A/n Hey guys! Update time. I'm happy because I went to see Finding Neverland yesterday, yay Johnny Depp! It's so sad, me and my mum were in tears by the end of it, but it's a brilliant film! and i'm go8ing bowling with my cousin in a bit!
Reviewers
Zammy- Thanks!
RenegadeKitsune- Thank you. I hope you enjoy the rest of it!
Twilight Unicorn- Thanks. Yep, I'm dreading writing that part, I hate that part of the book.
Xiad Rusco- Thank you very much. Glad you're enjoying this so far.
Moonyasha- Yeah, naughty Leggy, not setting a very good example for the kid is he? Thanks.
Thanks a lot you guys, appreciate it! 154 reviews! Yay!
And apparently there's only 44 DAYS LEFT TILL ROTK EE DVD! Meaning- ONLY 51 DAYS TILL CHRISTMAS!!!
Chapter 23- Found
In the morning Eragon woke with the mother of all hangovers, strongly regretting consuming the amount of beer he had the night before. Gimli and Legolas were up and about gathering their weapons and preparing for the day ahead. "Don't you two feel just awful?" Eragon asked splashing cold water from the basin on his face.
"No," they both replied.
Eragon pulled a face and muttered something about Elves and Dwarfs been perfect. "I heard that!" Legolas snapped playfully.
"The only reason we are in a better state than you is because we are seasoned drinkers Eragon. The ale drunk in Dwarven halls is far more potent then this lazy excuse for beer. And well, you have not tasted the wines Legolas' father keeps in good supply!" Gimli laughed when Legolas had told him what Eragon had said.
Eragon rolled his eyes and pulled on his boots. "Where's Brom?" he asked noticing the absence of the old man.
"He went to 'recover', as he put it. You will most likely find him at the bar," replied Gimli, a puzzled look on his face.
They made their way back to the bar. Legolas and Gimli had pulled their hoods up. They found Brom seated at the bar and soon discovered his method of recovering which involved downing large amounts of hot tea and ice water and washing it all down with brandy. "Interesting method of recovery Brom," Legolas commented.
"I swear by it!" Brom said swigging more tea. "Here boy, get that down your neck," Brom pushed a cup of tea towards Eragon.
When they were both finished and were feeling better, Brom told them of the plan he had been forming.
"We will have to split up," he stated. "Gimli you will come with me, it will be much easier for me to make up an excuse for you if anyone starts to question us. Eragon and Legolas, you will go together. Right, now that's sorted, the first thing we need to do is start asking some discreet questions to find out where the Seithr oil is been delivered in Dras-Leona, then we take it from there. The most likely people to talk to are workers and soldiers; they may have had a hand in transporting and storing it. We will meet back here at noon," said Brom getting up form his seat at the bar and ushering them out of the Golden Globe into the bustling streets of Dras-Leona.
Brom and Gimli took the right path, Eragon and Legolas too the left.
They talked to shopkeepers and workers, trying to be as pleasant and charming as possible. Legolas trying hard as always to pass himself off as a mortal man which Eragon had to give him credit for. He dropped his well spoken tongue and again tied his hair back into a ponytail, keeping his weapons concealed in his cloak, letting Eragon do most of the talking. No doubt many that saw him thought him to be outlandish nonetheless, but no questions were asked for which Eragon was very thankful.
At first their efforts seemed futile, but they came across a man who had helped ship the Seithr oil and remembered to which warehouse it had been taken. It was soon nearing noon so they both hurried back to the Golden Globe to tell Brom what they had learnt. Brom and Gimli stood waiting for them outside. "Did you find anything?" Eragon asked.
"We heard a great deal of interesting things yes, mainly that Galbatorix is coming to Dras-Leona within the week," said Brom casually.
"What?!" exclaimed Eragon and Legolas, their faces falling.
"It seems that Marcus Tábor the ruler of Dras-Leona has been taking a few too many liberties with his power, so Galbatorix, who Tábor answers to, is coming to put him in his place. This will be the first time he's left his kingdom in Urû'baen in over ten years," explained Brom.
"You don't think he knows about us do you?" asked Eragon nervously.
"Of course he knows about me and you. Legolas and Gimli I'm not sure of, but I definitely don't think he knows exactly where we are, otherwise we would currently be in the Ra'zac's grasp. But this means that whatever we are going to do about them must be done before Galbatorix arrives. The only thing in our favour is that the Ra'zac are sure to be in Dras-Leona as we suspect preparing for his arrival. All we have to do is find them," said Brom.
"Well all we found out was that the Seithr oil was been kept in a warehouse-"Eragon began.
"Yes, we found out the same. But we went one step ahead and actually went there. After a little persuasion one of the workers told us the oil is always taken to the palace. So we went snooping around the palace walls, see what we could find. I want to go back there and see if I can sneak in so I'm leaving Gimli with you two," said Brom.
"You are going to sneak into the palace? Are you mad?" said Eragon.
"Probably," Brom shrugged with a brazen smile. "But I can try can't I? I mean with my charm-"
"Which is none existent," Eragon snorted.
"Less of your cheek boy!" Brom snapped.
"Well it's true! With your 'charm' you'd be lucky to persuade a bee to sting you!" Eragon retorted receiving a smack upside the head from Brom.
"I said less of it!" Brom growled dangerously. "Now you do as your told, understand boy?"
"Alright, sorry," Eragon apologised. "So did you two find anything else out?"
"Yes actually. As I said, we went snooping around the palace walls and found out, quite by accident, that two slaves are sent every full moon to the base of Helgrind along with a month's worth of provisions and Seithr oil whenever it arrives in Dras-Leona. The slaves are never seen again," said Brom.
"Has anyone ever tried to follow them?" asked Legolas.
"Someone did once, they were never seen again either so we were told," replied Gimli.
"I thought the Riders diminished the slave trade," said Eragon thoughtfully.
"Aye, they did. But it's now flourished again under the King's rein," said Brom gravely.
"Do you think the Ra'zac are in Helgrind Brom?" asked Gimli peering up at the great black form that loomed over Dras-Leona.
"I think so or at least somewhere nearby. If they are then their hideout will either be at the base or at the top. I'm guessing if it was at the base it would be well protected, if it was at the top it would be hard to reach. None save the Ra'zac's winged steeds or Saphira could get to it I would guess," replied Brom.
"Brom, couldn't you and Eragon pose as two slaves? That way we would be able to get close to the Ra'zac. And the full moon is near. It would be risky I deem, especially if the slaves are disposed of, at a distance too so they would be unaware, but it would be worth a try, would it not?" suggested Gimli.
"It is risky, especially if the slaves are killed as I suspect. But if you, Legolas and Saphira were hiding nearby... it could very well work. But we would have to be quick what with Galbatorix coming soon. If we planned it well enough, it may work. Right, I want to go off to the palace now, see what else I can find and see if I can figure out a way of replacing the slaves," said Brom. "Alright then, take these," he dropped a few coins into Eragon's hand. "Meet me back here at around dusk. If I'm not back don't worry just go straight back to the room. You can do whatever you want for the rest of the afternoon, but a warning to all three of you, stay unnoticed at all costs and make sure you have your weapons at hand at all times. Like I said, Dras-Leona can be a dangerous place," with that he walked off in the direction of the palace.
"Such a cheery old man isn't he?" Eragon said sarcastically watching Brom's retreating back.
-:0:-
"Are you two hungry?" Eragon asked. They had been wondering the streets of Dras-Leona for sometime now, looking curiously in the shop windows.
Legolas and Gimli agreed to Eragon's offer of bread and cheese which they all ate hungrily. "It's not much, but it's better than nothing," said Eragon.
"Yes, it is far better than that filth you consumed last night. How they can give that stuff the name food I will never know," Legolas puzzled, eating the bread.
Gimli rolled his eyes. "Fussy Elf," he muttered receiving a death glare from Legolas.
When they had finished eating they wondered across a square of people dressed in rich clothes. An auctioneer was listing prices as before him stood a young man weighed down with heavy chains on his hands and feet. The crowd laughed and jeered at the description they were given of the young man and his uses, and then the bidding began. After the man had been sold a small girl no more than six years old was bought forwards sobbing for her mother.
Eragon's heart flamed with anger and hate for the people that were submitting these other human beings to this. He felt a firm hand on his shoulder and Legolas whispered in his ear. "Let us move on."
Eragon nodded and followed Gimli and Legolas way form the boisterous crowd. "How could they do that? Those people are human beings as well, just as the rich people in their fancy clothes are!" he raged.
"I know Eragon. But there is nothing we can do about it," said Legolas gently but with a firm tone in his voice as he read the thoughts that passed through Eragon's mind and showed on his face.
"I know. But it's so unfair. I could do something Legolas, with this power I've been given, me and Saphira. I feel like I can really do something about it," said Eragon frustrated.
"Maybe one day you will. Maybe one day you will set all those sold into slavery free. But not this day," said Legolas a faint smile touching his lips at the boy's tenacity.
When they finally stopped walking they realised that they had come to the cathedral. In their hurry to get away form the square with the slaves they had stumbled upon it quite unintentionally. It's spire stood high and it was decorated with intricate stone carvings depicting scenes from times passed. "Do you think we can go look inside?" Eragon asked curiously.
"That place, it holds a foreboding that steals the very warmth of my blood away," said Gimli with a shudder.
"I agree, it is a menacing place. We should stay away," said Legolas taking a step backwards.
"Oh come on, just a quick look, we won't be two minutes," Eragon encouraged gazing up at the spire. "Look, nothing bad is going to happen now come on!" with that he ran up the steps to the great doors.
Legolas and Gimli looked to each other then followed. They both felt that this was not a good idea at all. When they came to stand next to Eragon before doors, Legolas glanced at the writing engraved on them in the Ancient Language. "May thee who enters here understand thine impermanence and forget thine attachments to that which is beloved," he read translating it as best he could. He sighed and followed Eragon inside. A great shiver ran up his spine.
Bare walls extended to a vaulted ceiling that was so high it dwarfed the three of them. Stained glass windows that depicted scenes of anger, hate and remorse pierced the walls and between stood imposing statues. "This place is strange to me. Never before have I seen such a place like it," said Gimli craning his neck and gazing up to the high ceiling. Then he wrinkled his nose. "But the stone work here is poor I deem. The hands that wrought this structure had no care for that which they were creating. Though grand it may seem, it is not. It is not."
"I know little about stone work, but even I can tell that this place was wrought with no love as Gimli says. Anger and hate pour from the walls of stone. This place is terrible. Let us leave it quick-" Legolas cut off. A chill ran down his spine. Turning, he dreaded what he would find there before them, hoping that his senses had for once proved him wrong.
They had not.
The Ra'zac stood at the cathedral's entrance, watching them. Their swords were drawn, keen edges bloody in a crimson light, a hiss came from the smaller Ra'zac. None of them moved.
Eragon and Gimli turned also and now followed Legolas' gaze to the dreaded sight before them. Rage welled up within Eragon. He had chased the Ra'zac for so long, across so many miles that the pain of the murder of his uncle had dulled in him, but now it came back in full force as the thought of vengeance spurred him on. He drew his bow and reached for an arrow, unaware that Legolas was busy firing his second as all of his attention was fixed on the Ra'zac. Eragon fired. Legolas fired two more arrows in quick succession. But the Ra'zac dodged all of them with inhuman speed and agility Eragon would have expected only Legolas was capable of.
The Ra'zac advanced, running up the isle towards them. Gimli gripped his axe and growled in a tongue Eragon assumed must be that of Dwarfs. To their horror a line of soldiers had filed in behind the Ra'zac. They has to get out of the cathedral and find Brom. The Ra'zac knew they were indeed in Dras-Leona; their next target would be Brom. They had to warn him.
Eragon felt a forceful tug on his arm and was aware of Legolas dragging him away form the Ra'zac, but he tried to resist the Elf as an urge came over him to charge at the Ra'zac, to destroy them as his wrath boiled up inside of him.
"Eragon come on!" he heard Legolas yell at him. Finally he gave into the Elf and allowed himself to be dragged away from the fray. They dashed away through an archway to the side of the alter through a corridor that led to a priory with a belfry. And the Ra'zac pursued them, they could hear the pound of their feet catching up behind them as Legolas pulled Eragon away. They ran until they came to a closed door. And the Ra'zac were almost upon them. Without wasting a minute however, Legolas cried "Jierda!" and with a flash the door splintered into pieces and fell to the floor. They leapt through and ran on.
They sped through several chambers, startling a group of priests. Shouts and curses followed them. They passed through a kitchen and then through a side door, skidding to a stop when they came to a garden surrounded by a high brick wall. There were no exits; they had come to a dead end. The Ra'zac had just caught up to them. Legolas rushed at the wall, his fingers just reaching the top, he grabbed it and pulled himself up and called for Eragon to hoist Gimli up to him. he grabbed the Dwarf's podgy hands and pulled him up beside him then helped Eragon up too. The Ra'zac rushed at him, grabbing hold of the boy's foot and yanking him to the ground. Legolas quickly drew his knife and leapt down to his aid. He slashed at the air, causing the Ra'zac to back away to avoid the deadly blade daring them to come closer and so giving Eragon a chance to scramble to his feet.
"Eragon go!" Legolas shouted frantically working to keep the Ra'zac back. "I'll follow you! Take Gimli and go!" he shoved the boy away form him roughly. "Noro lim Eragon, ú-tirad!"
Eragon did as he was told. Grabbing Gimli they landed in a heap on the other side of the wall and ran. They did not stop and they did not look back until they had reached the Golden Globe.
Brom was waiting for them. "What on earth happened to you?" he demanded taking one look at their flushed faces and noted they were panting furiously gasping for breath.
"Ra'zac – found – us. Attacked," Eragon panted. "Danger!"
"No!" Brom yelled in dismay. "Come. We must leave Dras-Leona tonight!"
"Wait!" said Eragon catching his breath and following Brom into the inn. "Where's Legolas?"
"He's not with you?" Brom turned concerned eyes to Eragon.
"No, he was. He kept the Ra'zac back so me and Gimli could escape. He said- something in his language. Brom, what if he...?" Eragon trailed off dreading to think the worst.
"Legolas can take care of himself, he'll be fine," Brom reassured, though a shadow of doubt lingered in his mind. These were Ra'zac they were dealing with after all. "He'll be fine. Come, we must pack up and leave as soon as possible."
Back in the room Eragon called to Saphira and told her all that had befallen them. 'Legolas said something to me, in his tongue. He said: Noro lim Eragon, ú-tirad. Do you know what that means?'
Saphira sighed. 'Yes I know what it means. It means: Run fats, do not look back.'
Eragon broke off their connection and muttered to himself. "And we didn't..."
A/N Ok guys, there you go! Another chapter so review and tell me what you all think! Hope you're looking forward to the next chapter, I'm not. If you're wondering why, read the book, chapter 36, The Ra'zac's Revenge.
Laters!
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