebrow and then laughed.

"If I didn't know you better I would have thought you were asking for an exchange? My friend, trust me when I say that you do not want to be anywhere near these grounds. All this luxury?" she asked pointing around… "All but a show. If an attack happens this will be the first place to be attacked" she continued and sighed. "If It wasn't the Urgal Mating Season soon, the Games would have taken place next year but unfortunately we had not much choice in the matter. Things are already … strained between us and some Urgal Tribes. Better if we keep them on check"

Roran watched Nasuada's expression, strained and tired but still retaining an air of authority and power.

"This is what I have come to talk to you about, My Queen. We have known each other long, longer than most. We have fought side by side and you know my skills and weaknesses as well as I know yours. Please allow me to assist you with these Games. I might not be as strong and as fierce as I was twenty years ago but I am experienced enough and my loyalty belongs to you" Roran ended.

The Queen regarded him with a thoughtful expression.

"The Games start in less than a week. Preparations are hectic. It won't be easy" she advised.

Roran snorted and smiled.

"When has it ever been?"

….

The very next morning Kayla was surprised to hear a weird screeching noise on her window. She went to see what was happening and saw a white-grey fury cat sliding her nails against her window. She felt the hairs on her arms rising and she covered her ears.

Stop that!, she shouted annoyed at the cat and Maud looked at her with an almost superior expression.

I am here to train you. Eragon's orders. Follow me, the white-fury cat said in her mind and tentatively licked one paw.

Kayla stared at the cat and felt Aiedail's presence at the back of her mind.

Where will we go?, Kayla asked voicing the dragon's thoughts.

Maud paused, stretched and then fixed her gaze on the girl.

Not too far. All the riders are busy at the moment in Preparation for the Games. We will be back just before they start. We won't be missed.

Can I come?, Aiedail asked and gazed at the cat with an expression Kayla could not decipher.

If you must.

…..

They left as soon as Kayla was dressed in full gear. They met Tristan and Laer on their way out who asked about their whereabouts. Kayla explained she was going to train with Maud but return before the Games. She tried not to snap at them, keep her magic on check and be as gentle as possible, but just before she left the human dorms, she accidentally caused one of the pipes, which brought hot water from the volcanos, to burst.

Kayla saw Gwen trying to sort it out just as she walked away from Glieongard and the human dorms in a quick pace.

You, stop torturing these poor human beings, Maud commanded her.

Poor?

Yes, every time you are angry you take it out on someone, whether that is your dragon or the riders who want to help you.

Kayla bit her lip.

It's all this magic. I can't control it. I was perfectly fine before that.

You weren't and you can.

How?

Maud stayed silent and then suddenly stopped walking. She was in her human form and holding a stick. Aiedail who was flying above them, did a circle in order not to lose them.

Carry me, was the woman's response and Kayla raised her eyebrows and hmphed.

How exactly will that help?

Well… Its been a long trip and I am tired. And you need to exercise, the woman's response was and she gave Kayla one of her sweetest smiles.

Kayla sighed, pressed her lips together and gently placed the older woman on her shoulders. Even though Maud looked light, she was surprisingly heavy and the girl had a rough time taking the first few steps.

Did Eragon explain why I needed to be trained by you?, Kayla wondered.

No.

They stayed silent after that. Kayla was not usually one to break the silence but she had quite a few questions.

Is it common for riders to be trained separately?

Oh, yes. It was very common in the old days. Once each of you has completed the first few stages of training you will be assigned to one of the Masters, depending on your abilities.

So… What are my abilities?, Kayla asked and Maud let out a small laugh but didn't reply.

They had started walking early in the morning and now it was late afternoon but Kayla had no idea where she was as she was mostly following Maud's directions. She knew Dis Atilan was big but she never thought it would be possible to get lost in it.

Why has Eragon decided to train me separately?, Kayla asked Maud who was now in her feline form and curled up next to the fire which Aiedail had lit up for them in the middle of the woods. It was still winter and very cold and Kayla hated to be outside but still she endured with the hope that Maud would teach her how to control the magic inside her and avoid any other… incidents.

You are like a volcano. Something is boiling inside you and you need to control it before it destroys you and the people around you, Maud explained, an explanation which was satisfactory, although not particularly cheerful.

Kayla laid her head against Aiedail's warm scales to warm up and closed her eyes.

…

The next morning Maud had her run for five hours, something that reminded her of Stoic's training and she didn't particularly like it although she could handle it with ease now.

When she finished Kayla realised that it was a beautiful sunny say and slightly warm as she was sweating from all the exertion. She kneeled and stared at the ground, her palms on her knees, breathing loudly.

Not bad, Aiedail observed. She was sitting close to the girl and she was doing a set of what Kayla could guess were stretching exercises.

"So… What's next?" Kayla asked Maud out loud and the old woman looked at her but didn't reply.

She was sitting in a lotus position and seemed to be in concentration.

Maud?, Kayla asked, gaining access to the woman's mind.

She heard a hiss and saw Maud returning into her feline form and jumping on her. Kayla fell back and hit the ground hard while Maud pressed her paws on her chest. Two grey-blue, silted eyes gazed back at her.

It is rude to interrupt someone. It is also rude to enter someone's thoughts uninvited, she said and hissed again.

She walked back to the grass on a slow pace and sat down, her tail swinging from side to side while she watched Kayla's every movement.

It will not happen as easily as you might imagine.

But how? How will it happen?, Kayla asked.

Two ways. First you need to release the negative energy. Then you need to gather positive energy from your surroundings and you will see a difference. Appreciate the difference between the hierarchy of small plants and big animals. Usually this is taught to higher level students but you need to learn it soon if you are to understand nature. Understanding nature will make you become one with nature. More at peace. And get over your problems.

You make it sound simple, Kayla said sighing and sitting in the lotus position ready to do the Rimgar.

The cat blinked.

We both know it is not.

….

Tristan skidded backward several inches, his face nearly nose to nose with Laer's as their blades momentarily locked together. Then he pushed him back and Laer twirled away. Laer attacked again, this time with what seemed to be more intensity and Tristan had to feint to the right hand side to avoid his blade. He had to change his style, bouncing back and forth between several of the fighting techniques Octavian had taught him but Laer's style appeared to be as fluid as an elfs' and as brutal as an Urgal's which made things complicated.

Tristan soon realised that he could not beat the other man, because he was neither as fast and fluid as Laer nor was he as strong. He fell back and run with all his force, grabbing his bow and arrow from his back, pausing only when he felt confident enough he had put some distance between himself and Laer. Then and only then did he let the arrow fly loose. The arrow hovered in a straight line and paused just inches above the other man's heart before it dropped to the ground, disarmed by one of Laer's protective spells.

Grohn clapped and Rikon whistled.

"Impressive" Octavian told them and pressed his hands on his chest. "Can you tell me what fighting style Laer used to counteract Tristan's second blow?"

"Elvish. He was swift and fluid about it" Adrian said.

"But then he changed to an Urgal fighting style" Grohn intervened and Octavian raised two fingers up.

"Ah, yeah! And that confused his opponent. He was not sure how to go around that problem and instead he decided to bail out of the swordfight and rely on his bow. Which, on a different scenario, might not have been possible!" Octavian said and raised his eyebrows at Tristan who in turn put his arms in the air.

"I knew I could not win any other way" he explained and Octavian nodded.

"Correct. The Games start tonight students and each and every one of the athletes is going to have a unique fighting style. Some of the athletes might change styles in order to confuse their opponents. We will analyse each and every movement of theirs. Find that moment when they make the mistake and remember that moment. Because it is a moment we do not want to repeat as riders" Octavian said and clapped the two boys on the shoulders. "Good match, riders"

Tristan smiled and wiped the sweat from his brow.

"Games start tonight. I bet you Atlas, the Kull of the East Tribe will win the wrestling" Grohn said.

"Have you seen Giglandin? He is the dwarven champion of Farthen Dur. I bet you all the golds in my pockets that he is winning it" Rikon insisted and Gwen hmphed.

"Don't forget Elena, the elven athlete" she said.

"But for wrestling? Maybe for running and swordfights but wrestling seems a bit out of her range" Tristan said raising an eyebrow.

"How little you know, human. I have seen her fight from up close. Trust me the Kull does not stand a chance" Adrian said in his usual arrogant manner and Tristan had to curl his fist to stop himself from punching the elf.

"Students, tonight you all need to be in the Grand Hall" Mirin said as he walked past them in a quick pace with scrolls and books flying above his head and mattering under his breath.

One last flight?, Vertigo asked as he flew low to the ground and Tristan jumped on his back before saying any other words to the students.

I thought you would never ask!, he exclaimed.

It was still relatively early in the morning, the sun was shining and the riders were not given many tasks, mostly help around with the preparations, but as these were coming to an end, less things needed to be done and by more experienced riders.

Which left Tristan with plenty of free time.

Today he and Vertigo decided to venture to Ramirblaka. Not close enough to disturb the wild dragons but close enough to see the island and do all the intricate moves between the clouds that would be impossible to do in Dis Atilan. The terrain was simply not suitable enough.

Ramirblaka. The flying peaks, Tristan thought. That was the exact translation of the island name's and rightly so as there were more peaks on Ramirblaka than the Spine. Ramirblaka was not just one island but many islands, smaller and bigger ones, and the clouds were hiding the base of the mountains making it appear as if the peaks of them were flying.

Somewhere in the distance, they saw a shadow looming and Vertigo changed course fast and headed back to Dis Atilan. They hadn't been away long enough to cause any worry, nor had they gone close enough to disrupt the other dragons but from their more recent encounter it was better to be safe than sorry.

Do you think we will be able to visit Ramirblaka again without any other issues? I know Eragon spoke to them and they resolved the problem but we haven't visited the island all together since the attack, Vertigo asked.

It's dangerous enough visiting it now as it is. Eragon said to be very careful and not fly too far away from Dis Atilan and too close to Ramirblaka. It would have also been sensible if we had taken someone with us, Tristan exclaimed and Vertigo snorted.

Nonsense! They would have slowed us down and also there isn't a dragon yet that can fly faster than I, Vertigo said, obviously very pleased with himself.

Tristan hmped, smiled widely and stood upright on the saddle with his hands free.

Catch me if you can, he said and dived to the side.

He could feel the adrenaline running fast through his veins. A few months ago he would have laughed at the prospect of him doing intricate manoeuvres in the air. Now, it was second nature to him. He watched Vertigo's form rushing to meet him.

Instead of simply placing himself under Tristan, Vertigo quickly turned around so that his belly was facing Tristan instead. The boy landed softly on the soft skin and then Vertigo feinted to the side, corrected his course and continued flying with a steady rhythm until Tristan had righted himself on the saddle.

The first time they had tried this move Tristan had found out the hard way that landing on the dragon's back with his crotch was not the best plan of action. By landing with his arms outstretched in Vertigo's belly, he avoided a considerable amount of pain.

Feeling the wind on his face and smelling the salty smell of the sea was one of the highlights of his day. As he watched the sun sinking into the horizon he allowed himself a moment of peace.

This… Vertigo started.

This is all I ever wanted, Tristan continued.

….

It was the third time this week that Kayla had practised the relaxing exercises the werecat had taught her alongside the watching of the creatures around her and she was beginning to see some of its effects.

In the beginning she had found it hard concentrating on a single thing but when she had opened herself to the world around her – and what a world there was! – she had been pleasantly surprised to find herself occupied with emotions and feelings that belonged to entities who were no larger than her smallest nail.

Kayla had always enjoyed losing herself inside books. Losing herself inside the world of the bees or in the organisation and hierarchy of the tree's roots was much more enthralling than Princess Alison's adventures. What was more, she had uncovered ways to glance into the tree's memories. Not memories exactly – they were more like fleeting images – but more like senses. Plants had a way of viewing the world which was unlike that of animals. Animals were always moving, considering their next move, never pausing… Plants on the other hand moved but moved slowly and gently as if nothing else mattered in the world apart from the now, the moment, the fleeting image.

When she had told Maud about what she had witnessed the werecat had given her an all-knowing smile.

"Only elves and a handful of riders have the ability to gaze into the plants' inner thoughts and not get lost"

"Have you tried?" Kayla had wondered.

The werecat had hmphed.

"I am afraid I am so different to this creature that its consciousness would override my own. And that is something I do not wish for"

Now that Kayla had completed the first stage of the Rimgar she had started taking baby steps into the second stage.

"You are too tense. You must loosen up more to do this" Maud advised and Kayla nodded.

"I have made much progress with you as a Master. Why do we not get assigned to Masters in the beginning?" Kayla asked and Maud laughed.

"You all need the same base. You are but younglings when you arrive on the island. How can you build a house if you don't have the bricks? And bricks are all the same. It's just that your bricks seem to have been organised in the most accurate of ways" Maud said and then looked above her at the darkening sky. "Now pack your things. We are going back to Glieonard. The Games are to start soon and I am sure you wouldn't want to miss them, would you?"

Kayla smiled and nodded.

To be honest I am not too bothered about watching the Games. Training here is much more interesting, she said to Aiedail's mind.

You will most possibly find them helpful. Games and races teach much to the young generation, the dragon said.

Indeed they do, Maud added.

When they reached Glieonard, the city was alight with torches and flying lanterns. Kayla had to push her way through to get to the Grand Hall which was currently quite full, fuller than it had ever been. All races were present, whether riders or not and big scrying mirrors and water goblets had been set all around them. Long oak tables were in the middle of the Grand Hall and they were covered with platters of food and drink. The smell of roast, spiced, honeyed vegetables caught Kayla's nose and her mouth watered.

"Kayla, where were you? The Games are just about to start!" Tristan whispered to her and pushed her near the rest of the young riders.

She bumped against Laer and the rider smiled at her in a perplexed manner. Kayla swallowed and looked to the big scrying mirror opposite her, trying not to think of the way she had treated the other rider quite recently. All these calming exercises with Maud had definitely helped in putting certain things into perspective.

"Riders, elves, dwarves and werecats, welcome, once again! As I am sure you all know we are here to witness the Games. We might not have been able to visit Alagaesia this year but trust me when I say that the view from here will be much more… Complete" Eragon said and smiled.

Then, all the fires that were alight around them were extinguished with a single of Eragon's spells and Saphira roared and let out the biggest jet of flames Kayla had even seen, which encircled the riders, taking various forms and shapes. More dragons let out smaller streams of flames which connected in the middle of the Grand Hall and suddenly drums started playing in the background and in the scrying mirror opposite Kayla, the image of Alagaesia's Queen appeared surrounded by her guards. On the rest of the scryings mirrors around them, the images of the other leaders, athletes and images of the arena were shown.

"Wow" Rikon whistled under his breath.

Nasuada cleared her throat and the noise echoed in the Grand Hall. Her expression was serious.

"Creatures of Alagaesia. We have all gathered here today for the start of the second Games. The Games are part of the treaty that all races signed to participate in - after the fall of the tyrant Galbatorix - in order to maintain the peace and prosperity of this land. Riches, lands and fame await the winners. Each race as well as each province has their champions. All will compete in a set of different Races and Games. All must abide to the rules. Let us start with the match you have all been waiting for. Wrestling" Nasuada ended and drums sounded again at the background while flames were illuminated.

The Champions sprung from the dungeons of the castle into the arena, all dressed differently. Some carried weapons, others did not. Kayla spotted a gigantic Kull in the middle with a mane of blonde-ash hair.

"Atlas. He is the favourite at the moment" Laer whispered in her ear and she nodded.

Each Champion was announced. Then the drums paused and a goat horn whistle was blown in the background. The sky was once again alight with fire - made by magic - dragons and arrows, and the arena very quickly turned into a scene of war.

A/N: And here we go! At the moment I have a lot of ideas about where the story might go so I need your opinion on a few matters. Just write a number depending on what you want.

1. Enough with the romance and training I want to see some action

2. I like the training but I find the romance bits annoying

3. Romance bits are okay but how much training does one need?

4. Both Romance and Training bits are okay but I want a quicker pace

5. All is good and just continue in the same/similar manner

6. Everything is good but where are the Shadow wyrms? Whats happening in Alagaesia?

7. Pace is good, training is interesting but I want more romance/fluff! (specify certain pair(s))