Magic is Force: Chapter 24
On the morning of their third day in Tronjheim, Eragon rolled out of bed refreshed and energized. He belted Zar'roc to his waist and slung his bow and half-full quiver across his back. After a leisurely flight inside Farthen Dûr with Saphira, he met Orik by one of Tronjheim's four main gates.
"What ho, Eragon," Orik shouted as he approached. "Fine day is it this morn?"
"It is indeed a good morning," he replied. He offered up a kind smile and as he walked up next to the dwarf, Orik clapped him across the thigh.
"Good to hear that. How have you liked Tronjheim thus far?"
"I've never seen such grandeur and craftsmanship of this skill in my entire life," Eragon complimented the appearance of the city. Every single aspect of the Mountain City was carved to such great precision out of rock, stone, marble and granite that it seemed physically impossible. But the legends of the dwarven craft were real and a sight to behold.
"Aye, that it is. Not one city in all of Alagaesia can stand up against its splendor," replied Orik. He had a gleam in his eye as he too took in the surroundings of the dwarven architecture.
Eragon shook off the thoughts of architecture and turned his focus on his current task. "Where will I be going for this 'test' that Ajihad has prepared for me?"
Orik pointed out into Farthen Dûr. "The training field is half a mile from Tronjheim, though you can't see it from here because it's behind the city-mountain. It's a large area where both dwarves and humans practice."
I'm coming as well, stated Saphira.
Eragon told Orik, and the dwarf tugged on his beard. "That might not be a good idea. There are many people at the training field; you will be sure to attract attention."
Saphira growled loudly. I will come! And that settled the matter.
The unruly clatter of fighting reached them from the field: the loud clang of steal clashing on steel, the sold thump of arrows striking padded targets, the rattle and crack of wooden staves, and the shouts of men in mock battle. The noise was confusing, yet each group had a unique rhythm and pattern.
Nearly all the fighters wore armor, usually chain mail and a helmet; plate armor was not as common. There were as many dwarves as humans, though the two kept mainly to themselves. Behind the sparring warriors, a broad line of archers fired steadily at gray sackcloth dummies.
"How fair your companions? I've not seen them since they entered Farthen Dûr with you?" asked Orik. He held his hand on top of his axe and his other pulled on his beared.
"In all honesty, I've hardly seen little of them," Eragon stated. Since their meeting with Ajihad, Eragon has not seen Karn once. He did managed to meet Angela the previous day in the infirmary when he went to check up on Arya. Angela was sitting beside Arya's bed dabbing the elf's forehead with a damp cloth. Eragon, followed by Saphira, walked down the long room passing the columns of beds, his eyes trained on the two.
"Ah Eragon, Saphira, I was beginning to wonder when the two of you would come to visit," spoke up Angela. She didn't raise her head to indicate their presence and continued her caretaking for Arya.
Eragon came to stand at the foot of Arya's bed, gazing down at her sleeping figure. Her chest rose and fell slowly beneath the white silk bedsheets but it appeared that her breathing appeared normal. Her long raven hair was pulled back into a bun, allowing Angela to wash her body of all the dirt and grime. "How is she doing?" he asked.
Angela swiped the last little bit of dirt away from Arya's cheeks, revealing her smooth and slim facial figure. "She'll make a full recovery. The antidote was administered to her in time."
"That is good news to hear indeed," Eragon said with relief. For nearly a month as he traveled the Hadarac Desert, he was unsure whether the elf would make it. To hear that she was going to be alright eased the worry that was placed upon him.
"You and Saphira did your best to get her here in time," Angela remarked. "And you best bared fruit."
Thank you. It would have been tragic to lose someone like her, commented Saphira. Eragon relayed her message to Angela.
"Indeed, it would have been," she replied. Angela placed the damp cloth on the inside of a bowl filled with water and sat it down off to the side of the bed on the floor. She sat down on top of a stool and continued to observe Arya.
"Where has Karn been lately?" Eragon asked. "I'm surprised that he hasn't come to visit us yet."
A slight smirk appeared on Angela's face and Eragon happened to notice that her cheeks became flustered. "Oh he's been taking the opportunity to sleep the days away," she said in a whimsical tone.
He must have been exhausted from the journey that you two traversed, Saphira suggested.
"There's that, yes," she trailed off before her face started to become a slighter shade of red.
Eragon made not of her facial color and his curiosity began to bubble. "Everything all right, Angela?"
"Mhmm?" She hummed not totally focused on the conversation. She acted as if her mind was trained on something else. It took her a second to come back to her senses before answer. "Oh yes my dear boy, I'm fine. Fit as rain actually." Her tone increased in volume and Eragon could tell that she seemed exceedingly joyful about something. He was curious to know what caused Angela to be in such a delightful mood but decided to dismiss the question.
A glint of light caught Eragon's attention and he peered down and saw a metal cylinder clipped onto Angela's belt. It took him a moment to realize that Angela was in possession of one of Karn's lightsabers. "Angela," he began, "Why do you have one of Karn's lightsabers?"
Saphira dipped her large head down to gain a better look at the herbalist. Angela's hand slid down to her side where it came to rest upon the weapon. "It was a gift that Karn gave me the other day."
Karn holds those lightsabers most dear to him. It seems hard for me to believe that he would give one up so easily.
"And I'm sure it wasn't," replied Angela. Her voice was full of gratitude as her thumb slid across the hilt's surface. "You two now know that I am not of this world. I am a Jedi. And at one point I had a lightsaber myself. However mine was destroyed. Karn gave it to me in a show of gratitude for saving his life in Gil'ead."
"Are you just as skilled with a lightsaber as Karn?' Eragon quickly asked as soon as the question entered his mind.
"I'm not sure to be honest," she said with a doubtful look on her face. She crossed her arms and closed her eyes as if she was contemplating the issue. It didn't take her long before she replied, "You'll just have to see when we go to the training fields tomorrow, won't we?" she said with a grin on her face.
"Indeed. I'll be looking forward to seeing that," Eragon said with a smile. He was in fact looking forward to see Karn fight against another person with a lightsaber. The image was hard to conjure and he wasn't sure how to two would engage the other.
Deciding to leave, Eragon concluded his business which was to check up on Arya. He and Saphira bid Angela farewell and began to make their way towards the door.
"Eragon, Saphira," Angela called out to them from her spot beside the elf.
The two stopped and glanced back at the herbalist, "What is it?"
"You both do realize that you can call me Meetra, correct?" she explained. "It would only seem natural for you both to use my real name."
Eragon and Sahpira pondered the question together but the two ended up concluding on the same answer. "In all honesty, we are more used to calling you by 'Angela' than we are 'Meetra.'
"Very well," she replied. "Just as long as you both are aware. That's all. I will see you both tomorrow."
Before Eragon had time to wonder what he was supposed to do on the training field, a bearded man, his head and blocky shoulders covered by a mail coif, strode over to them. The rest of him was protected by a rough oxhide suit that still had hair on it. A huge sword – almost as long as Eragon – hung across his broad back. He ran a quick eye over Saphira and Eragon, as if evaluating how dangerous they were, then said gruffly, "Knurla Orik. You've been gone too long. There's nobody left for me to spar with."
Orik smiled. "Oeì, that's because you bruise everyone from head to toe with your monster sword."
"Everyone except you," he corrected.
"That's because I'm faster than a giant like yourself."
The man looked at Eragon again. "I'm Fredric. I've been told to find out what you can do. How strong are you?"
"Strong enough," answered Eragon. "I have to be in order to fight with magic."
Fredric shook his head; the coif clinked like a bag of coins. "Magic has no place in what we do here. Unless you have served in an army, I doubt any fights you've been in lasted more than a few minutes. What we're concerned about is how you'll be able to do when battles may be waged on for hours or even weeks at a time – depending if it's a siege. Do you know how to use any weapons besides that sword and bow?"
Eragon thought about it. "Only my fists."
"Good answer!" laughed Fredric. "Well, we'll start you off with the bow and see how you do. Then once some space has cleared up on the field, we'll try-" He broke off suddenly and stared past Eragon, scowling angrily.
The Twins stalked toward them, their bald heads pale against their purple robes. Orik muttered something in his own tongue as he slipped his war axe out of his belt. "I told you two to stay away from the training area," said Frederic, stepping forward threateningly. The Twins seemed frail before his baulk.
They looked up at him arrogantly. "We are ordered by Ajihad to test Eragon's proficiency with magic – before you exhaust him banging on pieces of metal.
Fredric glowered. "Why can't anyone else test him?"
"No one else is powerful enough," sniffed the Twins. Saphira rumbled deeply and glared at them. A line of smoke trickled down her nostrils, but they ignored her. "Come with us," they ordered, and strode to an empty corner of the field.
Shrugging, Eragon followed with Saphira. Behind him he heard Fredric say to Orik, "We have to stop them before they go too far."
"I know," answered Orik in a low voice, "but I can't interfere again. Hrothgar made it clear he won't be able to protect me the next time it happens."
"Eragon forced back his growing apprehension. The Twins might know more techniques and words…Still, he remembered what Brom had told him: Riders were stronger in magic than ordinary men. But would that be enough to resist the combined power of the Twins?
Don't worry so much; I will help you, said Saphira. There are two of us as well.
He touched her gently on the leg, relieved by her words. The Twins looked at Eragon and asked, "And how do you answer us, Eragon?"
"Overlooking the puzzled expressions of his companions, he said flatly, "No."
Sharp lines appeared at the corners of the Twins' mouths. They turned so they faced Eragon obliquely and, bending at the waists, drew a large pentagram on the ground. They stepped in the middle of it then said harshly, "We begin now. You will attempt to complete the tasks we assign you…that is all."
One of the Twins reached into his robe, produced a polished rock the size of Eragon's fist, and set it on the ground. "Lift it to eye level."
That's easy enough, commented Eragon to Saphira. "Stenr reisa!" The rock wobbled, then smoothly rose from the ground. Before it went more than a foot, an unexpected resistance halted it in midair. A smile touched the Twins' lips. Eragon stared at them, enraged – they were trying to make him fail! If he became exhausted now, it would be impossible to complete the harder tasks. Obviously they were confident that their combined strength could easily wear him down.
But I am not alone either, snarled Eragon to himself. Saphira, now! Her mind melded with his, and the rock jerked through the air to a stop, quivering at eye level. The Twins' eyes narrowed cruelly.
"Very…good," they hissed. Fredric looked unnerved by the display of magic. "Now move the stone in a circle." Again Eragon struggled against their efforts to stop him, and again – to their obvious anger – he prevailed. The exercises quickly increased in complexity and difficulty until Eragon was forced to think carefully about which words to use. And each time, the Twins fought him bitterly, though the strain never showed on their faces.
It was only with Saphira's support that Eragon was able to hold his ground. In a break between two of the tasks, he asked her, Why do they continue this testing? Our abilities were clear enough from what they saw in my mind. She cocked her head thoughtfully. You know what he said grimly as comprehension came to him. They're using this as an opportunity to figure what ancient words I know and perhaps learn new ones themselves.
Speak softly then, so that they cannot hear you, and use the simplest words possible.
From then on, Eragon used only a handful of basic words to complete the tasks. But finding ways to make them perform in the same manner as a long sentence or phrase stretched his ingenuity to the limit. He was rewarded by his frustration that contorted the Twins' faces as he foiled them again and again. No matter what they tried, they could not get him to use any more words in the ancient language.
More than an hour passed, but the Twins showed no sign of stopping. Eragon was hot and thirsty, but refrained from asking for a reprieve-he would continue as long as they did. There were many tests: manipulating water, casting fire, scrying, juggling rocks, hardening leather, freezing items, controlling the flight of an arrow, and healing scratches. He wondered how long it would take for the Twins to run out of ideas.
Finally, the Twins raised their hands and said, "There is only one thing left to do. It is simple enough – any competent user of magic should find this easy." One of them removed a silver ring from his finger and smugly handed it to Eragon. "Summon the essence of silver."
Eragon stared at the ring in confusion. What was he supposed to do? The essence of silver, what was that? And how was it to be summoned? Saphira had no idea, and the Twins were not going to help. He had never learned silver's name in the ancient language, though he knew it had to be part of argetlam – "silver hand." In desperation he combined the only word that might work, ethgrì, or "invoke," with agret.
Drawing himself upright, he gathered together what power he had left and parted his lips to deliver the invocation. Suddenly a clear, vibrant voice split the air.
"Stop!"
The word rushed over Eragon like cool water – the voice was strangely familiar, like a half-remembered melody. The back of his neck tingled. He slowly turned towards its source.
Three figures stood behind them: Meetra, Karn and Arya. Meetra was garbed in her traditional emerald green traveling gown, black cape clasped around her neck and her curly hair was tied back into a bun. Karn dressed himself up in his typical black robes, the rips and tears that it had accumulated over his travels were mended giving it the appearance of being brand new. And both Force-users had their lightsabers swinging from their belts. And Ayra – a leather strip encircled her brow, restraining her voluminous black hair, which tumbled behind her shoulders in a lustrous cascade. Her slender sword was at her hip, her bow on her back. Plain black leather clothed her shapely frame, poor raiment for one so fair. She was taller than most men, and her stance was perfectly balanced and relaxed. An unmarked face reflected none of the horrific abuse she had endured.
"Arya's blazing emerald eyes were fixed on the Twins, who had turned pale with fright. She approached on silent footsteps and said in soft, menacing tones, "Shame!" Shame to ask of him what only a master can do. Shame that you should use such methods. Shame that you told Ajihad you didn't know Eragon's abilities. He is competent. Now leave!" Arya frowned dangerously, her slanted eyebrows meeting like lightning bolts in a sharp V, and pointed at the ring in Eragon's hand. "Arget!" she exclaimed thunderously.
The silver shimmered and a ghostly image of the ring materialized next to it. At the sight of it, the Twins spun on their heels and fled, robes flapping wildly. The insubstantial ring vanished from Eragon's hand, leaving the circlet of silver behind. Orik and Fredric were on their feet, eyeing Arya warily. Saphira crouched, ready for action.
The elf surveyed them all. Her angled eyes paused on Eragon. Then she turned and strode toward the heart of the training field. The warriors ceased their sparring and looked at her with wonder. Within a few moments the entire field fell silent in awe of her presence.
Eragon was inexorably dragged forward by his own fascination. Saphira spoke out to him but he was ablivious to her comments. A large circle formed around Arya. Looking only at Eragon, she proclaimed, "I claim the right of trail by arms. Draw your sword!"
She means to duel me!
But not, I think, to harm you, replied Saphira slowly.
A pressure was placed upon Eragon's should as a hand was laid down upon him. He turned his head to see Karn standing behind him with a reassured look on his face.
"Go on," he said as he nudged his head in the direction of Arya. "She's waiting for you."
"I can't fight an elf!" Eragon replied quickly. Eragon remembered from Brom's teachings that the elven race were the strongest creatures that resided in Alagaesia – aside from dragons. Their physical strength and magical prowess stood on par against a shade. How am I supposed to fight against someone like that?!
Meetra walked up alongside Karn and spoke out addressing Eragon. "Boy whatever doubt you possess, you must discard it. Any fear, worry, or anxiety you currently have must be disposed of. Arya will test your physical strength – she will push you to your limits. You must be ready to face her."
"You expect me to win this duel?" exclaimed Eragon with a shocked look contorting his facial features.
"No Eragon," said Karn. He squeezed Eragon's shoulder slightly and produced a slight smile. "All we ask of you is to do your best. That is all."
Eragon spared Karn a second glance before gazing out towards the center of the circle where Arya stood like a well-rooted tree – unwavering and sturdy. Her green emerald eyes shone brightly and remained focused on Eragon. Her hand rested upon the pommel of her slim sword, before she drew it out of its holster. "Do you accept my challenge?" her clear liquid voice rung out across the field.
"I guess I will try," replied Eragon. He slid his hand down to his waist where Zar'roc was holstered and began to slowly walk towards the center of the ring. He didn't get far before Karn spoke a few last second words, "Eragon…"
The young Dragon Rider peered back around at Karn waiting for him to finish his sentence. Karn stared at him with his brilliant sapphire eyes which locked in his hazel ones into place. The words that Karn spoke sent shivers down Eragon's side: "Do or do not, there is no try."
Eragon stood there on the spot letting Karn's words seep down into his mind. Do or do not, there is not try. He let the words reverberate off his consciousness as he contemplated the meaning of the Grey Knight's advice. He returned his attention back to Arya who stood steady, weapon drawn and ready to begin to the duel.
Eragon continued walking to the center of the ring until he came up only several yards away from the elf. He drew out Zar'roc from its red-wine colored scabbard and held the sword with both hands facing the blade towards Arya. "I accept your challenge!" he exclaimed.
For a long moment they stood motionless, elf and human watching each other. It flashed through Eragon's mind that this was how many of his fights with Brom and Karn started.
Karn's words continued to echo across his mind - Eragon whispered the words out to himself, "Do or do not, there is not try."
Eragon understood what meaning Karn was trying to transmit through his advice. He had to fight Arya with his utter best or not attempt to at all. The worry he felt was pounding itself deeper into his chest as his heart began to quicken. His breathing became quick and labored.
Whatever doubt you possess, you must discard it, Meetra's words also struck a cord with him. Eragon also understood the worst thing for him to do now was get flustered and anxious for it will cause him to act out irrationally. He closed his eyes and took in several deep breaths before he felt his heart beat begin to slow down. As he opened his eyes, Eragon pushed aside what worry he had left and took the first step forward.
He moved forward cautiously. With a blur of motion Arya jumped at him, slashing at his ribs. Eragon reflexively parried the attack, and their swords met in a shower of sparks. Zar'roc was battered aside as if it were no more than a fly. The elf did not take advantage of the opening, however, but spun to her right, hair whipping through the air, and struck at his other side. He barely stopped the blow and backpedaled frantically, stunned by her ferocity and speed.
She attacked again, swinging at his head. He ducked under the razor-sharp edge. But then why was she … toying with him? For a few long seconds he was too busy warding her off to think about it, then he realized, She wants to know how proficient I am.
Understanding that, he began the most complicated series of attacks he knew. He flowered from one pose to another, recklessly combining and modifying them in every possible way. But no matter how inventive he was, Arya's sword always stopped his. She matched his actions with effortless grace.
Engaged in a fiery dance, their bodies were linked and separated by the flashing blades. At times they nearly touched, taut skin only a hair's breadth away, but then momentum would whirl them apart, and they would withdraw for a second, only to join again. Their sinuous forms wove together like twisting ropes of windblown smoke.
Eragon could never remember how long they fought. It was timeless, filled with nothing but action and reaction. Zar'roc grew to become cumbersome in his hand; his arm burned due to exertion with each stroke. At last, as he lunged forward, Arya nimbly sidestepped, sweeping the point of her sword up to his jawbone with supernatural speed.
Eragon froze on the spot as the icy metal touched his skin. His muscles trembled from the strain. Dimly he heard Saphira bulge and the warriors cheering raucously around them. Arya lowered her sword and sheathed it. "You have passed," she said quietly amid the noise.
Dazed, he slowly straightened. Fredric, Meetra, Karn and Saphira came up to join him all of them with gleeful expressions upon their faces. Karn patted Eragon against his back. "You've grown much better with your swordsmanship! I even learned some new moves from watching the two of you. And Arya – stunning!"
But I lost, he protested silently. Orik praised his performance with a broad smile, but all Eragon noticed was Arya, standing alone and silent. The cheering and boisterous clapping from the warriors immediately stopped within seconds. In a rush of commotion all the men stood erect, arms placed to their sides. Eragon quickly took note of the sudden sporadic change in the men's behavior and pondered what was the cause for such an act.
Amidst the men, a voice cried out, "Long live Ajihad!"
The rest of the company followed suit, "Long live Ajihad!"
Eragon turned his head in the direction of Tronjheim and understood why the mean were acting in such a way. Ajihad was approaching with several of his advisors across the sparring field. He held a longsword holstered at his side while he was garbed in dark ebony leather armor. He raised a hand above and shouted to the warriors surrounding the field, "At ease!"
The men retracted themselves from their erect positions by spreading their legs out shoulders-length apart with their weapons laying besides their hips. Ajihad approached the group and spoke with an air of command and authority. "It appears that you have done well, young Rider. You are quite skilled with the blade. I am impressed."
Eragon was taken a back at the man's compliments and acting clumsily, he bowed inclining his head, "Thank you, Ajihad."
"Arya," Ajihad spoke out to her. The elf came up alongside Ajihad starring up into his dark colored eyes. "Will Eragon be able to fight in future battles?"
Arya's emerald green eyes gazed at Eragon for a few seconds which left him feeling slightly awkward. Her eyes were alluring and it was as if he should continue to stare into her eyes, Eragon would find himself trapped beneath her gaze.
"He's proficient with a sword. I believe he will have little trouble fighting for the Varden in the future," she responded, her voice was crisp and clear.
"That is most definitely good news to hear," he replied. "Eragon, you've done well for today, please take some time to recover from your trials today. You've earned it."
Again, Eragon bowed slightly in a show of gratitude. "Thank you, sir. The rest will be most welcomed."
Ajihad gave a quick nod in affirmation then pushed his gaze back behind Eragon. "Are you two ready?"
Behind Eragon, Karn and Meetra made their way to stand directly in front of Ajihad. "We are," Meetra replied.
"Then show me your abilities," Ajihad spoke with such authority that Meetra and Karn quickly dispersed from each other. "Clear the field! Everyone make way!" the leader of the Varden shouted at his soilders.
Eragon, Arya, Saphira, Fredric and Orik quickly followed orders and cleared off the field, standing just behind the edge. The other men complied did as well. A ring of spectators encircled the field watching Karn and Meetra walk to opposite ends.
The young Dragon Rider stared at the two individuals with great intrigue. The revelation of Angela being a Force-user came as a surprise to him; and most importantly that a Sith may be under Galbatorix's service. When Ajihad ordered that Karn and Meetra demonstrate the power of the Force, Eragon could only imagine what the two Force-users would do. He had already gain a glimpse at the potential this power could do by simply watching Karn. But what made him even more curious was what was the chance that they could do more with it.
What do you think we will see from this? He spoke to Saphira with such excitement.
I do not know, Eragon. She paused for a moment to gather her thoughts. But I believe we will see a power the likes of which we have never before seen.
Ajihad stood out above the rest of the onlookers as he took a step forward into the field. His hand placed upon the pommel of his longsword and spoke with a thunderous voice, "This war between the Varden and the Empire will bring about a power never before seen in Alagaesia. In Galbatorix's grasp, this power has the ability to destroy us, unless I can see its ability first hand. Karn. Meetra. Show me the power of the Force!"
Eragon stood transfixed upon the site that was about to be unfolded. There in the center of the field, he would finally see the power of the Force used against itself. He, Arya, Saphira, Fredric and Orik stood silent as they waited for Karn and Meetra to begin the fight.
Karn unfastened the clip that held his outer robe in place letting it fall to the ground in an unorganized fashion. Meetra brought her hand up and unclasped the clip holding her cape against her shoulders and it too fell to the ground. In sync with the other, Karn and Meetra unclipped their lightsabers from their belts and held them to the side, neither activating them yet.
For a long series of seconds, neither combatant didn't make a move. They stood in place eying the other down, determining what action which to take. Karn made a step forward and began traversing across the field towards Meetra. He refused to ignite his lightsaber yet, his attention focused entirely upon her.
As swift as wind though, Meetra made her first move, she dashed across the field in a blink of an eye. Eragon had to blink his eyes several times for he had thought he missed something. It was as if she blurred from my vision, he remarked to Saphira. The sapphire dragon remained quiet but her feelings acknowledged his comment.
With speed greater than any human, Meetra rushed Karn. The sound of the lightsabers igniting came to life as the blades of light erupted from their hilts. Meetra and Karn met at the middle of the field, their lightsabers brought together in a lock. The beams of light screeched as the two touched and began to pulsate – the blades trying to overpower the other.
Suddenly, Karn was sent flying backwards back towards the opposite end of the field as Meetra threw a ball of energy into his chest. She continued to advance at him as Karn flew through the air intending to gain the advantage on him as he came to a stop. Flipping over himself Karn brought his feet into contact with the earth and tried to come to a stop leaving two small foot-long troughs in the dirt. He barely came to a stop before Meetra was upon him. She spun her lightsaber around her body, the blade becoming a blur of light, aimed straight for Karn's chest.
The earth abruptly began to crack and small fissures burst forth from under Karn's feet. He just managed to push off the ground and ascend fifteen feet in the air avoiding his opponents attack. Meetra was quick to react however and spun on the spot with her arm outstretched. She quickly retracted it and Karn's body was forcefully pulled back towards the ground. He fell hard as he was force-pulled leaving him little to react.
Meetra leapt over to where he laid upon the earth bringing her lightsaber down upon him. Karn instinctively brought his lightsaber up just in time to catch the very tip of Meetra's blade and pushed it away. Springing up from where he lay, Karn performed a quick series of flourishes with his lightsaber with intent on hitting any exposed spot on Meetra. The two danced across the field, their lightsabers rising and falling in pitch as the weapons made contact with each other. Every attack the Force-users made was quickly stopped by the other. Neither person gaining an advantage over the other.
Pushing away from a lock, Karn performed a hard dash towards Meetra intending to tackle her. He used the Force to quicken his speed and merely appeared like that of a shadow to everyone else. He was covering ground quickly between him and his opponent before Meetra suddenly performed an unexpected move. She whipped her arm forward and sent her lightsaber flying into his direction. Alarmed, Karn quickly had to duck and slide as the flying beam of light flew above his head, barely clearing by several inches.
Meetra intended for that to happen though. Putting on a burst of speed of her own she rushed Karn and managed to grip hold of his arm holding his lightsaber. She brought her knee up and smashed it into his stomach. A gasp of air left Karn's mouth as the pain rushed up into his abdomen. Then to make matters worse, his arm erupted in pain as Meetra twisted it around his back putting it into a lock. The pain was intense for him as she continued to bend his arm into a dangerous position. It wasn't long before his hand went numb and he felt his weapon leave his grasp – it deactivating upon release.
A quick and sudden force brought him to his knees as Meetra pushed her feet against the back of his legs. She kept his arm still in a threatening hold and it was only a matter of time before she would finish the duel.
Seconds passed as Karn struggled to discover some way to break her hold over him. It wasn't long though before he conjured a plausible solution. Without much time to spare, he put it to action; with his free hand he clenched it into a fist. Quickly drawing upon the Force, he gathered the power and sent it coursing through his free arm. Pulling his arm back, he drove it down towards the earth punching the dirt. Hundreds of foot long cracks suddenly sprouted from underneath his fist and the ground gave way to a twenty foot wide, five foot deep crater. A bloom of dust and debris was sent up into the sky, obscuring the onlookers view of the fight.
Karn and Meetra fell into the hole and his opponent's grip gave way. His move worked. In mid-air he spun himself around making eye contact with Meetra; a look of surprise had engulfed her face as she saw the damage he had down. He didn't allow her time to react to him – he quickly cupped his hands together and poured the Force out pushing Meetra deeper into the crater.
Aside from the surprise attack, Meetra reacted perfectly; she crossed her arms as the wave of energy made contact with her plunging her onto the floor of the crater. Waves of pain had quickly traversed her body from the impact, blots of white flashed before her eyes. She rolled onto her side her body trembling and her lungs gasping for air.
Jumping up from the crater, Karn went soaring high into the air and exited the cloud of dirt. He could make out the spectators and the utter shock that stricken their faces. He could see Eragon wide-eyed across the field along with similar expressions on Arya, Fredric, Orik and Ajihad.
As Karn began to descent, the sense of gathering energy grew beneath him in the cloud of dirt. Hundreds of rocks and stone that had cracked and broken from Karn's punch began to fly out of the column of dirt into the air – some large enough to be his size or even bigger. The boulders flew at incredible speeds sounding similar to miniature missiles whizzing through the air. Karn was in trouble, he couldn't maneuver well while in the air. Knowing nothing better to do, he brought both of his arms up and projected a barrier in front of him. The invisible barrier shimmered and rippled from the impact of the stones. Hundreds of stones smashed into Karn's shield but it remained intact.
The stones honed in on him as he touched down upon the ground. Every stone and rock bounced off the shield with no indication of breaking Karn's force-barrier. The barrage of missiles lasted for what seemed to be several long minutes before they suddenly stopped.
The cloud of dirt still clung to the crater making it impossible for Karn to see what Meetra was possibly doing. However, he could sense her and he could sense that she was doing something. The Force was accumulating around her, wrapping around her arm like some sort of gauntlet. The sound of crackling energies unexpectedly pierced the arena and a dim blue light penetrated the dust cloud. The dust cloud began to twirl in on itself like a gathering tornado, spinning faster and faster, the tail of it converging onto Meetra.
Karn could finally make clear vision over Meetra – she was hunched forward, her left hand gripping her right wrist as blue lightning began to accumulate in the palm of her hand. The lightning was wild as arcs danced along the circumference of the crater, leaving scorched marks upon the dirt.
When was she able to do that? Karn thought to himself in utter bewilderment. He had never known that Meetra could use Force Lightning – a move that used darkside emotions. He assumed that since she was Jedi, she would never dabble into such controversial techniques.
He had not much time to ponder of the sudden idea however. Meetra glanced at Karn with blazing amber eyes, her eyes glowing with power. He stood their shocked. The power of the Force was growing stronger and much more potent with each passing second. With a war cry the likes of which Karn never heard come from her, Meetra Force-jumped into the air coming to descend up him.
Karn threw up his barrier once again but faltered at the last second. He noticed something odd with Meetra, She's not releasing the lightning? Why is she still holding onto it in her hand? As the distance closed between them, the air around Karn became electrified, the hair on all his body standing on end. But what drew his attention were Meetra's glowing amber eyes. As he stared up into them, he could sense that she was not going to hesitate. She was intending on making this a finishing blow.
Grinning with unease Karn doubled the strength of his barrier just in time before Meetra made contact. She launched her arm forward, the ball of lightning making contact with his shield. The wind howled and screeched as torrents of power pulsated from the opposing forces. The impact was enough to make Karn's legs lurch back slightly; bracing himself he dug his heels into the dirt. His shield still holding against Meetra's lightning.
Through the Force, Karn could sense that Meetra had yet truly release the lightning, she kept it locked in her hand. The crackling of blue electricity grew in intensity and the arcs began to jump in every known direction – up, down, left, right, zig-zagging across the field – some nearly coming into contact with the spectators. The sight was enough to make all the observers recoil several feet away from their original positions, afraid of being hit from the Force.
I've never faced someone like this before! Frantically Karn thought. She's on a totally different level!
"Karn!"
The sound of his name took Karn by surprise. He gazed to see Meetra staring at him with a determined expression on her face; her eyes still glowing bright yellow. "Fight me with everything you've got! Show me what it means to be a Grey Knight – Show me what it means to walk between the Light and the Dark!" she cried out to him.
With her free arm, Meetra threw it forward, a wave of energies flowing from it. It pushed Karn flying backwards several yards nearly crashing into Eragon and Saphira. He came skidding to a stop and heard several bones produce a 'pop.' Immediate pain raced up and down his body as several parts of his bones were fractured. The air in his lungs escaped releasing a gasp from his lips.
Anger began to swirl inside Karn's chest. The pain he was feeling fueled his hate. The dark emotions he began to dwell on gave him the strength to push through the hurt he was feeling, bringing him up to full height. He panted heavily trying to replenish the lost air from his lungs.
Fight me with everything you've got! Show me what it means to be a Grey Knight – Show me what it means to walk between the Light and the Dark!
Meetra's words rung across Karn's mind as he gripped the magnitude of what she had asked of him to do. She wanted to see if he truly had what it took to be called a 'Grey Knight' – a being who walked between the Light and Darkside of the Force. One who could use the dark emotions to fuel his power but managed to keep control of it.
That is who she is wanting to see.
"Very well," Karn shouted out to Meetra. "If that's what you ask of me, then I shall show you."
Meetra stood fixed on the spot, her body ready for action, her fist still engulfed in lightning; and her eyes still glowed with determination. "That is all I want," was her only reply.
Without any moment's hesitation, Karn harnessed the power of the Force. He collected the energies gathered inside him and directed it down to his right arm. Focusing on the pain and anger he felt, he used it as a catalyst to enhance the Force. Sparks of black electricity sprung forth along his arm, congregating into his hand. Remember Karn! Remember all the pain, anger and hatred you've felt in your entire life. Remember it all!
The black sparks of electricity grew into a torrent of lightning arching into the sky. The sound of gasping onlookers and scared remarks could be heard from all over the field. Karn paid no attention to them though, he focused only on strengthening his attack. As the memories of his life flooded his mind, the black lightning grew more powerful but it came at a cost; it became unbearable. Pain gripped his hand as the lightning began to backlash onto himself. The power of the Darkside was taking its toll on Karn's body. The dark energies were becoming too strong.
Pushing past the newly formed pain, Karn attempted to center himself. He drew upon the teachings that Meetra taught him and began to slowly inhale and exhale. After a minute of performing the exercise, worry quickly gripped him. The dark swirling energies and emotions inside him were becoming too strong. They were not rescinding. And the fear he felt quickly added to the Darkside. He winced and began to grin in pain as the lightning began to tear at his flesh. The skin of his hand was blackening at a startling rate. No, no no no! This can't happen again!
"Karn, look at me!" Meetra shouted out.
He stared up at her meeting her eyes which still shone brightly amidst the dark torrents of lightning that engulfed her hand. She stood determined but her face – her face possessed a sense of empathy to it.
The touch of her conscious pressed against his and Karn warned her of his predicament. The power! It's to strong - I can't control it!
Yes you can, Karn! She reassured him.
I don't want to lose myself again!
And you won't! she replied with such sincerity. I won't let that happen to you.
What must I do? Karn said desperately.
What brings you peace? She asked him abruptly.
The question was out of context. How could she ask him such kind of a question when his life was hanging in the balance. What's that go to do with this? He shouted out in anger.
The whole purpose of your training Karn, Meetra said in serious tone, was to get you to find your means of achieving peace. The hours you spent meditating, breathing, it was all meant for this moment! It was meant for you to find that one measure of peace! The peace which will allow you to control the anger. The fear. The hatred. What gives you peace!?
I don't know! He yelled at her. He thought back through his memories and thoughts and couldn't see anything that could bring him peace. My whole life was plagued with pain and suffering, Meetra! There is nothing that can bring me peace!
She remained dead silent for a period of time before replying. My life Karn, was full of fighting. Full of sacrifice. And full of betrayal. But amidst all the death and destruction what wrecked my life, I had to find something to give me peace. A peace that would allow me to maintain my path as a Jedi. And when I came to this world, I had to find some measure of peace to keep me going. And I found it…
Meetra fell silent once again but her eyes spoke for her. A single tear fell down the side of her cheek and a slight smile crept across her face. Feelings of compassion and joy swept through Karn as Meeta's feelings filled his person. He felt dumbstruck as he tried to piece together the feelings he was sensing.
Finally, Meetra spoke with such care and such passion that it left Karn paralyzed. … I found you.
Wh-what?
You are the peace that allows me to combat the darkness inside my heart, Karn. When I'm with you, I fear nothing. When I'm with you, I'm no longer alone. When I'm with you…I'm at peace.
Meetra… Karn spoke with such shock he didn't know what say.
What is your peace, Karn? She asked him again.
Karn stood their looking at Meetra reflecting on all that she had spoken. He was her measure of peace. The thing that keeps the darkness at bay. Amidst the chaos in her life, he was the one that kept her intact. After being casted away from their home and sent into exile, he was the one to return her from it. And after returning to her the thing that she lost, her lightsaber, he made her whole.
What is that brings me peace? He thought to himself. He pushed aside all the pain and agony he was experiencing and dwelled upon the memories that filled his mind. After replaying every single moment, only one instance came to mind.
He stood there in the center of the common room with his arms wrapped around the only person that truly understood him. His lips pressed against those of the one person that made an attempt to save him from the darkness that bound him to his past. The one person that brought him serenity in his time of loneliness. The one person who he truly felt close too…
In that instant, Karn experienced it for the very first time: true and utter peace.
Reflecting upon the memory and the person, Karn dwelled upon the feelings he felt at that time: joy, happiness, glee, and compassion. The dark energies that wrapped around his hand began to dwindle immediately. He focused harder on the memory, taking in every single detail and emotion. Slowly, the black bolts of lightning began to recede back to the palm of his hand where it circled like a whirlpool. The pain that burned his hand numbed and eventually disappeared.
My peace…
Miraculously, yellow sparks of electricity began to intertwine with the dark bolts of lightning. The two meshed together into perfect harmony: Light and Dark.
As she stood there standing across the field, all Meetra could do was gaze her Karn in wonder. He did it…he actually did it! She stared at the ball of electricity that he had gripped in his hand and looked on in astonishment. The powers of the Light and Darkside had become one. And through their Force Bond, Meetra could sense both sides of the Force in perfect unison within him.
The two Force-users stared each other down, both of them prepared to make this their last strike. Meetra felt anxious; never before had she seen someone wield the Force in such a way. She was curious to see what it could do.
Without any indication to Karn, she charged him. And he did the same. Both rushed at the other, bolts of lightning trialing behind them. As they came nearly feet away from the other, they both reached out the balls of lightning touching. When the two energies collided, it was as if a hurricane had descended upon the field. Heavy winds whipped past the spectators blowing some completely off their feet. The bolts of lightning danced wildly around Meetra and Karn.
The two pushed at each other trying to force the other into submission. But both remained standing. Meetra gave it everything she had, pouring every ounce of power she had within her. But it wasn't proving to be effective. The power that Karn now possessed was too great for her handle. And slowly, she felt herself beginning to be pushed back.
In a flash, Meetra felt herself being flown off her feet as an explosion was set of from the force of the two powers. Weightlessness took her as she flew back across the field. She had lost the duel. But she took comfort in the fact that she had helped Karn succeed in his struggle. And that was all she had hoped for.
Instantly, she stopped dead in her tracks as she flew through the air. A pair of arms had wrapped around her, holding her gently in place against a broad chest. It took her a second to realize that she was being embraced by Karn, holding her against his chest.
As she stared up at him, she could see in his sapphire eyes an emotion that she had not seen since the two of them first met. She saw peace and serenity fill his eyes. They shone brightly like stars in the night sky and Meetra felt herself mesmerized by them. Leaning his head down so his mouth was next to her ear, Karn whispered, "You bring me peace, Meetra."
The words that escaped his mouth left Meetra utterly shocked and yet at the same time completely overjoyed. Pure happiness filled her being knowing that she was the one that helped Karn reach his potential. She smiled and brought her hand up and cupped it against his cheek, caressing it gently. "I'm glad," she whispered back.
Lying on the ground from the shockwave that had wrecked the field, Eragon struggled to gain back on his feet. He reached full height and surveyed the training field. Most of the soldiers and spectators had all fallen much like him. Saphira had managed to stay put but digging her long sharp talons into the dirt. Arya laid prone on the ground and slowly made her way up to full height. A look of utter surprise and confusion wrecked her face; Eragon was sure he had possessed the same expression as well. Fredric and Orik laid flat on their backs, their heads rolling side to side as they tried to shake off the blots of colors that filled their vision.
Standing on the edge of the field Eragon could not help but feel a sense of urgency and anxiety plague him. That was the power of the Force? It's…it's…
It's 'power,' Saphira finished his sentence cutting him off. She walked up next to him and Arya also taking in the site of the field. A power that can destroy mountains and raise cities to the ground…. It seems hard to believe that Karn and Meetra possessed power like that.
I agree… Eragon simply stated. After watching the duel between Karn and Meetra, he could not help but feel slightly insignificant about himself. Eragon already knew that the Force was more powerful than magic but he didn't know how strong exactly. And now he finally understand the magnitude and role that Karn and Meetra play in Alagaesia. They are the Varden's only hope to stopping Galbatorix.
Perhaps Saphira replied. But I believe they will not be the ones to bring about his downfall.
We shall see, was all he muttered. Eragon managed to catch sight of Karn and Meetra towards the opposite end of the field. Meetra was being embraced by Karn and the two stayed that way for several moments before releasing each other. Rushing out onto the field, Eragon followed by Saphira and Arya made their way to the two Force-users.
"Are you alright?" Eragon called out to them as they came within hearing. They stopped just several feet short from the two and he could see that the two of them looked dreadfully tired.
"A few fractured bones," Karn said as he cupped his left arm around his side.
"And only a few bruises," replied Meetra. She had a hand placed on top of Karn's arm and a dim blue light appeared above it. "This shouldn't take too long."
What are you doing? Saphira asked with much curiosity.
Without diverting attention, Meetra spoke out, "I'm currently healing Karn's fractured bones. The Force is able to heal very serious injuries in a short amount of time… And that should do it," she said pulling her hand away.
Karn moved his left arm around in a circle and flexed it several times testing the newly healed bones. "Good as new."
"What happened out there?" Arya asked with much emotion in her voice. Eragon could tell that this was the first time that the elf had ever seen such a display of power from the Force.
"What you saw dear," Meetra began to speak, "was a power that will help rid the Varden of Galbatorix."
Before Arya could get another word spoken, Ajihad came walking up to the group. He face bore a troubled expression and his eyes shown with unease. "That was it wasn't it?" He spoke quickly. "That is the Force?"
"It is," Karn confirmed. "That is the power that Meetra and I possess. Did this duel help you assess your enemy?"
"I'm afraid you've left me far more worried than relieved," Ajihad spoke with much nervousness. "The display of power that was just demonstrated is nothing ever before seen or thought of… And this 'Sith' possesses the same thing? The same power?"
"Yes, Ajihad," Meetra said. "And he is perhaps as strong as or maybe stronger than both of us."
A look of pure horror crossed the Varden leader's face. He ran a hand along the side of his face as he tried to cope with the sudden grave news. "Then we have much work to do. Karn. Meetra. Return to your quarters and get some rest. When you both have recovered, return to my study. We need to discuss strategies on how to defeat this 'threat'. Understood?" Karn and Meetra both gave a silent nod. Ajihad said nothing more and quickly turned around and exited the field, heading back towards Tronjheim.
The sound of deep horns echoed all across the fields of outside of Tronjheim. Their noise vibrating the very earth that all the people stood on. Alarmed, Karn whipped his head around trying to find the source of the noise. "What is that!?" he yelled above the horn call. The soldiers surrounding the field all quickly began to yell orders and bolted towards Tronjheim. Orik and Fredric rushed over to the group with worried looks on their face.
"What's going on?" Eragon asked. The sound of the deep horns echoed again across Farthen Dûr. The ominous feeling that was produced left Eragon's heart pounding at a faster pace than normal.
"We have to get to Tronjheim, now!" yelled Orik. He and Fredric wasted no time and made haste towards the stone city. The group did the same and ran towards the dwarven city.
"That horn is a warning to all people in Farthen Dûr!" yelled Fredric. "Tronjheim is going to be attacked!"