A/N Hey everyone! The next chapter… enjoy!
Chapter 39- The Wonders of Tronjheim
"I am the only child of the Forsworn, as far as I know. My mother and father met in a small village; don't ask me where, my father was there on the King's business. Anyway, he must have shown her some small kindness and won her over, so she accompanied him when he left the village. They travelled together after that, and of course the inevitable happened. She fell in love with him. He was delighted when he found out, now he would have power over her, and she would never betray his secrets, a fine loyal servant he had gained. He took her back to Galbatorix and taught her some amount of magic so that she may then act as his messenger, carrying his secret messages and doing small jobs for him. Three years on, she became pregnant, with me."
Murtagh paused for a second. He twirled a lock of hair around in his fingers then looked back up and continued. "When Morzan found out about this, he spirited my mother away to his castle and there set a few chosen to tend to her, placing spells about the place to prevent others from getting in. so he kept her pregnancy a secret from all, except Galbatorix, he knew every single intimate detail about the Thirteen Forsworn. He knew all about me, but he never disclosed this information to anyone else.
"Once I was born, my mother was immediately back at Morzan's side while a wet nurse took care of me. She visited me every few months he would allow until I was three years old. That was when Morzan was called to look for Saphira's egg. No sooner had he gone, and then my mother disappeared without a trace. And though Galbatorix had his best men searching for her, she could not be found. The Thirteen Forsworn were all dead by the time Morzan faced Brom and lost to him. After that, my mother came back. But she was in a bad way. Two weeks later she was dead."
Murtagh paused again sadly and sighed. "I was brought to the King's castle and there I grew up. It was not too bad. He arranged for my upbringing, but mainly he left me to myself and my life was not altogether unbearable."
"You grew up living under the same roof as Galbatorix?" said Eragon. Murtagh shrugged. "Well then, if your life wasn't really that bad, why did you leave?"
"Ha! Leave?" Murtagh shook his head. "Escaped you mean! At my last birthday, when I turned eighteen, Galbatorix summoned me to dine with him in his private quarters. This shocked me. I had never had much to say to him, our conversations were usually brief and within earshot of others. But a private audience with the King I had never had.
"It was a… strange meal. The food was opulent enough, but it was unsettling. All the time his beady black eyes never left me. I tried to make polite conversation, but that was one sided so I ceased my efforts. Only afterwards would he speak to me. None of you have ever heard his voice, so you will not understand too well, but he was- entrancing. His words were captivating, like a snake's whisper," said Murtagh obviously recalling that memory.
"Hmm, I think we can imagine well enough," piped up Gimli.
"I can't," said Eragon.
"You have not heard the voice of Curunir," said Legolas darkly.
"And you would never want to!" said Gimli. They all fell silent so that Murtagh could continue.
"He filled my head with enchanting fantasies of what the world could be, what it would be. I was enticed by all he had to say of this wonderful paradise he would create and our conversation must have gone on for hours. And he spoke of reforming the Riders to govern the people and protect them as they once did. Well, that was me hooked. Then I asked him how exactly the Riders would be reinstated as there were no dragon eggs left. He thought for a time, then extended his hand and said to me, 'Will you, O son of my friend, serve me as I labour to bring about this paradise?'
"I knew how exactly the world had come to be the way it was, and Galbatorix and Morzan's part in it all. But what he had said to me, promised me, I could not get the pictures he had painted of this new paradise from my mind, and foolishly pledged myself to him. 'I shall call upon you when the need arises', he said to be then and with his blessing, I left.
"It was months before his 'need' arose. He summoned me in private as before and I felt the excitement welling within me once again and the flashes of those enchanting pictures he had painted in my mind. But what I was met with was the brunt of his foul mood. The Varden had just destroyed three brigades in the south and all the charm and kindness he had shown me the night of that first meeting was extinguished like a candle's flame. He cursed his enemies, stomping back and forth, reciting what he would do to them. I listened to him, waiting to be addressed, and slowly the spell he had cast over me began to break. When he finally acknowledged my presence there was no glint of enchantment to him, no captivation for me to fall prey to. He ordered me to take a detachment of troops to Cantos and destroy the rebels that were known to hide out there. When I asked him about the innocents, he told me to kill them all, each and everyone of the 'foul traitorous scum'. Burn them at the stake he said, men, women and children, and then cover their ashes with dung. Do whatever to them all, just make sure they were punished.
"The spell shattered at that moment, broken into a thousand irreparable pieces. And so I decided I must escape from him and his twisted ideals. I had to get as far away from him as possible. Me and my loyal servant Tornac made a run for it that very night. But Galbatorix must have anticipated my actions as there were guards posted outside of the gate, ready to stop us. My sword was sharp that night, and so was my will to escape this place. The fight was bloody, and Tornac was killed in the process. But the guards were defeated, leaving the path clear for my escape." Murtagh stopped then for a minute and took a deep breath before continuing.
"And so I took refuge at the estate of an old friend. There I hid and listened for any rumour of Galbatorix's actions. There I heard that the Ra'zac were abroad again. Hunting someone by order of the King. Immediately, my mind went to the Riders and what Galbatorix had said about his plans for them. So I began to track the Ra'zac just in case they did indeed discover a dragon. I was right and then I met up with you. That is my story laid bare. I have no more secrets," Murtagh spread his hands out before him and looked around at each of them, hoping they would accept his tale.
Eragon finally nodded and Murtagh sighed in relief. The others also agreed.
Gimli yawned sleepily. "Well, I am tired. I suggest we all sleep now while we can. Like that intolerably bossy bold man said, more will be decided then."
Murtagh had already lain down, wrapping his cloak around him for warmth. Saphira rustled slightly to get comfortable and Eragon propped himself up again her to sleep.
-:0:-
Was it morning yet? Eragon couldn't tell down here. None of them could. He rubbed his eyes sleepily. He pushed himself up into a standing position and looked about him through bleary eyes. Legolas and Murtagh were already awake. They sat together deep in a hushed conversation. Gimli was still snoring. When they realised he was awake, they quickly broke off whatever they were talking about and greeted him.
There was a grunt from near Eragon and he turned to see Gimli slumped up against the wall, muttering muted words in his sleep, eyes flickering now and then. Eragon chuckled, when he turned back, he found Legolas beside him and jumped slightly, he had not heard the Elf approach.
"He walks in the lands of Dwarfish dreams. I personally do not understand them myself," Legolas said frowning. He gave a light chuckle then moved round next to his friend, grinning mischievously.
"Erm… Legolas, are you entirely sure that's a good idea?" Eragon asked cottoning on to what the Elf was about to do.
Legolas waved his hand dismissively. "Gimli," he said softly, giving the Dwarf a gentle shake. "Oh Gimli," He said again a little louder. The Dwarf did not stir. "GIMLI ORCS ARE UPON US!"
The Dwarf jerked back to consciousness, grabbing for his axe then realising it was not there. He looked around him narrowing his eyes. Then he spotted the Elf trying to keep a straight face, but unable to. He cursed in Dwarfish realising he had just fallen victim to a rather wicked joke.
It was good to see the Elf laugh, true laughter that Eragon had not witnessed in some time and he and Murtagh joined in with the joke.
Their euphoria was abruptly broken though by the sound of voices on the other side of the door. A dozen guards then threw the doors open and marched in, forming a circle around them. Saphira, who had been waiting near the door hoping for food, snapped viciously at them. The bald man strolled in with Orik the Dwarf beside him.
"You have been summoned to Ajihad, leader of the Varden. You will proceed as you are ordered in single file. Your horses await you at the end of this tunnel. Try to go in a different direction or try anything funny, you will be stopped and the consequences will be dire," ordered the bald man, his air reeking with authority.
"Ever the little ray of sunshine," Murtagh commented as he followed behind Eragon.
"You, silence! You were not given leave to speak. Follow on!" said the bald man staring at Murtagh down his long noise with disgust.
When they reached the end of the tunnel, they did indeed find their horses waiting. They were to ride down the main branch of tunnel. The guars surrounded them, each keeping beady eyes on their charges, though giving Saphira a wider berth.
So they began their journey toward the heart of the mountain. Gimli quietly marvelled at the craftsmanship he saw around him.
"Legolas," he said quietly. "You see this, the quality of the stone! It is magnificent! These passages have been skilfully mined. The angles at the bases of the walls are perfectly square, the tunnel itself does not vary one inch from its course and the rock has been cut with flawless precision!"
"Yes, the craftsmen here are the best you will find anywhere!" piped up Orik from where he walked beside Loshîth.
Legolas smiled. "I am afraid my friend, that I do not see the beauty of which you speak."
"Ah, you will!" said Orik grinning. "You can be sure even an Elf will be amazed at the splendour of Tronjheim!"
Legolas looked at the Dwarf in confusion. "Tronjheim?"
"Helm of Giants," Gimli provided, finding that the tongue of the Dwarves here was not so different from his own.
They must have been travelling for at least an hour before Legolas sat up straight on his horse, gazing ahead where the others could only make out a dim light. He strained his eyes to make out the details through the white light that was growing ever brighter. As they neared, he let out a gasp. He saw pillars of white marbles, encrusted with gems, rubies and amethysts. Arching over the ceiling were two carven raven heads. Beaks open in mid screech and gems for eyes. At the end of the hallway were two enormous black doors etched with sliver lines that depicted a crown with seven points that spanned each side.
"This is amazing!" Gimli breathed. Legolas nodded.
The bald man stopped before the doors and raised a hand. "You shall now ride your dragon. Do not even attempt to fly away, you are being watched by all."
Eragon got off of Snowfire and mounted Saphira. The bald man nodded in approval. "Good, now walk to the doors, and when they open, go through and follow the path."
Saphira approached the doors slowly. The bald man just behind her. Unexpectedly, the black doors swung open and they were met with a blinding light.
They were inside a massive volcanic crater. Its walls narrowed to a small opening that was so high up, the distance could not be distinguished. A beam of light fell through the opening, falling on the crater's centre and illuminating it.
Looking down, Eragon saw the cobbled path he was obviously meant to follow. The path ran straight to the centre of the crater, where it ended at the base of a snowy white mountain that glittered like an uncut gem with thousands of colours. It was less than a tenth of the height of the crater that loomed over and around it, but its miniature appearance was deceptive, it had to be at least a mile high.
"This, this place! What is this place?" gasped Gimli.
"You stand under the peaks of Farthen Dûr, discovered thousands of years ago by the our father Korgan while he tunnelled for gold. There in the centre stands Tronjheim. It is our greatest ever achievement, the city-mountain built from the purest marble. Well master Elf, are you amazed?"
Legolas nodded. "I am astounded by the beauty this place holds. Dwarves truly are masters of their craft," he breathed. "Gimli, this could very well match the wonders of the Glittering Caves."
Gimli did not reply, as he tried to absorb the absolute magnificence that surrounded him. It was breath taking.
Eragon had wrenched his eyes away from the wonders of Tronjheim to the sea of people that surrounded him. Humans and Dwarves, thousands of them packed together at the entrance of the gate. They all stood silent, eyes fixed on Eragon and Saphira.
Legolas, Gimli and Murtagh drew back, watching and waiting unnoticed by the crowds.
'What do I do?' Eragon asked Saphira desperately, a bead of sweat trickling down his forehead.
'Smile, wave…. Do something!' she replied.
Unsure, Eragon raised his hand and tilted it back and forth in a wave, feeling very self-conscious.
Silence.
A single cheer broke the silence, clapping ensued then the whole crowd broke out in a roaring cheer. Eragon lowered his hand and smiled, relief washing over him.
"Very good," came the voice of the bald man from beside him. "Now, walk forward, follow the path."
Eragon and Saphira did. They were met with cheers as they moved along. Eragon waved to the crowds gathered on either side of him. Though not everyone it appeared welcomed his presence. Dwarves greatly outnumbered humans here and many turned their backs on him resentfully.
Murtagh followed after him. He sat pale and stony faced atop Tornac, clinging to the reins so tightly that his knuckles had turned white.
Legolas and Gimli were the second biggest spectacle riding behind Murtagh. What was a Dwarf doing riding behind… whoever that was exactly with the long golden hair who carried himself high and proud. Legolas' ears could not be made out of course as his hair fell to conceal them. He was strange to the people who didn't quite know what to make of him. Still, the fact that a Dwarf would consent to ride on a horse behind a man was unheard of amongst the Dwarves here.
"Legolas, why do we receive such looks from the Dwarves here? Have they never seen an Elf and a Dwarf riding together before?" asked Gimli gazing around.
"I do not think they have Gimli. After all, no one in Middle earth had ever heard the like until you and I softened the age-old feud between Elves and Dwarves," replied the Elf.
"Do you think the Elves and Dwarves here are hostile toward each other too, as our races once were," said Gimli.
"Who can say my friend? This place is entirely new to us, but I am sure we will learn more," Legolas said softly.
"Murtagh does not look too happy," remarked Gimli.
"Can you blame him? You know what he thinks the people would assume about him if they knew his identity," said Legolas.
"Hmm, I suppose so," Gimli reflected.
They neared the city-mountain of highly polished marble. Countless round windows doted the mountain; in each was hung a lantern that emitted a soft glow to the marble. Ahead stood two thirty-foot high golden griffin statues that guarded a massive timber gate. The walls were lined with pillars of blood red jasper and between them stood great statues of outlandish creatures.
The heavy gate rumbled open and they were met with a four storey high passageway that stretched out before them toward the centre of Tronjheim. Saphira stepped into the hall and was met by more cheers of the people that lined the passageways inside.
The mile long hall ended in an arch flanked by black onyx pillars, Saphira stepped through the opening and was followed by Murtagh, Legolas and Gimli.
They found themselves in a circular room of eno4rmous proportions. It reached up to Tronjheim's peak and the walls were lined with arches, one row for each level of the city-mountain. The ceiling of the room was caped by a dawn-red star sapphire. The jewel was enormous, at least twenty yards across and almost as thick. It's face had been carved to resemble a rose in full bloom.
"Legolas, are you seeing this?" whispered Gimli.
"Yes my friend, I am. And as it was with the Glittering Caves, words fail me."
"You must all go on foot from here," said the bald man.
Eragon jumped slightly. He had forgotten the bald man was there. He had been too blown away by what he saw.
A Dwarf took the horses away and the company was led forth by the bald man. They followed him down a corridor, which led to another narrower hallway. After four sharp turns they came to a cedar door, which had been stained black with age. The bald man opened the doors and led everyone inside, dismissing the guards that had followed them all this way and closing the door behind them.
A/N There, hope you all enjoyed that! Wow, wouldn't it be cool if there really were a place like Tronjheim? I had quite a bit of trouble grasping the scope of that place and all the different descriptions. I really love the detailed descriptions Poalini gives!
Next chapter should be… interesting. Hope you are all looking forward to that, we will be meeting Ajihad and the other bald dude; bah- I really dislike the twins!
Cylliel- Yeah, me too! Thanks.
TrekkieGreenieShannaraElfOfMe- Wow, that sounds totally cool! Arrg, we don't have it on Cartoon Network here. I looked but they don't, that is so not fair! I will have to see if they do the manga, they better! Right now I'm obsessed with Rave Master, just started to get the manga and watching the TV series, it's cool. I'm addicted to Naruto too, but I have to read the manga over the internet as they don't have that here either! I'll keep a look out for Yu Yu Hakusho though.
Jousting Elf with a Sabre- Thanks. No, not even going to ask! Lol. Aww, hope your stomach is better!
Xiad Rusco- Thanks, glad you are enjoying this. Know what you mean about being busy, I have a ton of coursework I have to get done!
Moonyasha- Yup, given up all hope of Malthen! Can't even read a map? No hope… yay! GO LEGGY!
Zammy- Tell me about it! Not sure his dad would be too happy, do you? I hate the twins, bah!
Twilight Unicorn- Thanks! Glad you like!
the-burglar- Thanks, yeah, all these last few chapters have been is bombshell after bombshell.
Belegboy- Yeah, you know I have been thinking about that quite a bit, but I can't decide what to do. It would fit perfectly together. I suppose I will come to a lot of that stuff in the second book where we go to the realm of the Elves. But then I have the parts in this with Arya. I'm not sure what to do yet. What do you think?
Tim, Digidestined of Loyalty- August 1st? scribbles down on calendar right, thanks! Yeah, I've seen the cover to. I really don't know who that dragon is meant to be! Guess we'll have to wait till August! Yeah, wow I never thought I'd get this far!
Lestatlover1784- OMG! I love that song! I used to be heavily into The Rasmas, not so much anymore though, I didn't like that last song they released, First Day Of My Life. I like Guilty too, have you heard that? I have their album when it first came out over here. It's good! ELEVEN! There are eleven? Ook then, yes, have some major reading to do! Hehe, yeah, I liked that line too! Laters
Well my friends, that's it for now. Tune in next week, for chapter 40- now that is a mile stone (for me).
Laters
Lolly pop