A/N Hey everybody!!! Ok then, reasons for the late update are at the end of the post ok?
Reviewers
Fuji the Hobbit- Yep, unfinished Tales is one of Tolkien's books. Yay! You will get Eragon soon! And yay! My writing is getting better! Oh yeah, the Will thing, lol... I couldn't think of any other name! and I think I'd just been watching POTC before that....
Manders1953- Yay Will!!! I know, I think I read somewhere that he was in the middle of writing the second one or something. Hope it comes out soon!
Kitkat- Lol, I don't know about Gimli's alias, whether it will be funny or not. Just have to wait and find out. I know, I love Nimrodel's Song, that's why I put it in. Oh yeah, I think I did find your fic before I went on holiday, but I didn't have time to read it. But I will!
Xiad Rusco- Thanks. I personally don't think Gimli's alias is very funny, but I don't know. You'll have to tell me what you think!
happy yaoi lover2- Thanks!
DaALCh- Cool! You met Christopher Poalini? No fair!!!
LegendaryKijinAngel- Yep! Eragon and LOTR! Two great stories! Thanks!
Warrior Elf- Aww! Thank you! The Leggy/Arya situation, I have all that planned out so don't worry! Hmmm, wonder where I got Will from looks around innocently no idea really...
WAHOO!!! 103 REVEIWS AND I'M ONLY ON CHAPTER 15!!! I LOVE YOU GUYS!!!
Also, I wrote the next few chapters on holiday, so if they have a lot about the sea in them... there's your explanation!
Chapter 15- Teirm
They had finally reached Teirm after two days of travelling; just beyond them lay the ocean. Legolas breathed in the fresh sea air that wafted towards them. Proud ships were docked in the harbour, their fine sails furled, the faint sound of the waves crashing upon the shore echoed in the distance. Teirm- contained behind high walls was the busy life of the city. The wall was broken by two great iron portcullises of which one faced west and the other south. Above the wall rose a high domed citadel built of giant stones and turrets.
They approached the two soldiers that guarded the south gate, when they saw the company they blocked the gates with their pikes. Saphira had left them a while ago when the city had first loomed into view, Legolas and Gimli had pulled their hoods up. Legolas had taken out his fine braids and tied his hair in a loose ponytail, leaving some hair draping over his pointed ears to hide them. "Who goes there? What's yer names?" one asked in a thoroughly bored tone.
"I'm Neal, this here is me nephew Evan and his brother Will and their grandpa Jacob," Brom introduced them one by one.
"Yeah, and yer business in Teirm?" asked the other guard.
"Visitin' an old friend o' his," Eragon supplied, dropping his voice into a thick accent to imitate Brom.
The guards were peering at Legolas and Gimli. "Why is yer grandad so small?" they asked nosily.
Brom thought quickly. "He's old me good sir, wizened by age he is. Poor ol' soul!"
The guards nodded and let them pass with no further questions. "Wizened by age?" Gimli grunted to Brom as they rode.
"I had to say something," the man shrugged with a smirk.
Legolas eyed his surroundings as they entered the city. "This place looks ready for war," he said taking in the buildings. The roofs here were flat except for metal railings and all were covered with slate shingles. The houses closest to Teirm's outer wall were no more than one story, but got higher as they headed to the centre of the city.
Brom nodded. "Yes, and for good reason. This place has been attacked by pirates, Urgals and other enemies. Though Galbatorix gives them soldiers to help protect the city, probably because of its abundance of riches. You notice the lay out of the city?" Brom pointed out. Legolas nodded. If ever the outer wall was breached, archers could be posted on all the roofs. The men can shoot over the houses closer to the wall because they are lower they have no fear of hitting one of their comrades, that's why the city is set out in tiers. You see?" Brom explained.
Legolas nodded. "A clever strategy."
They continued through the city, receiving strange looks from passers-by. This was mainly due to the fact that Legolas and Gimli kept their hoods up, and many had to stop and glance twice at the Dwarf, though Legolas made sure to try to hide his friend as best he could. And the fact that they rode Loshîth with no saddle or reins.
Thy came to a halt outside a tavern called 'The Green Chestnut'. Brom dismounted Snowfire. "I'll go in and inquire. You three stay out of the way, if anyone asks any questions- Eragon, you know the story," with that Brom was lost through the doors to the tavern into the hustle and bustle.
The three led the horses away form the people entering and exiting the tavern. They got off and Gimli concealed himself behind Loshîth. Eragon stood close to Legolas, hoping no one would notice them. A drunk man came staggering out of the tavern, catching sight of Eragon and Legolas he staggered over.
"Hullo there! Ent sin you 'ere before, ye new eh?" he asked, slurring his words, the thick stench of alcohol wafted over the Elf and boy. Legolas recoiled and screwed up his face at the stink.
"Yeah, just waitin' fer me uncle," Eragon replied, a dumb look taking over his faces much like the drunk man's.
"Ah yeah," with that the man slumped against the wall, humming happily to himself as he slid down the wall and the world spun before his dull eyes.
Eragon looked to Legolas. They both hoped Brom would hurry up, they were attracting far too much attention, earning looks from passers-by. Eragon smiled stupidly at them and inclined his head to anyone who glanced at him. "I wish Brom would hurry up!" he said to Legolas out of the corner of his mouth.
"As do I," Legolas muttered back.
Brom staggered out of the pub, just like all of the other people of Teirm, blending in effortlessly. He straightened up as he came over to Eragon. "Right, Jeod's house is by the herbalists shop, west side of town. I also found out a few interesting things too, but that will have to wait till later..."
they found the herbalists shop easily enough. A women sat on the step holding a frog in one hand and scribbling something on a piece of paper with the other. They looked at the two houses either side of her. Brom got off Snowfire and addressed the women. "Excuse me, are you Angela the herbalist?" the women nodded, not looking up from her writing. "Could you please tell us which house is Jeod's?"
"I could," the women replied. Still scribbling away.
Brom waited a few seconds then continued. "Well, could you tell us?"
"Yes," said Angela.
Brom waited again for her to continue. When she didn't, he gave a small cough.
"Can I help you?" said Angela finally looking up.
"Yes, could you please tell us which house is Jeod's?" said Brom again.
Angela sighed. "You have already asked that question and I have answered it. Yes, I could tell you which house is Jeod's. That was your first question. Your next question should be could I say which is Jeod's house."
Brom chuckled. "Of course. Which one is Jeod's house?"
"The one on the right," she replied.
"Thank you," said Brom, inclining his head.
"Erm, why are you holding a frog?" Eragon asked, getting off Cadoc.
"He is actually a toad," she said. "I'm trying to prove that toads do not exist, that there are only frogs. Then, if I prove this is a frog and never was a toad, then toads do not exist therefore can no longer bring bad luck and witches can not use them for evil spells because- there will be no toads!" she said as though this were obvious.
Eragon shook his head. Clearly this woman was a marble short of a full bag. Legolas and Gimli glanced at each other and smiled. Suddenly Angela looked up and fixed Legolas with a piercing stare then looked away. For some reason, she unnerved Legolas.
Legolas and Gimli hung back with the horses while Brom and Eragon knocked on the door. They spoke with a young woman first, the door closed. A few seconds later the door suddenly flew open and a tall man burst out of the house. He sagged against the door frame. "Brom...?" he muttered speechless.
"Jeod my old friend," he said clasping the mans arm. "But please, call me Neal, no one must know I am here."
"I thought you were dead!" Jeod said quietly. He looked to Brom, seeing the look on his face. "We can not talk here old friend. I know a better place." he disappeared then stepped out into the street wearing a fine embroidered jacket and plumbed hat.
"There are also two others I would like you to meet," said Brom indicating Legolas and Gimli. Jeod's jaw dropped when he saw the Dwarf. "Shh, all will be explained when we get to somewhere more- private."
Jeod led them through Teirm ,Legolas led Loshîth through the streets while Gimli rode, and Eragon led Cadoc and Snowfire behind Brom and his friend. "Risthart, Lord of Teirm has decreed that all the business owners must have their own head quarters in his castle. Most of us conduct our business else where of course, but we must rent rooms here. It keeps him happy. Anyway, the walls are thick so we will have all the privacy we need," explained Jeod.
They went through the fortress' main gate into the keep. They tied the horses to an iron ring there, Legolas using a piece of rope to drape around Loshîth's neck, he whispered some soft words in his own tongue to keep the horses calm, then entered through the door the Jeod held open.
Jeod grabbed a torch from its and led them down a long cold damp hallway. They came to a heavy wooden door which Jeod unlocked and let them in. he lit a fire in the hearth then turned to Brom. "You old man, have a lot of explaining to do!"
"First proper introductions," said Brom sitting leisurely in an overstuffed chair and pulling out his pipe, he took a few puffs then continued. "The boy is Eragon and these Jeod are his good friends Legolas and Gimli," Brom indicated the Elf and the Dwarf who had pulled down their hoods. Legolas undid the rough piece of material he had used to tie back his hair and shook it loose so that the golden tresses cascaded down over his shoulders.
"A Dwarf," Jeod gasped. "And an- Elf!"
"They are not from Alagaësia; they were ship wreaked here and have since joined with Eragon and myself," explained Brom. "I have been travelling with them from Carvahall which is on the other side of the Spine. His uncle's farm was brutally attacked by Ra'zac. They killed his uncle and now we are following their trail so that Eragon can exact his revenge. The problem is, we have lost their trail and were hoping you could help us. You see this?" Brom withdrew the flask from his coat. "Seithr oil- the dangerous kind. The Ra'zac dropped it just as their trail ended. we were wondering whether you could get hold of the shipping records for the Empire, find out if they've brought any of this stuff. Then we can trace it to the Ra'zac's lair. Can you help us?"
Jeod sighed. "That could take months! You see those?" he pointed to the back wall which was lined with large volumes. "Those are all the shipping records for my business. Just MY business. There are many other merchants than myself in Teirm, get my point?" Jeod said. "And another thing, the records you seek are held in the castle. Only brand, Risthart's administrator is allowed to see them on a regular basis. Traders such as myself are not allowed to handle them. They are afraid we will swindle the Empire of its precious taxes."
Brom waved the warning away. "I'll deal with that miner set back when it comes to it. What we really need are a few days to rest."
"Fine by me, my home is your home!" answered Jeod. "Do you all have different names while you are here?"
"Yes, I'm Neal, Eragon is my nephew Evan, and Legolas is his brother Will while Gimli is their wizened grandfather Jacob," said Brom.
Gimli scowled at the barb.
After some time Brom said. "Eragon I don't think I tied Snowfire to the ring properly, could you please go and check on him?"
Eragon pulled a face but left the room to do as Brom had asked. He knew they only wanted him out of the way. The door closed behind him, leaving the two men, Elf and Dwarf to talk.
"I've lost the last ship I sent out," said Jeod. "Good men too, doubt I'll ever see any of them again," Jeod sighed.
"I heard. A man in the tavern told me when we were enquiring about where you lived. He said that only certain merchants are targeted, you are one of them," said Brom.
"Yes, there can't be a traitor among us though! But some how them Empire must know that I've been shipping goods to Surda and Tronjheim and Gil'ead. But Brom, you should return to Tronjheim, it's the safest place for you," said Jeod.
"Not yet. They would tear Eragon apart," Brom muttered. Then he turned to Legolas and Gimli. "I need you two to promise that you will not tell Eragon of what we speak, for his own good."
"You have our words," said Legolas. "But how can we possibly tell him anything when we ourselves know nothing of what you speak?"
Brom bowed his head to the Elf apologetically. "Forgive me. I forgot that you know nothing of what me and Jeod are talking about. for a start, Tronjheim is where the Dwarves of this land dwell. Their leader is Ajihad, and from what I know, they need help."
"So why do we not go to them? We could help!" said Gimli enthusiastically.
"Brom shook his head. "No, Eragon and Saphira will not be entirely safe there. Too many will try to influence him, he has not had enough training. Maybe he will be ready in a year or so..."
"Saphira?" asked Jeod.
"The boy's dragon," Brom explained. Jeod nodded knowingly. "I have to send a message to Ajihad. Do you have a messenger you can trust?"
"Yes, but it will be very risky. I can send him to Gil'ead," answered Jeod.
"Good. Tell him to give Ajihad this as proof that it's me," Brom handed Jeod a ring he wore. "And tell him, he loses this, I will personally tear out his liver," said Brom, a casual air to his voice.
Legolas smirked. "As ever Brom you are the spirit of good cheer."
Brom grinned, then said. "We must go back to Eragon, he has been waiting long enough." They got up and went to meet Eragon outside in the court yard.
After dinner Eragon asked if he could go and see Saphira. Brom looked to Legolas meaningfully. "I will go with him," said the Elf.
"Remember to be back before the gates of the city close, otherwise you will not be let in until morning!" warned Jeod.
Eragon nodded and walked towards the front door. As Legolas passed Brom clasped his shoulder and whispered. "Look out for him."
He nodded in understanding. He pulled his hair back and tied it with the piece of material, arranging it to cover his ears, pulled his hood up and followed Eragon out of the front door of Jeod's house.
Legolas and Eragon walked in silence to the outer part of the city. Then, just before they were about to reach the gates, Eragon turned to Legolas and said quietly. "I know everything Brom and Jeod were talking about when they sent me out."
"You do, do you?" Legolas raised his eyebrows. "May I hazard a guess at how you achieved such a feat?" Eragon rolled is eyes.
"Yes, I used magic. But then, Brom told me to use it, to suss out my opponent's intentions and such, so I thought-"
"It would be useful enough for eavesdropping?" Legolas finished for him, a smile tugging at the corner of his mouth.
Eragon looked sheepishly up at the Elf. "I know I shouldn't have, but Jeod and Brom were talking of things they clearly didn't want me to know, so it made it all the more inviting to listen and see what I could learn."
"Maybe," said Legolas glancing down at the boy, who looked up at him with a question in his eyes that was only too easy to read because of the worried expression his face so easily betrayed. "Do not worry Eragon, I will not tell Brom. Just remember, some things are best kept from you for your own safety." Eragon could see more clearly than ever in the fading light the many ages the Elf had lived betrayed in his bright eyes, though his fair face showed none of it. "Come! Saphira waits. And remember Jeod's warning, it is not my wish to be shut out of the city!"
A smile flashed across Eragon's face as a foolish idea pooped into his head. "Race you to the gate!"
Legolas smiled and raised an eyebrow. "You know I will win."
"You might not, now are you going to race me or are you afraid?" Eragon teased.
Legolas rolled his eyes at the barb. He inclined his head slightly and Eragon set off before him. With a burst of speed, Legolas easily overtook the young human, dancing lightly across the dirt path heading to the gate. He stood waiting for a while waiting for Eragon to finally catch up. "Don't say it!" Eragon panted. Bending double, his hands on his knees.
"Say what?" Legolas asked innocently.
"I told you so!" Eragon snapped as if this were obvious.
Legolas smirked. "Very well, did I not tell you I would win?"
"I said don't say that!" Eragon scolded.
"I did not though," Legolas answered grinning.
"I'm not as young as I used to be!" Eragon moaned.
"You are not as young as you used to be?" Legolas said in mock outrage.
Eragon glared at his friend. "Oh shut up!"
A/N Ok, hope you like that!
Now, reasons I haven't updated as soon as I would have like. On holiday I was in a car crash. Luckily we all got out with just a few bruises, except for my dog. We had to have him put to sleep and I haven't felt like doing anything this past week. So basically, the last few days of my holiday sucked. But thanks for all your lovely reviews, they have really cheered me up! So thanks to all you guys and I hope you enjoy the next few chapters as they are probably some of my faves.
Thanks again.
And remember, live each day to the full because you never know, tomorrow might be your last.
Luv
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