[] = thought talking/narration
{} = Translation
() = explanation
Bold = Headings
Italic = talking out loud
Regular = story narration
Gabranth = Eragon II character from 'To Move Forward'
Eragon = Eragon III character from 'Change in History'
Chapter 1
The light of dawn etched its way from behind the hills rising from the east, castings shadows across the land of Alagaesia. A strong wind sweeps through the morning air with a hint of a chill, as a remnant of winter's end, delivering a fresh morning dew of spring. As five riders upon a team of horses travelled the worn dirt road heading towards Carvahall. Their horses have been travelling a day and most of the night, for the riders are duty bound by Royal decree.
By mid-morning the five elven riders aptly disguised by magic as human travelers have reached the village of Carvahall. The store owners and residents of Carvahall busy themselves in their tasks as the group of riders come to a stop outside the local blacksmith's forge. The lead rider dismounts his horse and walks up to the forge seeking the blacksmith. On approach the forge looks to be well maintained, floors swept clean, and benches cleared of yesterday's debris other than the leather straps a young man seems to be fiddling with the buckles that are attached. At the forge a taller, heavier set man slams his hammer at what appears to be the sheet of metal. The rider calls above the noise of the forge to be heard by its occupants. The man at the forge who looks much older than the other, turns towards the rider who stands at the entrance of the workshop.
"Excuse me sir, pardon my interruption, but I require your assistance if you have but a spare moment to aid me in my enquiry." The rider politely asks.
"Aye, if that is what you wish, me name is Horst" the older man replies as he sets aside his craft and walks towards the rider.
"Could you please direct to the home of Garrow Cadocsson?" enquires the rider.
"What is ye name, and why are ye looking for old Garrow?". Horst replied.
"I apologise my name Aelfric and my companions and I, have been sent by my father to escort Garrow's sister Selena and her children safely to Ceunon at the request of her husband Brom". Aelfric conciliated.
"Selena, ye say. I did not realize she had returned to Carvahall" Horst responded.
"Alas I am but a noble's son and am only carrying out my father's request on behalf of Selena's husband Brom. As for Selena's location it was stipulated only that she was staying with her brother at his farm in Carvahall – Garrow Cadocsson" Aelfric soothed.
After a couple of minutes of judging the young rider's polite mannerism, Horst advised, "It's less than ten miles along the main road there, heading to Therinsford. It's the only farm out that way, next to the Anora River. Ye can't miss it"
Thanking the blacksmith kindly for his help, the young rider quickly mounted his horse and rode out with his companions heading to Garrow's farm.
Aelfric noticed two cottages, one recently built and dismounted his horse. First Aelfric removed his humanistic disguise to reveal his elven features. Then he knocked on the door of the newly built cottage and within a short time Selena opened the door carrying her newborn son Eragon. Aelfric placed two fingers on his lips and greeted Selena in the ancient language.
"Atra esterni ono thelduin" Aelfric announced with an elven greeting.
Selena surprised automatically raised two fingers to her lips and returned her greeting to the stranger. "Atra du evarinya ono varda"
Aelfric handed a letter to Selena and advised that they were sent by Gabranth to escort Selena and her children safely to the borders of Du Weldenvarden. Which was explained by Gabranth in the letter that Selena read.
Dear Selena,
Word has reached me that Morzan does not believe that you and Murtagh perished in the fire. I have sent an Elven Guard to escort you and your children safely to Ellesmera within the borders of Du Weldenvarden. Here you will all remain under the protection of King Evander. I have also sent a message to the Varden to inform Brom what I have done to keep you all safe. The elf that has presented you this letter is Aelfric, and he is the son of King Evander, so you can trust that he will keep you all safe to your destination.
I apologize that I am not present but can only impress on you the urgency of your departure as soon as you can pack what you will need for yourself and the children. If you require supplies just ask Aelfric and they will see to your needs.
Gabranth
The following day Selena and her children were packed and mounted on their horses and set off with their escort on their journey to Du Weldenvarden. The journey to Du Weldenvarden had been slower given a baby and toddler travelled with them. Throughout their journey young Murtagh would sit infront of his mother on her horse Snowfire but at times would wriggle restlessly at having to stay in place for so long. Causing the group to make stops often along the road and as Selena adjusted to Murtagh's interchangeable moods of annoyance, irritation, and fatigue. This prompted Aelfric to interact with Murtagh gently talking about his mother's horse Snowfire, and then his own white steed Artes and how the elves raised steeds in Du Weldenvarden. This seemed to settle Murtagh as well as distract him from his own discomfort.
During their travels Murtagh feeling less shy and more curious with their elf companions. Aelfric was able to earn Murtagh's trust enough, for Murtagh outstretched his arms to Aelfric wanting to be picked up. Aelfric repositioning Murtagh infront of him, encouraged the young lad to hold the reins gently, instructing Murtagh how to ride his horse, guiding the reins through his little hands. Instructing Murtagh how to gently pull on the reins to guide his horse from left to right was greeted with a radiant smile that beamed on Murtagh's lips as he achieved each task. Selena was moved by her son's smile for it had been a long time since she had seen such joy on his face. A tear slipped down her cheek and she quickly wiped it away with her hand. It was not missed by Aelfric, and he enquired in concern, but Selena looked up and said, "It's just I have not seen such joy on my son's face for so long and I thank you for making him smile."
It was not until they had made camp that night that Aelfric realized what she meant. Murtagh had been whimpering through the night and Aelfric stood up from the fire to ask Selena why Murtagh was distressed. Selena gently turned Murtagh to lie on his stomach and pulled up his shirt to reveal the poultice and salve slathered over Murtagh's scarred wound on his back. Aelfric gasped in horror and Selena embarrassed by his reaction stated, "one-night Murtagh's father was so drunk he threw his sword blindly towards Murtagh causing this wound."
Aelfric responded, "I don't believe it… did Brom do that?"
Selena took in a deep breathe, shook her head and sighed, as she replaced and re-applied a new poultice to Murtagh's back and looked up at Aelfric to explain. "No Brom did not do this. Brom is not Murtagh's father, Brom is Eragon's father" as she gazed over at the sleeping baby in his basket.
"Please I'm not sure what Gabranth told you, but you have to understand that I was very young when I met Murtagh's father. At first he showed me a world beyond Carvahall, and I was desperate not to wither away in an arranged marriage to someone I didn't love, as was the way in Palancar Valley. I was too young to settle down so quickly so when a strange and handsome man turned up at the local tavern one night, offering a way out I took it. Murtagh is the son of Morzan of the Forsworn – a child does not choose who his father is. Morzan kept Murtagh separated from me, and I was only allowed to see Murtagh once I completed tasks for Morzan. When Murtagh was wounded I cried and begged Morzan to allow me to heal Murtagh but he would not stating he already arranged healers for Murtagh. Then one day Brom showed up disguised as the estate gardener, I fell in love with Brom. Brom and I secretly married for I was not married to Morzan, who treated me as his mistress and mother to his son he claimed as his own. Brom was to help me escape with my son and of course I was already pregnant with Eragon. However, Gabranth rescued us from Morzan's estate and this is the first time I have seen my son, since he was born" Selena whispered.
Aelfric was stunned but then his face changed to concern and replied, "you're right, a child does not choose who his father is and should not carry the burden of his father's actions either".
Selena looked up at Aelfric, granted him a small smile and said, "Thank you Aelfric for understanding", just then Eragon began to cry.
"I believe Eragon's dinner is overdue" Selena said with another smile and chuckled.
When she looked down at Murtagh hoping he was more settled after applying the poultice, Aelfric interrupted Selena and told her "I will watch Murtagh whilst you tend to little Eragon" he smiled.
Aelfric then sat down and shuffled close to Murtagh to watch over him whilst he slept.
Aelfric stared upon Murtagh with such compassion and thought…
"No child should be harmed in such a way, curse you Morzan for the damage you laid upon this child. Bless you Murtagh child, may you only receive love and joy as you grow through your childhood. For that I promise you will receive"
Finally, Aelfric, Selena and their group had reached the outskirts of Ellesmera waiting for entry by the old elf Gilderien and when he appeared Aelfric spoke "Gilderien we have returned from our mission with the wife of Brom and their children". Gilderien bowed and stated, "The way is cleared" and then he disappeared.
Selena was confused and looked at Aelfric as he spoke "Gilderien is the guardian of Ellesmera, no one can pass without permission" then the group moved forward.
As the group reached the entry of Tildarie Hall a group of elves was standing outside. The group dismounted from their horses and Aelfric recognized the elf at the head of the group and walked towards him. Murtagh saw him move and ran up to Aelfric and grabbed his hand. Aelfric smiled at Murtagh's simple gesture and then continued walking ahead with Murtagh.
Aelfric's two fingers were placed on his lips "Atra esterni ono thelduin, Evandar Konungr"
"Atra du evarinya ono varda, Aelfric vinr" Evandar Konungr replied smiling at the young elf greeting him and then surprised at little boy holding his hand.
"My King I have returned successfully with the family of Brom, and this little guy is Murtagh" who slowly moved around his legs still holding Aelfric's hand "And very shy so it seems "Aelfric gently mused. "Indeed" King Evander laughed.
After introducing Selena to the King of the Elves and Aelfric's father, the King sent away his group except his own guard. The group had finally moved into Tildaria Hall where in the dining room a table of food had been prepared for the travelling companions. The Elven King sat with Selena and spoke about Ellesmera and how he knew Gabranth. The king explained that Gabranth was a very close friend and comrade, and that Gabranth had saved his life long ago.
This information seemed to automatically settle Selena and she became more relaxed in the King's company. The King then advised that Aelfric will be their guide during their stay and that currently their treehouse is being altered to accommodate another bedroom for her family. Tonight, your family will be given a suite here at Tildaria Hall for the night and tomorrow Aelfric will show you to your treehouse.
"Thank you Evandar Konungr for your kindness" Selena replied showing immense gratitude.
The following morning Murtagh was excited and ran around the room. When Aelfric showed up at the door, Murtagh ran at him and jumped into Aelfric's arms. Selena comment "please forgive me for Murtagh's behavior, he is excited about being in a new place". Aelfric replied, "no need to apologize, it is refreshing to see children happy and carefree in Ellesmera – children are cherished by all my kin, and I believe the elves will be more excited at seeing your children."
"Come, I will guide you to your treehouse for it is ready". As they walked amongst the trees Selena flabbergasted at how beautiful Ellesmera was and commented "This is a calming and beautiful that I can't believe how lucky we are to be here, I am so grateful". Murtagh ran around their legs and the trunks of massive trees around them, having so much fun and smiling from ear to ear.
Once they reached the treehouse Aelfric explained that the rails to ramps and stairs have been customized to Murtagh's height due to safety. As they stepped off the ramp to the circular verandah built into the 1st level of the treehouse and tree. A two-rail fence encompassed the entire verandah and floor entry, and Selena was extremely impressed by the fine detail of the treehouse itself.
On the first level of the treehouse was the kitchen with cupboards and shelves near the entry door with a small open fire pit with a cooking grid for pots to sit on the fire area enclosed by magic to prevent the fire spreading, including a small square table and chairs. Further along in the middle of the room was a sunken area with a couch built into the sides for comfort. Aligning the sunken area on the side wall was a ceiling to floor bookcase. Further in and to the side of the bookcase was a desk with a drawer and an ink pot sitting upon the desktop. The walls were a light refined timber that reflected more light during the day. At the end of the room was a staircase that led up to the 2nd level of the treehouse. At the top of the stairwell on the left were the bedrooms, the main bedroom being at far end and the children's room closer to the stairwell. To the right was the bathroom with a large half oval brass tub built into the floor, a cabinet with a wash basin, a rail with towels and a toilet bowl, all with a fully function plumbing system by elven design.
Selena could not believe it; the house was beautiful and fully equipped with all amenities. Also, the kitchen cupboards were full of food and utilities needed for cooking. Selena could not help but ask how long they were able to stay and to her surprise Aelfric informed her that the house belonged to her and Brom indefinitely as a gift from the King of the Elves. Aelfric told Selena that in the morning he would take her to the healing house and introduce her to the healers that will take care of Murtagh's wound. That should help the healing process and recovery much easier on Murtagh. When they returned to the house one of their elders Oromis will come to visit her and children to speak about Murtagh schooling and education. "
Oromis… as in Oromis Elda?" Selena asked.
Aelfric responded, "Yes do you know of him?" to which Selena replied, "If it's the same Oromis being Brom's and Morzan's old master than yes I have heard of him, but I thought he was killed in the fall of the dragon riders?"
"No Master Oromis did not die but received a terrible injury that has left him with a disability, however you can see for yourself tomorrow" Aelfric replied.
"Very well Aelfric, thank you for everything today and I will see you in the morning," said Selena.
"Aye…see you in the morning Selena" Aelfric replied.
Just as Aelfric went to open the door to leave, Murtagh yelled "Byyyee Bye Alfriii…" and both Aelfric and Selena chuckled as Aelfric responded "Goodbye Murtagh see you tomorrow" and then left.