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
HP – IC – GoT – HP – IC – GoT – HP – IC – GoT – HP – IC – GoT – HP – IC – GoT – HP
Chapter 6
Shortly after the food arrived so did another person. This person was an attractive young woman with black hair and startling blue eyes. She had a wry mouth. A golden snake bracelet wrested on her wrist. Harry felt some type of magical energy from the bracelet.
"Hello Rider," Trianna greeted. "My name is Trianna. I am a member of Du Vrangr Gata. We are a guild of magic users that work with the Varden."
"Greetings," Harry said. "I am Eragon and this is my dragon Saphira."
Trianna looked to Saphira and back to Harry before saying, "It is a pleasure to meet you both." The word pleasure was said in a flirty tone. "Our leader has sent me to see if you would be more open to letting me examine your memories. I was also asked to tell you that Arya has been given the antidote to the poison and is responding well. But it could be some time before she is strong enough to question you herself."
"Well I don't let just anyone into my mind," Harry said. "Please, join me for some food and tell me about yourself."
Trianna couldn't be happier with this situation. Eragon was handsome if not quite a bit younger than she expected. But she could work with that. She sat close to him and took some of the food he offered.
"Thank you," Trianna said. "Well I was born in Surda. My mother was a healer," Trianna began before she took a bite of food and composed her thoughts.
Trianna began to tell Harry about herself. Her mother had taught her magic. The bracelet was called Lorga and contained a snake spirit which had been meant to protect her family. It could be awoken through magic. Trianna was eighteen. It was also quite obvious from her flirting and body language that Trianna was interested in him. It was likely her interest had to do with his status as a Rider. He could tell that Saphira didn't like it.
"Calm down Saphira," Harry sent to his dragon.
"She's only interested in you because you are a Rider," Saphira pointed out.
"I am completely aware of that. That doesn't mean I can't get something out of her if I choose to," Harry said. "Being aware of what she is after makes her not so dangerous to me."
Saphira calmed somewhat. After another hour of conversation Harry had a better feeling about Trianna than he did of the bald magician.
"What do you think? Do you find me acceptable?" Trianna asked after a lull in the conversation.
She gave him a flirty smile.
"I think you'll do for this purpose. But I do have to wonder about other motives I believe you may have," Harry said.
"Open your mind to me and you won't have to wonder about my motives at all," Trianna said.
"Alright," Harry said.
Trianna's mental probe slid hesitantly into his mind. Immediately she fed him several images of the two of them engaged in sexual acts conjured up by her imagination. She let him ponder that as she began examining the memories he allowed her to see. She had to smile to herself as she found his instant attraction to her when he laid eyes on her. Her smile vanished when she found his memories of his attraction, his much stronger attraction, to the elf Arya. By the time she was done examining his memories and pulled out of his mind she knew he was a friend to the Varden.
"I would ask what your response is to my interest is but I think I can tell," Trianna said.
"Oh. What is my response?" Harry asked.
"You're interested in me. But your interest in the elf is much greater," Trianna said.
"That's a very good interpretation. Now let me ask you. You obviously came here with at least some interest in a relationship with me. What exactly is it you wanted out of the relationship?" Harry asked.
Trianna was not dumb. She knew the world was a harsh place. It helped you in life to have influence with those in power. She was moderately powerful. She was attractive. But other than those things she didn't have a lot going for her to give her that influence. Gaining influence with a dragon Rider would see her getting a lot of influence. If she had to sleep with him on a regular basis that wasn't something she was opposed to.
"I will be honest since you seem to be very discerning," Trianna said. "I wanted influence. I also hoped to maybe learn some more magic. You'll find that a lot of magic users want to learn more of the Ancient language so they can expand their own capabilities."
"I appreciate your honesty. I can also appreciate your ambition. I mean I am the last free Rider in existence other than Galbatorix himself," Harry said. "That in of itself will get me power and influence."
"You are not as naïve as one would expect for your age," Trianna said.
"I've had to grow fast," Harry said.
"I can see that. So, what is the point of this conversation?" Trianna asked.
"The point is to let you know exactly where I stand. I desire to be with Arya. That is no secret. Am I with her right now? No. What I do find is that I've been traveling with her for many days and it has left me in a certain state. It could be some time if ever that I can remedy that with her. You want influence with me. Now if we were to have a sexual relationship you would have a certain amount of influence with me. Would I let you sway my decisions completely without regard for my own choices? No. I wouldn't do that. But would I work to make sure you are taken into consideration and if not overly going out of my way you gain advantage? Yes. I could help you increase your influence," Harry said.
"And all it would take is for me to take care of the state traveling with Arya has left you in?" Trianna asked with a raised eyebrow.
She was now very much aware of what she was buying from the Rider across from her. It wasn't as much as she had hoped for. But the price wasn't exactly one she was willing to pay. And it was more than anyone her age could hope for.
"Yes. And occasionally remedying the problem when I lapsed back into that state would help keep you fresh in my memory when it comes time to promote those I call friends," Harry suggested. "Take some time to think about that. We couldn't exactly do anything locked in a room with Saphira in any case."
"By the Egg I thought you were going to mount her right here," Saphira said with relief in her thoughts.
"I'm not that heartless," Harry returned with a grin.
"I will do that. In the meanwhile I will inform Adjihad of the results of my examination," Trianna said as she rose.
"Before you go let me give you something to think on," Harry said as he also rose.
Trianna looked up into his gaze and was surprised when he stepped forward and kissed her. She gasped as his hand clasped her sex through her garments. Then a drill of power and pleasure lanced into her core. She cried out into his kiss as she climaxed more intensely and quickly than she had ever cum in her life. She was left soaked and weak in the knees as her climax rushed through her. He held her up.
"What…what was that?" Trianna asked shakily as she regained her feet.
"Some of the magic I know," Harry said with a grin.
"I have a lot of thinking to do," Trianna said as she slowly walked away.
Harry grinned as Trianna left.
"I do not think this wise. I feel as if someone will get hurt," Saphira advised.
"That is entirely possible," Harry agreed. "But I feel the rewards worth the risk."
"I can feel the desire to mount her burning within you. It is a strong urge. I can understand why you would be willing to risk it. I will not oppose you," Saphira relented.
Harry could feel the melancholy set in within Saphira's thoughts.
"What is it?" Harry asked.
"I just realized that when I am ready to mate there will be no one for me," Saphira explained.
"Galbatorix has two other eggs. So there are still other dragons not currently hatched. Also, think on this. Our bond is a strong one. When I spend time with Trianna or any other females I choose to have sex with I could share the sensations I am experiencing," Harry suggested.
"That would be interesting," Saphira admitted. "I am going to get some sleep. You should do the same while you can."
"I will," Harry agreed.
Harry communed with Salazar while he waited for Saphira to fall asleep. Salazar had been going through the material in the books Harry had purchased back in his home world. That material had been used to perfect the process of a new branch of transfiguration. Harry enchanted Saphira into a deeper sleep so that they wouldn't be disturbed before removing Brom from the satchel. Brom had been healed during their journey but was still in an enchanted sleep. Harry would be keeping Brom that way for the foreseeable future.
"It isn't enough to simply transfigure the flesh to look younger. Each time the DNA replicates part of the DNA called a telomere shortens. When telomeres get a certain length due to imperfect replication of the DNA the being dies. What my spell is designed to do is essentially repair those telomeres back to their original length and correct all DNA back to their pristine form when the being was in its prime. For a human that's around twenty-five years or so," Salazar explained.
"I should probably practice this on someone other than Brom," Harry pointed out.
"Use one of the guard's out front. You can always transfigure him back to his current age," Salazar suggested.
Harry nodded, disillusioned himself, subdued the guard closest to the room, and confounded the rest of the guards not to notice. The guard was a man who looked to be in his forties. A quick spell revealed his subject was named Torand. Another spell also marked Torand as 42 years old. Harry began practicing the transfiguration. The first few attempts only caused Torand to regress a few years. It took Harry another hour of practice before Torand was a pristine 25 years old.
"It's too bad that we couldn't leave him this age," Harry said to Salazar.
"Well. You would have to use a version of the Fidelius to hide the knowledge that he was once an older man. We could practice doing that. But for now I would just change him back," Salazar suggested.
Harry aged Torand again. But Harry left a few years off so that Torand was now physically thirty-seven instead of forty-two. Harry felt the man deserved an extra few years of life for being his test subject. After returning an unaware Torand back to his post, Harry reverted Brom back to twenty-five years of age. Brom was returned to the satchel. Harry decided to do one more thing before he rested. With a silent twist he teleported to the valley he had deposited Murtagh in. Murtagh woke from his rest with a start.
"Eragon," Murtagh greeted as he rose from his bedroll.
Murtagh was camped beneath a natural overhang.
"I'm glad to see you are alright," Harry said. "I just wanted to stop in quickly to visit. I don't know that I will be able to sneak away often at all."
"I understand. I'm glad you did. I got the food you sent me. Thank you for that. It would be rather hard to cook food without being able to light a campfire. The Urgals will see it if I do," Murtagh said.
"I will keep sending you food if I can," Harry assured.
"How did it go with the Varden?" Murtagh asked.
"Well I haven't met many of them yet. I just passed the tests I think that they had me undergo to prove I am a friend. Arya is getting help. I'm waiting on their leadership to meet with me. I'm also supposed to be resting," Harry explained.
"Then you had better get back to that," Murtagh said.
Harry nodded and said, "Look after yourself."
"You too," Murtagh replied.
Harry vanished from sight and then began to walk away. Murtagh probably thought Harry had snuck away using magic. Harry wasn't really ready to reveal he could teleport himself to anyone. It was one thing to be able to teleport objects. But people were a different matter. The magical power required to do so with ancient language magic was prohibitive. Harry returned to the room with Saphira and quickly fell asleep. He actually got some rest.
It was the next morning after a restful night that someone came into the room. Orik, Egraz, and several guards entered the room.
"Ajihad, the leader of the Varden, has summoned you to appear before him. If you must eat do so as we march," Egraz said.
"That is fine so long as my weapons are returned to me at some point," Harry agreed. "And my horse."
"That is up to Ajihad," Egraz replied with a sneer.
This man very much reminded Harry of Severus Snape. Harry followed Egraz out. The guards gave Saphira a wide birth as she followed. When they reached the main tunnel another guard was standing there holding Snowfire's reins.
"What now?" Harry asked as he climbed up on Snowfire.
"Ride single file down the center of the tunnel. Go nowhere else," Egraz answered.
Egraz arranged the guards in a procession.
"This feels like we are going to be presented in a show," Harry said to Saphira.
"It very well could be that," Saphira agreed.
The group moved forward with Orik and Egraz at the head of the procession. The tunnel had irregular doors and gates Harry made note of. The tunnel was uniform in size and dimensions its entire length carved into the heart of the mountain. Harry wouldn't be surprised if magic had been used in the carving. All that Eragon's memories revealed about Ajihad was that the man had risen to power approximately 20 years ago and was a brutal fighter. It took an hour before light could be seen in the form of a soft white glow at the end of the tunnel. The tunnel had marble pillars along this section laced with rubies and amethysts. The smokeless lanterns the dwarves used were clustered here. The light highlighted the gold veins which traced the entryway to a larger chamber. The larger chamber was behind two large black doors carved with raven figurines overhead and a pair of silvery symbols showing a seven-pointed crown. Egraz stopped and turned to Harry.
"Now you will switch to your dragon. Do not attempt to fly. People will be watching. Remember what you are Rider," Egraz said.
Harry switched over to Saphira resigned to the dog and pony show.
"Alright," Harry said.
"Once the doors open follow the path slowly," Egraz instructed as he and Orik drew back letting Saphira take the lead.
Harry simply nodded. He steeled his nerves. He had always hated his fame. But Salazar had cautioned him that he was destined to be famous no matter what life he led. That was true as Harry Potter, as Jon Snow potential king, and as Eragon. He might as well learn to deal with his fame and not get so worked up about it. The doors swung open. It was only a battle spell Salazar had made him cast which prevented sudden changes in light level from blinding him that prevented the sunlight that flooded in from blinding Harry. The chamber before him was a massive opening of a volcanic crater. What was probably a dozen miles above the walls of the crater narrowed to a smaller opening. The sunlight that fell through this opening illuminated the crater's center while the rest of the crater was in twilight. The other side of the crater was probably over ten miles away.
Giant icicles hundreds of feet thick and thousands of feet long hung far above. The lower parts of the craters walls were covered in moss and lichen. A cobblestone path extended before him to the crater's center where a snowy white mountain stood glittering with thousands of lights. The mountain was just over a mile high.
"You are the first Rider to set eyes upon this sight for nearly a hundred years," Orik said. This peak above us is known as Farthen Dur. It was discovered by the founder of our race Korgan while tunneling for gold. The city-mountain at the center is our greatest achievement Tronjheim. It is made of pure marble."
A sea of people surrounded the tunnel entrance. Harry glanced over the thousands of dwarves and humans staring silently at him. The expression on the faces of the men, women, children, and dwarves was taut like an injured animal when a predator was nearby.
"Greetings. I am Eragon and this is Saphira," Harry called loudly in a voice that seemed to carry while laying his right hand on one of Saphira's neck spikes.
This seemed to break the crowd out of their silence. Clapping began followed by a cheer. The roar of the crowd that followed was almost overwhelming. Saphira began to walk forward slowly. The humans looked overjoyed to see him. But some of the dwarves stared at Harry in resentment with a small number turning their backs and leaving.
"Joy, more potential enemies," Harry said. "I will have to find out what that is all about."
"Yes. We will," Saphira agreed.
The crowd followed behind the precession gradually quieting. When they got closer to Tronjheim the city, Harry made note of the windows with elaborate carvings lit by lanterns. The entryway was too massive doors flanked by carved golden griffins. Saphira continued on through the massive gates which opened up for them. Pillars of red jasper supported the entryway. There were chiseled statues of creatures likely native to the Beor mountains. Hallways ran off to both sides. These hallways had arched entryways and doors barring passage. Many of those doors were open filled with people watching the arrival of the Rider. Several levels existed in this entryway with tapestries depicting heroes and battle scenes hanging between the levels. When the Rider and his dragon entered this entryway another cheer rose from the crowd. Harry waved to them.
They walked a mile through this hallway until they came to another archway with black onyx pillars. This opened into a circular chamber a thousand feet in diameter with a ceiling showing Tronjheim's peak a mile overhead. The room narrowed as it went up with arched openings for each level of the city-mountain. The floor of the room was etched with a hammer and twelve silver pentacles. Four hallways exited the room including the one they had entered through. Descending stairs curved underground from the hallways on the left and right. In the ceiling of the chamber was the biggest red star sapphire that Harry had ever imagined carved in the shape of a rose in full bloom. The gem was twenty yards across and almost as thick. The lanterns placed strategically around the gem made it glisten with awe inspiring light.
"The rest of the way must be undertaken on foot," Egraz announced.
Several members of the crowd booed at this. Harry dismounted and followed Egraz along the righthand hallway. They walked several hundred yards, turned four times along side corridors, and came to a large cedar door. Egraz led the way in followed by Harry, Saphira, and Orik. The guards remained outside. The room was a two story study with cedar bookshelves built into the walls. Harry idly took in the rich decorations and furnishings before his gaze settled on the dark skinned man with a shaved head who stood behind a walnut desk at the end of the room. His black beard, intelligent eyes, and grave features made an impression on Harry.
"Welcome to Tronjheim, Eragon and Saphira. I am Ajihad. Please, seat yourselves," Ajihad said.
"Thank you," Harry said.
Harry took a seat in a chair across the desk. Ajihad sat in his high backed chair behind the desk. It was then that Egraz Carn's twin brother stepped into the room.
"They are twin brothers," Ajihad explained.
"I surmised as much," Harry said.
Egraz Carn's twin brother was named Ezra Carn. Ajihad took a few moments to study his guests. Then he beckoned Ezra to his side. Ajihad whispered something which caused Ezra to shake his head negatively.
Ajihad then said, "We have sentries at the mouth of the valley. You were seen riding away from the valley with a companion, a young man of around your age. But the Urgals still came into the valley anyway. That in of itself is troubling." Ajihad didn't need to voice that this meant the Empire already knew of their location likely through a spy or multiple spies. "How is it that you entered the valley without being seen. And where is this companion you rode in with?"
"It was an illusion that saw me trying to lead the Urgal away. Before you ask, I took precautions to remove any tracks and scent which would have led the Kull horde after me into the valley," Harry explained. "And my companion traveled with me a good deal of the way along the Beors. But he did not wish to come to the Varden. I did not tell him the exact location. He left us heading for Surda about half a day before we got to the entrance of the valley."
"I see," Ajihad said. "What was your companion's name?"
"I will not tell you that. His secrets are his own," Harry said.
"Why will you not tell me?" Ajihad asked.
"Because my companion has led a difficult life thus far through no fault of his own. Me spreading his identity and location about would only make it more difficult. I ask that you trust me in this matter. I realize we are just meeting. But I hope in time you will see that I too am no friend of Galbatorix," Harry said.
"Trianna told me as much," Ajihad said. "Very well. I will drop the matter of your traveling companion for now." To the room at large he said, "Everyone except Eragon and Saphira leave."
Orik lingered and said, "Sir, the matter of my insubordination."
"Wait outside until I call for you. We will discuss it after," Ajihad said.
Orik nodded and left, closing the door behind him. Ajihad let out a tired sigh.
"Might I inquire into the status of Arya?" Harry said. "I did put a great deal of effort into saving her life."
"I am told she will recover. She was in better shape than they would have expected given how long she had been poisoned," Ajihad said. "You have the Varden's deepest thanks for saving her."
"I could heal all but the poisoning without the antidote," Harry said.
"So, she was tortured," Ajihad puzzled out. "I thought as much. But with no scars…"
"Anything that happened to her during her imprisonment is up to her if she decides to share it or not," Harry said.
"I can respect that. I need you to tell me everything about how you found Saphira and everything that has happened since," Ajihad said. "Trianna told me much of what happened. But not everything. And it would be better to hear it from you."
Harry didn't respond right away and cocked his head to the side as he looked at Ajihad curiously.
"Before that, I want to straighten some things out first," Harry said. "First of all, you don't need me to tell you those things. You would like me to tell you those things. There is a difference. I don't mind sharing that information with you. That's why I allowed Trianna to see the information in my mind. But understand one thing. I do not need the Varden."
Ajihad's eyebrows shot up. He wondered if this was simply youthful arrogance or if Eragon meant something else.
"You escaped from the empire into our tunnels," Ajihad felt the need to point out.
"I don't know what the observers at the entrance to your tunnel saw or told you. But I had already killed dozens upon dozens of kull warriors by the point they let me in. I could have simply flown away on Saphira and been fine. I wanted to get in to speak to the Varden. I want to help. But I don't need to help. I would be fine flying off with Saphira and growing on my own learning my own way. But I feel it would be more beneficial to work with the forces already set against Galbatorix. There's no reason for me to have to duplicate the efforts of the resistance," Harry explained.
"I see," Ajihad said. "What exactly is it you are asking for?"
"Simply respect," Harry began. "And to not be treated as much apparent youth would suggest. And for you and the other Varden to understand that I owe them nothing. You may have had access to Saphira's egg before the hatching. But that access was lost when the empire recaptured the egg. Saphira is now a part of me. She belongs to no one. Whatever your expectations of me were it is up to me on if I choose to follow them. Understand that from the get go and we will get along better."
Inwardly Ajihad winced. Eragon had very valid points. It would have been simpler had the egg hatched to someone born from within the Varden. Even the elves would have been preferable to a boy from the Empire. But it seems fate had a different tale in mind. And it also seemed their new Rider was already more intelligent than most.
"I will try to keep that in mind," Ajihad said.
Harry retold most of the events since finding Saphira's eggs emphasizing his encounters with the forces of the Empire. He left out many details such as the intimacy of his conversation with Arya, his attraction to her, most of anything that could identify Murtagh, and anything else personal he chose to admit. When it came to Brom's death he told an edited version that Ajihad seemed especially interested in.
"I am very saddened to hear about how Brom died. He was a close friend personally and of the Varden," Ajihad said. Harry wandered how true that was considering Brom hadn't taken them in the direction of the Varden immediately. Nor had Brom likely seen Ajihad in many years. Salazar had warned Harry to be careful of the politics at play here. "Even now Brom provided us with our best chance of success in you."
"Are you expecting a fresh Rider to defeat Galbatorix who has many years of experience and an entire empire at his back?" Harry asked.
"By yourself no. But perhaps with the backing of the Varden, the dwarves, Surda, and the elves you stand a chance," Ajihad answered truthfully.
Ajihad didn't think there was time to get into it. But it seemed Eragon would not be satisfied with lesser answers. He would take the time needed if it meant they succeeded.
"I had not realized all those races and forces were working together," Harry said.
"It was unknown if a new Rider would hatch to an elf or a human. Arya's job was to ferry the egg between these peoples so that as many children as possible could touch the egg," Ajihad explained. "In case you are wondering, there has never been a dwarven Rider."
"You didn't expect a human from the Empire would hatch the egg," Harry surmised.
"No we did not," Ajihad confirmed. "The elves can provide much needed training they assure me. They have resources that only a Rider could benefit from. And it was they who first established the magic that formed the Rider order. I don't know if you are aware. The first Rider was an elf named Eragon."
"I was not aware of that," Harry said with surprise.
"Arya will be better able to explain what the elves can do for you. I am not privy to all of their secrets. All I was told was that it is vital that the new Rider be trained by them," Ajihad explained. "You had also better be aware that there are many elves and dwarves who will not be happy that Saphira didn't hatch for one of their race."
"That may explain why I saw some angry dwarves when I made my way into Tronjheim," Harry said.
"Yes. It would," Ajihad agreed. "I am troubled by Galbatorix's alliance with the Urgals. We will be hard pressed to survive such an alliance. This shade you described, did he have a long thin scratch on his blade?"
"Yes," Harry confirmed.
"I put that scratch on the shade's blade while trying to cut out his heart. His name is Durza. Based on the way you say you killed him he isn't dead. A shade can only be killed by a thrust through the heart. Any other method of harming them will just cause them to reappear later in spirit form. It isn't pleasant for Durza. But he will return," Ajihad explained.
Harry thought Durza's spirit form sounded similar to Voldemort.
"Well next time I will endeavor to take him through the heart," Harry said. "I wish I had known that information in the first place."
"I should explain to you the nature of the agreement that existed for Saphira's egg. I am not trying to push you in any direction. But I want you to understand some of the politics at play and if you want training where you have to seek it. When Brom first brought Saphira's egg there was fighting over it. Some of the dwarves didn't even want us to try to hatch a new Rider. Both humans and elves wanted the Rider to be of their race. So Arya ferried the egg back and forth every year as a compromise. The agreement was Brom would train the new Rider for the first year or so. But if Brom died then the elves would immediately train the new Rider without interference," Ajihad explained.
"I see. So I should be going to the elves soon if I want training," Harry said.
"Yes. Though, I believe you should wait until after the Urgals aren't at our doorsteps. And you will naturally need to rest after your journey," Ajihad pointed out. "When Arya disappeared last year the elves withdrew their support from the Varden. Their queen Islanzadi was quite upset. They have refused any further contact. The elves are still unaware of your existence or Brom's death. They know nothing of Arya's recovery. Without the supplies provided by the elves my troops have fared badly in our skirmishes with the empire. Brom taught you. But I'm not sure of the extent of your abilities," Ajihad said.
"I can handle myself. But I would still like to learn more from the elves," Harry said.
"Would you consent to a test of your abilities?" Ajihad asked.
"Within reason," Harry agreed.
"Thank you. There is more you should know. The Varden are in a delicate position. We have to comply with our agreement with the elves. But we also can't afford to anger the dwarves. You see we are in their home," Ajihad explained.
"What is the situation with the dwarves?" Harry asked.
"We receive aid from them with our fight against the Empire. But I have only the authority their king Hrothgar grants me. Even he has trouble with the dwarven clans," Ajihad said. "There are thirteen dwarven clans each with their own head. The heads wield enormous power. It is the clan chiefs who choose the king when the previous king dies."
"I take it all the clan chiefs are not the biggest fans of Riders," Harry mused.
"Dwarves in general have a history with dragons. Before the elves came to Alagaesia and made peace with dragons, dragons routinely stole from the dwarves' flocks and took their gold. The Riders were never allowed to police the realm of the dwarves. Galbatorix coming to power only made their opinions more against dragons and Riders," Ajihad explained. Ajihad drew a piece of charred parchment out of his vest and set it on the desk. Words were written in a language Harry didn't recognize in a black ink. "We took this off of the corpse of one of the Urgal commanders you slew on your entrance in here. The entire Urgal host didn't enter the valley. Some of them went elsewhere in the mountains. This is a script of Galbatorix's own design. I have been able to translate it. It reads …gatekeeper at Ithro Zhada is to let this bearer and his minions pass. They are to be bunked with the others of their kind and by… but only if the two factions refrain from fighting. Command will be given under Tarok, under Gashz, under Durza, under Ushnark the Mighty."
"Who is Ushnark?" Harry asked curiously.
"Ushnark is Galbatorix. It means father in the Urgal tongue," Ajihad explained. "It further reads … Find what they are suitable for and…The footmen and ….are to be kept separate. No weapons are to be distributed until …for marching."
"It looks like the rest can't be made out," Harry said.
"I take it Ithro Zhada is a code word for a city somewhere in Alagaesia," Harry said.
"That was my guess too," Ajihad agreed. "I'm guessing the host that followed you was meant to join up with an even larger force in the Beor Mountains meant to destroy us."
"Very troubling," Harry said. "I do believe you have a spy or multiple spies among your ranks. The Urgals knew where the entrance I was heading for was."
"I have been contemplating that myself," Ajihad admitted. "The issue is I am not certain who they may be."
"If it was a magic user they would have an easier chance of communicating secrets with the Empire," Harry pointed out.
"That is true," Ajihad agreed. "But I have no skill with magic myself and do not know who to trust."
"I will keep an eye out," Harry said. "Something does not sit well with me in regards with the twins."
"They were quite upset that you requested another magic user to test your mind," Ajihad explained. "It was only the fact that you are a young man and she an attractive young woman that placated them. I simply implied that perhaps you felt more comfortable with someone you were attracted to."
"That definitely didn't hurt," Harry said with a grin.
"Can I give you a piece of advice Eragon?" Ajihad asked. Harry nodded. "Be careful not to let what is between your legs do all the decision making. I know that is hard at your age. I was young once too. But making decisions that way leads you only to trouble."
"Sound advice," Harry mused.
"I must warn you. There will be those who seek you out for help deciding matters great and small. Understand that your words could decide their fate. For example an old man may ask you which of his children should receive an inheritance. Young women may seek your opinion on who they should marry. Many women will pursue you as I'm sure you are figuring out. Leadership is a burden you will have to get used to. You are responsible for the people under your leadership," Ajihad cautioned.
"I understand," Harry said. "I won't take the burden lightly. But I also don't think their fate is solely my responsibility just because these people choose it so. That is their decision to do so. I will make the best decision I can given the time I am constrained with. But I'm not going to devote my entire life to playing judge for the people. That is what you and other leaders are for. It's why you wanted these positions."
Ajihad grunted and said, "Very well. I won't argue the point." Ajihad took a ring out of his desk drawer and slid it across the desk to Eragon. "Brom sent his ring when he sent us the message through Jeod to confirm his identity. I believe he would have wanted you to have it."
"Thank you," Harry said as he took the ring.
The symbol cut into the face of the sapphire was the same as the tattoo on Arya. He would have to ask her later what it meant. The moment he slipped the ring on, Harry felt a massive well of arcane energy within the stone. It appeared Brom had been pouring energy into the ring for a long time, probably years.
Ajihad stood and faced Saphira before saying, "I have not forgotten you o mighty dragon. What I have said to Eragon is as much for his benefit as yours. It is a privilege to meet you."
"Saphira says she is impressed with Tronjheim and approves of you as the leader for the Varden," Harry relayed.
"That pleases me," Ajihad said. Then he called out, "Orik." The dwarf hurried into the room and stood before Ajihad. "The twins have been complaining all morning about your insubordination. Unfortunately I cannot let this go unpunished. Tell me in your own words what happened."
"Eragon was shouting the pass phrase. He was being overwhelmed with Urgals. Egraz was not going to open the passage. I couldn't let a Rider die if he knew the pass phrase," Orik explained.
"I can see why Egraz would have been cautious given the power Eragon displayed. But I can also see your point. Without being there myself I must simply pass judgement for the insubordination," Ajihad explained. "I believe the normal punishment of death is inappropriate given the circumstances. Therefore, you are removed from your active duties and are forbidden to engage in any military action under my command. Instead, you will be the guide for Eragon and Saphira during the duration of their stay. They are to have every comfort we can provide. Saphira will stay in the dragon hold above Isidar Mithrim. Eragon can have quarters wherever they like. When they are recovered they are expected at the training field. Send in the Twins when you leave."
"I understand," Orik said with a bow of respect.
Orik led the way out of the room.
"Why do I think you are happy with your punishment?" Harry asked.
"You're observant," Orik said. "I have been punished under Ajihad's command. But as one of Hrothgar's subjects I am still free to do as I please. I'm sure you are hungry. Follow me."
"How would you say the power level of the Twins compare to the average magic user here?" Harry asked as they walked.
"The Twins are some of the most powerful. Other than perhaps Trianna, the average magic user does not have much more power than what is needed to heal bruises. I'm told you did most of the healing needed on Arya. Otherwise it would have tied up all of our magic users," Orik explained. "Well except for the Twins. Their talents do not lie in healing but scheming and plotting for more power."
As they walked through the halls of Tronjheim, Harry's party past groups of dwarves and humans. The conversations these groups abruptly stopped as they laid eyes upon Saphira. Orik led them out of Tronjheim through the main gate.
"Is Saphira to fly up to the dragonhold?" Harry asked.
"Yes," Orik confirmed. "There are marble lined caves for dragons to sleep in within the dragonhold above the Star Rose. Fresh meat and water will be waiting. Once you choose a cave bedding will be laid down for you."
"I expect he means for me to take a meal in their banquet hall. Go and I will join you later," Harry said.
"Very well," Saphira said as she took flight.
"You are blessed indeed. I feel a sudden longing to soar in the air and hunt like a hawk. But I suppose my feet are better on the ground," Orik said. "Let's go to the cooks and beg meat and bread."
Orik led the way back into Tronjheim to a long dining hall. The tables were set at appropriate height for dwarves. A counter stood at the opposite end of the hall with a row of soapstone ovens behind it. Orik retrieved plates of fish and roasted mushrooms from a cook before leading the way up several levels of stairs to an alcove carved into Tronjheim's outer wall. Harry enjoyed the meal. Orik took out a pipe when he was done eating and lit it.
"Is there any farming done in Farthen Dur?" Harry asked curiously.
"No. Only moss, mushrooms, and mold grow here," Orik explained. "Many dwarves live in the surrounding valleys of the Beor Mountains."
"How many dwarves actually live in Tronjheim?" Harry asked curiously.
"Only a few thousand. Most of Tronjheim is deserted. The further up you go the emptier it gets. We have tunneled extensively beneath Tronjheim which is where most dwarves prefer to live. It is possible because of our tunnels to walk from one end of the Beor mountain range to the other end without stepping on the surface," Orik said proudly.
"It sounds like this place has taken you a long time to build," Harry mused.
"Generations," Orik confirmed. "Keep in mind our lives are much longer than those of men."
"How many human Varden are here?" Harry asked.
"Four thousand of the Varden's fighters. Only fighters reside in Farthen Dur. The rest of the Varden that have fled the empire are under the protection of King Orrin in Surda," Orik explained.
"The last I heard the Empire's army without the Urgals was somewhere around sixteen thousand strong," Harry said.
"Yes. But there are many dwarves who will fight. The elves have pledged their help. And Orrin will put forth his forces," Orik said.
"That's good to know. What does the symbol of the hammer and stars mean?" Harry asked.
"It's the crest for my clan Ingietum, metalworkers and master smiths. Our founder Korgan was of the same clan. One clan to rule with twelve surrounding," Orik elaborated. "King Hrothgar is of Durgrimst Ingietum as well."
The pair returned the platters to the cooks. On the way out of the hall a dwarf bowed to Harry respectively and called him Argetlam.
"What did that word mean?" Harry asked after they moved on.
"An elven word meaning silver hand," Orik clarified. "Do you wish to return to Saphira?"
"Is there someplace I could bath first?" Harry requested.
"Of course," Orik said. "Follow me."
Harry followed the dwarf well below Tronjheim into one of the five-foot tall tunnels lit by red lanterns. Orik explained the red was so that the light didn't blind you when you entered or left a tunnel. They entered a room with a small door on one side.
"The pools are on the other side of that door. You'll find brushes and soap. I'll have new clothes waiting for you when you return," Orik instructed.
"Thank you," Harry said as he took off his clothes.
When he passed into the other room he used a small lumos spell to find the water. Harry bathed and emerged back into the other room where he found fresh clothes. They fit pretty well. But a slight transfiguration made them fit better. Orik was waiting with his pipe and led them back out of Tronjheim. Saphira came at Harry's call.
"In case you ever need to come up and down without Saphira's aid there is a staircase cut into the center of the mountain known as Vol Turin or The Endless Staircase. There is also a trough that acts as a long slide in case of emergencies. But that is a dwarf sized trough. So don't think of trying it," Orik cautioned.
"I will remember that," Harry said as he noticed a crowd growing around Saphira.
"I will meet you by the gate tomorrow morning," Orik said.
"Thank you Orik. I appreciate you opening the entrance for us. I also appreciate your guidance in Farthen Dur," Harry said as he held out his hand for the dwarf.
Orik grasped Eragon's forearms in a firm shake.
"It's my pleasure," Orik assured.
Harry got on Saphira. An old woman latched onto his ankle with a surprisingly strong grip. The woman carried an infant in the crook of her arm.
"How may I help you?" Harry asked calmly.
"The child has no parents. I am the only one to care for her. I am old and weak. Bless her with your power for luck," Greta pleaded.
Harry didn't know enough of the ancient language to screw around using that. He reached into his satchel which was charmed to hell and back to be unnoticeable by any but him.
"Salazar, any advice here?" Harry asked while relaying the scene before him at the speed of thought.
"There is a spell used on babes. It will not be a luck spell in totality. Such things can only be gained by potions such as liquid luck. But even those can turn on you. It may shield her from some of the worst misfortunes in life," Salazar explained.
"Show me," Harry directed.
Harry laid his hand on the child's forehead and said the spell in a whisper. Saphira twisted her head around and laid her snout on the child's brow. When she drew back a moment later there was a silvery mark on the child's brow in the shape of a gedwey ignasia.
"Thank you Argetlam," Greta said.
"What is the child's name?" Harry asked.
"Elva," Gretta said.
Harry nodded and then Saphira took flight. It didn't take them long to reach the dragonhold above the massive sapphire. Saphira's claws clacked on the surface of the massive star sapphire when she landed. The room they were in was round sixty feet high by sixty feet across. The caves varied in size for different sized dragons. Rungs were carved into the walls so people could reach different levels. A large archway led out of the chamber into Tronjheim. Saphira jumped twenty feet up to her cave. Harry followed after her. The cave was deep. Saphira had a cushion to sleep on. Harry had a bed carved into the wall of the cave.
"Goodnight Saphira," Harry said as he settled in.
"Goodnight Eragon," Saphira replied.
Harry fell asleep to pleasant thoughts of the various women in his life including Hermione, Ros, Daenerys, Arya, and others. He had very pleasant dreams.
HP – IC – GoT – HP – IC – GoT – HP – IC – GoT – HP – IC – GoT – HP – IC – GoT – HP
Rev 0 Posted 6/14/2021
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.
Enjoy,
Stargatesg1fan1