A/N Hello everybody! I kind of figured it's time for an update and because I'm in such a good mood for two reasons. First, I went to London the other day with my cousin, so funny! We went on the London Eye (for those of you who don't know it's like a massive Ferris wheel and you can see all over London from the top- very cool!). We went to Madame Tussurds wax work museum (it's really creepy how life like the wax works are!) and Harrods everything is really expensive there but they have like everything! And Hamleys toy shop, yay toys!!! Oh yeah, and one of those open top bus tours. Second, I got the Calcium Kid yesterday! It's so funny, had me in stitches! LOL!
Ok then, that's enough about me, best get on with the story and stuff!
Reveiwers
Dishrag1313- Yay! Funny reviews! Thanks. Eragon just keeps getting naughtier and naughtier!!!
Kitkat- Thanks. We're all ok now.
Fuji the Hobbit- OMG! Was your dog ok? Yep, I've lost my fair share of animals, it's the hardest thing. No! don't give up! You have to read Eragon; it's one of the best books I've ever read! You have to find a way of reading it somehow!
Zammy- Thanks!
DaAlCh- YOU ARE JOKING ME!!!!! I'm so jealous now! I'll have to find the deluxe edition, I have to find our..... please tell me what happens in the first chapter, please! I can't wait till next year!
Xiad Rusco- This is your fave story so far??? OMG thank you so much! Yeah, Fred is a pretty good name for Gimli.... Damn, should have thought of that! Anyways, I think this chapter is going to be really long... its 15 pages in my note book and I normally only do 8-10 but I wrote it on holiday and it's probably one of my personal faves.
109...? THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!! And all speech spoken with Saphira or Solembum or anything like that is like this: 'italics' and any Elvish is in italics too.
Chapter 16- Of Solembum and Casting Bones
Once out of the city Eragon called to Saphira who sent him a mental image of her location at the base of a mossy cliff surrounded by maples. She led him to it via a road. When they reached the spot, they saw her head pop out of the trees on the cliff top above.
"This is easy enough to climb for me, but do you have the skill?" asked Legolas looking up at the cliff, identifying the best route for hand holds.
"Of course I do!" Eragon said. He started to climb; Legolas did also to the left of him. the elf was far more nimble and had almost reached the top when he heard Eragon curse below him. the boy was stranded on a ledge, the next hand hold was just beyond his grasp.
"Need help?" Legolas called back down. He shimmed back down the cliff to where Eragon was. "Take my hand, trust a human to choose the only path up which ends up to be a dead end!" Legolas grasped Eragon's hand and helped him shimmy across to where there were hand holds in abundance.
"All right, you don't have to rub it in! you are the perfect remarkably clever Elf and I am the dense foolish human," said Eragon. Legolas shrugged and continued to the top where Saphira waited.
The cliff provided a breath taking view of the foaming sea beyond. Legolas stood on the edge, his slender hand raised to shade his eyes, gazing out at the distant crashing waves. "It seems so long since I gazed last at its beauty," he sighed quietly. "There are the gulls! Can you her them calling?" Legolas closed his eyes and listened. "Eragon did the same but could only hear the faint sound of the waves amongst the rustle of the trees that surrounded them. "Alas, it is as the Lady Galadriel once said:
Legolas Greenleaf long under tree;
In joy thou hast lived. Beware of the sea!
If thou hearest the cry of the gull on the shore
Thy heart shall then rest in the forest no more!"
Eragon stood next to Legolas. "It is a wonderful sight."
Saphira snorted gaining the Elf and boy's attention. She then spoke to both of them. 'Do you know if Brom's friend you are staying with is trustworthy?'
'I think so. At least Brom saw fit to tell him of me and you. Legolas and Gimli too.' Answered Eragon. 'But I myself am not sure. There are a lot of things they aren't telling me.'
'Maybe it is best you do not know some things,' Saphira said wisely.
'Now you are starting to sound like Legolas," Eragon laughed
'Good, Elves are wise. That is a compliment,' Saphira said.
'I am flattered!' Legolas replied sarcastically. He was still gazing out to sea.
'We have found a way to track the Ra'zac down though," Eragon said brightly. Brom and Jeod are going to look through the Empire's shipping records, if they can get in to see them.'
"Eragon we must go, the sun has gone down and they will be closing the gates soon," Legolas turned and warned, dragging his eyes away form the sea.
'I will take you down, save you a climb,' Saphira offered. They both nodded and climbed onto her back. She landed and they hastily ran back to Teirm, just as the gate way was half way closed. Legolas ducked under, dragging Eragon with him, then straightened up and made their way back to Jeod's house.
The butler showed them to their rooms. Just as he turned to go Legolas stopped him. "yes master Will?"
"Can you tell me where Gi-"he stopped himself then continued. "Jacob is staying?"
"Yes, the second room on the right, just down the hall. Sleep well," the butler took his leave.
Legolas thanked him and made his way to Gimli's room. He opened the door quietly and looked in on the sleeping Dwarf who lay in a bed far too big for him. a thin ray of moonlight shone on his face through a gap in the curtains. The Elf smiled. Next to his bed lay his axe and helmet, his pair of clumpy boots lay be his bed next to the small foot ladder he had used to climb into bed. "Îdh mae, mellon nin," he whispered before closing the door. (Rest well, my friend)
Eragon came out of the room next to Gimli's which was Brom's. He smiled at the Elf before going into his room. Legolas was left standing alone in the hallway. He had no wish to go to sleep though. He went into the room that had been allocated to him. it was a very fine room with a huge four poster bed and luxuriously soft fluffy rugs.
He took off his cloak and draped it over the back on an over stuffed chair along with his tunic. He laid his knife, quiver and bow, which had all been concealed by his cloak, next to them. Next he pulled off his soft leather boots and laid them neatly with the rest of his things. Last of all he gazed into the mirror at his dressing table, pulling the piece of material he used to tie back his hair. Looking at his reflection, he noticed how travel worn he actual was. Walking over to the water basin he splashed some of the cool refreshing water into his face.
Eragon woke in the middle of the night. He went t the stand in the corner of the room to get a glass of water from the jug on his way back to bed, he noticed the being perched on his window sill. "Legolas!" he gasped almost dropping his glass. "You startled me!"
"I am sorry," Legolas replied.
"It's alright, couldn't you sleep?" Eragon asked, seating himself in a chair next to the window. Taking a sip of water.
"No," came the simple reply. He went back to stare out of the window. It was only now, in the faint light of the moon, that Eragon noticed how beautiful the Elf actually was. His face lit by rays of moonlight, his deep eyes reflecting the stars. He wore a simple silver shirt which went under his tunic and he wore nothing on his smooth white feet. He had re-braided his hair to how he normally wore it instead of that unflattering ponytail. Now he truly could not pass for a human. He looked very much like royalty to Eragon, someone of high lineage perhaps. Little did Eragon know, the Elf was!
Legolas sighed. "Eärendil does not shine on your land," he said softly.
"What?" Eragon asked, not understanding.
"Eärendil- most beloved star of my people," the elf explained.
"How can you tell? all the stars look the same to me," said Eragon gazing up at the sky which was littered with tiny pin pricks of light.
"They would to a human's eyes! But they are not. Humans were born with the sun, my people were born with the stars," said Legolas. "With the glittering stars..."
Eragon must have fallen asleep where he was because when he woke he found himself seated comfortably in a chair next to the window, a blanket draped over him. Legolas was nowhere to be seen so he got up and dressed then hurried down stairs. The butler pointed him n the direction of the study where he found Brom, Jeod, Legolas and Gimli talking about their plans to get to the Empire's shipping records. Brom, Jeod and Gimli sat at an oval writing desk, discussing possible ways to get in. Legolas stood to the side of them, listening intently without saying a word.
Brom glanced up when he saw Eragon enter. "Good afternoon! We were wondering when you might make an appearance," he said cheerfully.
Eragon inclined his head and went to stand next to Legolas while Brom went back to talking. "Have they come up with anything yet? To help us get o the records?" Eragon muttered quietly.
"They have been talking all morning," Legolas replied. Brom was speaking up now so they both turned their attention to the old man.
"I'll have a talk with this Brand; see if I can- persuade him. but if we do get to se the record, it will be a huge job. Everyone will have to pitch in," said Brom.
"I- I don't think I'll be much help," said Eragon, embarrassed.
All eyes turned to him. "Why not?" said Brom frowning.
"Well I can't, I don't know how," Eragon stammered, feeling his face going red. "I can't read."
Brom looked at him in disbelief. "This sets back my plans a bit, but that is a problem I can happily fix. I will teach you!" then he turned to Legolas and Gimli. "You two can read this stuff can't you?" he said holding up a thick book and opening it up to show them the many pages of writing.
"Of course!" said Gimli.
"Yes, we can read your speech, it is Westron as we call it. And I will aid you in teaching Eragon also." Legolas offered.
Eragon looked up at him gratefully. "Thanks," he muttered.
With that matter settled, the three turned back to their conversation. After a while standing in silence, Eragon grew bored. He scanned the study walls which were lined with shelf upon shelf of books, littered here and there were scrolls, maps and other pieces of paper. Bending down, he pulled out a particularly elegant looking book bound in black leather and etched with mysterious runes. He sat down and set the big volume on his lap, flicking through the pages of flowing script. "Legolas, what does this say?" he asked curiously.
The Elf knelt down next to the boy and looked over the page. "Brom, what is this?" he called.
The old man turned round in his chair. Legolas held up the book for him to see. He gasped. "Jeod, where did you get that? I thought all copied were destroyed. That book tells of the whole history of Alagaësia, it's got be easily the most valuable thing in this house!"
"Yes, I got it from a traveller who passed through here a few years ago. Tried to sell it to a trader, good job I was there to buy it from him, could have gotten him into a lot of trouble otherwise," explained Jeod.
Eragon flicked through the big old book, not been able to read the many words that danced before his eyes. Brom, Jeod and Gimli were talking again. It seemed that hours passed when Brom finally turned his attention back to Eragon. And seeing the thoroughly bored expression on his face, he took pity on him and said. "You can go out if you want, go explore Teirm. Myself and Jeod will be taking trip up to the castle shortly, see what we can find. We'll most likely be gone for the rest of the day. Gimli I'm afraid will have to stay here, but I assure him he will be well catered for."
"I will go with Eragon," said Legolas, Brom had almost forgotten the Elf's presence he had been standing quietly in the corner.
"Yes, good. That would be best I think. Well, off you go!" Brom said, shooing them away with a swish of his hand.
"Thank you!" Eragon said, relieved that he didn't have to sit there a minute longer.
They both wandered the streets of Teirm for hours, looking in every shop they could. Legolas always kept his hood up all the time, he had resigned himself to taking out the braids he had only just redone the night before and tying his hair back in a loose ponytail to cover his ears.
They passed a small shop on a corner which sold just about every type of sweet you could ever wish to find. Eragon had to literally drag Legolas away form the sticky sweet small of the candy the Elf had grown such a taste for. "No Legolas! Not again! We are not going through the whole sugar hype thing again!" Eragon scolded.
"A sugar what?" Legolas said, easily resisting the boy. "I wish only to taste it again!" the Elf protested.
"No! Besides, we don't have any money! Come on. I'm hungry. Let's go back to Jeod's and get something to eat," Eragon started walking only to realise the Elf was not following him. He sighed and went back to retrieve his friend from the allure of the sweet shop. "Come on Legolas!"
On their way back to Jeod's they passed the herbalist's shop. Curious, Eragon dragged
The Elf inside. They walked to the counter, their eyes adjusting to the dim green light of the shop. Legolas suddenly stopped. "What now?" Eragon asked.
He said nothing but pointed up to the shelf that stood behind the counter. A pair of red eyes suddenly flashed from a gap at the top. A large fierce cat leapt onto the counter, making Eragon jump back. It had a lean body with powerful shoulders and oversized paws. A shaggy mane surrounded its angular face and its ears were tipped with black tufts. White fangs curved down over its jaw. Quite frankly, it looked nothing like any cat wither had ever seen before.
The cat turned its eyes to Legolas and tilted its head slightly. Legolas locked eyes with the creature, slowly his eyes grew wide. Confused, and not really realising, Eragon reached out to it and prodded its mind. 'Do you mind?' a voice snapped back
"What?" Eragon said out load looking around to see where the voice was coming from.
'I am trying to have a conversation here!' Eragon looked to the creature who was now staring at him, an annoyed look on its clever face.
Eragon looked to Legolas. "His name is Solembum. He says he is a were cat, though what one of those are I am not sure. He knows what I am Eragon; he also knows about my home land, though how he will not say. He will talk to you now," Legolas explained.
'A were cat?' Eragon now spoke to the creature perched on the counter. 'But I thought they only existed in legends?' Were cats were also said to have magical powers, lived a very long time- far longer than humans- and often knew more than they told.
'Well obviously I am not as you see,' Solembum replied.
Just then Angela entered. Her eyes flicked from Solembum to Eragon and lastly to Legolas, where they lingered for a few seconds. Then she spoke. "He says you spoke with him, Solembum here."
"Yes, we did. You can talk with him to?"£ Eragon asked.
"Of course. You two are only the third and fourth people to come in here to be able to speak with him. and he says that you show a lot of promise," she pointed to Eragon. "And that is a great compliment coming from him. the first person who came in here to talk with Solembum was a women many years ago, the second was an old blind beggar. You two should consider yourselves privileged, and-"she paused for a moment, her eyes settling once more on Legolas. "You have no need to keep your hood up in here Master Elf. If you wish to keep your identities hidden, you have no worry that I shall tell anyone."
Surprised, Legolas slowly drew back his hood to reveal his fair face and long flowing golden hair.
Angela nodded in approval. "So, are you looking for anything specific or just come to have a look?"
"Just to look," Eragon replied. "How did you know about my friend? We have kept the fact he is an Elf well hidden."
"He could be trussed up like that Dwarf you also keep as company and I would know what he was. But I will not ask how you come to be in such fine company . but I will offer you something. Just give me a minute..." she trailed off and retreated into the back of the shop.
Eragon turned to Legolas, a little pale in the face. "She knows what you are," he gulped.
Legolas nodded his head in agreement. "But I think we have little to be concerned about with this Angela. She is strange and undoubtedly has her secrets, but I feel she is good."
Eragon hoped his friend was right, for all their sakes. Angela returned a little out of breath but nonetheless brimming with excitement. She clutched close to her a leather pouch which she lay upon the counter. She instructed Eragon and Legolas to get a stool and sit across from her at the counter. Angela laid a cloth on the counter and poured the contents of the bag on it. "Dragon knucklebones," she said quietly, pausing for effect. "It's a secret as to how I came by them, and I certainly wont tell you. If you like, I will cast them for you boy. You see these? These have true power, unlike lea leaves and crystal balls that come as the stereotype of my trade that are for the silly rich people. These- these are what its all about. so, would you like to know your fate, because to know ones fate can be a terrible thing. It is up to you," Angela said imply. Then knuckle bones were inscribed with runes and symbols, there- on the counter- lay the bones of one of Saphira's kin.
Eragon's immediate instinct was to turn to Legolas. But the Elf shook his head. "In this decision I can not aid you Eragon. As the lady says, it is your choice." Eragon frowned.
"Why do you offer me such a thing?" he asked.
"Because of Solembum. You spoke with him. the other two I mentioned earlier who also spoke with him were offered the same. Only the women accepted. Selena was her name, long ago. I can't remember exactly what came up for her, except it was very sad and she regretted it after. So be careful in your choice, Eragon- that is your name isn't it?" said Angela.
"Yes," Eragon had stopped, his mind turning to what Angela had just revealed. Then he came back to himself. "Why do you not offer the same to Legolas- my friend who also spoke with him?" he said curiously.
Angela's look turned dark. "Oh no, not an Elf. I would not. Besides," she now glanced at Legolas. "He would not accept. Solembum has told me," replied Angela.
Legolas nodded. Seeing this Eragon resolved himself. "Very well. Cast the bones for me."
So she did, muttering words of power she tossed the bones onto the cloth. "Manin! Wyrda! Hugin!" Eragon and Legolas recognised these words for the ancient language. Both now realises Angela must be a kind of witch to use these words. (Memory! Fate! Thought!)
Angela frowned as she studied the bones carefully for minutes. Then she raised her head to look at Eragon. "Hmm, infinitely long life... strange, I do not know whether this means you will live forever or that you will have an extraordinary long life span. Ah- the wondering path- never seen this before. Many choices lie ahead of you. Great battles- countless possible futures await you. But beware of loosing your way!" Angela warned, "You and you alone can choose your own fate. And- oh dear- a doom lies upon you, though what it is I know not. Part of that doom lies in a death, not far off now and it will cause you much grief. You will go on a great journey! Ah- yes, yes! your fate will be to eventually leave this land forever, you will never again stand on the shores of Alagaësia, this path is inescapable."
Eragon looked to Legolas, who was studying the bones closely for himself. There it was, engraved in one bone was a sailing ship.
"Hmm," Angela continued. "She sighed deeply. "But your life shall not all be doom and gloom. An epic romance lies in your future, and your love is of noble birth and heritage..." Angela trailed off an expression of happiness on her face. Then her brow furrowed and the happy look was replaced by one of surprise. "More trouble, and a betrayal is very close, it will come form with in your family too."
Eragon looked shocked. His thoughts immediately dashed to Roran. He would no do that! Not Roran! Eragon panicked. "Thank you, I think," he said unsteadily when Angela started to pack the bones away. He was trying to process all he had learnt form her.
"Your welcome. Gosh- I would love to se how your future turns out! That is the most complicated, clouded future I've ever read with some of the strangest combinations. I take it I have given you much to think about?" said Angela lightly.
"You have!" Eragon agreed. He felt shaken by all he had been told. Legolas clasped his shoulder reassuringly.
"Yes, I like to think so," said Angela smiling. "But I must ask before you go, what Master Elf- is ailing your bandaged hand?" she said indicating to his hand.
"A Seithr oil burn," he replied.
"Seithr oil eh? Let me have a look at that, I may be able to help," she offered. Legolas rested his had on the counter and she gently peeled away the bandage. She examined it closely.
"I got burnt by it too, but mine's all healed," said Eragon.
Angela nodded in acknowledgment. "it is strange, I would have thought you would heal quicker than the boy. It must be something in the oil that does not agree with you. You are not from Alagaësia are you?" she asked. Legolas shook his head. "Well, I may have something that will help it heal better." She searched the many shelves for a moment then picked out a small glass jar which contained a substance greenish in colour. "This salve is made from, well- most would regard it as a weed, but it has wonderful healing properties. It's called Kingsfoil."
"Athelas," Legolas said. "We have it in Middle earth. I thought that it did not grow here."
"It doesn't. it comes form over seas, no idea where they get it. But most in my trade are familiar with it. Well, I guess we've just solved that mystery as to where the stuff comes from!" Angela chuckled. Lathering it onto Legolas' hand. "Better?"
"Yes thank you," he replied. She wrapped it up again in some fresh bandages and handed Legolas the jar of athelas.
"May I ask your name?" Angela inquired.
"Legolas Greenleaf," he replied
"And what of the old man and Dwarf you travel with?" Angela proceeded.
"The man is Brom, the Dwarf is Gimli," said Eragon.
Angela was laughing now. "Brom? Ha! That one! Ha ha ha! His future is a bit of a joke with those in my profession. Oh yes, we know of Brom!"
Her chuckling died away as Solembum padded up between them. The were cat stared at Eragon and Legolas.
'First, I will speak to you Elf. I have two things to tell, one to you, the other to the boy so listen very carefully. When the time comes and you are in need of a weapon, look under the roots of the Menoa tree," Legolas nodded in understanding.
'To you boy I say this: when all seems lost and your power is insufficient, do to the rock of Kuthien and speak your name to open the vault of souls.' With that Solembum padded away.
Eragon looked to Legolas in confusion. Then they both turned in unison to Angela. "Keep whatever he said to yourselves," she said quietly.
"Ok. Thank you," said Eragon uncertainly. "Legolas, think we better go now." The Elf nodded his head gratefully drawing his hood up over his head they both exited the shop. Both in deep contemplation, none more so than Eragon.
"Eragon?" Legolas said. The boy turned his attention back to his friend, "What is wrong?" the Elf could easily read Eragon's feelings on his face.
"Nothing, just trying to process all that Angela said. And-"he stopped to consider how he would next explain his feelings. "Legolas, you know that women Angela spoke of? The one who first spoke with Solembum and who had her future read and- well it didn't sound to great?"
"Yes," answered Legolas.
"Well," Eragon had trouble getting these next words out. So they just came in a fast jumble which the Elf only just caught, "Selena was the name of my mother!"
Legolas immediately understood. "You think the women was your mother?"
"Well how many other Selena's do you know?" Eragon snapped not waiting for an answer he continued. "Do you think we should tell Brom about this?"
"It is up to you Eragon. It is your future after all. Come, perhaps Brom has returned, we can find out how things went on whatever errand he had been on," Legolas said.
It turned out things had not gone well for Brom. The man he had talked with- the administrator of trade would not grant him permission to view the shipment records of the Empire. He was in a foul mood. He and Gimli sat in the study puffin on their pipes moodily deep in thought. Eventually Gimli turned to Legolas. "So Elf, has your day been productive? At least more productive than my own, cooped up here?"
"Fairly," answered Legolas casting a look to Eragon who gave him a look warning him to not say anything about their encounter at the herbalist's shop. "Myself and Eragon had a good look around Teirm. It is a busy place indeed," he left it at that and hoped Gimli would not probe for details of their days exertions. To his relief, he didn't.
At length, when he had claimed down Eragon ventured to ask "What do we do now?"
"this week I suppose we best get cracking on teaching you how to read. Then after your accomplished enough, we're going to give the administrator a nasty surprise!" he grinned mischievously and would say no more.
After dinner, a highly tense affair on account of Jeod's wife Helen, Eragon decided to go talk with Saphira. Legolas was about to grab his cloak to go with him when Brom called him back. "Let him go alone today. I need to speak with you and Gimli in the study."
After breaking the news to Eragon, who set off indifferent, he followed Jeod into the study where Brom and Gimli sat already. Legolas stood next to his friend's chair while Jeod leaned against the writing desk.
"I have spoken with Jeod, and he can arrange it," Brom began.
"Arrange what?" asked Gimli.
"A ship," answered Brom. "To take you to your intended destination, Valinor isn't it? It will be ready to leave with in the week. It's a small vessel and no doubt not as good as the one you lost, but it is sea worthy enough for the two of you."
"It's fully fitted out and everything," added Jeod.
"Why do you offer us this?" asked Legolas.
"Because, the way things are going I think they could get very dangerous for us in Alagaësia," said Brom frowning. "Think about it. The offer is there and there may be no other chance..."
A/N There. Finally got that typed! Anyways, hope you enjoy this. I think things are getting interesting.
Ok, going now. So please review!
Laters
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