Chapter 21: Arya
A dwarf was waiting for them in the dragonhold. "Argetlams. Good. Awake. Knurla Orik waits for you."
After he bowed and bounced away, Saphira flew out of the dragonhold, Zar'roc in her claws. Marie watched Eragon stand there for a moment before buckling the sword.
He turned to Marie and gave her a hand up before getting up himself. The rides weren't uncomfortable like they used to be. Marie was now relaxed and sort of leaned against him than away. Eragon still never moved the hand around her waist but it no longer gave off sweat.
As they flew down, Eragon told about his meeting with Angela, speaking loud enough in his mind that Marie could hear the parts before she came in.
They flew down and Orik took them to meet his king, Hrothgar. At first the dwarf king didn't approve of Marie but with a speech much like the one she gave Nasuada, he nodded his head approvingly and continued to talk.
The next morning, they were both energized and refreshed. A pile of Marie's belongings had been brought up. Eragon watched as Marie clipped her locket around her neck and sift through her bag. She pulled out something with a surprised look and realized that she had a shard of Oropher's egg in her bag. It was small and perfectly rounded. Marie opened her locket and placed the shard in next to the picture of her parents. Marie also stared longingly at Brom's old sword. Eragon knew that look. He had been staring at Zar'roc in the same way.
"C'mon. Let's go do Ajihad's test thing, ok?" Eragon asked. Marie eyes brightened as she hooked the sword onto her belt and nodded.
Before Eragon could do anything, she swung up onto Saphira herself and smiled down innocently at Eragon. The boy shook his head and climbed up behind her.
Eragon and Marie stared around at the battlefield with awe. People were training with everything-swords, arrows, maces, and even a pitchfork. Saphira trailed close behind them, taking in the battlefield as well.
A large man lamed Fredric jogged up to them and began asking them questions like, how strong are you…mostly directed at Eragon. Suddenly, he stopped talking and gave a scowl. Marie and Eragon turned to see the Twins stalking over.
Fredric stepped up. "I told you two to stay away from the training area."
Eragon and Marie smiled appreciatively at the fact that they seemed to shrivel up before Fredric.
The Twins looked at him though with smirks. "We were ordered by Ajihad to test Eragon's proficiency in magic before you exhaust him with pieces of metal. Marie doesn't matter of course so you can test her in swordsmanship first."
Marie and Eragon curled fists at the comment. Fredric saw it and turned back. "Marie is still a Rider too. What were the real orders?"
The Twins frowned and said, "Just to test her after him…"
Fredric growled but Eragon and Marie were tugged away.
Eragon was filled with doubt but Saphira reassured him. A new thought hit him and he looked at Marie, standing alone biting her lip.
Saphira. I know it's rude to interfere with another one's dragon but could you help Marie too? She doesn't have Oropher to help her like I have you and because of the loss of his bond, her mind is an easy take. Will you do it?
I would've helped her without your suggestion…though her mind is not a pleasant one to visit right now.
What do you mean?
I mean she is hurting Eragon. She might not be showing it but Marie is dying from the inside. The emptiness I felt in her when I talked to her before was so overwhelming…but I will help her. Though…I might just be hurting her more when I leave her mind.
That's awful…I know I couldn't live without you…she must be in so much pain. Eragon gave Marie one last longing look before turning away to face the twins.
Marie watched the mental battle between them fiercely holding back a punch on the Twins. She could see them fight to make Eragon fail. This made her worry grow as well. She could sense, being closer to Eragon and Saphira than the Twins that Saphira was assisting Eragon. If the Twins fight against her…how will she pass without Oropher?
As the mental battle raged on, Marie felt emptier and emptier.
"There is only one thing left to do-it is simple. Any competent user of magic should find this easy." One of the Twins pulled a silver ring off his finger and gave it to Eragon. "Summon the essence of silver."
Marie stared as Eragon's eyes widened slightly. She matched his confusion with her own. What the heck is the essence of silver? Brom never taught us that…obviously he didn't tell Eragon of it either. Can Eragon do it? Will he fail without it? Will I fail?
Suddenly a voice rang out in a vibrant tone. "Stop!"
Marie's eyes burst open. A hollow of anger filled the emptiness right away as she saw everyone to look at -that bloody elf!
Jealously bubbled all around her as she saw Eragon stare at her with awe…again. Marie curled her fists and stamped a foot. Only Saphira turned to look at her.
The elf turned to the Twins and began yelling at them with a fury. "Shame! Shame to ask of him what only a master can do. Shame that you should use such methods. Shame that you told Ajihad that you didn't know Eragon's abilities! He is competent. Now leave!" The elf frowned and then pointed at the ring in Eragon's hand. "Arget!"
Marie scowled. How come she hadn't thought of telling the Twins off before. She looked stupid just standing there! And how come she couldn't form the essence of silver? Stupid elf…
The Twins raced off at the sight of the purer ring and the elf began studying everyone, her eyes resting on Eragon, Saphira and Marie, who had inched closer when the elf wasn't looking.
"I will test you," said the elf pointing to Marie. Marie's eyes flashed for a moment but looked at Eragon. She glowered when he wasn't looking at her.
"Fine," Marie said shortly and stepped up. She winced at the thought of not having Oropher but reached for her magic anyway.
Eragon…are we still going to help Marie? Saphira asked. Eragon thought for a moment and then shook his head.
No…Arya won't fight to make Marie fail. And she might go easy on her since she doesn't have Oropher. Eragon said surely. Suddenly Eragon noticed the cold looks that Marie was throwing Arya. He also noticed that Arya could care less, which seemed to make Marie angrier.
What is she so mad about? Eragon asked. Marie was trying extra hard to be excellent at magic.
I don't know. She's thrown a barrier over her mind. Saphira said.
Can't you penetrate it and ask her? Eragon asked.
No…I don't think she's doing it on purpose either. She might feel that since she doesn't have Oropher that people are 'attacking' her because of it. Plus that barrier is too strong for even me to burst through it. Saphira said.
Eragon widened his eyes and looked back as the women fought on.
Arya gave Marie one last task and she passed with flying colors. "She is proficient. Eragon, step forward."
Eragon and Arya walked to the middle of the training, Marie glowering as the boy continued to stare at the elf.
"I claim the right of trial by arms. Draw your sword." The elf said.
Marie's eyes widened. The bloody elf wants to fight him! Well, we'll just see about that!
Marie took a step forward but was yanked back. Saphira had taken a hold over her. Stop little one. It is a test. You will have to take it too.
So Marie had to watch with a cloud of jealousy hanging over her. She growled as Arya and Eragon's bodies came close to touching every few moments as they flew and spun.
"You have passed," Arya's quiet voice rose as her cool sword tip touched Eragon's neck. Marie made a move to walk out there but was stopped again by Saphira.
Fredric and Orik complimented them happily.
Arya turned away from them and called out to Marie. "I now challenge you to a battle of arms."
Marie unsheathed her sword and walked towards the elf through the now silent crowd. Murmuring began to rise. Marie could hear them doubt that she had any skill at all. Eragon walked past her and flashed her a ready smile and a thumbs-up before going to the sidelines.
Marie's heart soared at his luck and she stood ready. The elf lunged, much like she had done when sparring with Eragon. Marie parried, her arm shaking slightly. Anger flared and she swung down. The elf dodged nimbly and slashed at her right. Marie forced the elf's blade back and then ducked and spun, trying to trip her. The elf just jumped and her sword shot down. Marie blocked the blow and pushed up, standing.
As more anger and jealousy rose in Marie, her attacks became more energized and quick but Arya couldn't be hit. Marie was putting up a good fight too. She was hit very little and fought hard. After what seemed like forever, Arya gave a flick of her sword and Marie's went flying.
Sweat trickled down Marie's face as Arya said she passed. Another roar broke out through the crowd and this time Marie was being complimented.
Eragon gave Marie her sword. "That was the best swordsmanship I've ever seen, Marie. You and Arya were brilliant."
Marie wanted to hug him right then but changed her dream hug to a dream slap as he walked to the side to look at the elf.
Suddenly he turned to her. "I gotta go, ok? I'll meet you back at the dragonhold."
Marie looked at him her eyes turning sour. She wiped away from him and stalked off. Eragon was about to go after her when he remembered Arya wanted to speak to him.
He stared down at Arya's lean figure, running.
You find her form pleasing do you not?Yes, said Eragon with a blush.
And what of Marie? Saphira asked.
What about her? Eragon asked suddenly on the defense.
Don't you like her, too? Saphira asked.
I…I…I really don't know, said Eragon truthfully. His thoughts of Arya were pushed away as he searched for how he felt about Marie.
If you had to pick…I'd prefer Marie. Saphira said.
Eragon frowned. Who asked you?
Saphira jostled him on her back. What? Is liking Marie an insult? Or is not preferring Arya?
No…I just…let me think, ok? Besides…I think you're jealous of Arya, snapped Eragon.
Jealous? Impossible. I never get jealous. Saphira said with offense.
You are now, admit it! Eragon laughed aloud.
Saphira growled and snapped her jaws loudly. I am not!
Marie curled up on the bed back in the room she had stayed in when she had first come to Tronjheim. She was crying softly but she didn't know why.
That stupid elf…of course Eragon is going to like a beautiful girl like her! I'm probably just a pitiful sister to him…not a…well anyways…I guess I should've seen this coming. She was the center of attention…even when she was knocked out. Marie wiped her eyes and twirled on to her stomach, pressing her head against it. A nap will do me good. Get my mind off Eragon…and Oropher.
