A/N Hi guys! Sorry about the late update, I've been pretty busy starting back at school. But hey, school is better this year as I've dropped (most) of the subjects I loath and am taking most of the ones I like to do for my GCSEs. That means Business Studies is dropped along with I.C.T and wood work! Yay! Anyways, I thought it was way about time for an update and I apologise again for the lateness of it.
On a better note, ROTK EE DVD IS RELEASEED 14TH DECEMBER!!!!! 81 DAYS TO GO! And I can start my grand count down again like when ROTK was released in cinemas last year. Wahoo!
Reviewers
Fuji the Hobbit- yeah, school work sucks! Good luck with all you have to do! Sounds exhausting!
RandomInsanePersonW/Explosives- Wow, long name! but of course I couldn't make them leave could i? Then there would be no story!
Warrior Elf- You met Christopher Poalini! Another person to be jealous of! Maybe if he comes to the UK anytime then I could meet him! arrg! Thanks, I do try and keep it as true to the books as possible without making an exact carbon copy all the time. Arrg! Stupid typos! We hates them we does! Yep, this will cover the whole trilogy, hopefully.
Xiad Rusco- Lucky you, I'm still stuck there! But this year is considerably better as I get to do the subjects I want to do, that means no more wood work, I.C.T or business for me! Still have to do P.E though, grrr. Yeah I know, I like to tease, but I'm glad you don't want it to come to an end just yet!
DaAlCh- Are we really half way through? I was reading a head in the book planning out how everything comes together since the last time I read it all the way through was January and I have loads of ideas, including a good place to put in your suggestion of Legolas and Gimli having a conversation away from those youngsters. So thanks for that idea! Yeah, I do have a rough idea for a story after the trilogy, but that all really depends on how the final book of the Inheritance trilogy turns out.
Moonyasha- Thanks! Glad you like!
dragon-miko- Of course I couldn't take them out just yet! I don't know where I got the road goes ever on from, I think it's mentioned in both Eragon and LOTR, but was put very much in mind of LOTR when I wrote that!
Twilight Unicorn- Thank you, glad you like. And I love your name by the way, it's pretty!
Chapter 19- Continued Tales
Before they left, Legolas and Eragon decided to pay a visit to Angela. They slipped out while Brom and Jeod were preparing supplies for their journey. Angela smiled when she saw them. "You are leaving Teirm today then?" she asked.
"Yes, Brom wants to get moving, we just came to say goodbye and thank you," said Eragon.
"And you Legolas, how fairs your hand?" she asked leaning over the counter.
"Much better thank you, it is almost all healed now," replied Legolas holding up his hand which now only bore a faint line where the oil had burnt.
"Good, good," said Angela nodding her head in approval. Then she bent down and rummaged behind the counter, setting on it a bag which Eragon thought for a moment was the dragon knuckle bones. "These are for you," she said handing them to Legolas. "It is your Athelas. Use it well and keep it safe."
"I will, thank you again golwen- adaneth," Legolas thanked her. (Wise women)
-:0:-
"Well," sighed Jeod. "I guess this is goodbye old friend. And good luck!"
"To you also. We may meet again Jeod, perhaps in better times," said Brom clasping the other man's shoulder.
Jeod just smiled. Eragon and Gimli stepped forwards next and gave their thanks for his hospitality. Legolas came last. "Well master Elf, it has been a pleasure to enjoy such fine company as yourself these past few weeks," said Jeod, then he added in an undertone that only Legolas could hear. "Look after the boy. I see how much faith and trust he holds in you, he is lucky to have such a friend."
"I will," Legolas replied. "Goodbye Jeod."
With that, they mounted their horses and rode out of Teirm's south gate. Legolas pulled Loshîth up to ride side by side with Eragon. "Look in the shadows," he said quietly tilting his head in the direction of the outer wall. There was movement in the shadows. "It is Solembum; he bids us a safe journey."
Eragon nodded and a smile flashed across his face.
-:0:-
Eragon had gone flying with Saphira for the morning. He had jumped at the chance ever since they had got far enough away from Teirm to not attract attention from anyone in the city. This left Brom, Legolas and Gimli with the horses.
Brom turned to them with an enquiring gaze. "I have a bone to pick with the two of you," he stated, this gaining their attention and they listened. "You never did finish your tale, of the War of the Ring and such, of the Halflings and their battle to destroy a Ring from a Dark Lord."
Gimli chuckled. "I think we can finish it well enough, Eragon said he would not be back until lunch, that should give us some peace and quiet and we should be able to tell almost all of it I think. Very well, where did we leave off?"
Brom stroked his chin in thought. "Something about a great spider and the Halflings. I think if memory serves. One had just got stung by the thing..." Brom trailed off, trying to remember exactly.
"Ah yes, young Mr Baggins. We got as far as to what became of him," said Gimli taking up the telling. "Well, when Sam had taken the Ring, orcs came along and luckily he managed to hide. But the orcs, knowing that Frodo was merely stunned and not in fact dead, took him away to the Tower of Cirith Ungol. From what we gather, the brave hobbit went to retrieve his master once he learnt the truth about the great spider's poison when he eavesdropped on the orcs. And so went to the top of the Tower, slaying any orc that got in his path he found Frodo though and when all looked to be lost to Mr Baggins, his servant pulled out the Ring of all things!"
"As to what became of myself, Gimli and Aragorn, we crossed Giril and Ringlo; on the third day we came to Linhir above the mouth of Gilrain. And there men of Lamedon contested the fords with fell folk of Umbar and Harad who had sailed up the river," said Legolas continued, taking up the tale where he had left off after telling of the Paths of the Dead. "But defenders and foes alike gave up the battle and fled when we came, crying out that the King of the Dead was upon them. Only Angbor, Lord of Lamedon, had the heart to abide us; and Aragorn bade him gather his folk and come behind, if they dared, when the Grey host had passed," said Legolas, Brom was rapt with attention, taking in all Legolas had said. The Elf and the Dwarf found he was a much better audience than Eragon had been when they had told him of their great adventure, so long ago it seemed now.
"And Aragorn said: "At Pelagir the Heir of Isildur will have need of you." Thus we crossed over Gilrain, driving the allies of Mordor in rout before us; and then we rested a while. But soon Aragorn arose saying: "Lo! Already Minas Tirith is assailed; I fear that it will fall ere we come to its aid." So we mounted again and went on with all the speed that our horses could endure over the plains of Lebenin," Legolas paused and sighed. Then he started singing softly:
"Silver flows the streams from Celos to Erui
In the green fields of Lebenin
Tall grows the grass there. In the wind for the Sea
The white lilies sway,
And the golden bells are shaken of Mallos and alfirion
In the green fields of Lebenin,
In the wind form the Sea!"
Legolas stopped and sighed again. "Green are those fields in the songs of my people; but they were dark then, grey wastes in the blackness before us. And over the wide land, trampling unheeded the grass and flowers we hunted our foes through a day and night, until we came at the bitter end to the Great River at last. There it was that I first heard the cry of the sea-birds innumerable on its shores. Alas for the wailing of the gulls! For we were so near to the Sea. I will never forget them."
Gimli rolled his eyes. "For my part I heeded them not, for we came then at last upon the battle in earnest. There at Pelagir lay the main fleet of Umbar, fifty great ships and smaller vessels beyond count. Many of these that we pursued had reached the havens before us, and brought there fear with them; and some of the ships had put off, seeking to escape down the River or to reach for shore; many of the smaller craft were ablaze. But the Haradrim, been now driven to the brink, turned at bay, and they were fierce in despair; and they laughed when they looked on us, for they were a great army still."
At that moment a dark shadow was cast over them, looking up; the three saw the enormous form of Saphira land in front of them. The horses pulled back in fear as she flashed her teeth at them in a joking way. Eragon slid off her, his cheeks red, his hair was blown back and he walked with a waddle as he regained feeling in his legs.
"Good flight?" asked Gimli.
"Amazing!" Eragon replied desperately trying to catch his breath.
Legolas dismounted Loshîth and dug in Cadoc's saddle bag, handing Eragon a flask of water, "Thanks," he said taking the flask and draining most of it.
-:0:-
That evening when they were all sat round the camp fire quietly, having finished their meal, Legolas drew his knife and indicated Eragon do the same. But the boy shook his head. "Do we have to spar tonight?" he asked. Legolas looked at him questioningly. "Only I thought it would be better if we could perhaps just sit and talk because there are a few things that have been playing on my mind and I'd like a few questions answered," Eragon continued looking over at Brom who had raised his eyes from scanning the map Jeod had given him to listen to what the boy had to say.
Legolas nodded and re-sheathed his knife. He figured he had a rough idea what Eragon would be asking. "Well boy, go on. What's been troubling you?" said Brom rolling the map up and putting it away.
"I need to talk to you about some- things, like your past and who your 'friends' are and why you were hiding in Carvahall. Also, what did you steal form Gil'ead?" said Eragon. "I trust you with my life Brom, that's why I've travelled with you for so long. But some things I feel I need an explanation."
"You eavesdropped on me and Jeod then did you?" said Brom.
"Yes, but only once," Eragon said quickly. "And why did you tell Legolas and Gimli to keep what was said secret from me?" at this Brom looked sharply to Legolas. "No, they didn't tell me anything like you asked," he said in his friend's defence.
"Very well then. But you must understand, there are certain things I can not tell you," said Brom, Eragon opened his mouth to protect but Brom held up his hand. "It is not because I want you to be kept in the dark about everything, but because there are some things- secrets that are not mine to tell. You will have to talk to others about those things. Now, are toy entirely sure you want to know the things you have asked about? ignorance is indeed bliss, I tell you these things and you will never again be able to live a quiet life."
"I do not wish to live my life in ignorance," replied Eraogn solemnly.
Brom then turned to Legolas and Gimli. "And you two? Do you wish to become even more wrapped up in this than you already are?"
"I think we are bond in this to deeply to turn our backs now. Besides, I have sworn that I will stand by Eragon to whatever end," answered Legolas.
"I'm with the Elf," Gimli replied firmly.
"Very well then," Brom took a deep breath and began. "There is a war raging in Alagaësia between the Varden and the Empire. Their conflict however, is beyond any armed combat. They fight to find the next generation of Dragon Riders, of which you Eragon, are the first. Whoever gains control over the Riders will become the ultimate master of Alagaësia."
"So this battle is all over me?" said Eragon in disbelief. "But all the Riders were killed except for the Forsworn which joined Galbatorix. And as far as I know, even they are dead now. And you said in Carvahall that no one knows if there are still dragons in Alagaësia."
"I lied about the dragons," said Brom flatly. "Even though the Riders are gone, there are still three dragon eggs left in Alagaësia, all in Galbatorix's possession. Well, now only tow since Saphira hatched. He salvaged three eggs during his last great battle with the Riders," explained Brom.
"So there may be two new Riders, both loyal to Galbatorix?" asked Legolas.
"Yes, and the Varden are desperately trying to either kill the potential candidates or steal the eggs," said Brom.
"But where did Saphira's egg come from? How could anyone get it away form Galbatorix if they are having so many problems trying to steal the remaining two?" said Gimli.
"And how do you know all this?" asked Eraogn.
"One question at a time!" said Brom holding up his hands. "There is another part to all this that took place way before you were born. I was a lot younger then, anyway, I hated the Empire for reasons I'll be keeping to myself, and wanted to damage it in anyway I could. This led me to a scholar, Jeod, who claimed to have discovered a book that showed a secret passageway into Galbatorix's castle. I immediately took Jeod to the Varden who- to answer one of your earlier questions- are my 'friends'. They then arranged to have the eggs stolen," said Brom. "But something went amiss, our thief only managed to steal one egg. For some reason he fled and didn't return to the Varden as he was supposed to. Jeod and I had to go and get the egg back," Brom's eyes grew distant and unreadable as he remembered the time. "That was one of the greatest searches in history as we raced against the Ra'zac and Morzan, who betrayed the rest of the Riders, among others, to Galbatorix," Brom sighed. "It was finally located in Gil'ead and I rushed to get it and fight Morzan. There had been blood between us before and this times it was personal. In the end, I him though and got the egg back to the Varden but in Gil'ead me and Jeod were separated and I had no time to find him. the Varden asked me to train whoever became the next Rider. Of course, I agreed and went to hide in Carvahall until the Varden contacted me. They never did."
"So how did Saphira's egg come to be in the Spine?" Eraogn asked.
"Saphira must have been taken form the Varden, and I think I know how. The guardian of the egg must have tried to send it to me by using magic. I have not been contacted by them to explain how they lost the egg. I assume their runners must have been intercepted by the Empire," said Brom thoughtfully. "The Ra'zac must have been sent in their place. They didn't know about you when they came to Carvahall. If that Sloan hadn't told them about the egg then events could have turned out quite differently. I've sent a message to the Varden telling them about you, they'll want me to bring you to them as soon as possible."
"But you're not going to are you?" asked Eraogn.
Brom shook his head. "The Varden can be just as dangerous as the Empire I don't want you getting tangled up with then until you're a lot stronger."
"And what of the Ra'zac?" said Legolas.
"We will kill them as was the original plan. But if we do, you have to make a choice Eragon, only you can make it. To flee to the Surda and seek the protection of the Varden, or plead for Galbatorix's mercy and join with him. Now I will say no more about it tonight," finished Brom.
The sky had turned dark and was now littered with stars.
-:0:-
All was quiet. Gimli and Brom lay curled up in their bed rolls, sleeping like babies. Eragon however lay awake mulling over all he had learnt today. He glanced up at the tree over looking their camp. It was old with a wide trunk and huge outstretched branches. There, amongst the leaves, Legolas sat. Eragon got up and tip toed over to it, he began to climb slowly, trying not to make to much noise so as not to disturb anyone. When he had reached the second branch, he called up softly. "Legolas are you awake?" he knew the Elf could hear him well enough. Legolas peered down at Eragon from a few branches higher up. Without saying a word, he swung down to a lower branch that was more sturdy one then he had been perched on and that would hold both his and Eragon's weight.
"What is it?" he asked. "Could you not sleep?"
"No, can I talk to you?" said Eragon. Legolas nodded. "Legolas, I'm confused about all that Brom has told us, and I have been thinking about all that Angela said along with many other things. And Legolas, quite frankly I am afraid of all that is in my future, the choices I will have to make. What if they are wrong?"
"You will only know once you make them," replied Legolas wisely.
"I know, but if nobody can help me decide in anything, what will I do? How will I be able to make a though decision when I can ask no one for help?" Eraogn said doubtfully.
Legolas looked at Eraogn and his eyes glimmered. "Simple, listen to your heart."
A/N Well what you all think? Not much happened in that chapter I know, but quite a few people wanted Legolas and Gimli to tell Brom more of Middle earth and some things needed to be explained so the story can progress I think. But the next chapter should have some action and stuff. I don't know when I'll be able to get it up, when I finish writing it in rough I suppose, but I will try my best!
So, go review, tell me what you think and cheer me up a bit because I currently have a bad cold right now.
Laters
Lolly pop