Disclaimer: I do not, in any way, lay claim to the Inheritance Cycle.
This is my first attempt at writing fanfiction, though I am no stranger to writing in general.
Melthaen nodded to the rest of the elder Riders once everyone had assembled and the scrying mirrors were set up for those who were absent but were still needed for the meeting. Oromis, given leadership of this current gathering as Vrael was busy with more important matters, called for the door to be opened.
In strode in the subject of the meeting, the Dragon Rider who had just lost their dragon in a foolish trip north. Galbatorix is his name, Melthaen remembered, and his dragon was Jarnunvösk before she passed. The young human walked with his shoulders squared and head held high. His dark eyes swept around to look at those present who would decide his fate. He stopped in the middle of the room, equidistant from all of the elders assembled in this round chamber. To Melthaen, Galbatorix held an aura of confidence rarely seen in young Riders, much less those who suffered in the worst imaginable way.
"He does not look or act as if he lost his dragon," he commented to his own dragon Serunda, lounging somewhere in Doru Araeba along with a few other dragons who were paired with elder Riders. One of the largest tamed dragons still living, Serunda rarely did much more than sleep or groom her dazzling orange scales. The other elder dragons almost seemed small in comparison and much more lively.
"That is odd," she said slowly.
"It is. I wonder if he has managed the death better than what he has told the healers. Never have I seen a Rider like him appear so calm, so sane, and I have seen many in his situation."
"If so, then he is strong indeed and might prove useful for future stricken Riders. Perhaps you can ask him what his secrets are. Maybe dragons can benefit as well."
Imperceptibly, Melthaen nodded at his dragon's words. Galbatorix was not the first Rider to lose their dragon, and would not be the last. Any hit of aid that can be determined and given to those Riders, and even to similarly affected dragons, could make a world of difference.
"Or could Jarnunvösk reside in her Eldunarí? Is he Indlvarn?"
Melthaen considered the possibility for a moment. "The healers mentioned that Jarnunvösk is no more, that Galbatorix is alone. I do not believe her Eldunarí exists anymore."
"Galbatorix-vodhr, Rider of Jarnunvösk, you stand before us today to recount your fatal adventure and explain why your dragon and several others of our Order perished," said Oromis. "Explain to us the reasoning behind this venture and after we shall pass judgment as we see fit. Proceed."
"Very well," said the former Rider, voice deeper and richer than Melthaen had ever heard in a human so young. "Are not the Riders masters and officers of this land? The wisest, most courageous, and most powerful beings in Alagaësia? When we completed our training, we set off for the far north, to lands where ice gleams brightly in the summer sun. Places that might seem lifeless, and yet, are not. Urgals roam those lands, lands that might hold vast riches as yet untapped by us or those brutes. We the Riders can explore these far reaches, observing and searching, in hopes that great discoveries can be found. Yet we have not. We leave these far lands in the hands of monsters who slaughter one another and others in the name of glory and prestige.
"And should it be this way? Should they be allowed to own these lands and the resources that would be better used here in Alagaësia? We set out to the north to survey, to search for these riches. We hoped that our efforts could begin a true Golden Age, where gold flowed into the realms of the land like rivers, where every woman, from the poorest of beggars to the richest of queens, may dress in glittering jewels, and the bounds of Alagaësia could expand, giving every man who desires it a piece of land for himself. Even new discoveries could be made if resources are found that do not exist here.
"Grandeur would not be the realm of the powerful, as it is now." Galbatorix gestured to the room around them all, a circular chamber built from the most pristine granite the Riders could mine in the Spine, and carved with magic to appear elegant and awe-inspiring, not to mention melded together with few seams. Gilded carvings of dragons were mounted on two sides of every column, watching over proceedings with their fierce glares. Fairths hung in gem-encrusted frames. "Grandeur would be accessible to all if we fly out and bring back these riches.
"And through all of this, we the Riders would watch over everyone, keeping them safe from monsters like the Urgals while searching for yet more wealth, more resources. We could make Alagaësia a far better place if we found it within ourselves to act, to explore, to take risks. And that is what I did alongside Jarnunvösk and my friends."
Galbatorix's voice dropped a little, and an edge crept into his words. "But it would not be. You all are content to remain here on Vroengard, maintaining the current state of affairs. We went alone, without the help of an older, wiser Rider or dragon. Jarnunvösk is now dead, as are my friends, as a result of the treachery of the foul Urgals. But I am willing to try again, for I too am now older and wiser. But in order to do so, I need another dragon. Another partner of my soul."
"You know that dragons choose their Riders, not us," said the only human elder on the council, Hayden. "If we were to allow you to touch the eggs, and none desired to hatch for you, that might be a detriment to your well-being. However, we might be able to arrange an egg or two for you to touch."
"Perhaps," Melthaen said. "Galbatorix-vodhr, you make a good argument about exploring the far reaches of the world. Indeed, we have not thoroughly charted many of the lands beyond Alagaësia, but there is a good reason for this. While we have the ability, we do not have the numbers for such a task. Our talents are needed here, and that is why we remain. Urgals, Shades, and other fiends can stalk this land at any time, and we must be ready to take care of what we have. If perhaps another dragon hatches for you, or if a wild dragon wishes to carry you, we can grant you permission to explore. But many things must happen between now and then, and I cannot guarantee anyone will accompany you."
Oromis nodded. "And we must also discuss your punishment for your adventure. Regardless of your motives, none of you were authorized to leave Alagaësia. Jarnunvösk's death might be considered punishment enough, Galbatorix-vodhr. But I believe it wise to wait to present you the eggs until we can be sure you will not act recklessly again. I do not wish to see you or another dragon die, even for one of noble intent."
The young man clenched his fists. His calm composure began to crack. "When the Urgals attacked, we did not have a way to protect ourselves. An arrow pierced Jarnunvösk's heart, and I did not have the knowledge to save her. Now I do. I have learned much during my journey back. Including that you do not care to teach young Riders the skills necessary to protect themselves. And you say her death is my fault?"
"Calm yourself," said one of the elders present through a scrying mirror, Nierya. Her soft voice drastically contrasted with Galbatorix's deep tones. "It takes decades of study for one to become a master of all of the subjects taught to Riders. What you and your companions have received is the fundamentals, enough to begin service to the Order and Alagaësia. Not enough to be proficient for the tasks you desired to perform in the far north."
"Galbatorix is not as sane as he first appeared," Melthaen said to Serunda.
"Is it best to end his suffering?"
"If Galbatorix desires it, then I will go through with ending his life. Or if Oromis comes to that conclusion. Until then, he will live."
Galbatorix shook his head and began to yell. "You hoard your knowledge. You killed Jarnunvösk and my friends by not teaching us everything. How many others have to die before things change? My dragon is dead. Dead! And here you sit, blaming me. Not all of you saw fit to even show up in person. And where is Vrael? Does he not care? This whole Order is corrupt. This cannot stand."
"That's enough, Galbatorix-vodhr," said Oromis. "I am concerned with your mental state. It is not our fault that Jarnunvösk is dead. If you had not taken this trip, she would still live. All you needed to do is submit your suggestion to the council, for I do believe there is merit to what you explained. We would have considered it and in the future, when you could have been spared, we or Vrael might have contacted you for such a mission. But because of your madness, I reject the suggestion to present you to any other dragon eggs."
"I agree," said Nierya. "You could be a negative influence on another dragon, even if you do not fly out towards further danger. You could make another dragon insane, and I will not stand for that."
"And yet you do not have the courage to stand before me, Nierya," Galbatorix growled.
"She has her reasons, and they are valid," Melthaen said. "And I too agree. Also, I do not think another dragon will choose to hatch for you anymore. There is malice in your heart and misplaced anger that no dragon would like to associate themselves with. As the oldest Rider present, I can say I have seen something similar to your situation before, and I know the kinds of traits dragons are typically searching for in a potential Rider. No egg will hatch for you, and that alone will drive you further into madness and hatred."
More and more of the elders gave their agreement. A few said nothing, but none openly took Galbatorix's side. With every vote against his wish, Galbatorix's stance grew angrier and more aggressive. Eyes full of hate swept across the room to face whoever spoke at the time.
"It is settled," Oromis said in a firm tone. "Galbatorix-vodhr, you shall never have contact with another dragon egg. As for your punishment, I believe expulsion from the Order would be the best course of action. If the others agree, I will arrange for transport to the mainland, and you will be free to do as you wish, but you will have no association with the Dragon Riders."
Every elder agreed to the proposal. Melthaen knew that was a normal procedure for Riders who went mad over the death of their dragon. He had given the order to many stricken Riders in the past. Still, it concerned him to let Galbatorix go freely, seeing that his mind was not stable. Other Riders descended into a pit of grief or sought revenge for the one who killed their dragon. Those Riders typically were not far away from joining the void. Galbatorix, though, seemed… a different kind of insane. An insane that could lead to trouble.
"Should I kill him anyway?" Serunda asked.
"No. It is not for us to subvert Oromis's orders, and he has not condemned the human to death. Nor has Galbatorix wished it."
"It can be a mere accident."
"No, Serunda."
"Yet you feel you might come to regret your decision."
"I do, but I cannot predict the future. We can only do what we are allowed to do."
"Then you all shall die! Jarnunvösk will be avenged. Corrupt, greedy bastards. I will tear everything down," said the mad Rider.
"Hatred is the path to ruin, Galbatorix-vodhr. I hope for your sake you find it within yourself to recognize the faults in your statements and understand the true nature of what has occurred. Then you can release the anger in your heart and make something good come of your life. The matter here is closed, and you are expelled. A ship will leave the island tomorrow morning. I will make sure the captain knows you will be aboard for the trip. The ship is named Aiedail's Chaser. Gather your belongings and begone. May the stars watch over you, Galbatorix-vodhr."
With no other word, Galbatorix stormed out of the room. Melthaen murmured goodbyes to the elders in the scrying mirrors, then ended each spell. The other elders slowly shuffled out of the room, on their way to whatever other duties they had for the day.
"Melthaen-elda," said Oromis. "Could you alert other Riders not busy with their duties to keep an eye on Galbatorix? Preferably experienced ones. I do not like the change that came about him when we denied his request."
He nodded. "I shall, Oromis-elda. Serunda and I were also concerned. I feel as if allowing him to roam unchecked might be dangerous."
The other elf nodded slightly. "We have no grounds yet to do anything beyond observation. Perhaps this may all pass. It is a shame that Riders and dragons had to die in this incident."
Melthaen closed his eyes. He let himself imagine for a moment what it would be like to lose Serunda. His very heart and soul. He would not be clear-headed either. Not after having her soul bound to his for nearly as long as the Riders have even existed.
But what Galbatorix and his dragon did, as well as their friends, was against the rules and had to be corrected. The human Rider hopefully learned his lesson, and hopefully, he finds a cure for the poison that now courses through his heart.
"May the stars watch over you, Melthaen-elda," Oromis said, leaving him to stand alone in the chamber.