A/N Well folks, the next chapter is upon us. Enjoy.
And can I just say: WOW! 304 reviews! Thanks to K Bug for being my 300th reviewer! Thanks so much you guys! You all rule!
Chapter 38- Testing
Gimli stared aghast at the Dwarves all around them. Legolas pulled him to his feet and set him straight, handing him back his helmet. They were all soaked through to the bone. Eragon shivered where he stood, rubbing his arms. Legolas gathered up his mass of golden hair and rung it out creating a small puddle where he was standing.
Two broad stone doors had opened in the cliff revealing a tunnel that was lit by torches that cast a dim purple light about. It disappeared beyond even the sight of Legolas into the mountain. Out side the clash of battle could still be heard and the Dwarf that rescued them could be heard muttering as he rearranged himself, about how he longed to be out there fighting with his people.
No sooner had Legolas sorted himself out than he was seized from behind by two men, a sharp dagger pressed to his throat. Looking around, he noted Murtagh was in the same posotion, held with a dagger to his throat by a peculiar looking bald man dressed in purple robes.
Eragon whirled around to Legolas who remained perfectly still in the men's grip, though he was tense and ready to spring away from them should their hold on him slacken. Eragon went to reach for his power, but the sharp cold voice of the bald man stopped him.
"I suggest you stop right there if you value the lives of your friends," just to prove appoint he pressed the dagger harder to Murtagh's throat, drawing a thin line of blood. "You are a Rider, so don't think I wont know when you're using magic, you can conceal nothing from me! So don't try."
Eragon went to move forward, to speak but stopped when he saw the man's eyes flash and the dagger tighten threateningly in his hand. "You will not move nor speak unless permitted or both of your friends die. Do I make myself clear? Now, you will follow me and do everything I say. The threat of loosing your friends hangs over you, so I suggest you comply."
Gimli had not been noticed, blending in with the other Dwarves present, he was about to step forward when a look from Legolas stopped him. He may be needed free of any guard should anything bad happen. So he followed behind the men who held Legolas. He fell in near Saphira who had landed sometime ago in the tunnel, Arya still strapped on her back. The other men and Dwarves gave her a wide berth as she followed down the tunnel.
Once the entrance to the tunnel was cleared, the great doors swung shut behind them with barely a sound. Gimli glanced back for half a second. Why did this seem familiar to him? He could easily answer that question! There was no going back; they must now face the long dark tunnel that lay ahead of them. He just hoped that what did lie ahead of them was a lot more pleasant than the last time large stone doors had sealed themselves shut behind him. He shivered, remembering that time long ago and walked on.
The same thoughts were chasing themselves through Legolas' mind. He had extremely unpleasant memories of places under mountains. And if there was one situation he did not feel comfortable in, it had to be being trapped underground. He was pretty much used to it by now seen as his best friend was a Dwarf, but he still didn't like it much. He was annoyed too, if there was one thing he disliked more than being underground it was being man handled as he was now. The two men held him tightly, dagger firmly placed under his chin, the bite of the cold steel against his soft flesh. He would really like a weapon in his hands right now.
"This way," the bald man said when they came to an archway. He turned, pulling Murtagh along with him. The horses were led off down a separate passageway while they were led down a narrow corridor. They turned left then right and found the corridor opened out into a room completely void of any adornment, though big enough so Saphira could move around comfortably. There was a boom that echoed around the room as the doors were closed and bolted behind them.
The room was made completely from polished white marble, softly lit by the same torches that lit the passageway they had just passed through. Eragon coughed and went to tell the bald man of Arya, only to be sharply silenced by him. "You may not speak until the test has been completed." He roughly shoved Murtagh to the guard that stood next to him who placed him sword under his chin. "You will each remove your weapons and slide them to me," he commanded. He nodded to a Dwarf who unbuckled Murtagh's sword from around his waist. One of the men that held Legolas stepped back and the other man quickly clamped his hands around Legolas' wrists behind his back. The other man confiscated Legolas' bow.
"Do not touch that!" Legolas snapped sharply, trying to pull away from the man that held him.
"Silence!" the bald man shouted. "You will not speak, you will cooperate or you will die."
Legolas glared daggers at the bald man as his knife and quiver were taken from him. If any of his weapons got damage, he would personally use the one responsible for target practice.
Eragon watched the Elf and cast him a sympathetic look that Legolas just shook off. Eragon took off Zar'roc and laid it on the floor along with his bow and quiver, stepping away slowly with his hands spread before him to show he had no other weapon. One of the men darted forward and gathered the weapons up.
"Now, walk slowly toward me," commanded the bald man. Eragon came forward a few yards. "Stop! Now, lower all the defences around your mind and prepare to let me inspect your mind. Do not try to hide anything from me, I will find out every single little detail about you. If you do not submit, your companion, the fiery one, will die. Do you understand?"
Eragon turned round, assuming he meant Legolas by the 'fiery one'. He started to panic. There were things in his mind he would rather keep to himself. He did not want his mind sorted through by this man. "Why?" he asked.
"To ensure that you are not in the services of Galbatroix, and to find out why there are currently a legion of Urgals banging on our doors. No one may enter Farthen Dúr without first being tested."
"But wait, before you-"
"Silence! You will not speak until I give you permission!" the bald man yelled.
"Will you please just listen to me for a minute! Please, there is an Elf on the back of my dragon, she is seriously injured and-" Eragon said quickly.
"I told you to be silent! Do you value your friend's life at all?" snapped the bald man, infuriated.
"Yes, but I also value the Elf's life too. Please will you just help her, she's dying!" Eragon pleaded. Why wouldn't this stupid man listen to him? Arya needed help immediately!
A Dwarf pushed past those surrounding Eragon and planted himself firmly in front of his, staring up at the bald man with disgust. It was the same Dwarf that had pulled them from the lake. "That is an Elf, Egraz Carn! A dying one to, Ajihad will have our heads if she is allowed to die. Listen to the boy and get her medical attention immediately, or on your head be it!"
The bald man calmed down and nodded. "Very well. Remove the Elf from the dragon and take her to the healers immediately as Orik says."
Two men approached Saphira and pulled Arya down, carefully lowering her limp body to the ground. "Sir, it's the dragon egg courier, Arya!" said one as he brushed the hair from her eyes.
"You see," said Eragon. "She has been poisoned with the poison Skilna Bragh, the only cure is Túniver's Nectar."
Eragon watched as the two men took Arya away to the healers. He prayed they would be able to save her.
The bald man turned back to Eragon with his cold eyes. "Now, much time has been waited. We will proceed with the testing."
"Just you dare even think of harming him Egraz Carn!" said the Dwarf Orik, who was still standing in front of Eragon.
"I shall not, unless he resists," the bald man replied malevolently.
Eragon suddenly felt a stabbing of pain in his mind and his automatic response was to throw up barrier after barrier to get this intruder out of his head. Stop it! You are only making things worse and putting your friends at risk! Saphira told him sharply. Eragon could do nothing but heed her warning and lowered his defences. The man probed deeper and deeper into his mind, he didn't think it would be this painful! Then he realised, this man actually wanted him to resist!
Give him what he wants. Lay everything else aside for me to protect, he is not strong enough to break through my defences. I am already shielding this conversation from him. Said Saphira.
Eragon felt him probing through his childhood memories. Pain still throbbed in his head.
What do you want me to conceal? Think quickly, once he reaches them I will be able to do nothing.
Eragon thought quickly, sifting through his memories, trying his best to ignore the pain the bald man was causing. He concealed sections of his discussions with Brom, all the ancient words he had been taught, and Angela's fortune telling back in Teirm and Solembum and Murtagh's recent revelation about his true identity. He kept Legolas and Gimli's identity hidden too, where they had come from, their intentions and some other things he wasn't sure his friend's would want revealed.
The probing went on. The man clawed at pieces of information, memories, images, tearing them apart and analysing everything. He lingered over many things, spitefully prolonging Eragon's suffering. After what seemed like an eternity, he slowly felt the man begin to withdraw until he felt his mind relax and he collapsed to the floor, though he found he was supported by a pair of strong sturdy arms. Looking up, he saw Gimli's worried face staring back at him.
"Eragon, Eragon! Are you all right lad?" said Gimli. "You, what did you do to him?"
"Who are you? You I have not seen before," said the bald man eyeing Gimli with suspicion. "Orik, do you know this Dwarf?"
Orik eyed Gimli critically, and then shook his head. "No, I do not know this Dwarf."
"Name," the man said coolly.
"Gimli, son of Gloin," the Dwarf replied.
"You, you I saw in the boy's memories! How is it you slipped past? Never mind. Step forward, you too must be probed!"
"No," said Gimli calmly but firmly. "I'll have no shinny headed threatening man sift through my mind!"
Tell Gimli to let him be probed. I shall protect everything. Said Saphira.
Do you still have strength? Said Eragon.
Enough for Gimli. He is strong willed so he will be able to keep much hidden without my help. But all the same, I will help him.
"Gimli, you must be probed. Please my friend. It's really not that bad," Eragon gave the Dwarf a meaningful look, coupled with that from Saphira; he seemed to understand what was going on.
"Bah, fine," he agreed.
He dimly felt something slip into his consciousness and suddenly he found that many memories were inaccessible to him. Very important memories. Saphira was protecting everything she had for Eragon, along with the almost everything that had happened in Gimli's life apart from certain insignificant parts of his childhood, a small portion of his adult life and a few other things so that it would appear to an outsider that Gimli the Dwarf had led thoroughly uneventful, and quite frankly boring life. Then he felt a stab pf pain as the bald man entered his mind.
The bald man was frustrated at the fact that he grasped so little information, and quickly withdrew.
"Nothing!" he cursed. "Well, the both of you pass. Now all that is left to deal with is your friends," he turned to Murtagh, who still had a sword pressed to his neck. "Your turn."
"No," said Murtagh forcefully.
"Refusing to be tested is not the way to gain protection here. I suggest you cooperate. Or do you have something to hide? Nonetheless, you have no choice." He stepped forward and placed a hand on Murtagh's forehead.
Murtagh sprung defence after defence. He was rigid, determined not to let this man into his mind.
Can't you help him? Can't you do what you did for Gimli and me? Eragon asked Saphira.
No, he will not let anyone into his mind. And I do not have the strength to break through. I could help him, if only he would lower his barriers! I am trying to but… Eragon, I am growing weary.
Just, please try your best!
Orik growled then jumped in to the silent fight raging between Murtagh and the man. He wrenched the bald man away. "Enough!"
"You! You would get in the way of my interrogations? You have broken too many rules in one day Orik, first you open the gate without permission and let them in, now this!" said the bald man furiously.
"I do not know about you, but I could not leave them to die at the hands of the Urgals! You have found the Rider free of fault, what reason is there to torture his friends? You have no right!" bellowed Orik.
"You would put this entire place in danger for him? Are you a complete fool? You know the rules Orik," said the bald man fiercely.
Orik set his face iron hard. "Can he use magic?" he roared.
"He- no he can not," said the bald man infuriated.
"The what is there to fear? Without magic he cannot escape, he is helpless. But no, why don't we just let Ajihad decide what he wants done?" said Orik.
"Arrg, fine!" growled the bald man. "You, fiery one. You are next!" he walked over to Legolas and stood square in front of him.
There was a sharp intake of breath form Eragon, Gimli and Murtagh. If Murtagh's performance over being tested was anything to go by, Legolas' was about to be ten times worse.
I can't help him, said Saphira. I'm sorry.
I know, don't worry. But if they expect this to be easy, they have another think coming! Replied Eragon.
"You will lower any defences around your mind and let me search you. If you do not cooperate then-"
"What? You cannot threaten to kill any of my friends. You have no power over me, and you will not invade my mind," said Legolas surprisingly calm.
"I don't like your attitude! You will submit!" the bald man commanded.
"I do not like yours either. And I will never give in. You can try, but you will get nowhere," his eyes shone a dangerously icy blue.
The man clasped his hand to Legolas' forehead as he had done with Murtagh, staring fiercely into his eyes.
Legolas could feel him trying to break down barrier after barrier. Then the man hit a wall. Pain exploded behind his eyes and he leaped back. The men holding Legolas felt a shock go through them and immediately let go of the Elf. Anger emanated from him and he seemed to glow for a few moments, lighting the room with radiance. Then it faded and he stood staring down at the bald man. The people standing around him backed away in fear. His damp hair had been thrown back to reveal his pointed ears and the bald man gasped as he straightened up.
"An Elf!" he breathed. "How- you said nothing of this before. No one- I saw you, in the memories of the boy and Dwarf, but that fact I did not come across. You are not from the realms of the Elves of this land!"
Legolas shook his head and would say no more.
The bald man gave a cough as order was restored to the room. "I have come to my decision. The Rider and the Dwarf shall go free. As for the other and the Elf, since they would not consent to be tested, and I cannot come to any clear conclusion, they will spend the night here. But if either of you two attempt to escape, you will be killed."
"Not the Elf," said Orik.
"The Elf included. He is not from this land, he even admitted it. More will be decided tomorrow," said the man. With that he stalked away out of the room, followed by all the other men and Dwarves except Orik.
When the room was empty, Eragon turned to the Dwarf that had helped them and thanked him. "Don't worry about it. You will all stay in here tonight. I will make sure food is brought for you," with that he too left and they heard the door being bolted behind him. So they were locked in.
Murtagh sunk down to the floor and put his head in his hands. "Are you all right? He didn't get anything from you did he?" Eragon asked.
"No, I blocked him out," replied Murtagh.
"I didn't give away who you really were. Saphira helped me block that information along with some other stuff," said Eragon.
Murtagh looked up. "Thank you," relief washed over his face.
Eragon smiled then turned to Saphira. "Oh, I almost forgot about your injuries. Here, let me heal you."
Saphira stretched out her wings, which the Urgal arrows had pierced and Eragon began to heal her. When he was finished, he sank down by her side, resting his weary body against her.
Gimli was slumped up against the wall, hands on his stomach. "I hope they bring food soon," he murmured.
Looking around, Eragon noticed he couldn't see Legolas. He stood up looking around the room then spotted him standing quietly in a corner, arms folded. Eragon went over to him. The Elf gave a weak smile as he approached.
"Are you all right?" asked Eragon.
"I will be fine," Legolas replied.
"I don't like that bald man. He's a nasty piece of work," said Eragon.
"Yes, he is," said Legolas.
"But, you blocked him out, like Murtagh. And that light. What was that light?" asked Eragon.
Legolas laughed, the sound was light and musical. "Avo thano rûth vi gûr alfirin! He tried to violate my mind. When everything is taken away from you, the mind is the last defence, the last place to retreat."
"I guess so. But, you and Murtagh will get into trouble for not allowing him to test you. Why didn't you do what Saphira helped Gimli and I to do? Block out some things, just leaving enough for him to believe you were not in league with any forces working against them?"
"Have you every tried to sift through almost three thousand years of memories?" Legolas shot back.
"No. I see your point," Eragon agreed.
"It was easier to block out everything. Gimli's life was easier to narrow down because he hasn't lived nearly as long as I have and I should think the ways of the Dwarves in this land do not differ too much from those in ours, so the humans here would be able to except that," explained Legolas.
"I suppose more will be decided tomorrow. I just hope you and Murtagh will be all right," said Eragon.
There conversation was cut short as the down was opened a crack and a tray of food pushed in. a few loaves of bread and a hunk of raw meat, then it closed quickly.
"Finally!" said Gimli in relief going to retrieve the tray and carrying it over to everyone else. He set it down on the floor. Saphira grabbed the meat and started tearing at it. The others split the loaves between them and ate in silence. After they had finished, they placed the tray next to the door and settled down.
"Hmm, and I always supposed the hospitality of Dwarves to be superior to that of any other race," Legolas laughed lightly receiving a dirty look from Gimli.
They sat quietly for a while, and then Eragon turned to Murtagh and asked, "Why are you here?"
"What?" said Murtagh.
"I want to know who you are exactly. And what are you doing here. I didn't think the Forsworn had children, so why are you here?" said Eragon.
"It's a long story," said Murtagh.
"We're not going anywhere," Eragon pointed out.
"It's late," snapped Murtagh.
"There probably wont be time tomorrow," said Eragon.
"Fine," Murtagh sighed. "But I don't want to stop so get yourselves comfortable. My story will take a while…"
A/N De-de-de-de dat's all folks! Hehe, Porky Pig!
Anyways, hope you like that!
Moonyasha- Heya, yeah but he got out of it, otherwise it would have been very interesting! Awww, FFX- I love one of the songs off that! Hehe, Malthen still having trouble then? Thanks!
Cylliel- Me neither, they are creepy! Yeah, Gimli should get on with the Dwarves well!
Jousting Elf with a Sabre- Thanks! YAY CAPS!
Theo Gray- Haha! Funny, ooow… the Insanity of Aragorn to be continued! Yeah I know, not very in character, but what the hell. Spur of the moment! Hehe!
Zammy- Thanks!
Tim, Digidestined of Loyalty- Yeah, it's the old war game again! Hmmm let me think back. Yes, he was wounded, but they was like just before Brom died about… a month or so ago give or take and he had athelas to help to so he was ok.
The-burglar- Thanks. Yes. I plan to do quite a bit with Gimli now, so I hope you enjoy my ideas for that. I know, not long to go now! Arrg, can't wait for Eldest either!
TrekkieGreenieShannaraElfOfMe- I though5t it was August? Anyways, I love manga! Recently got into it and I'm absolutely addicted to it! Yu Yu Hakusho, hmmm what's that about?
ERG- You don't like it, don't read it, simple as that! Duh!
K Bug- Thanks, glad you like and hehe you are my 300th reviewer!
Lestatlover1784- Hey! Yeah, I kind of figured that's where they got their name from. Hey, today I went and got the other two to the Vamp chronicles! I have IWTV and QOTD now! Yay! I love that phrase, it's cool! Anyways, talk to you laters!
So, until next time
Laters
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