To Train A Bad-Ass
By Stargatesg1fan1
Disclaimer: I own nothing of any recognized characters or universes within.
Women Bonded to Harry Potter in This Story
Ros is Played by Esme Bianco
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Chapter 4
The Wall
"Rangers are reporting whole villages abandoned. Wildlings are banding together in hidden strongholds for unknown reasons," Jeor reported. He was speaking to Harry who was in the Lord Commander's room. "Castle Pyke's men outside of Eastwatch discovered four blue eyed corpses. They burned the corpses. I intend to ride out beyond the wall tomorrow. I want you and your wolf with us."
"You want to see what is out there," Harry surmised.
"Yes. I'll not sit meekly by and wait for the snow to come," Jeor said.
"I'm with you," Harry agreed.
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Harry's Chambers
"It's about to hatch," Ros said as she watched excitedly as her lover bathed the dragon egg he had been preparing to hatch in magical fire.
"Good," Harry said sweating. "This fire isn't easy to maintain. It feels like I've been holding the flames on the egg forever."
Just then the shell cracked. The shell was instantly consumed by flame. A dark blue baby dragon came out of the shell. Harry immediately released the magic flame. The dragon looked up at Harry curiously. Harry crouched down and picked up the dragon which crawled up his arm.
"What will you call him?" Ros asked.
Harry thought about it and eventually replied, "Everflame."
"A fitting name," Ros said.
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Essos
At about the same time in Essos Drogo's funeral pyre was lit with Mirri Mas Dur tied to it. Daenerys didn't realize it. But a certain magic inherent in her blood due to her Valyrian heritage connected with the eggs. The only ingredient needed to form the magic into a spell was the sacrifice of a life. That spell would heat the flame of the pyre hot enough to hatch the eggs. The magic would also grant her an immunity to flames and heat. Daenerys lit the pyre. The witch started singing but soon began screaming in agony.
Daeny began walking into the flame. It sometimes happened that Khaleesi climbed onto the pyre of their fallen Khal. The magical backlash from the formation of the ritual fire knocked everyone present unconscious. When they awoke it was to see a naked and singed Daenerys Targaryen standing with three baby dragons crawling on her. Jorah and the former slaves that were present all knelt in awe as the baby dragon on Daeny's shoulder let out a screech.
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Hogwarts
Harry rematerialized inside of Salazar's training chamber. Salazar's illusionary holographic form appeared.
"How long has it been since I left in this world?" Harry asked.
"Two minutes," Salazar answered.
Harry grinned and said, "I love magic." He thought about it. "So, I've got a couple of hours before I'll be missed."
Harry had told Hermione that he needed some time alone to think about the tournament and life. She had given him his space. Harry and Ron were on the outs with each other. Ron thought Harry had entered himself in the tournament and was jealous Harry hadn't told Ron how to do it. Harry was tired of Ron's horseshit. Harry felt like he was moving beyond his red haired friend. The time he had spent in Westeros had greatly matured his mindset. In a brutal world like that he had just come from you matured and grew up fast.
"Might I suggest you go after the books you wanted," Salazar suggested, eager to get some new knowledge. "The variation of apparition I taught you will allow you to teleport through modern wards against apparition. Be careful who you teach your method of apparition. I suggest you only teach your future wife and children."
"Alright," Harry agreed. "I'll have to visit Gringotts and get some muggle money."
"Take the book with you," Salazar suggested. "And don't forget what we talked about when you visit the bank."
Harry nodded and apparated away. At Gringotts he met his family account manager. When they learned he hadn't been told of his family vault and holdings by his magical guardian Dumbledore the goblins were rather upset. At Salazar's suggestion Harry used a loophole in the laws. Since the Triwizard Tournament considered Harry an adult that meant the Ministry did as well. He was able to claim his head of house status earlier than when he turned seventeen. A visit to his family vault showed him that he was very well off. He had over 3 million galleons in his family vault. At the current exchange rate that was just over fifteen million pounds. Harry wouldn't have to work a day in his life if he spent money properly. The interest alone on his investments would be enough to live off of if he wasn't foolish with his spending.
After getting some money in both galleons and cash out from Gringotts, a shopping trip ensued. Harry purchased a nicer model magical trunk, new clothes, and a few other magical items. Then he hit the non-magical bookstores. He got all Salazar needed to understand what aging was on a genetic level. He also got books detailing how certain mechanical and electrical technologies worked. The designs in some cases were outdated when compared to the latest and greatest on the non-magical market. But that didn't matter when you were talking about a medieval society. Harry had no plans to introduce electronics into Westeros. That didn't mean Harry wasn't curious how these things worked. The moment Harry returned to Hogwarts Salazar had access to all of the books just purchased.
"You look different," Hermione greeted as Harry sat down next to her in the Great Hall.
"In what way?" Harry asked his best friend. "Bloody hell she's gorgeous," He thought to himself.
Harry knew just how good a naked woman felt now. He couldn't help but undress her with his eyes and imagined what he would do to her.
"I'm not sure. Just more…calm," Hermione suggested as she ate.
Harry and Hermione were sitting at one end of the Gryffindor table. Neville was sitting across from them. Ron was seated further down the table occasionally glaring at Harry. Harry ignored this.
"She's right," Neville said.
"That must have been some thinking session," Hermione said with a teasing smile.
Harry loved her smile.
"I worked some stuff out," Harry agreed. "What did you get up to while I was thinking?"
"Studying and some pleasure reading," Hermione admitted.
"She also helped me with some homework," Neville admitted.
"Sounds interesting," Harry mused.
He chatted with his friends. Harry decided Neville would make a good replacement for Ron. He made sure to be a little more touchy feely with Hermione. It was something Salazar had suggested. The extra contact wasn't enough to be super noticeable. But it would get Hermione comfortable with touching him. That night when she went to bed, Hermione started experiencing some very erotic dreams about her best friend. There were no complaints from the bookish witch.
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Alagaesia
Harry swam to consciousness in the body of his counterpart in the newest universe he was traveling to. Salazar had encouraged him to try out the second universe the training chamber was tied to. He found himself in the body of a nearly sixteen year old named Eragon. Eragon was what was known as a dragonrider in this land called Alagaesia. Harry immediately began sifting through Eragon's memories and had to clamp down on his occlumency when he sensed a magical connection his mind. That would be a connection to his intelligent dragon companion, a female named Saphira. Harry's occlumency wasn't phenomenal yet. But he thought it was enough to keep his own memories hidden from the dragon. He tried something new. He focused on forming a Notice-Me-Not charm with his magic. When it was formed he attached it to the knowledge of his new memories. The spell latched onto what it was supposed to. Hopefully that would keep Saphira from realizing her partner now had a lot more going on mentally than before.
The memories of the last little while came back to Harry. Brom, Eragon's mentor, was dying from a wound. There was a good chance Harry could save the man. But he didn't want knowledge of his magic getting out. Harry opened his eyes and sat up. He found his satchel which contained Salazar's book. The satchel had a Notice-Me-Not built-in that he was keyed into. Harry touched the book and focused on conversing with it. Mental communication was possible if the user had strong enough occlumency. Harry now had that. Salazar told him what he needed to know. Harry immediately transfigured a nearby rock into a passable copy of Brom's body. The body went into the expanded satchel until needed. Harry went over to Brom to check on him.
Harry, Saphira, Brom, and a newer companion they had acquired named Murtagh were in a cave. Brom did not look good. In fact, at that moment Brom began convulsing. Harry held him down and started casting diagnostic spells. Brom was not in good shape.
"Eragon," Brom groaned as his eyes snapped open. "Bring me the wineskin."
Harry retrieve the wineskin and opened it, saying, "Here."
Murtagh moved back to the mouth of the cave to give Brom and Eragon privacy.
"Not to drink," Brom said faintly. "Wash my right hand with the wine."
Harry didn't waste time asking questions. He just did it. What was revealed on Brom's right hand beneath dye was a gedwey ignasia. This was the mark of a Rider.
"That explains a lot," Harry said. "Did your dragon die?"
"Yes," Brom admitted. "I was chosen at a younger age than you are now to become a Rider. I befriended another apprentice Morzan. That was before he was Forsworn." What Brom was talking about was over a hundred years ago. Riders must be very long lived. Brom merely looked in his forties or fifties. "He eventually betrayed us to Galbatorix. My dragon was killed in the fighting at Doru Areaba which is known as Vroengard's City now. Her name was also Saphira."
Brom paused. Harry didn't interrupt him.
"I am old Eragon. Despite my dragon's death my life has been longer than most. I look back and realize I don't remember much of what has happened in my life. But then I also still have many years ahead of me. Or rather I had. I still grieve for my Saphira even after all this time. I hate Galbatorix for what he took from me. Don't let the same fate befall you. Guard Saphira with your life. Will you take my blessing? This wound is too grievous and saps my energy to fight it," Brom said.
"I will," Harry agreed.
Brom said, "I hope the coming years give you great happiness. You have my blessing. Come closer."
Eragon did so and Brom whispered seven words in the ancient language, the language of magic in this world. Brom translated them and told him to use them only in great need. That was the point when Harry hit Brom with a temporal stasis spell. Salazar had taught Harry the spell only recently figuring it would come in handy. The spell would suspend Brom in time indefinitely if it wasn't reversed. This would give Harry time to heal Brom's wounds. Harry then performed a switching spell between Brom and the fake corpse. Although Saphira was watching she didn't notice the wandless magic. To her it looked like Brom had just stopped breathing. Saphira let out a roar filled with sadness. Harry reached down and hefted the fake corpse onto his shoulder.
He left the cave and climbed to the top of the sandstone hill. Murtagh and Saphira followed. Eragon had been injured. But Harry fixed that with some wandless healing magic.
"Moi stenr," Harry said while using Eragon's memories to access the magic of the ancient language.
It felt different than his own magic from the wizarding world. The stone rippled until it flowed like water into a man-sized depression. Waist-high walls rose up around the depression. The walls flowed into a dome which shaped itself into a spire.
The runes in the ancient language on the spire read:
HereLiesBrom
He was a Dragon Rider
And like a father to me.
May his name live on in glory
Harry stayed there for a while paying tribute even though this wasn't really Brom. When he went back to sleep that night in the cave, he had dreams of an imprisoned woman who Eragon had been dreaming of for some time. She was shivering with pain, her breathing irregular. Her hand hung off of the cot she was lying on with blood slowly dripping from the tips of her fingers.
When Harry awoke the next morning he was the only one in the cave besides the horses. Murtagh returned a short while later carrying two rabbits.
"How are you doing?" Murtagh asked.
"I've been better. But I'm getting stronger," Harry answered.
"Good," Murtagh said. With a grimace he added, "I know this isn't the proper time to ask. But I may never get a chance. Is your Brom the same Brom that helped steal a dragon egg from the king and killed Morzan?"
"He was the same Brom," Harry confirmed. "Now I must ask. How is it you know that? I'm given to understand not a lot of people know that information. And you were right behind the Ra'zac when we really needed help."
The Ra'zac were the creatures who had attacked Harry and Brom.
"I am running away. I'm not part of the Empire or the Varden. There are rumors of a new Rider. I figured if I followed the Ra'zac they may lead me to the truth," Murtagh explained.
Eragon possessed an ability similar to legilimency but more akin to telepathy. Harry reached out with that ability to see if he could get a sense of Murtagh's thoughts. He met considerable mental fortifications. It was similar to occlumency. Harry set this aside and packed up his bedding. He then retrieved the red sword from Brom's belongings. The red sword was called Zar'roc. The sword reminded Harry a bit of Valyrian steel. He belted the sword onto his hip.
"May I see that sword?" Murtagh asked.
Harry passed it over and was quickly given it back by an angry Murtagh.
"I take it you recognize it," Harry said.
"Morzan's blade is well known. Why are you carrying it?" Murtagh asked.
"It belonged to Brom. He never told me it came from Morzan," Harry admitted.
"I wonder why he never told you," Murtagh said.
"He liked his secrets," Harry admitted. "I'm going to wear it. Despite its past it is still a superior sword."
"It's your choice. What now?" Murtagh asked as they began to eat the rabbits.
"Well first thing is I need to sell my horse," Harry said.
"Why not Brom's horse?" Murtagh questioned.
"He made a promise to take care of Snowfire. I'll keep it for him since he isn't here to do it," Harry replied.
"I see," Murtagh mused. "There should be a buyer in a nearby town. I would like to travel with you for the time being. The empire is hunting me too."
"You going to tell me why?" Harry asked.
"No. Everyone is entitled to their secrets," Murtagh said.
"Fair enough. You did help us with the Ra'zac. But I'm wary of you," Harry warned. "You can travel with us."
Saphira returned to the cave seeming sad.
"I miss the old one," Saphira said.
"As do I," Harry said. "We need to discuss our plans for what we do next. Going to the Varden is one possibility. But we do not know how to find them." "After we were attacked by the Urgals when we departed Teirm Brom grew concerned for his continued survival. He told me many things. I will not speak of all of them. He gave me conditions of which to speak of them. But he spoke of a man in Gil'ead named Dormnad who could help us locate the Varden. He also wanted you to know that of all the people in Alagaesia he thought you were the best being to inherit the legacy of the Riders,"
"That means a lot coming from him," Harry replied.
"I expected some anger over secret keeping," Saphira said.
"People have their reasons for keeping their secrets. I am not entitled to know everyone's secrets merely because I wish it so," Harry said. "Besides, what is life without a little mystery." "You are growing wise Eragon,"
Harry thought it would be hypocritical of him to feel angry at secret keeping when he himself was keeping from all around him the fact that he was from another universe. Harry told Saphira of his dream of the woman.
"Let us go north to Gil'ead. I have a feeling we will encounter this woman in one of the towns or villages along the way. Or rather I hope we do," Harry said.
"Very well," Saphira agreed.
Out loud Harry said, "I know of a contact in Gil'ead that may be able to lead me to the Varden. So I'm heading there."
"I will accompany you. But I'll have to leave you before we reach the Varden. Encountering the Varden wouldn't be good for my health," Murtagh answered.
"Fair enough," Eragon agreed. "Let's pack and I want one last private moment at Brom's grave before we leave."
Saphira and Harry paid their respects to Brom. On a whim she extended her snout to the monument and a flare of magic formed when she touched the stone. The magic transfigured the tomb into pure diamond through which the fake corpse could be seen. In this land dragons could not consciously control their magic. Sometimes they could unconsciously tap into magic to perform some powerful feats of magic.
"Now time itself cannot ravage him," Saphira said.
With that they departed. Harry was glad he had gradually healed his broken ribs with magic or riding would have been a lot more uncomfortable.
"What's your horse called?" Harry asked from atop Snowfire.
"Tornac after the man who taught me to fight," Murtagh explained. "Tornac is courageous and impressive. But Snowfire is as close as I've ever seen."
On their journey they passed by the road to the city of Dras-Leona several leagues to their left. They planned to give that city a wide berth. Gil'ead was a good distance north. The next day was when they made the sale of his horse Cadoc in a small village. For days and days they traveled. Harry spent this time practicing the ancient langue form of magic and seeing how it worked with his own form of magic. The ancient language utilized the true names of objects and forces to manipulate them. It theoretically had the power to do anything provided the magic user had the energy to accomplish the task. But if you didn't have the energy required in your body then you would die. This made the ancient language dangerous in some respects. Harry figured out through careful experimentation his limitations. When he used his birth magic from his magical core he had quite a reservoir of magic to draw from. That magic was replenished if used up. And he was fine as long as he didn't use up all his magic at a faster rate than it was replenished. There were also certain spells using runes and rituals which could draw magic directly from the environment only taking a small investiture of energy from the user.
The ancient language primarily drew its energy from the user. Harry wasn't sure if there was a form that drew energy from the environment. He supposed it was possible. But he hadn't learned that form yet if it existed. In any case, he figured out that if he fed the ancient language spells from his magical core it took about a tenth or even less the amount of magic it took to power the spell from his own body's energy reserves. The magic in his core was just more energy dense than the magic drawn from his body. So he could power more power-intense spells than he could have before. As he matured magically this would only increase. He wasn't sure what his true limits were. But in time he would probably find out.
While they traveled Harry discussed archery and hunting with Murtagh. Eragon's memories equipped Harry well for these conversations. Murtagh it seemed also knew of the internal politics and power struggles of the nobility in the empire. It became obvious Murtagh was someone of noble birth born into the empire's regime. At night Harry would erect temporary wards to guard them. Any time they passed by a village or town with a jail he would pay it a quick visit to check for the woman he had dreamed of. There were wanted posters with a reward for his capture in these towns.
They had to take care when going around the capitol Uru'baen because there were soldiers patrolling nearby. But they managed it. After the capitol they reached the edge of the vast grassy plain which Eragon, Brom, and Saphira had crossed after leaving their home in Palancar Valley. They traveled along the edge of the plain. They traveled along the Ramr River. Eragon's sixteenth birthday passed without a mention. Saphira herself was almost six months old at this point and she was growing.
"My wounds have healed," Harry said drawing Zar'roc. "I can apply a spell to our blades which will prevent us from injuring each other. Would you care to spar?"
"I take it this is temporary?" Murtagh clarified as he examined his hand-and-a-half blade his companion had applied a magical block to the edges of a minute later.
"Yes," Harry confirmed.
The two youths engaged in an exchanging of blows. They would attack and disengage trying to find an advantage against one another. But there was none. They were at an even skill level in pure sword-combat. They also both tired at about the same rate. Harry was certain he could best Murtagh using magic. But that wasn't the point of this.
"Enough," Murtagh called when they were both covered in sweat and their arms leaden. "You are good," Murtagh said as he tried to get enough air in his longs. "I've studied swordplay all my life."
"You're just as good. Your training shows," Harry complimented.
In the evenings the two made it a regular habit to practice sword fighting. Harry also didn't hide his practice of the ancient language magic from Murtagh. But he didn't tap into his magic core in front of Murtagh. He didn't want to show himself to be more than a magic user of this land. Murtagh was curious and would occasionally ask what a word in the ancient language meant. Murtagh already knew quite a bit. This made Harry very curious about Murtagh's past.
Nearly a month after they began their journey the group reached the outskirts of Gil'ead. Spring was truly in season now. The city itself was a city of log houses with a stone fortress in the center. The city had the feel of a trading post. Five miles on the other side of the city was Isenstar Lake. They made camp two miles from the city.
"Maybe you should wait outside the city while I go in first," Murtagh suggested while their dinner cooked.
"Why is that?" Harry asked. "I doubt Dormnad will want to help us without seeing my gedwey ignasia as proof of me being a Rider."
"I can give Murtagh words that will prove we are who we say we are," Saphira interjected.
"You don't want to walk into the major staging point for the empire's army. That is what Gil'ead is," Murtagh pointed out.
"Very well," Harry agreed. "Saphira says she can provide words which will convince Dormnad of our truthfulness."
"I will go now," Murtagh said.
Harry nodded. The shorter time they spent here the less the risk. He relayed to Murtagh what Saphira said in regards to the words to prove their truthfulness. Harry also cast a tracking charm on Murtagh so he could locate his companion.
"Good luck," Harry said.
"Thanks," Murtagh said.
Then he mounted Tornac and rode towards the city. Harry waited for several hours. Eventually Murtagh rode hard out of the city. He then dismounted in their camp. When he dismounted Harry handed Murtagh a plate of food.
"So what happened?" Harry asked.
"Dormnad agreed to meet us outside of Gil'ead at sunrise tomorrow. If he is convinced that you are a Rider then he will take you to the Varden," Murtagh said. "Someone who knows me spotted me in the street. I was forced to run away. But the damage was already done. I don't know who he will tell. But if it's the wrong sort we could have trouble."
"Let us not borrow trouble. That may never occur," Harry suggested.
Murtagh nodded as he finished eating. Harry and Murtagh had become friends during their travels. They talked about the city until it got late. That night Harry slept fitfully. Two hours before dawn he woke for good. He buckled his sword onto his belt and looked about uneasily.
"I smell unfamiliar horses nearby," Saphira warned.
Harry went over and shook Murtagh awake. Murtagh sat up and looked around while pulling a dagger from beneath his pillow.
"Enemies are nearby," Harry whispered. Harry and Murtagh stood near Saphira looking in all directions. An Urgal stood on the edge of camp waving his weapon, a spiked club. It let out a roar. The creature didn't charge. "He's a distraction," Harry warned as he spun to face the other direction. "Saphira, take the single Urgal."
Harry rushed forward against the group of seven Urgals that had tried to sneak up on them. His rush brought him closer to four of the creatures. He was fast enough to jab Zar'roc into one enemy's throat. He blocked a downwards swing of a club with the blade before delivering a throat-crushing blow with the pommel of the blade. He stepped to the left fast enough to avoid another swing and spun Zar'roc in a swipe through his opponent's eyes. The Urgal cried out dropping its weapon and clutching its eyes. Harry's blade met the last creature's club. Harry traded several blows with the Urgal before getting through its defenses with a killing strike to the area beneath the armpit. Harry relieved the Urgal still clutching its ruined eyes of its life.
Murtagh had faired somewhat well against the three Urgal he faced. But he had taken a blow to the arm from the third while he dispatched the first two. Just as Harry finished his opponents Murtagh managed to kill the last Urgal. They glanced at Saphira to see she had ripped apart the single Urgal. That was went over a dozen more urgals flooded out of the forest surrounding them.
"Eragon," Saphira cried and rushed to protect him.
At least eight of the Urgals headed towards Harry. He didn't exactly have the ability to count numbers when he was trying to defend himself. Murtagh was quickly overwhelmed and knocked unconscious. Harry was busy fighting off his attackers. When Saphira got there she was a machine of death helping him kill the Urgals. By the time they finished off their attackers Harry and Saphira were breathing heavily.
"Did you see where they took Murtagh?" Harry asked.
"I did not. But if he still lives we can track him after we have recovered our strength. You are tired after the magic you just used," Saphira pointed out.
Harry had used magic to kill several of his attackers. But it hadn't taxed him as much as Saphira thought because he was tapping into his birth magic to fuel the spells. He wasn't going to reveal that to Saphira. It was a little while before he thought Saphira would feel he had sufficiently recovered. Harry began following the tracks of the Urgals.
"Their tracks lead towards the city," Harry said after a short distance. "Why would Urgals be going towards a human settlement." "I do not know,"
"I can't very well let Murtagh stay captured. I can disguise myself," Harry said.
"Very well. But I will come the moment you call," Saphira said.
Harry wore a glamor charm as he made his way through the city gates. He made his way to the military headquarters where the tracking spell told him Murtagh was located. He willed used an illusion to look like a soldier. There were many soldiers going about. When he arrived Harry noticed a group of soldiers marching in lock-step. Between several of the soldiers was carried a slim figure. When he made out her features Harry instantly took note that this was the woman from his dreams. She was beautiful. Her long dark hair was tied back with a leather strap. An empty sword belt hung at her hip. She had a gorgeous figure. But what was even more striking were her pointed ears. This was an elf. He was instantly attracted to her.
At the rear of the column of soldiers walked a red haired man with pale skin. Harry instantly knew what the man was from Eragon's memories. This was a shade. Shades meant evil was running amok in the land. Shades caused rivers of blood with the destruction and violence they met out. The column with the shade at the rear marched out of sight.
Harry followed after the column of soldiers. After making a few turns among the corridors he watched as the elf was taken into a cell and left there. The Shade glanced back behind him curiously for a moment as if he sensed something. Harry didn't move. Then the Shade seemed to think better of it and moved on with the column of soldiers. Harry waited a few minutes before he moved forward cautiously. As he approached the elf's cell he noted the cell on the left. When he glanced in the door he saw Murtagh sitting there apparently unconscious.
"Alohamora," Harry whispered while pointing at the door of Murtagh's cell.
Harry entered and turned a rock into a duplicate of Murtagh's form. Salazar had instructed Harry on how to give these golems rudimentary life simulating abilities. He cast it on the golem and it began breathing. Murtagh was floated into Harry's expended satchel and the golem placed where Murtagh had previously rested. Harry re-locked Murtagh's cell as he left before making his way into the elf's cell. When the door opened he found the elf holding herself tense. She had a regal bearing. Her eyes were dark green, almost black, and slightly angled like a cat's.
Harry allowed himself to fade into view. Her eyes glanced over him drinking in the sight of him. Arya was at the point where she was near collapse. Something about this strange man called out to her. He seemed trustworthy. But she had learned looks could be deceiving. But it mattered not. She didn't have time. She collapsed into a coma. Harry rushed forward and caught her. She smelled of freshly crushed pine needles. He cast a quick spell which would tell him her name. The spell only told him her first name, Arya. It was a spell that Salazar had taught him which Harry was willing to bet had been built into the Marauder's Map. Harry picked the elf up finding her very light.
He could have placed her in his satchel. But somehow he didn't feel that was right. He willed a featherlight charm onto her and found her to be easy to carry. He threw her over his left shoulder so that his right hand would be free to wield magic. Harry was hoping he wouldn't need to fight. He went through the trouble of replacing Arya with a golem as well. After relocking her cell he reapplied the disillusionment charm to both of them. As Harry began to make his way from the jail he couldn't help but feel Arya's butt beneath his arm as he walked. She had a very nice butt. Pleasant thoughts of what the elf's arse would look and feel like naked threatened to distract him.
"I haven't gotten laid for far too long," Harry thought to himself.
He shook those thoughts aside and cast a spell which would help him track down the sword which belonged in Arya's sheathe. As he followed the trail his mind again turned to thoughts of how his sword belonged in her sheathe.
"Fuck, having her this close is almost like a veela," Harry thought. He reinforced his occlumency shields against her now that he knew he was being influenced by her. The effect didn't completely go away. But its potency was diminished. "That's better."
Harry tracked his goal up several flights of stairs. He passed through an empty dining hall into what looked like an armory. He found a strange bow and an elegant slender sword which looked like it should fit in the sheathe on Arya's belt. Harry decided it wouldn't hurt to deprive the empire of some armaments. Besides, these might come in handy later. He used a packing charm to send every piece of armor and weaponry there into a pocket of his satchel. It was a different pocket than what Murtagh was in. He didn't want to cut up his friend.
"You're quite good at concealing yourself," Durza the Shade said just as Harry finished up looting the armory.
Durza had come up the stairs and entered one end of the armory. Harry gently set Arya down, became visible, and took Zar'roc from his sheathe at the same time Durza drew a pale sword with a thin scratch on it. Harry had turned Arya's pants into a portkey when he sat her down. If need be he could get her out of there with a word. Brom had taught Eragon that Shades were several times stronger than humans. Salazar had been teaching Harry how to strengthen his muscles and speed up his reflexes with magic. Harry had been practicing. But he didn't know where he compared against a Shade. Harry could of course have apparated out. But he preferred to keep that skill hidden from the enemy.
Saphira apparently decided to take things into her own claws. A booming sound came from the roof. The ceiling shuddered as the dragon landed on the roof. The screams of men and fighting were heard as Saphira engaged the guards. The Shade attacked. Durza whipped his blade at Harry's ribs. Harry blocked barely. Durza was stronger than any opponent Harry had faced. Durza whipped his blade at Harry's neck almost faster than Harry could follow. Zar'roc came up to parry the swing as Harry ducked beneath it. He delivered a powerful front kick to Durza's gut that drove the Shade back. The ceiling began to rain down chunks at a time. Durza looked up at Harry while clutching his gut with surprise. The magic Harry had put into that kick had meant the blow would have broken bones in a normal human. Harry backed off towards Arya as the ceiling continued to rain down. Suddenly the ceiling split open and the night sky was visible.
Harry risked using magic hoping the Shade would mistake it for Saphira breathing fire. A gout of flame shot forth thanks to Harry's native magic. The gout hit the shade who was more surprised than anything. Harry cast a flame freezing charm on himself to keep from being burned, apparated behind the shade, and took Durza's head. Durza did not die the way Harry had thought. Instead of Durza's extra crispy head coming off, Durza's skin turned gray, a cloud of mist formed around him, and then the misty cloud vanished. Durza was gone. Harry wasn't so sure the Shade was dead. According to legend only two heroes had ever survived slaying a shade. While Saphira continued to tear her way into the armory, Harry removed Murtagh from his satchel and cast a feather-light charm on the older teen.
Harry didn't want to have to explain his expanded storage to Saphira. Saphira landed in the room just as Harry finished collapsing the stairway up to the room using a blasting curse.
"An elf," Saphira said with surprise.
"Yes. She's the one from my dreams," Harry admitted. "Can you carry the three of us?"
"Yes," Saphira confirmed. "Climb on."
Harry loaded Murtagh and Arya onto Saphira's back. He climbed on while using sticking charms to make sure everyone stayed in place. A row of archers had assembled on one of the other walls of the jail by the time Saphira took off. A volley of arrows was loosed. Harry raised a shield relying on the night to hide the sight of it from Saphira. He managed to deflect the first volley of arrows. By the time the second volley was loosed they were far enough away that with the cover of night they were safe. Saphira flew them a league from Gil'ead where Snowfire and Tornac were tied up. Harry slid off of Saphira. He pulled Arya off of Saphira and put her onto Snowfire. He then woke Murtagh with an enervate spell.
"Where…what…where are we?" Murtagh asked groggily.
"Outside of Gil'ead. I just rescued you from the jail along with an elf," Harry said.
"An elf," Murtagh said as he glanced over at Arya.
"Yes. We do really need to start riding soon," Harry said.
Murtagh nodded and grasped his reins. Harry hopped onto Snowfire behind Arya. He took the reins. The feel of Arya's backside pressed against his front was very nice. He put a feather-light charm on himself so that Snowfire wouldn't be overly burdened. They began to ride. Harry's mind went over what Eragon's memories told him of elves. The order of dragon Riders who had protected the realm had fallen about a century ago. The current king of the Empire, Galbatorix, had betrayed the Riders from within. After that fall the elves had retreated into seclusion. Many of the elves could use magic and they were rumored to live very long lives. Harry began casting medical diagnostic charms on Arya. What he found was alarming. Arya had suffered long-term torture and there was a poison in her system. She did not appear to be in immediate danger from the poison because of some magical trick she was currently maintaining. But her energy would not hold out forever.
Harry decided the best way he could help her was to give her some of his own energy. For that he needed skin to skin contact. While his left hand held the reins firmly his right hand snaked up under her tunic against her belly. He poured his energy into her using some of his birth magic to make sure he didn't deplete himself too much. When he cast the medical diagnostic charm again he noticed she was much stronger. The group traveled through the night while torch-bearing horsemen searched around Gil'ead. Thanks to the feather-light charms the horses were able to travel quite far.
"We need to make camp," Harry said as dawn broke.
"I agree," Murtagh replied.
The two pulled into a copse of trees a good distance from the road. Harry had been using a spell periodically to cover their tracks. He used an illusion to conceal their position so that nobody would find them until someone was literally on top of them.
"The magic I just put up will conceal us," Harry said. "It will also alert us if anyone approaches too close. We all need sleep," Harry said.
"You won't get any argument from me," Murtagh agreed.
When they were all on the ground resting Saphira said, "I wonder why she hasn't woken yet."
"She was tortured and poisoned," Harry explained. "She is using magic to keep herself unconscious and fight the poison. I already bolstered her energy reserves with my own. But we'll have to get her to an antidote."
"That isn't good. There are some nasty poisons the empire has available. I believe she is the first elf the kings had been able to capture since the elves went into seclusion. Hopefully he wasn't able to extract their location from her. Or Galbatorix will send the army after the elves and declare war on them," Murtagh said.
"Indeed," Harry said.
"How did I get captured by Urgals and end up in Gil'ead?" Murtagh asked.
"The Urgals are either working for or being controlled by Galbatorix or the Shade," Harry suggested. "Some Urgals I met at Teirm mentioned a master. That must be Galbatorix. We encountered a village of slain people at Yazuac. He's having the Urgals kill his own subjects."
"He'll want to keep that information hidden or he'll lose even more support," Murtagh said. "I suppose he can run a campaign of lies telling the people that the Varden and elves are enemies wanting to seize their lands."
"I'm sure he could accomplish that," Harry said.
"When we've encountered the Urgals they were all heading south as if they were going to try to enter the Hadarac Desert," Saphira pointed out. "The question is why the King is sending them there."
Harry relayed this to Murtagh.
"I wouldn't be surprised if he is going to use the Urgals to attack Surda. The king has hated Surda ever since it seceded from the empire. Only the Hadarac provides some measure of protection," Murtagh said.
"It could be. We're pretty tired at the moment. We should get some rest and plan later," Harry said.
Murtagh and Saphira agreed. Harry consulted Salazar about spells that could be used to locate the Varden. Salazar gave him some good ideas. He would try them after some rest. When Harry next woke he took a look at Arya's condition. He had to lift up her tunic to heal the wounds on her back. She had been repeatedly whipped and branded with a hot iron in the shape of claws. It took a lot to heal her. But by tapping into his native magic he managed it more easily than he would have otherwise. Murtagh and Saphira were still asleep. So, Harry pulled her tunic up and completely healed her back. He noticed she had a tattoo with the same symbol as Brom's ring. The scars extended down to her leggings. He slowly pulled down her leggings to reveal her butt. She had scars there as well. Harry healed that getting a good view of her gorgeous rump. There was no way check her thighs and calves for damage without cutting them away or pulling them down. It was obvious that undergarments weren't really a thing in this time.
Harry didn't know how much Arya could sense about her surroundings in her self-induced coma. But he wasn't about to pull down her pants fully in case she could sense it. So he covered her rump and went down to her ankles. The leggings were tight. But he managed to get them up enough to see that she had scarring even down around her calves. He could of course mend her clothing with magic. But he didn't know if that magic was common in this time. He decided he would channel a little bit of healing magic through the surface of her clothing to at least seal up any wounds and wait for permission to help with anymore. While he was doing this Harry wondered if Arya had been raped. It wouldn't have surprised him given the medieval era world they were in. He ended up dozing back to sleep after the healing.
When Harry next awoke it was to his alert ward telling him others were near. Murtagh and Saphira were already awake. Murtagh put his finger to his lips in the universal sign to be quiet. They heard the sound of hunting dogs.
"Damnit, I cast spells to hide our tracks but not our scent," Harry told Saphira.
"At least you thought of even that much. It would be difficult to hide my scent in any case," Saphira said. "What should we do?"
"Well the dogs may get close. But my spells will make it so they won't find our exact location," Harry said. "I will conjure an illusion of us further down the road and have it lead our pursuers off. Wait here."
Harry gestured for Murtagh to stay and then slipped outside of the illusion field he had created. He slipped down the road after placing a disillusionment charm on himself. When he was a few hundred yards down the road he started making animated golems. First he made golems for the horses. Then he made golems for himself and Murtagh. The golems were commanded to lead the soldiers on a chase in the opposite direction Harry planned to travel.
"There they are," A soldier shouted as the golems began to ride hard in the opposite direction.
The soldiers and dogs gave chase.
"Good luck keeping up with a golem that won't tire," Harry thought to himself.
When he got back to their little camp Murtagh and Saphira were ready to go. Arya was already on Snowfire. Harry climbed on behind her and held her tight as they began to ride.
"Where are we going?" Murtagh asked after he drove Tornac closer to Snowfire.
"Give me a bit and I should be able to tell us what direction the Varden are in," Harry said.
Harry had taken a moment on the way back to transfigure a compass. He had placed a drop of his blood on the needle and bound it to the needle. He didn't have a wand for a point me spell. But Salazar had advised him how to use a similar spell and his blood to act as the magical focus. The compass would point Harry to what he wanted. While riding Harry cast the spell on the compass. He held the compass and thought Point Me Varden.
The compass pointed towards the Beor Mountains. Harry knew the Varden had likely protected themselves from scrying which was a common magic in this world to find things. But he had been willing to bet they wouldn't be protected from his type of magic. He had been right.
"That way," Harry called while pointing in the direction of the compass needle.
Murtagh nodded and let Harry lead the way. They made a camp that night in the same way they made the previous. Harry threw up some wards which should keep them safe.
HP – IC – GoT – HP – IC – GoT – HP – IC – GoT – HP – IC – GoT – HP – IC – GoT – HP
Rev 0 Posted 5/14/2021
Author's Note 2
If you want to access the erotic versions of any of my stories follow the following instructions:
1) Go to Facebook and join the group Stargatesg1fan1's Fanfiction Works and Favorites (make sure you answer the security question)
2) Go to the Announcements section of the group. You will find a link in one of the posts to a Google drive folder. Inside that folder are copies of all of my stories (the smutty versions).
Note: If you create a new Facebook account it has to be with a legitimate name. I won't add anyone to the group that looks suspicious (it has to be a real person's name). For example, using the name "Lazy Lazy" is not a legitimate name.
I have chosen to move the erotic versions of my story to a less accessible forum which can be more closely controlled. If you cannot accept that then you don't need to be reading my stories. For those who can accept it, enjoy.
You get this a few days early. This is because on Sunday when you typically get a chapter I'll be in Florida at Disney.
Enjoy,
Stargatesg1fan1