Magic is Force: Chapter 21
"This way," snapped the bald man. He stepped back, keeping the dagger pressed under Murtagh's chin, then wheeled to the right, disappearing through an arched doorway. The warriors cautiously followed him, there attention focused on Eragon, Saphira, and Karn. The horses were led into a different tunnel.
Taking in several deep breaths to calm his nerves, Karn started after Eragon. He spared a worried glimpse towards Meetra, who was walking at his right. Her eyes caught hold of his and she produced a look of curiosity and very slightly so no one was able to see, she curled in her index finger several times. Taking the signal for him to contact her, Karn stretched out his mind towards her conscious.
What's that matter? She asked sensing his worry.
What's going to happen to us? I thought the Varden would be overjoyed to see the new Dragon Rider enter into their midst. The group entered through the arched doorway and down a narrow corridor after the bald man.
I'm not exactly sure. Things seemed to have changed since I was last part of the Varden. I knew those guards we met at Aberon seemed to suspicious for their own good. She quickly increased her pace and came to stand next to him. Do not worry though, I'll explain to them that I am 'Angela' then hopefully all matters will be put to rest.
The warriors kept their weapons pointed to them. They swept past a sculpture of a peculiar animal with thick quills. The corridor curved sharply to the left, then to the right. A door opened and they entered a bare room large enough to fit Saphira without her being encumbered. There was a hollow boom as the door closed, followed by a loud scrape as a bolt was secured on the outside.
"There's an injured-" Eragon began to speak, but a sharp gesture from the bald man cut him off.
"Do not speak! It must wait until you have been tested." He shoved Murtagh over to one of the warriors, who pressed a sword against Murtagh's neck. The bald man clasped his hands together softely. "Remove your weapons and slide them to me." A dwarf unbuckled Murtagh's sword and dropped it on the floor with a clank.
Slowly, Eragon began to unbuckle Zar'roc and sat in onto the floor and pushed it over to the warriors. Instinctively, Karn's hands moved down to his lightsabers, unwilling to be parted from them. The bald man stared at him before producing a menacing expression. "Hand over your weapons!" he growled.
There was no force in the world that would cause Karn to give up his sabers. Not even this low-life of a being yelling at him would result in him giving up his weapons. "Do as he says," whispered Meetra from off to his side.
Karn spared her a look of uncertainty, "I cannot," he whispered back. The idea that he was handing over his weapons with the prospect of not having it returned, burdened his conscious. Not only that, should any one of the members or the bald man inquire about them, Karn wasn't sure if he could develop a lie reasonable enough to make them believe it.
"Drop your weapons," commanded the bald man. His voice rose out of anger and impatience.
"Karn, please do as he commands," begged Meetra. Her hand slipped onto his forearm and she squeezed it slightly. "Everything will be alright." Karn glimpsed at her with the same uncertainty as he did before. Her amber eyes possessed a sense of calmness and he could sense her trying to comfort him through their bond. Tendrils of peace cooled his unease.
Loath to be parted from his lightsabers, Karn hooked them from their D-links and set them on the floor. Very carefully he rolled over to the same guard that oversaw the rest of the weapons. "Now step away from your dragon and slowly approach me," ordered the bald man, directing towards Eragon.
Eragon slowly began to move forward. When the two were a yard apart, the man said, "Stop there!" The boy did as he was told and stood before the inquisitor. His focus then turned towards Karn. "You! Do the same. And the woman as well."
Karn and Meetra slowly advanced towards the questioner and stopped right beside Eragon. "Now remove the defenses from around your mind and prepare to let me inspect your thoughts and memories. If you try to hide anything from me, I will take what I want by force … which would drive you made. If you don't submit, your companion will be killed."
A knot began to form in Karn's stomach. If the bald man learned from his thoughts and memories that he was not from Alagaesia, his identity would be compromised – along with Meetra's. The two spared quick concerned glances at each other, the other thinking the exact same issue.
"Why?" asked Eragon, aghast.
"To be sure you aren't in Galbatorix's service and to understand why hundreds of Urgals are banging on our front door," growled the bald man. "And to understand how this man and woman were able to bypass our guards and open the gate, nearly compromising the Varden," he directed a finger towards Karn and Meetra.
"Us?" Karn replied, surprised at the thought. "We did no such thing."
"Silence! It is because of you two that the Urgals nearly entered these tunnels and could now be making their way towards Tronjheim. I ought to have you both hung for your insolence." A vein off the side of the man's head began to bulge and throb at the state of questioning. "Your minds will be examined to determine your identities. No one may enter Farthen Dûr without being tested. No exceptions!"
"There isn't time. We need a healer!" protested Eragon.
"I said silence!" roared the man, pressing down his robe with thin fingers. "Until you are examined, your words are meaningless!"
"But she's dying!" retorted Eragon angrily, pointing to the elf. Karn turned his head, gazing at the elf-maiden laying atop on Saphira's back. It was the same elf that they had managed to rescue from Gil'ead. The elf? What's wrong with her? Karn said through his mental link to Meetra.
She also stared out towards the elf and her own curiosity met Karn's. I'm not sure. But if it's the elf that you spoke of and she's in peril then we must act quickly. An elf dying while in the service of the Queen, in the Varden's care, will do no good for the two groups.
Her worry towards the elf met Karn's attention. After learning of her ties to the elves, it did not surprise him if she wanted to assist the wounded member of the fair-folk. "It will have to wait! No one will leave this room until we have discovered the truth of this matter. Unless you wish-"
The dwarf that met them outside by the lake jumped forward. "Are you blind, Egraz Carn? Can't you see that's an elf on the dragon? We cannot keep her here if she's in danger. Ajihad and the king will have our heads if she's allowed to die!"
The man's eyes tightened with anger. After a moment he relaxed and said smoothly, "Of course, we wouldn't want that to happen." He snapped his fingers and pointed at the elf. "Remove her from the dragon." Two human warriors sheathed their swords and hesitantly approached Saphira, who watched them steadily. "Quickly, quickly!"
The men unstrapped the elf from the saddle and lowered the elf to the floor. One of the men inspected her face, then said sharply, "it's the dragon-egg courier, Arya!"
"What? Exclaimed both the bald man, and Meetra at the same time. Without warning, she quickly left her post by Karn and ran towards Arya, even though the guards had their swords redrawn pointing at her.
Her surprise and utter shock quickly battered Karn's senses. Apparently, this elf was someone of extreme importance to Meetra. "What happened to her?" she asked frantically to Eragon.
The bald man quickly snapped his fingers, "Restrain her!" Several guards attempted to withdraw Meetra away from the unconscious elf but she batted their hands away with a quick slap of her wrist.
"You will do no such thing, you smug cur!" yelled Meetra from her spot next to Arya. She shot a threatening glare to the two guards attempting to restrain her and they quickly recoiled from her. "How dare you try to restrain one of your own," she accused the bald man, directing a finger to him. "You should be the one to be hanged for your insolence."
The vein on the side of the bald man's head seemed to pulsate even quicker. His face grew red with anger. "How dare you speak to me like that!" he barked to her. "What gives you the right to utter such impudence?"
Producing a stern and determined glare that nearly caused the bald man to flinch slightly, "I'm Angela, one of Ajihad's trusted advisors," she spoke with a sense of authority.
Utter shock and confusion spread onto every of the human and dwarf soldiers inside the bare room. Disbelief wracked the inquisitors face as his mouth was left ajar, his lips quivering trying to find words to speak. "There is no advisor by such name among Ajihad's council. I have never seen the likes of you before amongst the Varden. You are a liar!"
A fierce look spread across Meetra's face as she quickly stood from her spot by Arya and walked up to the miniature human, coming up only inches before his face. He began to back up slowly; Meetra stuck out a finger at him shoving it in front of his face. "The reason you have not seen 'the likes of me' before you cold, gutless imbecile,
was because I took a leave of absence to track down invaluable allies for the Varden and to determine Galbatorix's forces."
"No advisor would dare leave their post for such a perilous task," rebuked the intimidated man.
"I'm no ordinary advisor," snapped Meetra. "The mission was handed down to me, directly from Ajihad – himself. Now if you wish to continue on flapping your lips to rebuke my claim, then that's fine. However you'd be allowing Arya," she pointed a finger to the elf, "to die while she has been under our supervision. What would Ajihad, even King Hrothgar say, I wonder? What kind of wrath the Queen of the Elves would hand down if she discovered that her ambassador was killed?"
A barely noticeable tremor ran down the length of the man's body. Karn could sense the man's concern, not for the elf, but for himself. If what Meetra said was true, then severe punishment would be delivered to the one that allowed such a tragic death to occur. Not only that, but Meetra was giving him a run for his coin. However, something Karn noticed was that everything she had just spoke, was in fact a lie. The Jedi had left the Varden in pursuit of her own goals, not because she was ordered to. Regardless, Karn had hoped the bald inquisitor would buy Meetra's lie and allow things to bypass the way that they were – without the need to search his mind.
Beads of sweat began to form on the man's scalp and drip down the sides. His mouth was beginning to form words before the dwarf from earlier stepped forward. "Angela?" he spoke with his rough voice, "Is that really you?" The dwarf stepped up closer to the woman and she gazed at him.
It took Meetra but a moment to recognize the long-bearded dwarf. "Ah Orik, I'm glad it's you. It's been too long," she said suddenly producing a pleasant and cheerful tone. It was the complete and utter opposite of her hostile, intimidating mood which amazed Karn how well she could change her disposition to meet specific needs.
"Gûntera Aruna! Guntera Bless!" The dwarf produced a quirky smile upon his face and straitened his jerkin. "Indeed, it has been too long. I'm most glad to see your return. Mine worries are now at ease knowing we have you back."
Meetra spared him an exhausted smile of her own before she patted him off to the side of his shoulder. "I'm sorry to cut this short though, Orik, but we must see to Arya."
Nodding his head, the helmet upon his brow shifting, Orik spoke out to the company, his voice echoing off the walls, "Hwatum il skilfz gerdumn! Listen to mine words! What the woman says is true. This is Angela and she has been a valuable member of the Varden and has served us faithfully for many years." He turned to face the bald human, gripping the axe that hung at his side. "Upon mine word, Egraz Carn, Angela is no spy of Galbatorix and most certainly means no ill-will towards the Varden."
Karn observed in wonder at the intense scene that took place, questioning where this would leave them. Meetra returned another intense stare towards the bald man, and he returned the same. "You have much explaining to do," he said flatly.
Still baring her determined expression on her face, she returned to Arya's side, placing a palm upon her forehead. "What ails her, Eragon?" she asked once again.
"She was poisoned with the Skilna Bragh while in prison. Only Tunivor's Nectar can save her now," he said offering Meetra a desperate look, hoping that she could save the elf.
The bald man's face became inscrutable. He stood motionless, except for his lips, which twitched occasionally. "Very well. Take her to the healers, and tell them what she needs. Guard her until the ceremony is completed. I will have new orders for you then." The warriors nodded curtly and carried Arya towards the door.
Meetra headed after them, "I'm going with them. I have some skills with Tunivor's Nectar and can provide some additional help…That is if you have an issue with that?" she said coldly to the bald questioner. He produced an unfriendly glare at the woman but he did not refuse, "Do as you wish. But no this," he directed a finger towards her, "I will need to search your mind to make sure your story is valid."
Meetra walked out towards the side door, leading out to the main corridor, before quickly turning about and spoke out, "Those three young men are under my protection and will not harm the Varden. I can assure you. Although, should I find that anyone of you have mistreated them, I will be sure to make your stay here with the Varden, a very miserable experience."
The door slammed shut as Meetra closed it behind her. A slight gasped escaped from the bald man and his face was now covered with sweat. Karn could not help but inwardly chuckle to himself. So that's her more aggravated side to her, huh? he thought, remembering how their discussion on the lake shore by Petrøvya. I'll be sure to remember to stay on her good side.
The last tendrils of Meetra's conscious began to disappear as the distance between them grew. What happens now, Meetra? he asked quickly, before the gap between them worsened, restricting him from communicating with her.
Hopefully that little lie will make that piece of bantha fodder think twice while questioning you. Once you've been determined safe to traverse to Tronjheim, do as they say. I will come find you. Stay close to Eragon, Saphira, and Murtagh. I'm sure they will want to hear of your exploits since Gil'ead.
Very well then. Take care of yourself, Meetra, concluded Karn. He was already beginning to feel a sense of emptiness as Meetra's presence disappeared.
You too, Karn. May the Force be with you. The last tendrils of her thoughts disappeared and Karn's mind was void of all foreign touch. The loss of Meetra's presence felt chilling to him.
His attention snapped back to the bald man as he said, "Enough of this, we have wasted too much time already. Prepare to be examined." He positioned himself directly in front of Eragon, the young Dragon Rider possessed an intense glare on his face. Across the room, Karn caught a glimpse of Murtagh, possessing a worried look. He could sense the man's worry and noticed that there was something attached to that anxiety. It was difficult for Karn to determine Murtagh's thoughts, his mind surrounded by a solid wall of mental defenses.
Finally, Eragon bowed his head, "I'm ready."
"Good, then-"
He was interrupted as Orik said abruptly, "You'd better not harm him, Bald One, else the king and Angela will have words with you."
The bald man looked at him irritably, then faced Eragon with a small smile. "Only if he resists." He bowed his head and changed several inaudible words.
Suddenly, Eragon gasped and groaned in pain as the mental struggle between the two engaged. Several minutes passed as no one spoke, but only stared that the two. Karn looked on to his friend wishing he could assist. However, he would only be endangering himself and Eragon, and ultimately stayed urges.
After ten solid minutes had passed, Eragon quickly gasped for air, he shuddered, swayed, then fell toward the floor. Reacting far quicker than any of the warriors, Karn quickly reached out managed to catch him at the last second, lowering him to the cool stone floor. He heard Orik exclaim from behind him, "You went too far! He wasn't strong enough for this."
"He'll live. That's all that is needed," answered the bald man curtly.
The mere usage of those words and the man's tone made Karn's inside burn with irritability. He gazed up at the man with a hardened look upon his face. "That was not necessary!"
The bald man refused to acknowledge Karn's comment as an angry grunt from Orik resounded. "What did you find?"
Silence.
"Well, is he to be trusted or not?'
The words came reluctantly. "He . . . is not your enemy." There were audible sighs of relief throughout the room.
Eragon's eyes fluttered open. He gingerly pushed himself upright. "Easy now," said Orik, he and Karn helping him to his feet. A low growl rumbled in Saphira's throat.
The bald man ignored them. He turned to Karn, "It's your turn."
Karn allowed Orik to take Eragon as he came to stand before the inquisitor. His eyes burned with grit and a smug smile appeared on his face, "I'm going to enjoy this."
Karn never waved or flinched, his fierce resolve showed in his poise as he gazed down at the bald man. "No this," his voice held an edge to it, "Should you try and attempt to retrieve something that you are not allowed too, I will fight back."
A triumphant smirk formed from his lips, "And what is it that you are hiding then?"
"Nothing that concerns the likes of your ilk."
"We shall see," the man lowered his head and closed his eyes, and repeated the same inaudible words as earlier.
Within seconds, Karn flinched with pain and shock as the mental probe clawed its way into his mind. His eyes struggled to remain focus but his vision began to blur. Instinctively, he began to throw up barriers around his mind. The attack was far stronger than he had occurred.
Very slowly and reluctantly, he began to lower the barriers that surrounded his mind, exposing himself to the hungering probe. Disappointment emanated from the bald man. His battering intensified.
Karn winced as the probe dug further, hunting for information, like a nail driving through his skull. The bald man began shifting through his memories only but an hour ago outside by the look, slowly working his way back through time. The memories of his travels with Meetra from Gil'ead to the present played for the mental probe. Certain aspects Karn had to conceal quickly, Meetra's and his own identity, the knowledge about his weapons, and any conversations relating to the Force. The events from Gil'ead with seized and shifted through by the probe, gazing at the fight between him and Durza – the lightsabers replaced with an image of two normal longswords.
The travel to Gil'ead; Brom's death; the Ra'zac's attack; Dras-Leona; Teirm; and Yuzac all were forcefully taken by the bald man.
Karn tried to concentrate through the pain as the probe continued on. However, as the bald man drove deeper inside his mind, the memories of Karn waking up for the first time in Alagaesia occurred. The man was planning on going farther back within his memories, placing him when Karn was in his galaxy, on Alderaan fighting against the Sith Lord.
The man's intentions were easily sensed through the mental link, and Karn was not going to stand by and let it happen. As the probe passed the first memories of his awakening in Alagaesia, he quickly began to push back the probe. Resistance on the man's side quickly strengthened, attempting to break past Karn's defenses. Drawing upon his built up frustration, Karn reinforced his defenses, developing layers upon layers of hardened walls as he pushed back the bald man's mental probe.
A disgruntled and strenuous grimace spread across the man's face as he desperately tried to gain further entrance into his memories. The mental probe was unable to progress any farther though as Karn slowly began to push back. Finally taking the initiative, just as the bald man sent another strike at his mind, Karn grabbed hold of his conscious. Struggling desperately to break free, the man tried to break past the hold, producing exasperated grunts. Remembering how he treated Eragon, Karn allowed his anger to increase fueling his resolve. His grip tightened even more around the man's mental probe, extinguishing it.
Several minutes passed while Karn slowly began to choke out the man's mind before he finally felt the man's reluctant acceptance of defeat. His efforts stopped abruptly and he made no more attempts to continue on with the attacks. Cautiously, Karn slowly released his hold over the man's mind, making sure that he in fact had submit to defeat before fully releasing him. When he felt that the man had actually submitted, he fully released his grip and the man's presence returned quickly back into his mind.
Coming full-circle, Karn opened his eyes feeling slightly weakened from the mental effort. He wavered slightly before his legs regained their bearings, his opponent on the other hand was bent forward, hands placed upon his knees breathing heavily. Upon seeing the state of their superior officer, the guards closed in around Karn, swords pointed directly at his chest.
With great effort, the bald man tried to stand erect but his legs continued to shake due to his exertion. His face was rough as he stared intently at the Grey Knight. "Restrain him!"
The guards did precisely what they were ordered and cautiously took hold of Karn, pulling his arms behind his back – a sword also pointed at his neck.
"Etzil nithgech!" cried out Orik as he tried to push the guards aside. "Didn't you hear what Angela said? What's gotten wrong with you all?"
"He refused to let me examine his mind," exclaimed the bald man. He slowly began to regain some strength, his body no longer shaking frantically.
Struggling against the hold of the guards, Karn tried to free himself, "You forced yourself upon my memories," he refuted, "some which I hold sacred. No one, except for myself, alone, am the one to see them."
"Then you are not welcomed to enter Farthen Dûr!"
"Enough of this," Orik suddenly said, a hint of anger tinted his voice. "Your need to interrogate this boy's mind ends here." The knuckles on his hands turned white from gripping his axe too hard as he strode up to the bald man, staring him down with a severe glare.
"You have no power to refute such an important task as this," stated the bald man. "You may be Hrothgar's adopted son, but that gives you no right to interfere with Varden affairs!"
"If Angela deems this boy to be under her protection then he is no enemy of ours. And it was due to his actions that we managed to rescue the young rider and his dragon before they became a meal for the Kull, no thanks to the likes of you. If the Dragon Rider had died while under your watch, you most certainly would have been hung for your arrogance – like Angela said."
"Silence! This argument is over, Orik Hrothgarson!" roared the bald man. His face was a shade of deep red, his fists clenched. "Ajihad will decide his fate. Until then he is to remain under guard until a decision has been made."
In a show of disgust, Orik raised his clenched fist and extended his index and middle finger to form a 'V'. The gesture, Karn was not sure by what it meant but the bald man's facial expression grew more rigid and his face turned a darker red.
The last of the group left needed to be tested finally drew the bald man's attention. He turned to Murtagh, who was still being held at sword point. "Do not test me boy," he warned him. "Prepare to be examined."
Murtagh stiffened and shook his head. The sword cut his neck slightly. Blood dripping down his skin. "No."
"You will not be protected here if you refuse, even if that witch declared so."
"I will not let you enter my mind and soil it with your filthy touch," said Murtagh through clenched teeth.
"If you refuse, then I will take what I want by force!" He stepped forward and placed his palm on Murtagh's brow, clenching his hand to hold him in place. Murtagh stiffened, his face growing as hard as iron, fists clenched, neck muscles bulging. He was obviously fighting the attack with all his strength. The bald man bared his teeth with fury and frustration at the resistance; his fingers dug mercilessly into Murtagh.
Karn struggled even harder to break free of the guards' hold on him. However, he struggled to determine if he should assist Murtagh. If he did, he would only be putting the man's life at risk.
Orik scowled darkly as he watched the combatants. "Ilf carnz orodûm," he muttered, then leapt forward and cried, "That is enough!" he grabbed the bald man's arm and tore him away from Murtagh with strength disproportional to his size.
The bald man stumbled back, then turned on Orik furiously. "How dare you!" he shouted. "You question my leadership, opened the gates without permission, and now this! You've shown nothing but insolence and treachery. Do you really think the king and Ajihad will protect you now?"
Orik bristled and pointed to Murtagh, whose breath came in great heaves. "We do not have any right to torture him for information! For any of them! Ajihad won't sanction it. Not after you've examined the Rider and found him free of fault, received confirmation from Angela about the other two that they not bring harm to the Varden. And they've brought us Arya."
"Would you allow them to enter unchallenged? Are you so great a fool as to put us all at risk?" demanded the bald man. His eyes were feral with loosely chained rage; he looked as if he was ready to tear the dwarf into pieces.
"Can either of them use magic?"
"That is-"
"Can either of them use magic?" roared Orik, his deep voice echoing in the room. The bald man's face suddenly grew expressionless. He clasped his hand behind his back.
"This one cannot," he directed towards Murtagh. "However, this one can," pointing at Karn.
The guards securing Karn all produced worried looks at each other, their blades moved closer towards him. Orik gazed at the young Grey Knight with newfound worry but approached him. "Do you mean to harm us, sorcerer?"
Thinking back Karn quickly remembered the first time he had met Brom and Eragon. The old Dragon Rider's words echoing through his mind, The ancient language. It governs the laws of the land. It is impossible to lie in the Ancient Language because words spoken in the language are unquestionably true.
Recalling back to the first words he spoke in the ancient language, Karn repeated them to the dwarf, "Fricai onr eka eddyr, eka weohnata néiat haina du Varden." I am a friend, and I will not harm the Varden. The sudden surprise that occurred on the bald man's face made Karn realize that what he said must have held truth. From what Brom had told him, no one could lie while speaking in the ancient language. To speak in the ancient language, one must be speaking truthfully. If Karn spoke that he meant no harm to the Varden in the ancient language then his credibility was sound.
Orik must have caught the change in the bald man's expression, "That's the ancient language, isn't it?" The bald man simply stood and spoke nothing. "What did he say then?"
"I am a friend, and I will not harm the Varden," repeated Karn in normal tongue. "The ancient language forbids anyone from lying while they speak it. My words are truth." He stared at the dwarve and tried to must as much sincerity he could with his gaze.
Pulling on his beard hairs, Orik nodded in affirmation, "If what the boy says is true, and one cannot lie while speaking the elves' tongue, then the boy speaks truth. Correct?"
The old man still continued to not utter a word. His surprise and anger still shown on his face. "Then what do you fear then?" asked Orik. "It's impossible for them to escape. That boy can't use magic, and this one has proven he will not harm us. Even if he did use it against us, I'm sure your powers would be more than sufficient to stop him. But don't listen to me; ask Ajihad what he wants done with the two."
The bald man stared at Orik for a moment, his face indecipherable, then looked at the ceiling and closed his eyes. A peculiar stiffness set into his shoulders while his lips moved soundlessly. An intense frown wrinkled the pale skin above his eyes, and his fingers clenched as they were throttling an invisible enemy. For several minutes he stood thus, wrapped in silent communication.
When he opened his eyes, he produced an intimidating glare towards the dwarf and snapped at the warriors, "Take them away! I've sent word to Ajihad of this predicament. He will decide your fates upon arrival in Farthen Dûr." With those words he turned on his heel and stalked out of the room, his red scalping returning to its natural hue as he passed the lantern lights.
"Thank you," whispered Eragon to Orik.
"Agreed, you effort was most well needed," mentioned Karn.
The dwarf grunted. "I'll make sure to get you three some food as we travel towards Farthen Dûr." He headed towards the door as the guards formed a circle around Eragon, Saphira, Karn, and Murtagh. The cut on his neck continued to drip blood; he applied pressure to stop the bleeding.
Outside in the corridor, Tornac and Snowfire were waiting outside for their master's return. "Can we get our weapons back," asked Eragon.
The bald man, who sat waiting impatiently outside in the corridor looked at him with disdain. "Your weapons will be returned to you when Ajihad sees fit, not before.
Passing through the corridor, the group entered the huge tunnel through which they had entered the mountain, "You will ride single file down the center of the tunnel," instructed the bald man. "If you attempt to go anywhere else, you will be stopped." Eragon started to climb onto Saphira when the bald man shouted, "No! Ride your horse until I tell you otherwise."
Eragon took Snowfire's reins as he and Murtagh mounted their horses. Karn positioned himself in the back behind the two, aligning himself next to Saphira. The bald man examined their small line, then gestured at the warriors, who divided in half to surround them, giving Saphira as wide a berth as possible. Orik and the bald man went to the head of the procession.
After looking over once more, the bald man clapped twice and stared walking forward. Eragon tapped Snowfire lightly on his flanks. The entire group headed toward the heart of the mountain. Echoes filled the tunnel as the horses' hooves struck against the hard floor. Doors and gates occasionally disturbed the smooth walls, but they were always closed.
Karn took some time to marvel at the sheer size of the tunnel, never before had he seen such intricate styles of architecture. As they proceeded, Karn could only begin to fathom what the leader of the Varden must have been like. More importantly, how merciful he could actually be. Meetra told him that she would come and find him and he believed her; he only hoped that she could somehow resolve this whole issue before things gotten worse.
After a short period of time, Karn felt Saphira's presence press against his mind. Lowering his barriers, her mind melded with his. Karn, do you mind if I speak to you?
Of course not Saphira. What appears to be on you mind?
One moment. She paused as her mind went elsewhere. Soon another presence touched him, Karn new instantly that it was Eragon's.
What's the matter? He asked them both.
For some time since after our escape from Gil'ead, we had worried about you. said Saphira. What happened after we had gone?
Did you kill Durza? Eragon's voice quickly followed.
I'll show you. Shifting through his memories, Karn showed Saphira and Eragon the events that occurred following their escape. The memories played on, showing his traumatic duel against Durza. Awe struck the dragon and rider when they saw how hard he had fought, even after being wounded severely several times before ultimately striking him down.
The memories continued own, showing his rescue by Meetra and Solembum, to his wakening after being healed. His identity revealed to her and her agreement to train him to help control his emotions. Their travels towards south across the Empire and into Surda where at Aberon they managed to gain an audience with a Varden agent who escorted them into the dwarven tunnels.
For three days they traveled along the roads before reaching the dwarven outpost by Lake Kóstha-mérna. It was there that Karn felt Eragon's presence and the hulking mass of the Urgal forces. With Meetra's help, the two managed to convince Orik to go against the bald man's orders to open the mountain gates, allowing them the opportunity to rescue you.
A lot has certainly happened to you since we've been parted. Mentioned Eragon.
Yes, there has.
Are you in better control of yourself, now? Asked Saphira. He could sense both her and Eragon's worry about him. After how they saw his memories and emotions during the fight with Durza, Karn could not help but understand why they were worried.
Indeed I have. It is thanks to Angela's help that I have gained control over my feelings.
That is most pleasant news to hear.
I'm just glad that we managed to find each other, once again. It wasn't the same without you here, Karn. Admitted Eragon.
I know exactly how you feel. I've missed you both as well. But tell me, how'd you managed to find the Varden?
The elf we managed to rescue from Gil'ead. Her name is Arya. She imparted to me the knowledge on where to find the Varden. Eragon spent a great length of time describing the events following their escape: their travel to the Ramr River, the drastic decision to traverse the Hadarac Desert, communicating with Arya and discovering that she had been poisoned, the desperate attempt to arrive at the Varden before she died, the struggle to outrun the Kull at Lake Kóstha-mérna.
It seems you and Saphira have had an adventure of your own.
Eragon's came with hesitance, Yes…yes we have.
Karn could sense a conflict of emotions coming from within Eragon. He was debating on telling him something. Something which seemed to be quite important. Everything alright, Eragon?
I'm…having a difficult time coping with some disturbing news.
What news have you learned that's left you so conflicted?
He needs to know. Spoke Saphira. Her words were urgent. Sooner or later, he will find out.
What's going on? Asked Karn worriedly.
It's not my secret that I should reveal, though! Eragon spoke with much emotion in his voice.
If you won't then I will. Concluded Saphira. Eragon's emotions were still left in conflict but there was a slight urge to have Saphira refrain herself. But she spoke out their concern before he could do anything. Murtagh…He's the son of Morzan, one of the Forsworn.
Immediate shock surged through his mind as the truth was laid out before him. How do you know this?
He told us…spoke Eragon with some sense of guiltiness. I did not want to reveal his secret without his permission. But that option seems to have bypass me now.
Has he made any attempt to harm you? asked Karn in a state of concern. He had heard Brom mention of the Forsworn and of their treachery towards the Dragon Riders as the sided with Galbatorix. Morzan was the king's right-hand and most loyal servant of the group.
No he has not yet, admitted Saphira. But the mere fact that he is the son of Morzan puts us at risk. I do not wish to accept the harsh reality of Murtagh's birth but we must.
So why is are you, Eragon, so conflicted? Curiously Karn asked.
He was silent for several moments formulating his thoughts and evaluating his emotions before he spoke. He's helped us every step of the way since Brom's death. Not once has he ever made an attempt on mine or Saphira's life. He's been loyal as a companion to have helped us reach this far…I view him as I do you Karn, a friend. But now the truth of his lineage has left me in troubled. Should I trust him still as a friend? Or treat him as my enemy?
Karn was quiet and retreated into himself, allowing him some moments of peace to consider Eragon's feelings. It seemed perfectly natural to have a trust issue with someone, whom you considered to be a friend, once some horrific truth about them comes to light. If he was in Eragon's boots, he would naturally feel a sense of betrayal towards that person.
The sudden though of Meetra was brought forth as he made that notion. Having been put through that same situation, Karn knew how he would actually behavior. Coming out of his train of thoughts he spoke to Eragon, and Saphira. I can understand where your feelings lie, both of you. For someone to have such a secret as dark as Murtagh's, it is clear why he has wanted to keep it hidden. And for you both to have conflicting views. However, you should not let it cloud your overall opinion of him. Murtagh has offered his help, willingly, since Brom's death. He risked his life to rescue you, Eragon, from Gil'ead. And against all odds, he's remained by your side.
He stopped allowing his words to float between the two and settle within their minds. Their conflicting emotions continued on, more so with Eragon than with Saphira. Ask yourself, what would you do if you were Murtagh? The question seemed to hit Eragon the hardest as he pondered the idea. For some time, the boy was quiet. His emotions fought between acceptance and rejection. However, the longer he thought about it, Karn could feel him begin to sway.
If I were Murtagh…I suppose I would do the same. Admitted Eragon.
It is important to judge someone's worth based upon their past, Karn noted. But it is equally as important to gauge them based from their actions. Murtagh has done nothing to harm any of us. I will believe that Murtagh holds no ill-will against us and will continue to trust him. That is my opinion. You two may take it as you will.
Saphira and Eragon made no more effort to talk about the subject as they thought over Karn's words. The two retracted from his mind and left to engage in their own silent conversation. Hopefully the words that he imparted to the two will change their mentality; just like he did when Meetra revealed herself to him.
For nearly an hour the bald man led them through the tunnel, nevery straying nor turning. At last a soft white glow became visible ahead of them. Karn strained his eyes, trying to discern its source, but it was too far away to make out any details. However, he could sense a vast sea of consciences – hundreds perhaps thousands of lifeforms were just beyond the light. The glow increased in strength as they neared it.
The bald man stopped and raised a hand. He turned to Eragon. "You will ride upon your dragon now. Do not attempt to fly away. There will be people watching, so remember who and what you are." His attention focused onto Karn and pointed towards Snowfire. "You. Mount the horse."
Eragon dismounted Snowfire, handing the reins over to him, and made his way onto Saphira's saddle. "Good," said the bald man after inspecting the column. He and Orik retreated to either side of Saphira, staying far enough back so she was clearly in the lead. "Now walk to the doors, and once they open, follow the path. Go slowly."
Following behind Saphira, Karn directed Snowfire to the end of the tunnel. Soon he could finally make out his surroundings. Marble pillars laced with gems of a variety of colors stood in rows on both walls. Scores of lanterns hung between the pillars, suffusing the air with liquid brilliance. At the end of the hallway rested two colossal black doors, accented by shimmering silver lines that depicted a seven-pointed crown that spanned both sides.
As they approached the giant black doors, the sound of stone grinding upon stone resonated throughout the tunnel as the doors slowly began to open. As the rift widened between them, rays of sunlight streamed into the tunnel, falling on the column. Temporarily blinded, Eragon blinked and had to squint to readjust his eyes. What laid before made him gasp.
The tunnel exited them into a large volcanic crater. Its walls narrowed to a small ragged opening so high above that Karn could only imagine the distance – at least a dozen miles. A soft beam of light fell through the aperture, illuminating the crater's center, though it left the rest of the cavernous expanse in hushed twilight.
He lowered his gaze and saw a wide cobblestone path ran straight to the center of the crater, where it ended at the base of a snowy-white mountain that glittered like an uncut gem with thousands of colors lights. It was less than a tenth of the height of the crater that loomed over and around it, but its diminutive appearance was deceiving, for it was slightly higher than a mile.
Long as it was, the tunnel had only taken them through one side of the crater wall. As Karn marveled at the object of the earth's creation, he heard Orik say deeply, "Look well, humans, and gaze at the brilliance that is Farthen Dûr – discovered thousands of years ago by the father of our race, Korgan, while he tunneled for gold. And in the center stands our greatest achievement: tronjheim, the city-mountain built from the purest marble."
That is a city?! Expressed Karn with utter amazement.
The sound of voices rose up from farther down the road and it was then that Karn saw the crowd. A large expanse of people had crowded the entrance to the tunnel. They lined the cobblestone pathway – dwarves and humans packed together like trees in a thicket. There were hundreds… thousands of them. Every eye, every face was focused on the column – more specifically on Eragon.
Anxiety seemed to cover the entirety of the boy, Karn could see it. His body shook slightly, and he could see sweat begin to cumulate. Eragon remained silent and still upon Saphira, frozen by the spectators. The people gazed up at the rider with taut expressions – as if they were an injured animal when a predator was close by.
Instantly, Karn understood the magnitude of the situation. They needed to see Eragon, to regain hope that the Varden had not lost its cause. Their morale is low!
Sending out his thoughts towards Eragon, Karn spoke clearly in his mind. You need to do something Eragon! They came to see you, you need to show them your support.
A bead of sweat rolled down Eragon's face, but he did not make an effort to wipe it away. What should I do? He asked frantically.
Smile, raise your hand, anything! Saphira's voice replied sharply through his mind.
Eragon tried to force out a smile, but his lips only twitched. Slowly, he pushed a hand into the air, jerking it in a little wave. When nothing happened, he flushed with embarrassment, lowered his arm, and ducked his head.
Before Karn could offer him any more advice, a single cheer broke the silence. Someone clapped loudly. For a brief second the crowd hesitated, then a wild roar swpet through it, and a wave of sound crashed over the column.
"Very good, Rider," said the bald man from in front of Karn. "Now start walking."
The column progressed down the cobblestone path, the crowd followed close behind them, giving Saphira plenty of room. They neared the city-mountain, and Karn saw that the white marble of Tronjheim was highly polished. Colored lanterns hung from every window, casting a soft glow on the surrounding rock. Directly ahead, two thirty-foot-high gold statues of an unknown creature guarded a massive timber gate.
The heavy gate rumbled open before them as hidden chains slowly raised the mammoth beams. A four-story-high passageway extended straight towards the center of Tronjheim. The top three levels were pierced by rows of archways that revealed grey tunnels curving off into the distance. Clumps of people filled the arches, eagerly watching the procession. On ground level, however, the archways were barred by stout doors. Rich tapestries hung between the different levels, embroidered with heroic figures and tumultuous battles scense.
A cheer rang in their ears Saphira stepped into the hall and paraded down it. Eragon raised his hand, eliciting another roar from the throng, though many of the dwarves did not join the welcoming shout.
The mile-long hall ended in an arch flanked by black onyx pillars. Yellow zircons three times the size of a man capped the dark columns, coruscating piercing gold beams along the hall. Saphira stepped through the opening, then stopped and craned back her neck, humming deeply in her chest.
They were in a circular room, perhaps a thousand feet across, that reached up to Tronjheim's peak a mile overhead, narrowing as it rose. The walls were lined with arches – one row for each level of the city-mountain- and the floor was made of polished carnelian, upon which was etched a hammer girdled by twelve silver pentacles, like on Orik's helm.
The room was a nexus for four hallways – including the one they had exited from. The halls were identical except for the one opposite to Karn. To the right and left of the hall were tall arches that opened to descending stairs, which mirrored each other as they curved underground.
Karn could only gape with wonder. Never before had he ever seen a city of this grandeur. The bald man walked in front of Saphira and said, "You must go on foot from here." There was scattered booing from the crowd as he spoke. A dwarf took Tornac and Snowfire away after Karn and Murtagh had dismounted. Eragon dismounted Saphira but stayed by her side as the bald man led them across the carnelian floor to the right-hand hallway.
They followed it for several hundred feet, then entered a smaller corridor. Their guards remained, despite the cramped space. After four sharp turns, they came to a massive cedar door, stained black with age. The bald man pulled it open and conducted everyone but the guards inside.