LEGACY OF THE RIDERS
Aelwyn and Arian had camped in the middle of the plains for the night. Aelwyn, having grown up on moorlands and hills, found the flat plains disconcerting. Aelwyn was sitting cross-legged as he tended the roasting rabbit in the fire. Arian was laying on the other side of the fire, watching him.
You did very well, little one, she said, pride in her voice. He looked up at her. She regarded him with unfathomable silver eyes. He gave a soft smile before returning his attention to the rabbit.
Thank you. She hummed at his reply. She watched him for a few minutes more before she moved around the fire to settle down behind him, him sitting against her side.
Arian was truly impressed with his feat of battle at the ford. It was no small thing to best two dozen armed foes by oneself. Of course, she had been ready to rush to his aid if he had needed. She looked over at the weapons leaning against his pack.
She was most impressed by the spear, as it had decimated the bandits with little trouble. The new shaft of the spear was good hard oak, covered in bands of tough leather and studded with bronze studs for extra grip and toughness. She hummed as she looked at Aelwyn as he took a bite of the roast rabbit.
You're very good with a spear, she stated. Aelwyn looked up at her and gave a soft smile. He remained silent as he ate quietly, leaning against Arian.
The next day they spent flying around the plains, looking around at the sights. Aelwyn occasionally checked the map to get his bearings. He had never seen fields like those that stretched out below. It gave him a sense of awe at it. Arian snorted as she looked around.
Bah! Nothing to hunt but rabbits . . . she mused as she circled. Aelwyn chuckled as he looked over towards the west. The Spine stood tall and proud, but menacing, like great teeth waiting to bite anyone fool enough to enter. Aelwyn checked the map and saw the Toark River wound through the Spine and flowed out to the sea near Teirm. He nodded and instructed Arian to follow the Toark until they reached Woadark Lake.
The sun was setting by the time they arrived. Aelwyn was wary of camping next to the lake, as this was obviously a thoroughfare for the city of Teirm. Instead, they camped in the forest. Arian had no trouble catching a couple of deer for their dinner. Aelwyn was certain he could hear the sounds of a wagon passing on the road just beyond the edge of the trees. His instincts had been right. The next morning, they found themselves flying out of the Spine and staring out at the ocean in the distance. Aelwyn took a deep breath of the salty sea air. The scent and the sight of distant mist brought back fond memories of when they lived in the sea-cave. Arian hummed as they flew. It was midday when they saw Teirm at last. Aelwyn couldn't help a surprised gasp. He had never seen a city so big, nor one with walls like the huge white walls that surrounded the city. He whistled as they neared. He looked around and saw stands of forest not far.
Land here and I'll go the rest of the way on foot. Otherwise someone might spot you. Arian growled, displeasure flowing from her as she complied. She snorted as he dismounted.
I don't like leaving you alone, little one. He smiled and rubbed her neck. She hummed at his touch.
Neither do I. But, we don't have a lot of choice here. I'll see you at dusk. She nuzzled him before she took off. He watched her vanish into the distance before he set off.
Aelwyn was amazed. Seeing the city at a distance was one thing, but seeing it from just under the gates was quite another. He stared, wide-eyed at the tall citadel that rose in huge stone spires above the walls, which themselves were over a hundred feet high. He continued to stare as he neared the gates.
"What's your name?" said a voice. Aelwyn started as he looked down at the two guards who had blocked the gate with their pikes. He cleared his throat as he looked at them.
"Aelwyn," he answered. The guards looked bored, but he wasn't fool enough to let that make him drop his guard. He was glad he had left his spear with Arian. That might have been hard to explain.
"An' wha's yer business?" asked the other guard. Aelwyn tensed briefly as he thought quickly.
"I'm a trader, good sir. Come from far north to show my wares." He tried to sound as smooth as he could. The first guard yawned and waved him through.
"Yeah, yeah. Just don't cause trouble." Aelwyn resisted the urge to breath a sigh of relief as he walked through the gates. Aelwyn couldn't help a smile as he watched the people bustle about. The city was alive with people. He wandered for a while, looking at the shops and listening to people as he went. Most of what he heard was about trade with an Empire of some sort, and he heard a city called "Illrea" mentioned quite often, as well as the Queen Nasuada he had heard about once before. As he wound his way through the streets, he saw a sign for an herbalist's shop between two large houses. He quirked one auburn eyebrow as he drew nearer. The inside of the windows were covered by crawling vines. Some herbs would not be an unwise trade or purchase. He tried the handle and found it unlocked. He opened the door and went in. Aelwyn immediately saw it was so much more than a mere herbalist's shop he was in.
He recognized magical things like the crystal ball and the astrolabe as well as other elements of sorcery. He tensed slightly and was thankful he still had his short sword with him under his cloak. The shop seemed empty. The whole place made him think back to the dwellings of the Wise Ones back home. He looked behind the counter, and could see many drawers of all sorts of sizes. As he looked around, something moved. He whirled, hand on the hilt of his sword. A large cat was sitting on the counter, licking its paw. Aelwyn sighed as he stood straight. He shook his head as he turned.
"I'm getting jumpy . . ." he said to himself.
That's not necessarily a bad thing when in a strange place, said a voice dryly. Aelwyn whirled and looked around. His gaze settled on the large cat as he blinked. The cat looked at him with red eyes and Aelwyn once more reached for his sword.
What are you? Aelwyn asked as he made sure he had enough distance to evade if need be. The cat looked amused at his actions.
You've never heard of a werecat? the cat mentally asked. Aelwyn frowned, keeping his hand on his sword.
No. I've heard of werewolves, but not werecats . . . Aelwyn could feel the cat's surprise.
You're the second Dragon Rider who's just walked in here and not known me for what I am. Aelwyn stopped at the mention of the words. Before he could pursue the matter further, he whirled and drew his sword when the door to the shop opened. A short curly-haired woman was carrying a basket filled with herbs. She didn't look too startled, but she did seem annoyed.
"Very rude to draw your weapon on someone in their own home . . ." she commented dryly as Aelwyn sheathed his sword.
"Sorry." He scratched behind his neck, feeling foolish. She looked at the cat and her eyebrows raised in a startled fashion. She looked at him.
"You talked to him?" she asked. Aelwyn frowned.
"Yes, and you obviously can, too," he stated. She smiled at Aelwyn.
"Of course I can, but he doesn't always say anything back," she said as she set her basket on the counter. She looked back at the cat, then to him. "He says you remind him of someone who stumbled into our shop the same way you did, years ago." Aelwyn raised an eyebrow, but let it go.
"Thanks . . . I think."
"It's a compliment. You're only the fourth person to come in who could speak to him." Aelwyn put his hands on his hips and shook his head. "And the second Rider." Aelwyn looked up at her. He sighed, knowing he was going out on a limb, but he really wanted to know.
"Okay, I keep hearing about these "Riders" and now he's talking about "Dragon Riders". Might I inquire as to who they are and what people are talking about?" The woman stood still for a few moments as she looked at him. He got the distinct impression she thought he was out of his mind. She then threw her head back and laughed.
"You don't know? You must be from very far afield." Aelwyn gave a soft grunt as he stood with his arms crossed. The woman motioned for him to sit on a stool as she fetched a pot of tea and poured him a cup. "Well, would you like the short or long version?" she asked as he sipped the tea.
"Short, if you please," he replied.
The woman spent the next hour or so telling him of the Riders and how they came to be.
He was stunned beyond belief at the tale. He was also surprised to hear the tale of the Fall of the Riders and then how the Rider Eragon had toppled the evil king. He shook his head, as if to clear it. It was all so much to take in. He sighed as he stared into the teacup at the tea leaves. So many things made sense, now. The pact with the dragons had been made three thousand years ago. That was after dragons were gone in his lands. That was why his people had never heard of the Riders. With a sigh, he set his cup down. The woman offered to refill his cup, but he raised his hand. She smiled at the white oval in the middle of his right palm.
"Solembum was right, you are a Rider." He looked startled. She took his hand and turned the palm up. "This is the gedwëy ignasia, the shining palm. It's the mark of the Riders." She looked into his eyes. There was an intensity in her gaze that reminded him of the Wise Ones. He wordlessly took his hand back. She smiled. "So, now that you know what you are, is there anything you want?" Aelwyn shook his head as he remembered his original reason for coming in.
"Um, yes, actually." he said as he stood. The woman smiled as she put the teapot away. Aelwyn bought a small bundle of herbs. Mostly he bought herbs to treat wounds and sickness. The woman, Angela, complimented him on his knowledge of herbs and their purposes. With the herbs safely tucked away in his leather pouch, he thanked her and turned to leave.
"Wait." He turned back. Angela smiled as she went to the back of the shop. She returned in short order, holding a leather pouch. She set it on the counter as she looked at him.
"Sit." Aelwyn did as she laid a cloth on the counter and poured out the contents of the pouch. They were small bones, slightly longer than a finger. Each was inscribed with Runes and symbols on their sides. "These are the knucklebones of a dragon." Aelwyn drew in a sharp breath that came out a hiss. "Unlike other methods, these have true power. If you wish, I will cast them and tell your fortune. But know that understanding one's own fate can be a terrible thing." Aelwyn sighed, his gaze downcast.
"This I know. . ." Angela tilted her head as he looked up at her. His gray eyes looked dull and shadowed. "You're not the first to gaze into my future." He slowly shook his head.
"I already know what awaits me. But I thank you for your offer." Angela nodded as she put the bones away. With that Aelwyn stood and headed for the door.
"Not everything is set in stone, you know." He didn't look back as he left the shop.
Aelwyn sighed as he looked up. The sky was turning a bright shade of orange as the sun began to set. He sighed as he wound his way through the streets towards the gates. He heard a loud clang as he rounded a corner as lanterns were lit. The two guards stopped him.
"The gates are closed. Go turn in," said one of the guards. Aelwyn blinked as a bad feeling settled into his stomach.
"I beg your pardon, but I have to be going," he said as politely and evenly as he could. The other guard shook his head.
"Nobody leaves the city after dark, and nobody comes in. Go find an inn and wait for morning." Aelwyn felt his face pale somewhat as he nodded and turned to stand with his back against a wall.
Arian? he called.
Little one! came the reply. He hid his smile at hearing her voice again.
I'm sorry to say this, but there's a little hitch in the plan . . . He felt her worry across the link.
What's happened? He sighed as he told her the situation.
I'm coming. Aelwyn tried not to panic as he stood, back against the wall of a house.
No. Stay where you are. I'll meet you when morning comes and they open the gates.
He could feel her displeasure wash over him.
I don't like it, she growled. He sighed as he pulled his cloak tighter around him.
I don't either, Arian. But we have to be strong. It's just one night. He felt her frustration, but also the sense of loneliness. Indeed, this would be the first time since they met they hadn't slept together. Just try to get some sleep.
I'd sleep better if you were with me. His heart ached hearing how lonely she was.
Don't worry. I promise I'll see you tomorrow as early as I can. Just hold on.
Goodnight, little one. Stay safe.
Aelwyn slowly made his way through the darkening city as night settled. He hadn't realized how cold and lonely it felt without Arian. When she was close, there was a sense of peace and warmth, no matter how cold the weather was. He felt like there was ice in his chest as he looked for the inn.
"Got locked in?" He turned and saw Angela. He was surprised to find he was standing in front of her shop again. She motioned for him to come in. He followed, barely registering when she closed the door. "They've been taking more measures since some people have disappeared from the city the past few months . . ." she said as she fetched a blanket. She returned and gave him the blanket. He nodded as he took it. "I never heard your name." He looked up at her.
"Aelwyn." She tilted her head.
"Bit of an unusual name." He nodded lightly. As he shifted, she saw the gleaming ring of gold around his neck. "Now there's something really unusual." He blinked, but said nothing.
"May I?" He was still for a moment before he gently removed the torc and carefully handed it to the herbalist, as if it were made of glass. She looked carefully at the curled terminals and the black gems held therein. She smiled as she looked it over. "This is masterful work. Not even the elves work metal like this!" She handed it back to him, smiling. "That's something beautiful! Never seen anything like that before!" He was silent as he put it back on, drawing his cloak up over his neck, hiding the torc once more.
"It . . . was my mother's," he replied softly. Angela nodded as she went to bed herself.
"You're lucky you came back; they've put out curfew. If they'd found you out this time of night, they might've questioned you at the very least! Not good for a foreigner!" Aelwyn hardly paid her any mind as he settled down for the night in a corner. He looked up and saw Solembum staring at him.
The Blood is thicker in you than you think . . . Aelwyn felt his hair stand on end at that.
He watched the werecat leave as he pulled the blanket and cloak tighter around him. Despite this, he felt cold, confused and alone. He shivered as he huddled in the tightest, darkest corner he could as he tried to get to sleep. Even if he was in a soft feather bed, he wouldn't be even half as comfortable as when he slept against Arian's warm scales. He missed her. The cold feeling in his chest never left. If anything, it got worse as he began to drift off into troubled sleep.
