A/N Hey everyone, looks like my updates are back on track. And I just realised I only have another two chapters of Eragon to cover, then I'm completely done with this story! So I am pretty optimistic that this thing will be finished before Eldest comes out! YAY!
And- 10 DAYS TILL ELDEST!
Chapter 45- The Tests
The training ground was a hive of activity, groups of men practicing archery, swordplay, hand-to-hand combat and formations. The clang of metal on metal, arrows on padded targets and the thump of fist on fist resounded throughout the whole vast training ground.
Before Eragon had time to wonder what he was supposed to do and where he was meant to go, he spotted Orik coming over to them, a giant of a man clad from head to foot in heavy clanging mail at his side.
"Eragon this is Fredrick, he will be the one testing your abilities," Orik introduced the man.
"So, how strong are you exactly Eragon?" asked Fredrick.
"Strong enough. I have to be in order to use magic," he replied.
Fredrick shook his head. "Not interested in your magical abilities, what we want to know is how you would hold up in a real battle situation where you'd be expected to hold up for hours- days even. I don't suppose you've had much experience in that front now have you?"
"No, but I can use a sword before you ask and I'm more than competent with a bow- and my fists," said Eragon defensively.
"Well, we'll just have to hone those skills then won't we? How about we test your skill with a bow first?" suggested Fredrick.
Eragon nodded and followed the big man toward the archery range.
"Com on," said Orik to Legolas and Gimli. "I'll show you the rest of the training area. I'm sure it would greatly interest you two." Orik offered leading them towards where two men were sparing. Legolas and Gimli drew the attention of those around them and both men and Dwarves stopped their training, staring in awe at the two visitors. Legolas was a big attraction to them, as many in their mists had never seen an Elf before.
"You two, would you mind showing my two good friends here a few moves?" Orik asked the two men.
"Of course Orik, anything," one of the men answered. He was of a big build and was clad from head to foot in the standardized mail most men in the training ground wore. He squared off against his partner who was just as equally matched and they continued their previous match.
"These are a few of the techniques been taught to the men. Some of the men are not familiar with the weapons we Dwarves make here. Swords for example, we heat the metal differently- makes it lighter though it still has all the strength of any used by the enemy. The men have to break them in if you like," Orik explained to Gimli.
A small crowd had gathered around the two sparing partners, the other men were egging them both on with heightened enthusiasm. It was a tough match for both men, and it went on for what seemed like an aged as both were equally matched. Finally the victor was the man who had first addressed Orik. He had floored the other man by taking a swipe at his legs and setting his fatigued partner off balance once he saw an opening when his guard was let down. The winner, panting but smiling all the same reached out a friendly hand to pull his partner to his feet, patting him on the back and congratulating him on a match well fought.
Orik clapped his podgy hands. "Well down!" then he turned to Gimli. "Fancy a go? I would wager you would be a worthy opponent," the Dwarf smiled mischievously and Gimli, unwilling to back down from a challenge, agreed.
"You're on Orik! But I warn you now, you'll not win against me!" Gimli replied unsheathing his axe and shaking it at his opponent in warning.
"Are you sure you are up to this my friend?" Legolas asked bending down slightly so that he was at the Dwarf's level.
"Of course I am. Now Legolas, just watch how it's done!" said Gimli confidently.
"Very well. But you had better make sure that you best Orik, or else you will never live it down, of that you know I will make sure," said Legolas in his ear smiling, mischief glinting in his twinkling blue eyes.
Gimli gulped and his face fell, though he quickly recovered himself. Yes, he knew exactly how long the Elf could keep up the barbs afterwards should he loose. He had learnt that when the Elf had beaten him at the drinking game held in Theoden's hall after the battle at Helm's Deep. He wouldn't care, but that had been the Elf's first drinking game.
Legolas gave his friend a small shove out of the crowd to where Orik stood. Just then, his attention was distracted. He had just caught site of two sinister figures towering over Eragon. Quietly, without informing his friend who had just began his match against Orik, he segregated himself from the crowd that had gathered to watch the matches.
The silky voices of the Twins' drifted to Legolas as he made his way over to Eragon who was glaring at the Twins in disdain. "My answer to you is no. I will not join your magic club."
Legolas caught the look of detest cloud the Twins' features. Fredrick stood by eyeing the two with equal loathing.
"Fine," they replied shortly, scowling down at Eragon.
Legolas stopped where he was, arms folded to listen to what the Twins would do next.
"We have been instructed to first test the boy's mental abilities before he gets tired out with physical action," one Twin was saying.
"If you would follow us," they began to lead Eragon away toward an empty corner of the training ground.
Legolas made to follow, then saw Fredrick coming over to him, shaking his head and scowling. "Those two, grr, they act as though they run the place, not Ajihad," he grumbled.
"What will they do with Eragon now? What is the testing they will carry out?" asked Legolas.
"I don't know. Testing his magical ability, his grasp of the ancient language and so on," Fredrick shrugged his powerful shoulders. "Worn out, pft! How can he get worn out by using his magical abilities!"
"He will be more tired once they have finished with him than an hours worth of sparring practice. Magic uses mental energy, that can take a lot to summon," explained Legolas.
"We best keep an eye on those two then, if magic can take that much out of you," he nodded towards the Twins. "They'll push him to the edge of his abilities alright!"
Legolas nodded, he was busy sending a mental message to Saphira. 'Watch out for the Twins, they will show no mercy. They must be stopped if they go too far.'
'Don't worry, I'll help Eragon. And just they try o cause him any harm!' Saphira growled back.
Just then, Legolas caught sight of his Dwarven friend stalking away from the crowd that had gathered around him and Orik. He looked rather disgruntled. Legolas smiled and greeted his friend. "So how did your match go?" he asked good-naturedly, already knowing the answer from the look on his companion's face.
Gimli grumbled something under his breath that even Legolas could not distinctly make out. Then Orik came bounding up behind Gimli, smiling jovially.
"Gimli, you will have to repeat that, my Dwarvish is not up to scratch I am afraid," Legolas said teasingly.
"I lost alright!" Gimli grumbled. "Orik beat me."
A smile spread over Legolas' face.
"Oh save it Elf," Gimli grunted casting a filthy look the Elf's way. Legolas just chuckled at his friend's misfortune.
"Well you know Gimli, you are getting rather old. You are not as young as you used to be," said Legolas laying a hand on Gimli's shoulder, which the Dwarf brushed off moodily.
"Like you are!" Gimli said angrily stomping off in the direction of the archery range, which was nearby.
"Well, yes actually," said Legolas quietly to himself.
Orik shrugged his shoulders smiling awkwardly. "I didn't think he'd take a loss this hard."
"Gimli is a sore looser yes, he is rather competitive," Legolas replied gravely going over to the archery range to stand near his friend who was still sulking.
Over an hour had passed as Legolas and Gimli watched the men practice their archery. Legolas had wanted to keep Eragon in view. So far he had seen the Twins make Eragon perform a variety of tasks from manipulating water to healing scratches.
Sighing, Legolas saw that the archery range was now free, unslinging his bow from his shoulder (which had been returned to him with the rest of his weapons, plus some new arrows courtesy of Ajihad, as he had used his in the battle with the Kull), he stepped forward, intending to have a go. The men nearby turned their heads and came to see whether this Elf possessed the legendary skills of his people. They were not disappointed.
Legolas lined himself up and notched an arrow, pulling back the string and releasing the projectile with pinpoint accuracy to hit the bullseye. He was congratulated by the men who had gathered for such a fine shot.
"A fine shot Master Greenleaf."
Legolas spun around to find Arya standing behind him, arms folded, her own bow slung over her shoulder and quiver full of expertly made arrows at her back. Her long knife sheathed at her side, she looked every bit the picture of health, as she most certainly had not been but days ago.
Legolas inclined his head in acknowledgement. "Lady Arya."
"Perhaps you would permit me to try?" asked Arya indicting the target in which Legolas' arrow was protruding.
"Be my guest," said Legolas stepping back as Arya unslung her bow and took her place in front of the target.
She fitted an arrow and took aim in one flowing graceful movement she fired and the arrow landed on target, splitting Legolas' arrow in two. She turned to him and smiled innocently as his eyes widened, though he quickly regained his composure and nodded.
"A worthy sh-"
Legolas trailed off, his attention caught by Saphira breaking into his mind. 'How on earth is Eragon supposed to do that!'
'Do what?' Legolas returned, swinging his bow back over his shoulder and making his way toward where Eragon stood. His question was soon answered.
"Like I said, summon the essence of silver," said one of the Twins, a smug grin on his face. "Any competent user of magic should be able to accomplish this simple task effortlessly."
"Is that even possibly?" Legolas asked Arya who had come up beside him as they reached the boy who held a sliver ring in his outstretched palm given to him by one of the Twins.
Arya said nothing but moved forward planting herself firmly in front of the Twins who gave a start at her arrival. "Shame on you! The both of you!" she scolded angrily. " how dare you ask of him what only a master could accomplish. And the fact that you have misled Ajihad into believing you two knew nothing of the boy's abilities, you have seen them when you tested him for entrance into Farthen Dûr. Leave now! Go!" she commanded she frowned deeply then muttered 'Arget' and a ghostly silver image of the ring in Eragon's hand drifted up to float next to it. the essence of silver. The Twins stared at Arya, then their beady eyes went to Legolas and they sneered before turning on their heels and fleeing with as much dignity as they could muster.
The whole of the training field had stopped to watch the Elves now. Arya stood tall and proud, then she strode toward the heart of the training ground, men parted to allow her to pass, stepping back in awe of this powerful being. She drew her sword and held it up, pointing it in Eragon's direction. "I claim the right of trail by arms. Draw your sword." She said.
"She means to duel me?" said Eragon in surprise.
"It would seem so," replied Legolas nudging him forward.
"But I can't, she-" Eragon stammered as Legolas pushed the reluctant boy forward towards where Arya stood.
"Just remember our duels, remember what I taught you," said Legolas encouragingly. "You also have the instruction of the Elves."
"But I can't beat her!" said Eragon.
"No, you most probably cannot. But you can only try your best," said Legolas giving Eragon a final shove forwards to stand directly in front of Arya.
The boy drew Zar'roc and faced the She-Elf. They just watched each other for a time then, with Legolas' intense training in mind, Eragon made the first move. In a blur of movement Arya jumped at him slashing her pointed blade at his ribs. Eragon managed to parry the blows and raised his sword to clash with Arya's, though she batter it away easily, despite the fact that Zar'roc was bigger and heavier than her own thin blade. She spun to her right and struck at his side ferociously, Eragon stepped back only just in time to dodge her fast movements.
Legolas, Gimli and Saphira observed the duel from the side lines. "There is no way Eragon can win against her is there?" Gimli asked. "Remember what Brom said, even a weakened Elf is impossible for a human to beat. That I know for a fact having witnessed it first hand."
"True. But Arya only wants to test his ability," Legolas replied.
There was an in take of breath from Gimli as Arya took a swing at Eragon's head and the boy only just ducked in time.
"She's toying with him, isn't she?" said Gimli after a time.
Legolas nodded. "He needs to come up with some more complex moves."
It soon seemed as though Eragon had twigged that Arya was merely playing with him, and he picked up the pace using every different move Legolas had ever taught him, combining them in different ways to promote maximum affectivity
"Very imaginative," Legolas remarked as Eragon moved from one pose to another while still keeping up his rapid reckless pace. Arya and Eragon were locked together again, their swords bracing against one another until Eragon spun away and the flowing dance went on.
"How long do you think they have been fighting for now Legolas?" asked Gimli. "It seems as though this could go on forever."
"Hard to say," the Elf replied with a frown. "Eragon still has strength in him yet."
The duel went on, for exactly how long was anyone's guess. Finally Eragon was showing signs of fatigue. Zar'roc felt leaden in his hand and each time he raised it to block one of Arya's attacks it grew more and more difficult to handle. All his muscles strained to lift it now and his arm felt as though it would drop off at any time.
Arya took advantage of the opening Eragon left and the boy soon froze stock still, Arya's icy blade resting against his jawbone. It was over. The whole crowd that had gathered erupted into cheers. "You have passed," Arya whispered quietly in his ear before dropping her blade and turning away. Eragon stumbled away from her sheathing Zar'roc as he made his way to where Legolas, Gimli and Saphira stood.
"Well done Eragon! You did brilliantly, and I am impressed by the range of moves you used, you certainly showed your initiative!" Legolas said praising.
"Well done lad! You fought splendidly!" Gimli said proudly.
'Well fought Eragon. She was a tough opponent. You did very well,' said Saphira nudging him gently.
'But I lost,' said Eragon flatly.
'That is not the point. You fought well even though it was not a possibility that you would beat Arya,' said Saphira gently.
'I suppose. And Arya said I had passed,' said Eragon.
'You see!'
Eragon smiled up at Saphira, then he caught Legolas' eye and the Elf nodded in Arya's direction. Eragon turned around. Arya was standing alone quietly to the side, she motioned with a finger toward a knoll about a mile away from the training ground then she set off in that direction.
"That was amazing!" Orik was saying somewhere at Eragon's side.
"Thanks Orik, but I have to go now. I'll meet you later," with that Eragon sent a quick mental message to Saphira informing her of Arya's request. He got on her back, pulling Gimli up behind him. He turned looking around for Legolas but could see his friend nowhere.
Saphira took off, flying high above the training ground. As they soared towards the knoll Eragon caught sight of Arya sprinting below, Legolas at her side easily matching her rapid pace.
"Arya, I have a question to ask you," said Legolas down below.
She turned her head to look at her fellow Elf and nodded for him to continue.
"The task the Twins asked Eragon to form, summoning the essence of silver, it is not possible is it?" he asked.
"You saw me summon that shadow of the ring, it appeared like smoke?" said Arya.
"Yes, what was that?" replied Legolas.
"That was the essence of silver. It is possible to summon, but only a true master could do it, not even those two could do it- what they asked of Eragon was impossible for him to perform just yet he has not had the many years of discipline and training required in order to do it. With a single word in the ancient language you could summon a thing in it true form, giving you complete control over it. it is like knowing your true name. If another knows it also, they have complete power over you," Arya explained.
Legolas nodded in understanding and the two Elves sped on coming up behind Saphira a moment after she had landed.
Before addressing Eragon, Arya spoke to Saphira in the ancient language. "Skulblaka, ella celöbra ono un mulabra ono un onr Shur'tugal né haina. Atra nasu waíse fricai." (Dragon, I honour you and your Rider and mean you no harm. Let us be friends.)
Eragon looked to Legolas, he had not understood many of the words Arya has used, and by the puzzled look on Legolas' face, it seemed as though the Elf had not either.
Eragon hesitated then spoke to Arya. "I'm glad that you are better. We didn't know whether you would make it, after all you had been through."
"I would not have done, were it not for you and your friends. That is why I came down today. I am in your debt, that debt must be repaid," replied Arya, her voice was slightly musical, like Legolas'.
"It was, nothing," Eragon felt himself blush. "How is it you came to be in Gil'ead?" he asked hastily changing the subject.
A shadow of pain passed over Arya's fair face and she did not reply straight away. "Let us walk," she indicated into the distance vaguely, they descended from the knoll. "Ajihad informed me that you were the one who found Saphira's egg and then witnessed it hatch. This is true?"
Eragon nodded. "Yes, it is."
Arya sighed. "That was around about the time when I was captured by Durza the Shade, just after I had sent the egg away from me, into the Spine where you found it. Durza led the ambush with the Urgals. They took down my two companions Faolin and Glenwing, we had no warning…" she said bitterly grief lacing her voice. She took a breath and then continued. "I was drugged and taken to Gil'ead. Galbatorix had ordered that the egg be found and that I be questioned concerning the whereabouts of Ellesméra. He tried everything to try to extract the information from me," she paused and her eyes flashed briefly with the pain of the memory. "When Durza's methods proved useless, Galbatorix ordered that I be taken to Urû'baen, the city in which he resides. Dread filled me. Galbatorix would stop at nothing to get what he wanted from me. I was dew to face him in a week's time had you not come and rescued me. This is why you each have my deepest offer of thanks and why you must be repaid for saving my life."
Eragon nodded. "So what will you do now? Will you return to Ellesméra?"
"No, not yet. There is still much to be done here. I cannot abandon Ajihad and the Varden. But you have been tested now to satisfaction in both magic and arms. Brom truly taught you well. Though your fighting style is reminiscent of that of the Elves," said Arya thoughtfully.
"Legolas taught me all that," said Eragon glancing at his friend.
"I thought so," said Arya casting a look at Legolas. "You truly have an amazing set of friends."
"Yes, I really do," replied Eragon.
"Thanks to their help, you are ready to progress your training in Ellesméra. Though that will not be for a few weeks. As I said, there is still much to be done here," said Arya casting a hand about her.
A/N Chapter 45, done and dusted! Hope that was better than the last one. Anyways, I better go and start up writing the next chapter!
Reviewers
Jou Himeko Dah- Thanks, it really is a great book, you need to get it!
Frodofreak88- Yes DIE DIE DIE dumb Twins, oh well, least they got humiliated in this chapter, go Arya!
Cylliel- Well, as you can see Eragon passed with flying colors, yep nice to be writing Legolas again. Can't wait till Eldest!
The-burglar- Congrats on your exams, and never mind about French, I am forced to take German and have an exam on it around Christmas I think, I'm not good at it all!
Moonyasha- I know I know, my bad! But hey, nearly finished!
Twilight Unicorn- It's a pain I know when updates aren't very regular, but sometimes it just can't be helped. Thanks, glad you like!
Inwe Nolatari- Yeah, that should be funny! No, your not being annoying, its encouragement!
Alkin- Thanks a lot, glad you are enjoying this, hope you had a good holiday too!
Belegboy- Good point. I have often thought about trying to make some similarity between the languages used in each book and I'm still toying with the idea, though I think that will all come out in part two of this when we go to the Elves, nice idea though, I'll have to keep that one in mind. Thanks a lot!
ETphonehome- I think this chapter was longer, it feels longer. I think this should be done in another 2-3 chapters.
Fell Dragon- Thanks a lot!
Arak Blazer- rubs hands together grinning widely Yay, the battle awaits! That is going to be fun to write and twist around.
Until next time!
Laters
Lolly pop