Chapter 9: Swords, Corpses, and Goths
Age 27
In an underground chamber, hidden and muffled from prying eyes and ears, metallic grinding and awful screeches rang out, causing the crystals embedded in the ceiling to tingle and shake, as waves of heat caused the very ground to char. In the center, a lone pedestal made of sleek black metal stood, as a thin drill etched out of pure diamond rapidly spun, inching downwards from the ceiling at a slow pace.
Showers of sparks flew out, as the sleek drill continued boring into a small orange scale carefully embedded into the pedestal. Held in place by both stone and magic, it progressively heated up and trembled, as enormous pressure was applied to it. The heat generated by the contact between the two forces caused the stone to burn red hot, as energy escaped outwards into the cooler environment.
Within a few moments, the scale first cracked, and finally shattered into pieces, as the thin drill immediately stopped its movement. The pieces of the now broken scale continued to smoke and dull, as they cooled. The chamber fell silent until steady steps rang out, as boots hit the slightly charred ground around the pedestal.
Walking up to the center of my efforts of the last few hours, I gazed upon the remains of what was once the centerpiece of the belly armor of a mythical beast that inspired fear and awe in the hearts of many living in the land. Removing a pair of black reflective glasses from my face, I used some pincers to examine one of the pieces with my naked eye.
With the enhancements I obtained, and the ability to vividly see in the darkest nights, extremely bright light such as that produced by this experiment could be detrimental to my eyesight, hence the need to wear reflective glasses, such as those used by welders in my past life to not cause unnecessary problems for myself in the future.
My research in the past few years after the defeat of the Forsworn and imperial army with Urgals was primarily centered around the spoils of war I obtained, upon looting the corpses of my enemies. While the weapons and armor of the Forsworn were not to be ignored, it was the corpse of his dragon that really caught my interest. Preserved and completely intact after our battle, it provided many opportunities to examine the structure and anatomy of the most powerful beasts of Alagaësia.
Their size, physiology, and organ structure were fascinating, directly responsible for their incredible physical power that dwarfed that of even the largest Urgals. Their property to grow to enormous sizes as they aged was truly captivating. Not to mention their innate ability to harness gigantic amounts of magical energy individually, larger than that of multiple elves combined.
As such, the possibility to research and directly hypothesize the origins of such power from the lump of flesh in front of me was one I was never willing to give up.
Multiple experiments were carried out to break down each and every component that made up the body of the enormous dragon corpse in front of me. Every tissue and organ were scanned, analyzed, extracted, and dissected down to the very cells. I wanted to know everything. Down to what the dragon ate, what minerals his bones were made of, how did his acute senses work, and primarily, how did magical energy flow inside his body?
One of the first riddles I encountered upon the first examination of the corpse was how did the dragon fly in the first place? Their weight was enormous, and from what I remembered from my past life, so should have been his wings. The reason why humans were unable to fly was simply because they would require wings with a span of over six meters to compensate for a measly seventy kilograms of weight. And while the dragon weighed over several times that amount, its wings, while large, were definitely not gigantic enough to compensate.
This was not to mention the problem and confusion that arose with the muscles responsible for powering the wings. Birds and other avian creatures primarily used their pectoral muscles around the chest area to generate and move their wings.
With outbursts of power, these muscles would contract and produce enough force to flap the large wings attached to the usually slightly smaller bodies of these creatures. The problem with this working with dragons was the simple fact that they had four limbs, where the two first limbs were controlled by the very same pectoral muscles.
Despite countless hours of research, I was still stumped on how dragons flew, hindered by their weight and a lone group of muscles responsible for the movement of a staggering number of four individual limbs.
In the end, with some reluctance and disappointment that normal science could not explain such a miracle, I had to attribute this to the enormous amounts of magical energy that ran through the bodies of the dragon while it was alive.
A corpse was dead, and while preserved to remain intact, was not the perfect representation of the dragon unlike when it was alive. A lack of oxygen had stiffened the muscles, while multiple capillaries burst, while internal enzymes began the slow digestion of the organs.
From my research, death in living beings also led to the rapid calcification of many cells in a short burst, while neuron activity goes haywire as the brain continues to transmit electrical signals for a few minutes after the actual medical death of the organism. The dragon was dead, and while several processes continued inside its body, the magical energy that once flowed inside had long since disappeared.
Don't get me wrong, there was still some magic inside of it. Many cells showed signs of being completely saturated with magic and energy. Dissection proved how the dragon I was examining once had multiple invisible pathways of magical energy flowing inside its body, flowing into each part of the body, and saturated around its brain and the place where its Eldunari must have once been held. One of my first theories about magical flow had in fact been proven correct.
In my childhood, I had deduced that the figurative 'heart' of each organism was responsible for the generation of magic within its body, and the subsequent saturation of cells with magical energy, which most, if not all organisms in Alagaësia needed to properly function. The brain on the other hand, directly influenced and allowed magic users and species to channel magic, direct its flow, and cast spells.
The reason why dragons had so much magical power was because of their Eldunari, which acted as a heart and generator many times more powerful than the heart of any other human or elf. Older dragons had even more magical power and strength not only because of their size, but also because of their Eldunari, which along with their bodies were forced to grow to compensate for their size, and hence able to produce even more energy.
The removal of an Eldunari severed the generator from the main body, and hence, the lack of magical energy stumped a dragon's growth and prevented them or their Eldunari from getting any larger. This was evident by the slightly atrophied magical channels I found around the chest region of the dragon's corpse, where the removal of the Eldunari prevented magic from flowing at the same rate as before. They would still have enormous magic compared to others, simply because of their incredibly saturated cells, but certainly not as much as before, at least, in their original physical body.
The reason why dragons were unable to consciously direct and control the magic in their bodies was their brain, which was not completely developed or large enough to direct such enormous amounts of energy.
Subconsciously, yes, they had sufficient control to make the magic flow properly, especially in a critical situation. Unfortunately, they simply lacked the brainpower to use magic on will, like other species, such as elves. While they had lower magical reserves due to the smaller hearts in their bodies, a balance was present between the heart and mind. It was this balance that allowed them to willingly control and cast spells with greater proficiency than the technically more powerful dragons.
My analysis of the ability of flight in dragons eventually led me to believe in a similar balance between physical and magical power. Dragons were able to fly partially because of their strong pectoral muscles and wings, which halfway compensated for their large weight and body mass. The other half and power required were derived subconsciously from the magic flowing in their bodies, giving them enough energy to produce strong enough force to lift off the ground.
As a result, the dragons of Alagaësia had similar flight patterns to that of a Condor, found in the high mountains of South America in my original world. Initially, dragons would need a large and rapid expenditure of energy, to push off the ground and rise into the air.
Once in the air, a dragon would glide, like an enormous scaly condor, and use the air currents to traverse enormous distances. Learning how to best maneuver in the air increased their proficiency to fly, such as when Glaedr gave Saphira tips and tricks to better fly in the sky during Eragon's stay at Ellesméra. While some knowledge must have come from instinct, mature dragons could give much-needed experience and knowledge to the younger generation.
My most recent experiments, however, such as the one I had just completed were dedicated to the durability and resistance of dragons. While strong bones and muscles could go a long way in making dragons durable and difficult to kill with weapons, it was their scales that prevented normal unenchanted swords, spears, and arrows from ever penetrating their skin.
Over the course of the past few weeks, with my new toy drill, I examined and tested the durability of these scales. I wanted to see, just how much they could withstand, and whether other factors such as temperatures affected them, perhaps by making them more brittle or softer. Most weapons would bounce off until some sort of magic was utilized. The drill was my most recent item in search of a non-magical tool to damage and break dragon scales.
Knowledge about the physical properties and limits of dragon scales, as well as their bones and muscles, would give me opportunities to not only better understand how to formulate my spells used to harm a dragon, but also to continue increasing my own physical abilities. Replicating such an effect would take me to even higher levels of physical ability.
Hence the enormous amounts of time I invested in peeling of scales from different parts of the dragon's body, such as their heads, legs, and belly, often getting dangerously close to burning myself with the still slightly 'warm' blood that once ran through its veins.
I was sure that if anyone found out about my 'experiments', especially the elves, I would be considered as deranged as a shade and as mad as Galbatorix.
Thankfully, I had wards and spells to prevent unnecessary observers. Even those pesky fossils on Vroengard, just beginning to reach out back into the world.
It was not like I really cared. My morals had long flown out the window as soon as remembered that Eragon was willing to torture someone with boiling sand in their stomach.
Alagaësia was a nasty place. All magic and supernatural abilities have a moral dark side that many were fearful of or unwilling to consider. This is best described by our fellow Sith lord Palpatine who was very accurate in his reasoning.
The dark side of the force is a pathway to many abilities many consider unnatural.
If these abilities require me to cut up corpses, wither away armies and loot bodies, in order to better myself in the future, all I have to say is: No problemo. Just give me what I need and I'm ready to begin.
There is only power and those too weak to seek it.
There is also of course a necessary limit, one that I myself made and etched into my mind. I wanted power, but it is sometimes necessary to draw a line so as to not devolve into a complete nihilistic megalomaniac willing to do everything for a few scraps of power.
Too much of a good thing can be very harmful, and I do not want to harm myself now do I?
With so many references from both fiction and reality, it would be foolish to make the same mistakes. I need to learn from their faults to keep my own in check.
Talking about power, corpses, and loot, I had not forgotten to research the weapons and armor of the Forsworn I killed. While his armor was quite boring, made of a simple bronze and steel alloy, it was his sword made of the apparent legendary material named brightsteel that caught my attention.
Both his armor and sword were enchanted, but only the sword had the sufficient energy it used from a gem embedded in its hilt to maintain them. Study of the enchantments on the sword allowed me to further my own knowledge, as before removing them completely, I noted their properties to later apply to my own weapons.
While I was initially tempted to replace my old slightly damaged blade with this new one, several problems would arise with this decision. My first blade was sleek and light, particularly useful for my fighting style which relied heavily on my speed agility, and telekinetic control of my weapons. The new sword was much heavier and bulkier, requiring much more physical force to carry and swing.
While I could lift it easily with my physical enhancements, it would still require me to expend more stamina, which was quite inefficient considering my ability to achieve the same results with a much lighter weapon. I would also have to completely alter my fighting style, one that I was quite accustomed to, which would require even more time. Finally, I would be unable to effectively use telekinesis with magic to control the sword, as once again, the energy cost would become too inefficient.
In the end, I decided to abandon this idea to use this sword as my own, instead of spending more time to observe and examine this weapon used by the riders, forged by the best smith in the land. It was evident that the blade was a masterpiece, bulky but still swift, thick but sharp, heavy but wieldable. The orange-colored steel would shine bright as light reflected off its polished surface.
The blade, the hilt, everything was made without a single visible flaw.
"It belongs in a museum!" I joked, remembering one adventurer with a whip and fedora hat.
Sadly, I did not have a museum or trophy hall in my sanctuary yet. I must have overlooked my fascination with trophies and eye candy when building it.
Blasphemy! Every badass needs a place to show off his accomplishments.
The laboratory and testing chambers would have to do for now.
Over the course of the months following the battle, I would examine and test the blade, noting down observations about the materials it was made of, as well as hypotheses about how it was forged. While the book knowledge gave me some insight as to how a rider's blade was created, the fine and more precise details were sadly omitted.
After some time, I was able to confirm and finally conclude upon the composition of bright steel, and the different metal elements that formed the alloy it was made of. By using my microscopic vision spell to the maximum, I was able to perceive the individual atoms of the metals that make up the alloy, and hence able to find their identity by deducing their atomic numbers and electrons found orbiting around the nucleus. Additional tests with heat, acid, and magic confirmed my findings and conclusions.
Imagine my surprise, when instead of some fancy mystical metal with supernatural properties that came from space in a meteorite, my testing showed the fact that brightsteel was merely an alloy made of basic iron and nickel.
Yes, the same elements used to make pots, coins, and jewelry. What a letdown.
I expected something of the likes of vibranium or adamantium.
There were however some differences that I identified that showed why brightsteel blades were better than the same iron and nickel alloy weapon. Most importantly were the techniques used by Rhunön in forging. While many smiths could make good blades, Rhunön's blades made of a, by my standards, quite boring material, were so good because of her skill in removing all the impurities from the metal.
In fact, upon examination, I found that the blade steel did not have a single impurity, which greatly increased their strength and durability. Brightsteel itself would already have very few faults and would indeed be better than normal iron weapons. The removal of all impurities during the forging process would prove to be a major factor in making it even better than before.
This was of course not to mention the incredible magical enchantments applied to the weapon after forging. While Eragon's own blade Brinsingr had enchantments applied throughout the forging process, it seems as if such methods were not used to create every other rider's sword. The enchantments were powerful but would not have the advantage of being interwoven with the metal itself. If I were to create my own ultimate sword, I would need to use my magic during the process of forging itself, and not after or before.
Anyhow, examination of the brightsteel blade was useful and advantageous. I did not expect to be able to come across the material so early in my life in Alagaësia, but I certainly am not complaining. I will use every advantage I can place my hands upon.
Life is difficult and is not always a straight path forward. Beggars cannot be choosers.
With my experiments and the usefulness value of my new acquisitions coming to a close, as I figuratively drained this well of knowledge dry, it is time to move on to another area of interest. No dilly-dallying allowed.
Life is getting boring though in these caves, especially after the Urgals left my valley. I need something new, something interesting. Something that can help me improve even further.
I think I know just what I need. Too much work can make anyone go bananas.
I need a vacation! Well, something like that at least…
Time to see what else Alagaësia has to show me.
Age 28
Walking down an empty road, I slinked away to the top of a rooftop of one of the houses lining its edges, narrowly avoiding an enemy imperial patrol, purposefully walking down the narrow alley, diligently trying to find someone to pick a bone with.
Unlike the soldiers I fought in the imperial army, these appeared quite lax, and If I must say 'dirtier'. They lacked the edge and discipline of those that I fought in the Spine. Most probably these were those that remained as backup, separated from the main force to remain, and protect the cities of the empire.
Looking away from these depressing representations of Galbatorix's military power, I gazed over the dark rooftops of the small houses of Dras Leona, filled with dark alleys and shadows containing many unpleasant figures of the underworld. Figures that I would either avoid or exploit to hide my own presence and actions in the city during my stop here.
The possibilities of magic and mind control by entering someone's mind are truly endless.
I was tempted to use such a method to gain control over their operations and establish a criminal empire from the shadows, but the risks outweighed the benefits. While such an organization would give me access to large amounts of coin and gold, I did not really need material wealth. Especially when I can make gold, crystals, and diamonds from simple pebbles using magic.
Furthermore, a criminal empire would be difficult to establish, difficult to manage, and difficult to conceal. The servants of Galbatorix are many, and his spy network is not to be underestimated. I need to remain hidden and unseen, not something easy to do when standing behind a criminal empire. The risks far outweigh the benefits.
I did however manage to raid the minds of many criminals and 'mafia' bosses that lived in the shadows of Dras Leona. Just in case. You never know when I would need to use someone's name to intimidate someone else.
It is important to stay in touch.
Looming over these houses was the famous dark cathedral housing the fanatic followers of the Ra'zac and the masochistic priests, who had already done several sacrifices since my short stay in the city. Young and old initiates cut off fingers, limbs, and spilled blood for their 'gods'. Most of them did this with blind loyalty and not a hint of reluctance, willingly mutilating themselves for their despicable faith.
Fools the lot of them. Some people are such treasures you just want to bury them.
The cathedral and the city created a very dark and looming atmosphere, a sense of dread in many who walked its streets. The whispers and shuffling of people in the early morning were a big contrast to the other cities I had already seen, such as Teirm, where the early day was filled with loud sailors unloading their goods from ships and carriages.
The buildings and cathedral reminded me a bit of Paris and the cathedral of Notre Dame, which I once visited during my early life. I would imagine, however, that the level of filth and waste on the streets and buildings would only be seen during the times of the French revolution, or the Terror as they called it.
It was all very somber, very goth. No sunshine or rainbows that's for sure.
Some buildings were in a pathetically poor state, on the verge of collapse on top of those living inside. The infrastructure in this city sure is terrible. These people sure are strange.
If it's not baroque, don't fix it. Heh. I really do need to work on my humor.
Fumbling my necklace, I began to move towards the gates of the cities. A constant presence on my neck, this necklace was the very same one that my father once gave me all those very years ago when we were living in a small hut on the outskirts of Ceunon.
An item of great sentimental value, several bits and bobs would be attached to the woven string, enchanted to never whittle, or break unless tremendous pressure were to be exerted. Apart from the small white bead made of wood from the tree underneath which my father was buried, signifying my first steps into the larger world, it also had a large ivory carved tusk hanging alongside it.
A final gift and a symbol of my status as an Urgal friend and fellow warrior after our overwhelming victory at Stavarosk, in part, thanks to my aid. An object by which to remember my first mass-scale battle in this world.
Upon the end of the battle, after the wounded were taken care of, the Urgals and Kull had launched an enormous festivity to celebrate the win over the foul king and his army. Lasting for over three days and three nights, the Urgals would drink, fight, and cry out in victory. Many bears, boars, and berries were laid upon the tables, as Urgal wine flowed by the barrels.
While I myself was not a particular fan of enormous parties and getting drunk to an unprecedented degree, even I could not escape the clutches of five different Kull including Nar Tulkhqa, who wanted to further my "education" of their culture.
Upon the end of the festivities, the Urgals began to prepare to return home, back to their villages, families, and children. It was at this point that Nar Tulkhqa came up to me, alongside the other war chiefs that led the army. Eternally grateful for my help, and in awe of my prowess in killing an enemy dragon, they, in front of over a thousand Urgals nominated me as a friend of their race.
While Nar Tulkhqa and his tribe would be leaving my valley, as his original village territory was now back under Urgal control, he stated that the whole tribe was in my debt. Giving me one of the tusks of his ancestors, not only showed his ultimate trust but also acted as a symbol of my friendship with the Urgalagra.
It was here that I earned my first title of the "Silver Sage", who came down from his mountain in a silver flash, felling his enemies in a blur of motion and power. While the title was adequate, if not slightly banal, it was one that would I hear whispered and cried out by many Urgal warriors as I walked past.
I guess it would have to stick. Not much I could do about it.
Must have been my silver hair blowing in the wind that formed this particular image.
Spending some final months with the Urgals, I headed back towards my outpost to play around with the new toys I acquire during the battle. I would spend a little less than two years in solitude learning more from the items I acquired that day.
I probably really do need to find something to talk to. A companion to banter with. Maybe a skull will do?
I will give him the proud name Jerry and we will be partners in science!
Hmm, it seems a lack of intelligent conversation is influencing me faster than I thought.
Completing the experiments in my sanctuary, I had decided to continue my journey south. I wanted to explore the whole of the Broddring empire, and potentially use the current periods of disorder to my advantage.
In chaos, there is also opportunity. Sun Tzu wisdom for the win!
My journey south from the mountains of the Spine showed me the true disarray and poor state the empire was in. Galbatorix had not yet finished exerting and gaining control over all his Eldunari and was therefore too occupied to do anything about it.
Bandits and criminals were common occurrences on the main roads, as many people were wary to travel between cities, rather staying behind the protection of walls and with roofs over their heads. While the larger cities of the empire had less of this problem, as the presence of imperial soldiers dissuaded the simpler of evildoers, not everything can be perfect, and organized crime was still present.
While it was dangerous to appear in overpopulated areas, especially in large cities such as Dras Leona, where many of Galbatorix's servants were located, my ability to remain unseen was sufficient to remain discrete in the crowd. Furthermore, while Dras Leona was passable, I will certainly not be foolish enough to pay a visit to Urû'baen, more than willing to skirt the city like the plague.
Best not to open that can of worms. Not now, and not for a long, long time.
I had traveled primarily through the forests and had entered Dras Leona through the more hidden methods of entry, so as to not draw the attention of criminals or soldiers to myself. My illusion was full-on active, completely hiding and concealing all my prominent features, working alongside the cowl of my now favorite black traveling cloak.
My main focus of the stay in Dras Leona was to scout the territory and examine the future locations of battlefields that can occur. While many things may change over the course of the next decades, prior firsthand knowledge of both the city and its surroundings will be useful. During my pseudo-vacation, I will aim to explore and learn more about the unique locations of Alagaësia. Perhaps, I could learn something new from the places I plan to visit.
My stay had come to a close, as I left before the first rays of the sun shone over the black mass of earth that was Helgrind. Staying any longer than a few days would be risky. Heck, the Ra'zac found Eragon and Brom easily in their own city. Best not test my own luck.
Exiting one of the smaller city gates, past a few guards that suddenly felt drowsy after a long night shift, I accelerated my steps, quickly reaching the cover of the forest. Looking back at the city whose inhabitants were waking up, I entered deeper into the forest. Helgrind continued to loom over everything, as a grotesque black mass of rock that was the home of foulest races of Alagaësia.
On the very first day of my stay in the city, I had approached the edge of the mountain and used my mage sight alongside my microscopic vision spell to locate the entrance to the lair of the Ra'zac's. It was well hidden, and any, if not all mages would not know where to look. Fortunately, I had the benefit of future knowledge and book descriptions on my side.
For the benefit of my own safety and concealment, I did not enter their lair. While I most probably could take on and deal with both of the Ra'zac's at the same time, the same could not be said for the Lethrblaka. If all four members of the despicable species were to attack me, my chances in a fight would not be as advantageous as I would prefer.
The fact that I would not be able to learn anything from the Ra'zac due to their apparent immunity to mind attacks further discouraged my willingness to stick my head into the lion's maw.
Turning around and continuing my way through the forest, I accelerated my pace, jumping from tree to tree with nimble grace and familiarity that came from years of practice. My steps were silent as I glided from one tree to the next.
Parkour!
My journey south continues. Time to give some more fools a visit they will not forget.
I heard that Belatona was pleasant this time of year.
Be Prepared.
Author Notes:
"Welcome to the internet! Have a look around."- Bo Burnham
Sorry for the long wait with chapters. Unexpected stuff happened and I only now managed to catch up.
My ideas are overflowing and I just have so much planned. Your reviews are awesome, thanks a lot.
Some of you are practically plucking ideas from my head before I even have the time to write about them.
I also want to address a few questions/topics that came up with readers when reading the story.
1. Some of you wanted to have a visual image of Vidar. I have come prepared! Art is not mine, a tip of my hat to the creator for his cool art.
.ca / pin / 365143482262430610 /
Vidar should look something like this, only with a much lighter skin tone and no tattoos.
Do note that Vidar wears black thought. All Black. Everything Black.
2. Others are talking already about ships and pairing. A topic that I have no idea how to even begin touching upon.
While I am not averse to writing romance, my expertise in this field is completely null. Nada. Zero.
Not to mention the fact that selecting a suitable partner for Vidar will be difficult.
Some people proposed Angela. And while this is interesting, very interesting, it will be difficult. Her character is just so mysterious. Not a lot to work with. Which is both good and bad at the same time.
Arya would technically be easier, and just as applicable. I would just have to iron out a few kinks in her personality that stop her from becoming a romantic partner. You know, nothing special.
Kill of Faolin earlier than canon. Make it so that they were not emotionally attached at the beginning.
And voila, problem solved. Of course, this is all up in the air for the moment.
Do tell me your opinions. While romance is nice, it is not always absolutely necessary. It's all relative.
BTW for those who want a harem, yeah no. Not now. Not never. Not for this Fic. Go somewhere else.
Thank you for the support, comments, and reviews. It is a pleasure to hear from you.
Cheers and have a nice day.
Ps. If you want, check out Inside and particularly "Welcome to the Internet" by Bo Burnham. An amazingly accurate song that I have come to enjoy.
Update:
Hello, I am back after reading some of your reviews and comments.
Thanks for the support and help, it is good to know what my audience thinks about my work.
I was not sure how to include a web link as FF does not allow people to copy them from the page.
Thanks again to tgfofp for pointing out what needs to be done. I edited it, do tell me if there are still problems or if I missed something.
I also corrected the mistakes in the past hour. Do tell if they continue to appear in later chapters.
BTW, forgot to mention but the title "Silver Sage" was chosen on a whim. Really had no idea what to call him, and while it may not really fit the warrior culture of the Urgals, it should be enough for now.
I intend to play with in the future, as a measure of Vidars future exploits and encounters.
Now to get back to you about some of the key ideas and points that arose from your thoughts.
1. Romance. For the moment, I will keep it null, and not make it a focus for the upcoming chapters or maybe the story at all. I will however attempt a bit later in the story to give myself, let's say, a door, which if I am more confident in myself and my writing, I could open later. You can view this as the seamless integration of an opportunity, which I can or can not later take up.
2. Companion/Friend. Defintely yes. I know you want it, I know I want it and so it shall be. The only thing holding me back for the moment is the choice of companion and his first encounter with Vidar. It needs to be seamless, story consistent and more or less interesting. I already have a pretty good idea of who Vidar will get, and even an interesting role for the companion in the plot. So yes, one will appear. Very soon in fact.
3. Urgal armies and Vidar getting his own military. This is something I wish to more or less avoid, as in my view, Vidar is a solitary individual. He can help armies, and definitely hopes to have good relations will all races, but at the same time, prefers to stay independent of everyone.
In fact, being the 'littlefinger' as one my reviewers pointed out is quite accurate. Vidar plays with strings using friendship and honor, helping out when it can benefit him, but conceals his intentions and truly only works for himself. Getting an army may be beneficial, but makes it difficult to stay in the shadows, and is not entirely useful when you yourself are almost as powerful as one.
Please continue to review and comment. I try to take note of what everyone says and use it to make the story better and more realistic to a greater degree.
PS. My repertoire of Gordon Ramsay quotes is out. I don't know why I am making such random links to even more random material. It just seems right. Authors are weird, get used to it.
Now, I guess I need to find yet another quotable person. Perhaps, a scientist? How about Bill Nye?