Chapter 21

"It seems that losing, isn't something that she is used to," Eragon thought, somewhat amused at seeing how Arya adamantly refused to look at him. Even after a few hours had passed since the duel, she retained her stiff posture, a frown was etched deeply into her countenance. This amused Fírnen and Saphira greatly as they felt her come to terms with her defeat, letting out slight toothy grins at the elf rider's expense. Eragon hoped that she wouldn't take her loss too harshly for he valued their friendship and he would rather that Arya not be upset with him, especially at this point in time. Turning to look at the horizon of Oromis's hut, he saw that the sky had grown old, its orange haze giving way to a purple hue. "Soon I will be free from all this... this kindness..." He felt crowded by it, the concept felt too foreign to him especially among the elves. He had grown used to their mistrustful stares and callous treatment that they so often gave him, so when Oromis treated him otherwise, it felt... "too alien" He thought. Looking at his teacher, he wondered what more the old elf could teach him, especially since he had already been given such extensive training as Galbatorix's rider already.

Placing his flagon on the table, Oromis turned to stare at the darkening sky. "It is clear that the day grows late, you all must need your rest, for tomorrow shall be the official start to your training." The three riders began to prepare for their leave. However, Oromis gestured for Eragon to stay while letting the other two riders to go to their respective dragons. "I would like to speak with you privately, Eragon."

Nodding, he sat back in his stool, waiting for Arya and Murtagh to leave. "This was it..." he thought, "All that kindness from before was simply a mere facade to pin me down for questioning." He knew that this moment was coming from the start. Arya, seemingly having forgotten her bitterness at her defeat, gave him a concerned look to which Eragon nodded in response, reassuring her that he will be fine. She turned, making her way to Thorn as Saphira was to stay as well. Mounting the ruby red dragon, the riders and their mounts took off back to Ellesméra, their silhouettes contrasting brilliantly in the setting sun

"A beautiful sight. One that I have not seen for many decades now." Eragon turned to stare at Oromis, who returned the gesture in kind, slightly unnerving the young rider. "Please, come with me to my hut for we have much to discuss." With a wordless nod, Eragon followed the elder rider to his abode where he took his seat, next to one of the great walls of scrolls facing his master.

Over the past few hours of listening to the elf speak, Eragon concluded that he did not hate Oromis. There was no reason to do so, for he had treated him with nothing but the utmost of kindness and understanding. However that was the issue, "He doesn't understand what I've been through. What I've become..." Eragon thought to himself. Although the rider was trying to help him, Eragon didn't see why he should bother. "I'm already beyond redemption at this point, how could this old geezer believe he could do anything different?" Eragon frowned.

Noticing his darkening expression, Oromis spoke up, "I know what you are thinking Eragon." The young rider looked at his master, the frown deepening as the old rider continued. "This... receding nature that you show to kindness, it runs deep within your mind and soul. These are all the results that come from your extensive torture at the hands of the Black King."

"You wouldn't have been able to comprehend even a half of it..." Eragon muttered with a shaky breath, his face becoming pained by the rush of his troubled memories.

"I admit that I do not... But know this, Eragon. Like you, I too have also been taken captive by Galbatorix once. The tortures he subjected me to, were... crippling" Eragon watched as his master gave him a sad glance while massaging his temple. "Ever since Glaedr and I escaped his clutches, we could never go back to our normal selves.

"hence why you are crippled yet whole?"

"Indeed, despite losing a part of myself I still remain whole because of one important thing." Eragon felt his curiosity pique at his words. "How..." He began hesitantly, "can I remain whole? Can you tell what it is that keeps you whole?" At those words Oromis eyes gleamed slightly, "Why Eragon, it is to rely on your bonds, your family, your friends. In times of great need, they'll be able to get you through the most difficult of situations." At those words, Eragon shut Oromis out, he tried to glare at his master but somehow he couldn't find the strength to do so. Slumping in his chair in defeat, he could only shake his head weakly and sighed. "I cannot...You cannot help me."

"You can't be so sure unless you try" Oromis replied gently, "Even those who aren't close to you. They can help you, but only if you let them."

Eragon laughed bitterly "Help me? I'm not like you. I'm not a hero nor a respected veteran. To the Varden, I'm only a useful weapon. To the Dwarves, I'm a war criminal. To the Elves... I'm the embodiment of evil. Face it, the world betrayed me when I was at my lowest and it hates me for what I have become."

"Ah but it hasn't betrayed you." Before Eragon could angrily interrupt, Oromis continued kindly, unfazed. "You however, isolated yourself when it tried to send help. You have all but to ask, and your friends, your family, they will accept your plea and come to your aid. You just have to reach out to them."

Eragon sat in silence, digesting the words that Oromis had said to him. "Have I really been so blind?" Eragon began to think back to the times when his mother kept doting on him worriedly, constantly seeking a way to help him. His mind drifted to his partner Saphira, how she had always did her best to keep Eragon from falling into his dark pits of sorrow and anger. His servants constantly joked and tried to bring the castle to life, all as a way to make him happy. "And Arya..." His chest warmed when he began to realize the extent of which they tried to help, but it was dampened just as quickly when realized how harshly he rejected their support. "You are right Oromis-elda... I have been the blind one all along" He looked at his master with tired eyes.

A soft mental tendril slowly worked its way into Eragon's mind, "I told you so, little one." This time, Eragon embraced his dragon mentally and without hesitation, not rejecting it like before. His actions pleased Saphira and soon he could hear a slight rumble of satisfaction from outside the hut. At that moment, he could feel a slight shift inside of him, "A start towards a new path."

Oromis smiled kindly at Eragon's new change in attitude before continuing, "I understand that dark times will be ahead us, especially for you. However you need not face this alone. Keep your loved ones close and by your side always. For their love and support can make even the weakest of men more powerful than a king."

Taking this newfound advice to heart, Eragon nodded gratefully. "Is that all that you wanted to talk about Master?"

"Only a part of it. There was also the matter of your brother that I wished to speak about." Eragon stiffened slightly, but waited for Oromis to continue. "Murtagh does not bear you any ill will, therefore if I may ask. Why do you seem to detest him so?"

"Detest?" Eragon blinked at Oromis's word choice, had he been so cold to Murtagh that it seems that way? "I don't necessarily detest him. Envy would be a more apt description."

"Even so, envy will lead to hate eventually."

"I admit it isn't healthy to be so callous with him." Eragon conceded, "However, even though this envy is dangerous, it cannot be helped. I've spent many years thinking my mother favored Murtagh over me. Her hiding him in Carvahall, has made me envious of his simple and happy life, maybe even hateful. However, I have come to respect him for what he has experienced, in spite of his lack of awareness and persistent questioning. Perhaps with time, I may come to accept him as a close family member, emotions are never set in stone."

He nodded, accepting his answer. "Then will you give me your word that you will at least act civil in his company?"

"On my honor as a Rider."

Oromis nodded, satisfied with Eragon's response. "Good. Now to the next matter." He began, this time in a more cautious tone, "When we met, you did not appear surprised to learn that Glaedr and I were alive."

Eragon nodded, "Indeed I wasn't. Galbatorix had always suspected there were more riders seeking refuge in the elves' forested stronghold. His theories have been certainly confirmed, after seeing you with my own eyes."

Oromis nodded, a slight concentrated frown showing on his otherwise peaceful face. "Alas, I fear surprise was never on our side..." Oromis sighed, tiredly rubbing his face. "There was another matter that I had wished to ask you. However, I'd rather we begin that discussion once we can fully trust in each other's judgement."

"I share the same sentiments, Master."

Oromis looked up to see how much time had passed during their meeting. The sky no longer had an violet hue, being fully pitch black yet dotted with masses of the heavenly bodies above. "I hope that you enjoy your stay here in Ellesméra, for these will be times of great growth for you."

Eragon nodded, "The sunset here is the same as it was in Urû'baen, yet it is different... more beautiful." The smile Oromis gave him unnerved Eragon slightly. However, he resolved to return the gesture, making sure that his path will change for the better. However, despite his effort, the cold side of him resisted fiercely, causing his smile to falter slightly.

"Oh, there is still one more matter I wish to speak about, that is... What is your interest in Arya?"

He froze on the spot, "Interest in Arya? What could make him ask such a thing? Arya was just a friend... but even I am not sure if Arya considers me a friend. Maybe as a rider, an ally. It's not something I would give much thought to..." Eragon slowly recovered from his stupor and tried to answer his master to the best of his abilities. "I only... see Arya as a friend." Eragon frowned at his choice of words, it felt wrong somehow.

"I see..." Oromis uttered thoughtfully. "Well with that, this will conclude one of our many talks that we will be having during your residence in Ellesméra. I am sure that you are to have proper bed to sleep on. And given your position of power among your peers, the Queen and I have come to the agreement that you are to stay in Vrael's tree. It is only right, given your experience over the other two riders.

"Vrael's Tree?" Eragon mused slightly. He found it hard to imagine Queen Islanzadí being humble enough to agree to Oromis's proposal, for doing so effectively made him the de-facto leader of the new Rider Order. Standing up, Eragon bowed before Oromis. "You honor me with your generosity and kindness and because of that, I cannot thank you enough." He uttered, humbled by Oromis's decision. "But where will I be able to find it?"

"Glaedr has shared its location with Saphira, she should be able to fly you to your new home. Go now, for you have earned your rest. Especially after having met with my people." Nodding, he left the confines of Oromis's home and made his way to Saphira who was crouched on the ground ready for him. Glaedr was curled up beside Oromis's hut, appearing to be asleep.

"My my, how your master managed to change your mind within the span of a conversation when it took us, your friends and family years to try only to fail." Saphira mused. Eragon grunted in response at Saphira's smugness. "Oh come now, don't act like a brute, you know he was right. We tried our best to get you to accept our help but you just kept pushing us away."

"I didn't think I needed help. I managed perfectly fine, despite the pain I experienced... I just didn't know I actually needed it to live a fuller life." Eragon replied, slightly defensive.

"It is called trust. One cannot get far in life without having a confidant, someone that they can rely on. You know that I am here, I will always help you when you ask." Saphira said gently.

Eragon appreciatively rubbed the the smooth scales on Saphira's neck, the surface shining brilliantly under the moonlight. "What do you think of Glaedr and Oromis?"

"Wise beyond measure..." came her answer "...and kind as well."

"yes they are quite the teachers." Eragon thought, as he watched Saphira fly towards a tall thick tree. From the ground, it seemed as if Saphira was about to crash into the tree. Instead however, the two entered a large teardrop shaped hole, landing gently before a room sporting a lavish bed and a dais nearby for Saphira to rest upon. A spiraling staircase sung out of oak, stood near the bed leading to the room's study.

Without hesitation, Eragon dropped onto the mattress, welcoming its comfort. Being unused to the softness, Eragon's body began to ache from days of overuse. Saphira, who was curled up on the dais, extended her mind to Eragon's in order to block out his discomfort and he readily accepted her assistance. Her assistance clearly had worked, for Eragon found himself awake at the sound of trilling songbirds, outside his teardrop window.

Sitting up, Eragon rubbed away the sleep from his eyes, shaking himself awake. Next, he made his way towards the baths, exploring the tree as he made his way through the elegant structure. He soon found his bath a few paces later and being that it was of the Elves' handiwork, he was grateful to find it possessing a tap through which clean water flowed.

After a few minutes of scrubbing, Eragon finally felt more refreshed than ever before, having washed away the dirt and grime that bespoke of his long journey to Ellesméra. He even managed to shave away the growing stubble, dotted along his jaw and mouth.

Returning to his bed chamber again, Eragon could see that Saphira was still fast asleep. He was surprised however, to find a new set of clothes awaiting him on his bed. "They must have been delivered to me when I was washing myself." He thought before donning his new garments. As he was lacing up his boots, Eragon heard a knock sound from the screen door, waking up Saphira in the process.

"That's strange, I had not been expecting any visitors today." he wondered, "Enter." He called out. Eragon was pleasantly surprised to see Arya, in her hands were his blades.

"Good morning Eragon, good morning Saphira." He nodded to her greeting, while Saphira arched her neck to nudge the princess slightly as a response. Her footsteps echoed throughout the silent chamber as Arya walked towards a table to set his swords down. "You seem to be well rested today."

"Indeed, I slept rather well." Eragon responded as he made his way to the table to retrieve his blades. Picking them up, he carefully scanned them, watchful for any sign of tampering.

"Our best blacksmith, Rhunön, was impressed by the swords' craftsmanship, normally she would have spotted an irregularity between the two blades. These must be fine weapons if they appear to be identical copies of one another." Nodding in agreement, Eragon sheathed the swords. One onto his back, and the other to his belt.

"Aye, they are of unparalleled quality, almost rivaling the caliber of the Riders' swords if it not were for their durability. These blades once had once belonged to a friend of mine, a master swordsman by the name of Tornac... Unfortunately, he was killed when he was gored by the horn of a Urgal while we were on patrol for the empire. He had died saving my life, when they had ambushed us. And in his honor, I wield his blades to carry forth his memory." Eragon turned to look at Arya, an expression of surprise adorned her face at the fact that Eragon had shared a personal memory with her.

"However I did slightly reinforce these swords with magic, only for the purpose of protecting them from the harshest of blows" Eragon ended, slightly guiltily at his admission of augmenting the weapons with spells. "Anyways, do you sleep in a tree similar to this?"

Arya nodded, "Yes, although my abode is not as coveted as your's. I am not that surprised that you were given Vrael's tree, considering the fact that you are the senior Rider amongst us." Eragon could slightly pick out a resentful tone in Arya's voice. Eragon tried to hide the smile on his face, "knowing she was older than me must have given her confidence that she'd be chosen as the head of the riders." Despite his best efforts, Arya noticed his look of merriment and in a slightly confrontational tone, she said "What?"

"Oh nothing... I was just thinking" Eragon quickly responded. Arya stared at him for awhile until Eragon decided to placate the envious elf, "You had fought well yesterday." smiling slightly.

However this only seemed to further upset Arya, as her lips twitched downwards, eyebrows slanting into a deeper frown. After a few seconds her figure slumped slightly in defeat. "She really isn't used to losing to another opponent, especially to one that is far younger than her..." He mused to Saphira, who was also trying her best to keep her humor to herself.

"You have fought just as well, although... your fighting style is..." Arya trailed off.

"Unique?" Eragon finished the sentence for her.

She nodded in response, "In all my years, I had never given thought to how other parts of your body can also be used in a sword fight. That duel has taught me a valuable lesson." Arya looked out of the window to see how far the sun has risen, "It is time for us to meet with Oromis and Glaedr."

"Then what are we waiting for little ones?" Saphira finally spoke up. They mounted Saphira, tarrying no longer.

By the time they had arrived at the crags of Tel'naeír, Murtagh, Thorn, and Fírnen were waiting for along with Oromis and Glaedr. "Good morning" Oromis spoke, greeting the three.

"Good morning, Master," Arya and Eragon returned in kind, bowing somewhat stiffly because of their lateness. They then moved on to greet the elderly dragon in a similar fashion.

"Now that all of you are here, the first thing we would like to examine is the extent of your skill in the ancient language. You are exempt from this test Arya, for I have seen the depth of your skill before. Eragon and Murtagh however, I have yet to see their abilities in utilizing spells and magic. Eragon, you may go first.

Being trained by Galbatorix, he had no trouble demonstrating to Oromis his knowledge of the Ancient Language. Easily explaining to him, the vowel sounds in the ancient language and many other grammatical rules. He was able to effortlessly carry a conversation with his Master for over an hour. Murtagh on the other hand had a much more difficult time. At a certain point in the exchange, Murtagh commented, "I've never needed very many words in my spells; Brom said it was a gift that I could do so much with Brisingr. I think the most I had ever said in the ancient language was when I blessed an orphan in Farthen Dûr."

This revelation shocked Eragon and Oromis, "Murtagh had blessed a child?" Arya on the other hand, didn't seem so fazed at the news, probably having heard of it already. "Do you remember how you worded the blessing for this child? If you do may you recite it to us?" Oromis asked carefully, suddenly alert.

Murtagh's face slightly scrunched into a concerned frown, affirming his actions with an "Aye," before he proceeded with his recitation of the blessing. A look of absolute horror spread across Arya's and Oromis's face at hearing Murtagh's word choice. "The damned fool!" Eragon held an expression of fury at hearing the words coming out of Murtagh's ignorant mouth. Before he could begin on a tirade against his half-brother. Oromis quickly interrupted, "You used skölir! Are you sure it wasn't sköliro?"

Murtagh's frown deepened even further, "No, skölir. Why shouldn't I have used it? It means shielded. '…and may you be shielded from misfortune.' It was a good blessing."

"That was no blessing, but a curse," Oromis corrected. 'The suffix 'o' forms the past tense of verb endings with an 'r' and an 'i'. Sköliro means shielded, but skölir means shield. Instead of protecting the orphan from misfortune, she has now become a shield for it, condemning her to be a sacrifice for others, absorbing their misery and suffering so that they might live in peace!"

"It is not so—"

"It is," said Oromis, saddened. Although Eragon could see Murtagh's face turn from bewildered surprise, to shame and guilt. The expression still did not placate his anger at his ignorant actions.

"I'm not sure if it will undo my mistake, but Thorn had marked the orphan on the brow, just like he had marked my hand."

If Oromis's expression could be even more dumbstruck, he was. "One who bears the sign of the Riders, and yet is not a Rider...In all my years, I've never met anyone such as the two of you. Your decisions seem to cause an impact beyond what anyone could anticipate."

Eragon resisted the immense urge to strike Murtagh at the moment. Arya, who had seemed tensed by the revelation of information, had grown unusually still, deep in thought. He was boiling with rage. "The fool! What does he think he is going about, giving blessings when his vocabulary in the ancient language was limited to the point that he could hardly carry a conversation?!" And now, he had condemned an innocent child to a horrible fate, forcing the orphan to suffer unnecessary pain. What exacerbated the situation, was the fact that the child resided within the Varden, where battles, assassinations, and pain was extremely common. "Would she be able to survive before the babe is even able to walk?" he wondered. At that moment, he took back what he said about Murtagh last night, as the respect he thought he had for his older brother was all but ground to dust. Unless he righted his wrong, he could not forgive him. And if he did not, then he would have no choice but to amend the situation himself.