Revelations
Arya was fuming as she surveyed the carnage around her. Bodies littered the courtyard from both ally and foe alike, with their blood coating the ground to make it a crimson black.
This was supposed to have been a simple operation and now she had a massive problem on her hands. Moving her eyes over to the cause of it all, she glared daggers into the unconscious thief, but softened it when she saw the hatchling sniffing their new rider.
She hadn't gotten a proper look at the Black Hand member, and now the new rider, and was a bit surprised to see how young the boy actually was. He had short light matted brown hair and a sharp face. She mentally noted his youth and that the terrorists had started resorting to indoctrinating the younger generation. This observation was a scary one, as it meant that the rogue organization was growing and had no qualms with sending children into battle.
Arya was cut off from her string of thoughts though when she felt her partner of heart and mind attempting to break through her defenses. Lowering them quickly, she reached out only to be overwhelmed by a multitude of emotions, thoughts, and senses.
Arya what happened?! I've been circling the square for fifteen minutes but can't land! I came as soon as I felt your wards being breached though. The square is too small and I couldn't help without maybe injuring Ajihad's men or burning the city down. Are you hurt?! I will burn the whole city to find these cowards if there's even a scratch on you.
Arya let a small smile escape her upon hearing the voice of Firnen and immediately started to calm her mind as she started to share the memories of the previous events.
I'm okay Firnen, but we were betrayed and now we have a problem. I need you to leave and contact a man named Jeod, tell him to expect me. He should remember me well. I have some loose ends to take care of before I can join you, but continue to wait outside the city.
Arya felt Firnen's annoyance at her request and still felt his frustration and anger of not being able to assist her, along with hearing of traitors, but noted that it eventually faded once he realized she was truly unharmed.
Alright consider it done. Do what you must; find the missing one, and deal with that one. I will be waiting for you little one, be careful.
She felt Firnen recede making one last roar in annoyance before flying off towards the seaside of Teirm, and she sighed.
Teirm soldiers were now sweeping into the courtyard securing and closing off the area while also looking for any wounded. Arya seeing this looked over a few yards to see her comrade lying slain, having given up his life trying to protect the thing he'd sworn to protect. Whispering one last goodbye in the ancient language to her friend, Adäre, she promised she'd find the missing egg and bring justice to his killers. She then looked back to the boy.
The anger that had so recently left her returned with a vengeance as she stared at the peaceful looking form of the thief. The audacity this human had to attack her, and then lie there looking at peace when so many had suffered because of his actions. Then for the traitor to be rewarded with a dragon hatching for him. It didn't make any sense, especially since she had personally ferried that egg for years from Narda to Surda and it never once budged. It infuriated her at how unjust this all was and made her question if the boy could've somehow tricked the dragon to hatch for him. She knew better than to think these absurd thoughts, but rumors of such a process had been circling Vroengard and…
"Lady Arya?"
A voice interrupted her musings again and she glanced up to meet the face of a city guard. She looked at him with distrust as she recalled seeing men in the very same armour firing flocks of arrows down from the buildings just moments ago.
"Lady Arya, we thought this might interest you." He said, motioning for two other guards to pull an unconscious body towards her.
Confused, Arya watched as the guards unceremoniously dumped the unconscious figure before her. Two more guards then approached, one holding the lavish box, which she recognized as the one Adäre had used to carry the egg, and relief began to spread through her until the other guard stepped forwards… holding a baby red hatchling.
Arya's cool exterior broke as she scowled while her brain went into overdrive. The egg had hatched?! How?
Quickly she bent down to examine the second new rider of the day, and was shocked to see another young human boy. Studying his features she saw he had, dark brown matted hair and a sharp fa- wait. She quickly glanced over to the other new rider and immediately saw the resemblance. Impossible.
"Should we bring him to the gallows?"
Arya looked up in a daze at the guard.
"Where did you find him and the hatchling?" She demanded.
The guard nervously shuffled his feet, under the scrutiny of her harsh gaze.
"We found him and the dragon near an alley on our way to reinforce you. He was sprawled out unconscious, surrounded by fragments of the egg, and the baby dragon was on top of him. We didn't know what to do so we brought him immediately to you."
"Where are the egg fragments?"
"We collected them by putting them back in the box."
Arya nodded in satisfaction.
"What would you have us do with him?" The guard asked.
"Hand me the hatchling." She said disregarding his question.
The guard holding the baby dragon looked relieved to hand the small creature over to her, and she took it carefully.
"Bring him, and him," she said referring to the other new rider, "to my ship and lock them in the brig. I'll take care of the hatchlings."
The guards looked at her confused only for their jaws to drop seeing another baby dragon. They then bowed before her before they went to collect the unconscious body of the other boy.
Arya meanwhile bent down to pick up the blue hatchling, for it to join its red kin. Well at least she didn't have to track down the missing egg anymore… although this opened another problem. Two dragons hatching on the same day was rare, but for them to hatch for brothers, which she assumed they were, was even more rare. Only a few times in Shur'tugal history had siblings been chosen by hatchlings. It wasn't as rare for family members such as a grand-daughter of a rider to be chosen, but brothers on the same day. That had never been heard of and unsettled Arya deeply.
As the guards took the unconscious brothers away, she reached out her mind to Firnen contacting him. Firnen I need you to meet me outside of the city. We have another problem.
Firnen responded immediately, sending confusement through their link.
Adäre is slain, but I found the missing egg, but another predicament has arisen.
Arya felt Firnen feel sadness for their fallen comrade, to relief, and then back to confusion. What type of predicament?
I think it'd be easier to show you. Arya responded, starting to send the memories of recent events along with her fears.
Firnen quickly sifted through them before he also started to question the coincidence of the whole situation. They hatched to enemies too… we need to contact the Council. Vrael and Umaroth will want to know what's occurred and they might shine light onto these events. Plus we must figure out punishment for these nest mates.
Arya agreed as she glanced down at the hatchlings again. I agree but I need you to look after the hatchlings while I clean up. I cannot bring them with me and I do not trust anyone here. Meet me outside the gates and I will hand them off to you to look after.
Firnen agreed and Arya broke off their link.
She stood still for a few seconds basking on the recent events before calling out to a few guards near her.
"I need you to take my comrade's body to my ship. He will be taken care of by my people."
The guards nodded, bowing before they started to take Adäre's body away. She then picked up and sheathed her fallen blade before heading to the gates to meet Firnen. Something was wrong here but she couldn't tell what exactly it was. It felt like something was interceding, watching her at this very moment. It didn't feel benevolent or malevolent, just… She shook her head. It was nothing. The operation had been a failure…but why? She wanted answers now, something was amiss and more and more events seemed too coincidental.
Two riders never return after patrolling the boundaries of the Spine, two more murdered guarding the hatchery, wild dragons retreating, and now two brothers being thrown the prestigious honor of dragons hatching for them... on the same day no less. These events had to be linked but how.
She cut herself off from her train of thought though, as she had a more pressing matter. How had the Black Hand been able to catch them so off guard? It was supposed to have been the other way around. They had made precautions with the Council itself having drafted the plans. She continued these thoughts as she strode towards the exterior wall of Teirm, tenderly clutching the two newest editions of the riders.
After she had dropped off the two hatchlings with Firnen, Arya headed back into the city, heading towards the wealthier section of town. She had a bit of trouble reaching her destination due to the massive crowds still filling each street and square though. The celebrations continued and it was a stark contrast to her mood. She felt disgust for the people, that they could celebrate so joyously when so many had just been slaughtered. It didn't matter as it would all end soon anyways, she reasoned dryly. Once the news broke of the massacre that had occurred, the people of Teirm would be horrified, and retreat to their respective homes.
Then the streets would be less crowded and she wouldn't be forced to brush against so many people, nor have to feel the gaze of many as she passed by them.
She hated human cities and knew you could find filth in every part. Whether it be from snobby men who looked at her with extreme lust as if she'd be their next conquest, or the women who looked at her enviously and gossiped behind her back of how unbefitting a woman it was to look like her.
In the end she didn't care much for their opinions as to her like the rest of her people, these humans were just a blip. It still disgusted her… but she knew humans weren't all bad, as they also intrigued her. Even after all the years she'd spent alongside humans, and all their flaws, she still felt they were refreshing. They offered a new perspective on life that contrasted her own people completely… although she did wonder if humans would act the same way elves did if they lived a practically immortal life as well.
She glared at the fourth man she'd caught staring at her, and quickly turned her head away keeping her cool visage up. She then quickly looked down and reasoned that maybe all these humans weren't staring at her because of the reasons she'd previously thought, but because she was covered in gore. This amused her a bit as she continued to push and shove her way to the inner city.
Eventually she stood outside a massive house with guards surrounding the whole perimeter. Disregarding them all, she marched up to the front door and knocked. She waited a couple minutes before a servant opened the door with wide eyes.
"I'm here to see Lord Jeod." Arya said bluntly.
The young servant bowed nervously, "Of course Lady Arya. Your great dragon Firnen contacted us. Lord Jeod is currently preoccupied but I will fetch him. You may wait in the waiting room while I notify him."
Arya just nodded as the boy led her towards a room before quickly running off.
The room she was in was very lavishly decorated, and as soon as she sat down on the couch, she felt all the events of the day catch up to her. She was absolutely knackered, and decided to retreat to the confines of her mind to try and make sense of all that had occurred.
Her supernatural hearing interrupted her tranquility though, as she could make out the faint whispers of a conversation.
"I'll try and find out what happened… She's here?!... Roran don't worry…. Yes Caimin I'm going… Stay put… Go now!..."
She then heard footsteps descending towards her, just as another pair could be heard heading up a floor. She mentally noted to herself to ask about this person named Roran to Jeod, as the snippets of conversation she'd heard between them had intrigued her.
Jeod then entered the room with a smile, "Lady Arya, good to see you again."
Jeod was a Lord of the city of Teirm, a scholar, businessman, and most importantly… an informant for the Riders. He was a friend of a friend, and although Arya didn't exactly trust him, she knew he was a powerful ally to have.
"Lord Jeod, likewise." She responded, standing up to address the man formally.
"Should we continue this in my study?"
Arya nodded, knowing full well his study was extremely well warded.
Once inside, with the doors closed, Arya sat in one of the chairs facing the desk, as Jeod started to apologize, "Apologies for keeping you waiting, but other matters had just come up. The news of the Hatching disaster had just reached me from a messenger who'd arrived just before you. I'm quite sad to hear the news, but am glad to see you are unharmed by the looks of it."
Arya just nodded, while also assuming that Roran had been this messenger and dropped her interest. "What has your messenger told you, as my visit pertains to that very event?"
"Not much as they fled before the battle had come to a conclusion. They did tell me though, that a large number of Black Hand members had sprung a trap on you and a massacre had ensued." Jeod responded looking grave.
Arya nodded again, questioning herself if she should reveal the significance of said conclusion that Jeod was missing. Rationalizing that a good amount of soldiers had seen the brothers and hatchlings, it wouldn't make sense to leave it out. Especially since news traveled fast in such a big city, and considering the last new riders to have been indoctrinated had been five years ago, this would be the talk of the decade.
There was also the fact that Jeod was a great scholar and he might be able to help her link certain things together, such as how the Black Hand had even been able to spring a trap in the first place.
"This is all true… although I don't know how this terrorist cell was able to launch such a deadly assault. I'd have figured that the great city of Teirm would've hunted and destroyed them by now."
Jeod's face morphed into a frown. "Arya, me and you both know that you know the answer to your own question, and although you and our mutual friend didn't tell me the details as to why, I also understand why you chose Teirm for the Hatching Ceremony this year."
Arya raised an eyebrow letting Jeod continue.
"I know the danger that the Riders see the Black Hand pose, and I also know from monitoring the activities of this city closely, that the Black Hand's reach grows daily. So what would make a great way to lure them out?... Well to have the ceremony here of course, where their movements have been the most well documented. To lure them out knowing that the organization who was formed to try and end the Riders in general, would of course target such an important event to their sworn enemies. Wouldn't you agree?"
Arya just stared back, which Jeod took as confirmation.
"I didn't think that the Riders would take such drastic measures, to take something so important as the Hatching Ceremony, and use it as a tool. Alas it was a smart move, but sadly you saw how corrupt this city really is today. The city militia is easily swayed depending on the amount of gold one has, and like I mentioned prior the Black Hand has grown deep in this city. They've gained the sympathies of many in high positions, but you should've already known this?"
Arya had noted that from the battle, that it had seemed like the Black Hand had infiltrated the city guards allowing the attack to take place. She again remembered from the skirmish earlier, the volleys of arrows raining down from the rooftops towards her and her comrades. The very same rooftops where soldiers had been placed for precautionary measures. It would also make sense why their activities in the city hadn't been cut out root and stem already… but what did he mean she should've already known.
"You are correct. I did come to this conclusion, but wanted confirmation from our chief informant of this city. Which makes me ask, how did you not know of this already? You say you monitor the activities of this city closely and yet such a large scale assault had been planned and you knew nothing? Or had you known and decided to keep that information to yourself?"
Jeod's frown deepened at the accusation.
"Lady Arya, I did in fact send out a warning once I'd gotten wind that such an attack could take place but I got no reply. So I assumed you already knew of this, or that you and the Council had already assessed the risks of the rumor and seen it as nothing. I thought you were informed of this?"
Arya paused after collecting the news. Her orders had come from the Council and the plans had been concocted from them, but she was never informed that there'd been a possibility of a surprise attack. If Jeod was telling the truth, then someone in her order had made a grave mistake… or… the Black Hand's reach was much more powerful then they'd ever thought.
"I was not informed, my apologies. After nearly being killed by some of the men sent to protect me, my trust is at an all time low."
"It is alright and understandable why you'd question me. Being the chief informant of this city, you'd have expectations of me knowing that there was this possibility, so your anger and distrust is valid. Especially since you nearly died due to an error in communication, which is entirely my role. You not knowing of my warning is very disconcerting to hear though. Especially since I still don't know how the Black Hand had stumbled upon your underlying plans for the Hatching Ceremony, of not just trying to find new riders for your eggs, but for luring and destroying the Black Hand cell based here."
Arya nodded as alarm bells started to ring in her head. Something was not right here and it was all leading back to the Shur'tugal. The plans for Teirm's Hatching Ceremony operation had been confidential with only Riders of the highest credentials having clearance to such knowledge… She saw Jeod connecting the dots just as she was and coming to the same conclusion; the Black Hand was no small terrorist threat, and they'd underestimated them severely.
"Lord Jeod, I would recommend only contacting me or our mutual friend from now on with your information. Preferably the latter as he is part of the Council and has more sway then I, until we figure this out."
Jeod looked pale as he nodded gravely.
"If the implications and assumptions we have are true, then this is uncharted territory. Both our lives could be in jeopardy if the wrong people find out about this, so I suggest we keep this very quiet. Keep it between you and Firnen, Umaroth and Vrael, me, and our mutual friends, as we investigate this breach. Even if it is nothing. Maybe we are overreacting and an accidental leak was spilled, it doesn't answer everything."
Arya nodded in agreement.
"I don't think I was expected to make it out alive from that battle… nor do I think whoever planned this expected the other events to have occurred."
Jeod nodded in agreement but also looked at Arya questioningly, "What other unexpected events occurred?"
Arya sighed as she collected her thoughts.
"Lord Jeod, both the eggs have hatched," She said, watching the shock fill his face.
"Pardon me? Did I just hear you right? Both the eggs have hatched? There are two new fledgling riders?" He asked in disbelief.
"Yes…" Arya stated with disgust.
"You don't seem happy by this, considering that this looks like to be the best news to come out of this tragedy." Jeod noted.
"I'm not. Adäre, our entire procession, and innocent civilians were slaughtered by these new riders. Where is the justice in that?"
More shock covered Jeod's face upon hearing this. "You mean to tell me that the two new riders are members of the Black Hand?"
"Yes. Not only that but they appear to be brothers. You as a scholar should know our history and therefore know how rare it is for siblings to both become dragon riders, and on the same day no less. This cannot be a coincidence… but I cannot think of any way to trick or force a dragon to bond or hatch for another being. The only mentions of this being even remotely possible are in the scrolls in Vroengard's major library. It described a ritual from generations ago where rogue riders and dark magicians used black magic transcribed by the Greyfolk to try and force a bond not naturally chosen. The experiment had ended in everyone dead and the place they'd been, cursed for eternity."
Jeod nodded slowly, but seemed to be lost in thought himself.
"Could you describe these new riders?"
Arya looked at the man opposite her with some scrutiny.
"The one who I assume was older, who hatched for the egg Adäre had carried, was lean with long dark matted hair and a sharp face. The other who hatched for the egg I had carried for years, had lighter and shorter hair, with many similar features such as a sharp face and a lean figure. Why?"
"I'm just curious." Jeod responded neutrally.
"May we go see them? I assume they are locked up on your ship? I have never been able to look at or study a fledgling rider." Jeod asked.
Arya looked at him suspiciously, before relenting. Jeod had proven to be a very smart and trustworthy man so far, and maybe he'd be able to help deduce the mystery surrounding these brothers. Plus if their mutual friend vouched for him with confidence, then she didn't see any reason he couldn't.
"You may." She responded standing up
"Thank you, milady." Jeod said as he stood too and bowed his head a bit.
Arya shook her head looking at the scholar, "There is no need for you to use titles around me. I'm no lady nor noble. I'm simply Arya or Shur'tugal."
Jeod dipped his head again, "Apologies then Arya."
"Do you call Brom, Lord Brom?" She suddenly asked.
Jeod looked surprised by the question but let a small smile out, shaking his head.
"Goodness no. He'd bat me upside the head with his pommel if I ever did."
"Then treat me the same." Arya responded with a small smile at the reference to their mutual friend.
Jeod nodded again, before asking, "Would you like to quickly freshen up before we leave? I assume you are going to depart quickly after this meeting for Vroengard. Get these mysteries sorted as soon as possible? I can have Caiman draw a bath quickly?"
Arya again noticed that she was covered in the gore of battle and thought of how refreshing a bath would be. Especially since Jeod's assumptions were correct. She wanted to report to Vrael and Umaroth immediately in person, and had planned on leaving as soon as her meeting with him was over.
"I would. Thank you Lord Jeod."
Jeod waved away her thanks.
"If I'm not to use titles for you, you do not need to use titles for me." Jeod replied smiling kindly, as he moved around his desk to open the doors to the study. He then called upon Caiman, the servant she'd seen earlier, to start a bath for Arya.
"You can borrow some of my wife's clothing, I think you could fit them."
Arya frowned at the thought of wearing a big dress. She hated how sexist the world of man was, and how weak humans thought her and women to be in general. She could kill any human male with minimal ease or outwit the smartest of them. Being thought of as weak irked her a great deal, which is why she chose to dress non-traditionally usually. She relented to wearing one though, as one she was exhausted still, and two it'd take time and energy she didn't have to clean her clothing with magic. She could always use her reserves from her sword's Emerald jewel or call on Firnen's strength, but she thought it would be foolish to waste it on such a petty thing.
"Thank you, Jeod." Arya said gratefully, as she followed him into a very large lavish master bedroom. He moved into a wardrobe on one side of the room disappearing behind a screen, before reappearing with a wealthy looking forest green dress.
"Here, I think this will do." He said, as Caiman entered the bedroom.
"Mellonie is ready with the bath to assist you, Lady Arya." The servant said bowing.
Arya frowned at the thought of another person helping her bathe. It seemed like such an invasion of privacy.
"Caiman, please tell Mellonie she is not needed. I can bathe on my own." Caiman looked at her shocked, before looking at Jeod shocked, with the latter shaking his head.
"As you wish milady." Caiman said disappearing out of the room.
"When you are done Arya, come find me in my study and we will depart for your ship. I think the streets should be much less crowded now that some time has taken place since the attack." Jeod said as he began to leave the room as Caiman once again entered. "Caiman will show you to the bathing room now."
Arya nodded thanking him again before following the servant, out of the bedroom to the bathing room.
"Will that be all milady?"
"Yes, thank you." Arya responded, dismissing Caiman, who bowed before shutting the doors allowing her privacy.
Quickly she undressed and placed her sheath down carefully, before relaxing into the warm water. She scrubbed the gore of battle off as she washed her emotions away clearing her mind. The events of the day and realizations had been draining, and now she was going to be heading back home, with a new perspective, and two new companions.
She ignored the thoughts of the brothers though, as she left the tranquility of the tub, dried off and dressed herself in the dress Jeod had given her. If she remembered, Jeod's wife's name was Helen. A beautiful noblewoman who was Jeod's partner not just in heart, but also in business. She was part of the reason Jeod had risen in such power, and Arya respected her in a sense for her accomplishments.
As she put on some slippers, before adorning her sheath, and carrying her gore covered leathers and boots, she stopped to look at herself in the mirror. The dress fit her perfectly, and she couldn't help but think that she looked ridiculous. The dress accentuated her fit figure and brought out her green eyes but was completely not functionable. Even with her elven grace, she doubted she could last long in a fight with it on.
She also couldn't help but think that the image of her in such a beautiful dress would make her mother proud. She shook her head though, and left the room tracing her steps back to the study, where Jeod awaited her.
He, seeing that she was ready, adorned a rapier on his side, handed her dirty clothes to Caiman to carry, and together they set off. As they left the gates, a party of six guards surrounded them as they headed for her ship.
As they walked Arya contacted Firnen to join them at the ship and also relayed the conversation Jeod and her had had in the study, filling him in.
These are serious assumptions, little one. I do not like the thought of our own kin against us. Especially with the implication that you were to die today in the melee. Firnen said in response to the revelations she and Jeod had found. She felt the anger and suspicion through their link as well.
I know Firnen. Once we've left port I will scry Vrael and Umaroth to set up a private meeting before addressing the full council. Just meet us at the ship though, I want to leave this city immediately. I don't like the thought of the Black Hand finding out they've failed and launching another assault on us. How are the hatchlings?
They are fine little one. Confused and hungry, and they would like to rejoin their riders.
Arya mentally nodded at this.
Well I'm going to need you to keep them company for the rest of the journey. I'm not sure of the characters of these new riders, and if need be, we can use the hatchlings as leverage on them.
Arya could feel the indignation rising from her partner of heart and soul and quickly added that, of course they'd never act on their threats as the baby dragons were innocent, too young to comprehend or speak much.
Firnen seemed to accept her plan, and withdrew as Arya sensed him take flight with the hatchlings and start for their ship.
When Arya and her small party reached the docks and boarded her ship, the Talita, Jeod commented on how beautiful a vessel it was, and he was right. The Talita was the envy of the whole port which said a lot as Teirm was the major port city for the whole Broddring kingdom. It was also massive as it had to have enough space for a dragon the size of Firnen to land and rest on.
They didn't waste much time on sight seeing though as Arya led them down into the brig, where the two new riders were currently being locked up.
Arya let one of her sailors unlock the cell where both were being kept, and she and Jeod entered, while Caiman was directed elsewhere to find out where he could drop off her dirty clothes.
Once inside Jeod dropped to kneel beside the younger of the two and started to study the boy. Just as Arya started to join Jeod's position, the young man's eyes started to open and Arya quickly said a spell knocking him unconscious again. Jeod looked questioningly at her before his eyes were drawn to her palm where her Gedwey Ignasia was glowing faintly.
"I need them both to be unconscious to prevent any potential problems being caused on my journey back to Vroengard." Arya stated.
Jeod just shrugged before going back to look at the young rider, who Arya continued to semi-glare at, through her neutral visage.
Her glare turned to shock though, when Jeod removed both gloves of the young rider to reveal a thing Arya had never seen nor heard of before. On the boy's right palm was the silver Gedwey Ignasia that every rider got showing their new bond, but on the back of the same hand was another in a starlike form. That could only mean- quickly Arya moved to the other boy removing his gloves to reveal his bare hands, revealing his Gedwey Ignasia on his left hand along with the same symbol the other had.
These two new riders… they had two… which meant only one thing… Sometime before they'd become riders, another dragon had given them their blessing already… but why?
The Black Hand was determined on not only wiping out the Riders but also dragons as a race. What dragon would give their blessing to members to such a wretched group?
She needed to scry Vrael and Umaroth now, and in order for that to happen she needed to leave Teirm now.
"Jeod, I'm afraid you're going to have to cut your study prematurely, as I must leave at once." Arya stated.
Jeod looked up with a half-smile.
"I understand. I've concluded my study anyway. Have a safe journey back. Until we meet again." He said as he and Caiman, who had returned, were escorted out of the brig, and off the ship.
Once the sailors that had escorted them out had returned, she ordered them to start for Vroengard immediately. She then felt the ship shudder, signifying Firnen and the hatchlings were on board, and could hear the shouts of her crew prep the ship for their journey.
Drawing on her energy from her sword, she put a spell on the two brothers inducing them into a deep sleep until they reached Vroengard.
She then stared at the brothers and noticed that the younger one still had injuries from their fight earlier in the day, which felt like a thousand years ago. Quickly she healed them moderately enough, and then stood up giving the pair one last look.
There could not be a coincidence in their arrival as riders. A pair of brothers on the same day becoming riders, but also being of the opposition, and having the blessing of another dragon? No, it could not be… but what did it mean? This was an enigma in the history of the order, as she'd never seen anything like it.
She pondered these thoughts as she made her way to her cabin to scry the leaders of the order to try and find some answers, while the two brothers continued to sleep peacefully in their cell. None knowing what events had just been started into motion.
Jeod quickly walked back to his mansion-house, before making a bee-line to his study. He then tasked Caiman with finding his wife and Roran, and bringing them in.
Waiting a few minutes, both said people entered with Caiman shutting the doors behind them.
"I found them both… Helen, I think it's finally time we contact him… Roran, you're about to meet someone who will help guide you on your quest. Someone who you don't know, but is in fact closer to you then you might realize."
Helen nodded, while Roran looked perplexed as Jeod moved around the table to pull off Roran's gloves to reveal a Gedwey Ignasia in the form of a star on the wrist of his right arm.
He then pulled out a small mirror before pressing his palm over it to reveal the face of a kind middle aged man.
"Brom."
Hello! I'm back and apologize for such a delay. The main part of College Aps are done, meaning I can start updating a lot more frequently. The second Gedwey Ignasia is a clue into the missing chunk of time that you were all asking about. I hope you enjoyed it, as it will primarily be from Eragon and Arya's perspectives, with a rare Murtagh and Roran one. Again bare with me as it might take a while to the climax. Anyways I hope you enjoyed it! Please please please please PLEASE review! I cannot stress it enough, how much inspiration I get to push out the chapter quicker! Again thanks for reading!
-AIS