End of the Old, Start of the New
Eragon and Arinel soared over the forest of Du WeldenVarden of the backs of Saphira and Arias in the setting sun. Murtagh, Thorn, Arya and Veravanda had stayed behind with the Varden, everyone had agreed that Eragon and Arinel deserved some time alone.
They touched down in the city of Ellesmera to find the opposite of what they expected. It was not the vibrant city they had expected, everyone was clad in black cloth and the robes of mourning.
Eragon and Arinel dismounted their dragons and stood close unsure of what was happening. The scales of the dragons, being the only bright colour in the city.
A cloaked figure approached them and spoke in a woman's voice, "Lord Shadeslayer, Saphira Brightscales, Noble dragon and milady rider Master Oromis and Gleadr are dying."
Eragon remounted Saphira while Arinel remounted Arias. The two dragons flew for Oromis' house with all the speed in their wings. They found Gleadr lying outside Oromis' home with Oromis himself lying against him.
Both dragons skidded as they landed in such a hurry and their riders hastily dismounted and ran over to them.
"Master." Said Eragon painfully as he and Arinel crouched down beside the dying elf.
Gleadr raised his majestic head and looked them as Oromis' eyes opened.
"Eragon you came." He smiled his voice barely a whisper and turned his head to Arinel, "And what is your name?"
"Arinel," she replied humbly, "and this is Arias."
You bear a powerful name. Said Gleadr approvingly.
Thank you, wise one. Responded Arias.
"The new masters of the rider order must be chosen." Stated Oromis wearily, "Eragon and Saphira, you succeeded where everyone else failed, you are our greatest students and we select you to be the new masters."
"But, would not Arya, be a better choice than us?" Said Eragon earnestly.
"No, I do not think so." Confirmed Oromis, "I would have chosen her if I had."
My rider fears we would lead the riders astray. Said Saphira.
The plain and simple truth is you will not. Responded Gleadr his eyes drooping closed.
"Indeed, we trained you." Said Oromis "You will lead the riders well."
Oromis reached inside his tunic and took out an envelope, "It's my will," he explained, "I am leaving everything to you."
On these words Oromis' eyes closed for the last time and both rider and dragon drew their last breath. The lives of Oromis and Gleadr were over.
Tears flowed down Eragon's face as his masters and friends entered the void. Arinel pulled him into a tight embrace and held him close as he mourned his loss.
They stayed like that for a while, but then Eragon broke away and they stood.
"We can't leave them like this." He whispered.
I agree. Murmured Saphira, who touched her snout to Gleadr's noble head and the ancient pair were encased in diamond just as Brom was.
Eragon drew his sword and delicately carved into the diamond:
Here lies Oromis and GleadrLast of the Dragon Riders of Old
A Devoted Mentor and Friend
May they rest in peace"Sleep well masters." He whispered.
Arinel took him by the hand and lead him into Oromis' hut. The dragon riders of old were dead; they deserved a moment to be remembered by the new dragon riders who had just been born.
