A/N Hi everybody! I'm back, I actually got back last week, but I've had some school work to catch up on and I've only just finished writing the draft for this chapter. Wow, 81 reviews! You guys are all the best! And now this chapter will not be rushed so I can take the time to answer you all individually. Though I am NOT GLAD TO BE BACK IN RAINY WET England... me want to go back to Cyprus, so hot... the sun, sea and sand- gimme!!!
Ok then, reviewers!
Xiad Rusco – Hey, hope you had a good birthday!!!
Zammy – Yeah, I like to shove some humour into an otherwise kind of serious fic. Thanks!
DaAlCh – Hehehe, just imaging what the people of Alagaësia would do if the did meet a Nazgul... Hum... Funny! Anyways, yep there will be two more Middle earth and Alagaësia crossovers after this, as soon as Christopher Poalini writes them! Legolas and Gimli have to stick around to help Eragon out... they aren't going anywhere near the Undying Lands until this trilogy is finished!
Fuji the Hobbit – Hehehe, that would be funny! I'm sure I can work those ideas in somewhere in a future chapter! I like! I went to Cyprus, and it was brilliant! Nope, I'm still stuck in school- sadly! Anyways, glad you like the humour there will be more.
Manders1953 – Dunno either. Well- they do now! Thanks1
Warrior Elf – Well, I'm back now, but sorry for the delayed update. Hope you enjoy this though!
Kitkat – Thanks! Yeah, an Eragon section on here would be great, I could read some Eragon fics then! Yeah ok, I'll look out for your fic! Yep, I'm a big fan of LOTR, they're great books, and films!
Ok then. Yep so I'm back I take it you guys all want the next chappie then? Good! Ok, I think this chapter is quite long so I hope you enjoy it.
Chapter 12 – Daret
"Now that you have found out all about magic we have a problem. No Rider ever discovered magic at your age; in fact very few ever discover it on their own! And once they did find out about magic, they were put through a vigorous disciplined training programme which we do not have. Even though I myself know enough about magic to teach you a fair bit, we will not have the luxury of time to waste while tracking the Raz'ac, so you my boy will have to learn magic on the run!" said Brom. His arm was still stiff and painful, but with a little bit of help from Legolas and a new bandage, it was getting a little easier.
They were now following the Raz'ac tracks which were going south. Brom rode Snowfire with one arm. Legolas and Gimli rode quietly behind, following Brom and taking in their surroundings. Thanks to their early start- courtesy of Eragon- they were now making good time and the Raz'ac tracks were still quite fresh.
"You see Eragon, Riders have it in them- the ability to do magic, and it does not therefore make you a sorcerer or magician or wizard who uses spirits and spells and potions to make their magic, no- yours is already in you. You just have to figure out how to use it. But it takes time! So don't expect to be a fully fledged wielder in magic in a matter of days. No- that can take more than a life time to achieve! But with a little help from Legolas and Gimli, if they are willing, you should make good enough progress along the road. You see, it's not just Riders that can wield the magic either. Elves can to, and a few such as myself can also use it, though I am old now and not nearly as strong enough to practice some of the stronger aspects of it. And remember, it is always better if your opponent does not know of your powers, then you have the upper hand of taking them by surprise and attacking them. Though I doubt very much whether you will be able to out smart an Elf with that trick, or an accomplished Rider for that matter. Hmmm, I wonder," he turned round in his saddle to face Legolas, careful of his arm, who had been idly listening to the conversation. The Elf fixed Brom with his bright gaze which the old man held for a time. "Legolas, you re a fast learner and powerful warrior, would you be interested in helping me instruct the boy and perhaps learn a little yourself. And you also Gimli- if you will?"
"I for one will have no part in tampering with magic! Such thing is above me and from what I have heard of it , it is a dangerous thing to meddle with," and that was Gimli's answer.
Legolas frowned slightly and hardened his gaze causing Brom to drop his eyes. "I am not certain, magic sounds like a dangerous thing as Gimli says, and from all that I have seen and hard of it I agree. I would prefer not to get mixed p with it. But I am willing to help Eragon, if it will aid him in his task."
"Good, I am glad to hear it! But all in good time you shall learn more and you may find yourself that a wielder of magic often has the advantage in battle," with that Brom turned back to face the front, leaving Legolas and Gimli to talk quietly.
"This Brom is getting to seem more like Gandalf each day!" Gimli mumbled so only Legolas could hear.
"Yes, he is as secretive as Mithrandir, and seems just as wise," replied Legolas.
"And often as grumpy!" put in Gimli.
Legolas smiled. "Maybe, but he has not the powers of Gandalf. I think we should watch and wait, bide our time and see where this path leads us."
Gimli sighed, turning back to distant memories. "I wonder whether we shall ever see Gandalf again, or the fair lady Galadriel! Long has my heart desired to look upon her once more. Do you think we shall ever reach the undying lands Legolas?"
"We may yet Gimli, we may. We may one day look upon the white shores that calls me home, and we will find a ship to carry us there. But first I feel we have one last Quest to complete. And from what I have heard of it, I think it sounds very much like the Quest for the Ring, but for different reasons!" Legolas said.
"Gimli went pale. "Oh no! Trust us to get caught up in something like this- again! Still it has been long since my axe hewed any orc heads, and what they have here- Urguls; they are near enough the same. So whet you long knife Mater Elf! And make sure that your quiver is ever full while my axe shall be forever sharp!" said Gimli, an old fire returning to his aged eyes.
"All in good time my friend, all in good time!" said Legolas with a chuckle.
-:-
"To Daret Eragon, that is our next stop," answered Brom. "it is by the Ninor River. Legolas, will you be accompanying us?"
Legolas nodded, though he was not feeling as unhappy about the small village by the River. "Gimli shall come this time also," he stated, leaving no room for argument. "If it is anything like Yazuac we do not want to take any chances."
Brom nodded gravely. A smile spread over Gimli's face. He had hated having to stay behind while his friend had all the fun. He patted his axe reassuringly. They entered Daret cautiously, Saphira had gone off to hide but she was close enough to come if she was needed. Daret appeared to be as deserted as Yazuac had been and they rode on wearily with their weapons ready should any Urgals come and try to attack them. They relaxed a little hen Brom pointed out the footprints of children in the street which were fresh and there was no sign of any Urgul mischief anywhere. They continued on, Legolas and Gimli had drawn their hoods up to conceal their faces.
They had barely rode a few paces on when wagons toppled out before them from behind the houses and blocked their way. Legolas' bow was ready, pulled taught with an arrow poised and ready to fly. Gimli had his axe at the ready atop of Loshîth just behind Legolas. A man hopped over the wagons and stood before the companions, he also had his bow up and pointed at them. Eragon pointed his own bow too.
"Put down your weapons and dismount your horses! You are surrounded by more than sixty archers, you stand no chance!" he commanded. "They will shoot if you do not comply!"
"They themselves would die before they loosed their arrows," Legolas snapped, refusing to lower his bow as Eragon had done.
"Legolas, please put down the bow," said Brom calmly struggling down off of Snowfire awkwardly, manoeuvring his arm so that it did not get hurt. He then turned to the other man. "What do you want?"
Legolas lowered his bow reluctantly but kept it by his side with an arrow at hand. He climbed down from Loshîth. Gimli stayed put, slipping his axe discreetly back into his belt and concealing it with his cloak, bowing his head to conceal his countenance. Legolas stood beside him, hoping that he could conceal the length of Gimli's legs so as to avoid awkward questions. He also kept his face shrouded.
"To know who you are and what you want here," said the man in answer to Brom's question.
"My nephew and I are on our way to visit my cousin in Dras-Leona, along our travelling companions who are also visiting relatives there," lied Brom. "We wish to purchase supplies from you if you will."
"You are armed heavily for a simple journey to Dras-Leona?" the man questioned.
"You are armed heavily enough considering you are in the safety of your own village," said Legolas coldly.
The man took a step towards the Elf who raised his head slightly to meet his gaze. They locked eyes. But the human could not even endure Legolas' intense gaze for even a few seconds as his steely blue grey eyes stared out from the shadow of his hood. The man lowered his head and spoke more to the floor than to Legolas. "These are dangerous times." The man said icily. "I say, do you care to lower your hood young man?" he sneered.
Legolas rolled his eyes at the phrase 'young man'.
"U-golwen edain," Legolas muttered under his breath. "I have no wish to lower my hood," he retorted. The man again tried to stare out Legolas, looking eyes, but the Elf's eyes flashed with anger and the man was beat again. Unwise human
He then turned to speak with Brom. "What is it that you need and my men shall get it? As long as you will stay here and wait. But as soon as you have your ting, you must be gone form this town immediately; we do not welcome outsiders these days." Brom agreed to this and an archer was brought to go and fetch the things they needed. Brom gave to him a list of items including a pair of riding gloves for Eragon.
The atmosphere was tense as they waited for their things to be brought. "So, where do your friends come from? I have never seen anyone clad in their garb before?" the man asked trying to get a look at Legolas' clothes. "And your other friend does not have much to say, why do you both keep your hoods up and your faces in shadow?" he asked suspiciously.
Legolas moved in front of Gimli slightly, more aware now of how out of place they were among all of these men. "North," said Brom. "That is where myself and my nephew come from."
"I see, and your friends?" the man questioned.
Thankfully, they were spared answering as there supplies arrived just at that moment and the men were eager for them to leave. Brom paid the man. But before they were permitted to go on their way Brom had to answer one last question. "Do you know of the people of Yazuac? Have you passed that way? We have not had word from them for a while now."
Brom shook his head sadly. "We did pass through Yazuac. But Urgals- a large company of them- had already slaughtered everyone and plundered the entire town. We were attacked by a few deserters, or else we would have given them a proper burial. I am sorry."
This was grievous news to everyone. Many were deeply sadden by this as many of the villagers of Yazuac had been friendly to the people of Daret, they were their allies- good fighters. "That is sad news to us indeed," said the man. "Now go, you have your supplies," the man commanded and a path was cleared so that the company could ride out of Daret, as swiftly as they could.
A/N yay! Done!!! Hope you all like and I will get another chapter up soon (when I finish writing the drat) but I should have time this week because my school is on project week, and all I'm doing is painting a mural, which should be fun coz I like painting. So no homework and just 8 days left until the holidays! Yes! six whole weeks of FREEDOM!!!!
Anyways, please review!
Peace out guys!
Lolly pop
Ok then, reviewers!
Xiad Rusco – Hey, hope you had a good birthday!!!
Zammy – Yeah, I like to shove some humour into an otherwise kind of serious fic. Thanks!
DaAlCh – Hehehe, just imaging what the people of Alagaësia would do if the did meet a Nazgul... Hum... Funny! Anyways, yep there will be two more Middle earth and Alagaësia crossovers after this, as soon as Christopher Poalini writes them! Legolas and Gimli have to stick around to help Eragon out... they aren't going anywhere near the Undying Lands until this trilogy is finished!
Fuji the Hobbit – Hehehe, that would be funny! I'm sure I can work those ideas in somewhere in a future chapter! I like! I went to Cyprus, and it was brilliant! Nope, I'm still stuck in school- sadly! Anyways, glad you like the humour there will be more.
Manders1953 – Dunno either. Well- they do now! Thanks1
Warrior Elf – Well, I'm back now, but sorry for the delayed update. Hope you enjoy this though!
Kitkat – Thanks! Yeah, an Eragon section on here would be great, I could read some Eragon fics then! Yeah ok, I'll look out for your fic! Yep, I'm a big fan of LOTR, they're great books, and films!
Ok then. Yep so I'm back I take it you guys all want the next chappie then? Good! Ok, I think this chapter is quite long so I hope you enjoy it.
Chapter 12 – Daret
"Now that you have found out all about magic we have a problem. No Rider ever discovered magic at your age; in fact very few ever discover it on their own! And once they did find out about magic, they were put through a vigorous disciplined training programme which we do not have. Even though I myself know enough about magic to teach you a fair bit, we will not have the luxury of time to waste while tracking the Raz'ac, so you my boy will have to learn magic on the run!" said Brom. His arm was still stiff and painful, but with a little bit of help from Legolas and a new bandage, it was getting a little easier.
They were now following the Raz'ac tracks which were going south. Brom rode Snowfire with one arm. Legolas and Gimli rode quietly behind, following Brom and taking in their surroundings. Thanks to their early start- courtesy of Eragon- they were now making good time and the Raz'ac tracks were still quite fresh.
"You see Eragon, Riders have it in them- the ability to do magic, and it does not therefore make you a sorcerer or magician or wizard who uses spirits and spells and potions to make their magic, no- yours is already in you. You just have to figure out how to use it. But it takes time! So don't expect to be a fully fledged wielder in magic in a matter of days. No- that can take more than a life time to achieve! But with a little help from Legolas and Gimli, if they are willing, you should make good enough progress along the road. You see, it's not just Riders that can wield the magic either. Elves can to, and a few such as myself can also use it, though I am old now and not nearly as strong enough to practice some of the stronger aspects of it. And remember, it is always better if your opponent does not know of your powers, then you have the upper hand of taking them by surprise and attacking them. Though I doubt very much whether you will be able to out smart an Elf with that trick, or an accomplished Rider for that matter. Hmmm, I wonder," he turned round in his saddle to face Legolas, careful of his arm, who had been idly listening to the conversation. The Elf fixed Brom with his bright gaze which the old man held for a time. "Legolas, you re a fast learner and powerful warrior, would you be interested in helping me instruct the boy and perhaps learn a little yourself. And you also Gimli- if you will?"
"I for one will have no part in tampering with magic! Such thing is above me and from what I have heard of it , it is a dangerous thing to meddle with," and that was Gimli's answer.
Legolas frowned slightly and hardened his gaze causing Brom to drop his eyes. "I am not certain, magic sounds like a dangerous thing as Gimli says, and from all that I have seen and hard of it I agree. I would prefer not to get mixed p with it. But I am willing to help Eragon, if it will aid him in his task."
"Good, I am glad to hear it! But all in good time you shall learn more and you may find yourself that a wielder of magic often has the advantage in battle," with that Brom turned back to face the front, leaving Legolas and Gimli to talk quietly.
"This Brom is getting to seem more like Gandalf each day!" Gimli mumbled so only Legolas could hear.
"Yes, he is as secretive as Mithrandir, and seems just as wise," replied Legolas.
"And often as grumpy!" put in Gimli.
Legolas smiled. "Maybe, but he has not the powers of Gandalf. I think we should watch and wait, bide our time and see where this path leads us."
Gimli sighed, turning back to distant memories. "I wonder whether we shall ever see Gandalf again, or the fair lady Galadriel! Long has my heart desired to look upon her once more. Do you think we shall ever reach the undying lands Legolas?"
"We may yet Gimli, we may. We may one day look upon the white shores that calls me home, and we will find a ship to carry us there. But first I feel we have one last Quest to complete. And from what I have heard of it, I think it sounds very much like the Quest for the Ring, but for different reasons!" Legolas said.
"Gimli went pale. "Oh no! Trust us to get caught up in something like this- again! Still it has been long since my axe hewed any orc heads, and what they have here- Urguls; they are near enough the same. So whet you long knife Mater Elf! And make sure that your quiver is ever full while my axe shall be forever sharp!" said Gimli, an old fire returning to his aged eyes.
"All in good time my friend, all in good time!" said Legolas with a chuckle.
-:-
"To Daret Eragon, that is our next stop," answered Brom. "it is by the Ninor River. Legolas, will you be accompanying us?"
Legolas nodded, though he was not feeling as unhappy about the small village by the River. "Gimli shall come this time also," he stated, leaving no room for argument. "If it is anything like Yazuac we do not want to take any chances."
Brom nodded gravely. A smile spread over Gimli's face. He had hated having to stay behind while his friend had all the fun. He patted his axe reassuringly. They entered Daret cautiously, Saphira had gone off to hide but she was close enough to come if she was needed. Daret appeared to be as deserted as Yazuac had been and they rode on wearily with their weapons ready should any Urgals come and try to attack them. They relaxed a little hen Brom pointed out the footprints of children in the street which were fresh and there was no sign of any Urgul mischief anywhere. They continued on, Legolas and Gimli had drawn their hoods up to conceal their faces.
They had barely rode a few paces on when wagons toppled out before them from behind the houses and blocked their way. Legolas' bow was ready, pulled taught with an arrow poised and ready to fly. Gimli had his axe at the ready atop of Loshîth just behind Legolas. A man hopped over the wagons and stood before the companions, he also had his bow up and pointed at them. Eragon pointed his own bow too.
"Put down your weapons and dismount your horses! You are surrounded by more than sixty archers, you stand no chance!" he commanded. "They will shoot if you do not comply!"
"They themselves would die before they loosed their arrows," Legolas snapped, refusing to lower his bow as Eragon had done.
"Legolas, please put down the bow," said Brom calmly struggling down off of Snowfire awkwardly, manoeuvring his arm so that it did not get hurt. He then turned to the other man. "What do you want?"
Legolas lowered his bow reluctantly but kept it by his side with an arrow at hand. He climbed down from Loshîth. Gimli stayed put, slipping his axe discreetly back into his belt and concealing it with his cloak, bowing his head to conceal his countenance. Legolas stood beside him, hoping that he could conceal the length of Gimli's legs so as to avoid awkward questions. He also kept his face shrouded.
"To know who you are and what you want here," said the man in answer to Brom's question.
"My nephew and I are on our way to visit my cousin in Dras-Leona, along our travelling companions who are also visiting relatives there," lied Brom. "We wish to purchase supplies from you if you will."
"You are armed heavily for a simple journey to Dras-Leona?" the man questioned.
"You are armed heavily enough considering you are in the safety of your own village," said Legolas coldly.
The man took a step towards the Elf who raised his head slightly to meet his gaze. They locked eyes. But the human could not even endure Legolas' intense gaze for even a few seconds as his steely blue grey eyes stared out from the shadow of his hood. The man lowered his head and spoke more to the floor than to Legolas. "These are dangerous times." The man said icily. "I say, do you care to lower your hood young man?" he sneered.
Legolas rolled his eyes at the phrase 'young man'.
"U-golwen edain," Legolas muttered under his breath. "I have no wish to lower my hood," he retorted. The man again tried to stare out Legolas, looking eyes, but the Elf's eyes flashed with anger and the man was beat again. Unwise human
He then turned to speak with Brom. "What is it that you need and my men shall get it? As long as you will stay here and wait. But as soon as you have your ting, you must be gone form this town immediately; we do not welcome outsiders these days." Brom agreed to this and an archer was brought to go and fetch the things they needed. Brom gave to him a list of items including a pair of riding gloves for Eragon.
The atmosphere was tense as they waited for their things to be brought. "So, where do your friends come from? I have never seen anyone clad in their garb before?" the man asked trying to get a look at Legolas' clothes. "And your other friend does not have much to say, why do you both keep your hoods up and your faces in shadow?" he asked suspiciously.
Legolas moved in front of Gimli slightly, more aware now of how out of place they were among all of these men. "North," said Brom. "That is where myself and my nephew come from."
"I see, and your friends?" the man questioned.
Thankfully, they were spared answering as there supplies arrived just at that moment and the men were eager for them to leave. Brom paid the man. But before they were permitted to go on their way Brom had to answer one last question. "Do you know of the people of Yazuac? Have you passed that way? We have not had word from them for a while now."
Brom shook his head sadly. "We did pass through Yazuac. But Urgals- a large company of them- had already slaughtered everyone and plundered the entire town. We were attacked by a few deserters, or else we would have given them a proper burial. I am sorry."
This was grievous news to everyone. Many were deeply sadden by this as many of the villagers of Yazuac had been friendly to the people of Daret, they were their allies- good fighters. "That is sad news to us indeed," said the man. "Now go, you have your supplies," the man commanded and a path was cleared so that the company could ride out of Daret, as swiftly as they could.
A/N yay! Done!!! Hope you all like and I will get another chapter up soon (when I finish writing the drat) but I should have time this week because my school is on project week, and all I'm doing is painting a mural, which should be fun coz I like painting. So no homework and just 8 days left until the holidays! Yes! six whole weeks of FREEDOM!!!!
Anyways, please review!
Peace out guys!
Lolly pop