Disclaimer: I do not own Eragon. Anything familiar belongs to Christopher Paolini, but everything else belongs to me.
Chapter Six
Two lone siblings sat watch over a small, secluded cemetery. Seven freshly dug graves sat side by side, a now ownerless weapon positioned in the center of each grave. Sorrow hung heavily in the evening air. They were taking their moment of silence, honoring the courageous men that had died a hero's death.
It was Tesu who first stood up, taking in a deep breath as he turned his back on the graves they had spent precious time to dig. "We must leave and ride for Furnost or else spend the night at this area that reeks of death and sorrow. Our supplies our running low, and it seems that the other horses have either been captured or have gone astray."
Kaiya sat motionlessly on a boulder, her eyes never parting with the Jevden's middle grave. "What will happen to us now, Tesu? Are we bound for the Varden, and how will we get there? We have been put through hell to reach it and I have yet to hear anything about it's secretive location."
"We shall go to the Varden eventually, but not until fate calls us to it. You must become stronger and learn as much as possible of what it truly means to become a Dragon Rider. They shall try and manipulate you to serve their needs, and to resist that you must be strong."
Kaiya turned towards Tesu slowly, her face showing plainly how tired and miserable she felt. "I know nothing of becoming a Dragon Rider and I don't know how to learn."
It took several more minutes for her to be persuaded to stand up and get ready to leave. As they sat atop their horses and gazed at the graveyard they had created, Kaiya silently swore that she would one day return. Then they started on their journey to Furnost.
As the days passed and they grew closer to their destination, Kaiya found her bond with Rubaes growing stronger. Tesu and Kaiya still continued their training, though it brought pain to her when she remembered the cheery audience that used to gather round them for their sessions. She had grown stronger and fiercer. No longer did she fear using all of her might when battling her brother. Tesu was fulfilling Jevden's wishes in getting her prepared for the Varden.
Finally the day came when they saw the small town of Furnost on the red morning horizon. Kaiya wiped the sweat from her forehead and gave a deep sigh of relief.
What is it? Rubaes's voice was fierce and powerful, just like his appearance. He stared at her with his crimson eyes, ruffling his wings.
Finally we shall be able to see another person, Rubaes! I haven't been around people for the longest time.
The dragon made a noise in its throat, clearly stating that he didn't care. Kaiya laughed softly, amazed at how arrogant he had became in their short time together. Tesu glanced over at her disapprovingly at the sound of her laughing, though he didn't say a word.
As they drew even closer to the town, Kaiya had to convince Rubaes to hide himself in a layer of cloth. He had already grown the length of her whole arm and had outgrown her pack, but if he curled up he would be able to be mistaken for a bundle of cloth. By the time he had reluctantly agreed, they were just on the outskirts of Furnost. A few guards were positioned on the wall by the gate, and Kaiya felt her heart beat faster as she became more worried. It was certain that the guards of Urû'baen had informed all nearby towns of the stolen eggs.
"If anyone asks, your name is—," Tesu paused for a second and picked a random name, "—Jean. We are traveling to meet your husband."
Kaiya went pale and cried, "What? Since when do I have a husband?" From her lap she could feel Rubaes shifting his body in annoyance. Kaiya could have sworn that she saw a faint smile tug at his lips, but it disappeared almost at once.
"Would you rather it be us that were married?" Tesu snapped. "And lower your voice before the soldiers become suspicious." From up ahead they could see a group of guards conversing with each other, oblivious to the fact that they were approaching.
Kaiya scowled and sent him a venomous glare, "And what shall I call you, dear brother?" She spoke with clear sarcasm, a sweet smile appearing at that last part. "Never mind, I shall dub you Bart." Tesu glowered at her threateningly, but agreed nevertheless.
When the sound of hoof beats became apparent, the guards in front of the gate looked up suspiciously. Tesu drew his horse to a stop, and Kaiya halted right beside him. A large man drew his sword and asked sharply, "What business do you have in Furnost?"
Tesu opened his mouth to speak, but Kaiya said instantly in a false, desperate voice, "Please sir, my name is Jean and I am here to meet my husband. My brother, Bart, here had offered to assist me in my travels, for we have traveled a long way." She spoke strangely convincing, though all the while she felt like bursting out laughing.
The guard hesitated, and then said in a gentler tone, "Very well; you may pass. May you find your… husband quickly." Kaiya made the appearance of listening attentively and then nodded vigorously, "Oh yes, thank you kind sir."
The guard nodded, a faint smile crossing his face at Kaiya calling him a 'kind sir'. They started the horses once more, passed the guards, and entered the town immediately.
Furnost wasn't the most glorious of towns, and to Kaiya it looked rather pathetic compared to Urû'baen. The streets were small and dirty, with people off to the sides going about their own business. Shabby houses crowded by the main street that ran throughout the town, though farther along there were more respectable houses. A few stray, dingy dogs wandered the street aimlessly only to be shooed away by irritated people.
"That was some act you put on back there," Tesu said with a true smile. Kaiya beamed at the compliment, "I must admit that I did enjoy putting in on. Did you see the look on the guard's face when I told him I had a husband?"
Tell me what happened, Kaiya. Was there any trouble getting in? Rubaes asked commandingly,
We managed to get past the guards by telling them I had a husband in Furnost.
"I have to get supplies to continue our journey, but we should probably stay here for a few days to rest up. I suppose you can go and search for an inn for us to stay, but do not stray too far from the main street. We can meet back by the gate by sunset… agreed?"
Kaiya nodded in agreement and watched as Tesu slowly disappeared down the street, keeping watch for any decent shop stalls all the while. Kaiya started Raiden down another street, trying to fit in with the poor side of town.
It was only after an hour of wandering aimlessly down a maze of different streets that Kaiya agreed with Rubaes to ask for directions. She slowed Raiden down and looked around for a few seconds. When a young woman with blonde hair walked passed her, Kaiya asked, "Excuse me, but do you know of a decent inn for me and my brother to stay in? We have just arrived here and are in need of a shelter."
The woman smiled and said warmly, "Of course. My husband owns the Graystone a few blocks away. Business has been slow ever since extra security has been put up around the surrounding cities of Urû'baen. We'd be delighted if you would stay… there's not too many good quality inns in this part of town, anyways." She pointed out the direction of the inn and then went their separate ways after a thankful goodbye.
They reached the inn to find that it was roomy and had a stable to keep the horses. Kaiya offered the man enough crowns to stay for the night only, assuring him that they would almost certainly stay longer. After putting Raiden in the stable, Kaiya set out to explore Furnost, her sword sheathed by her side. Only after many long minutes of pleading did Rubaes agree to stay in the room, making sure to keep out of sight. It would look too suspicious to carry around a large bundle of cloth.
I shall only agree on the basis that we are supposed to be in hiding, grumbled Rubaes sullenly.
Kaiya wandered around the shops, carefully choosing a new pair of pants and a shirt. She didn't care if Tesu got mad at her for spending money or not; she was in need of a new outfit badly. The one she had on had a large hole in the knee and was dirty from the constant sparring with Tesu. Ever since their hasty departure from Urû'baen, Kaiya had to wash her clothes in a stream and wear a blanket while they dried.
Kaiya was deep in a mental argument with Rubaes when she noticed that she had strayed too far from the main street. Looking around, she realized that there were few people around. Her stomach twisted in a knot, and she turned around immediately to leave… only to find the way blocked. Three intimidating-looking boys had appeared behind her.
"Hey girl, watcha got in your pretty hands?" one sneered, a dagger drawn. They were each a few years older than herself. Each had on ratty clothes and one held a bag full of… Kaiya didn't want to know what.
Clutching the few objects she had bought tighter, Kaiya said boldly, "Nothing that you would want." She tried sidestepping around them, but they grinned and stopped her.
"That's a nice looking weapon you got there," the tallest and oldest looking one commented. Kaiya glanced down at the sword she had recently polished. It caught the sun and gleamed back up at her beautifully. "Hows about giving it to me?" He reached out as if to grab it from her waist.
Kaiya scowled and backed up slightly. "Unless you want to hurt yourself, I suggest you leave," she replied confidently, though her heart was pounding madly.
Each one chuckled, obviously amused at her confident remark. The two other boys suddenly drew out weapons, the one dropping the bag with a sharp clang. Kaiya backed up slightly and dropped her items, reaching to draw her own weapon.
Oh boy, am I in trouble, Kaiya thought to herself as they started towards her. Let's see if Tesu's training will pay off…
