Chapter Five : Afterall This Time
The image within the mirror faded, leaving the enchanted mirror Arya faced blank and her alone in her personal quarters. Moments ago, for the first time in close to a century, she had been talking to the who she had missed most since the fall of Galbatorix. In the early years of his departure, they had remaining some contact with one another, communicating along the lines of his progress on the silent isle, as well with the affairs of Alaga sia after the Great War. These talks had ceased five years after he had left, when the duties presented to Arya, by her advisers, took up and absurd amount of time. Since that day, they had not spoken.
Ninety-three years since we spoke. Arya thought to herself. But seeing him now, how his eyes have changed. They possess more wisdom they are so different but I swear i could see that longing look. It pains my heart.
Arya cast her mind back to the day he left Alaga sia, the day in which her world had been turned upside down without her closest friend. She remembered the last real words she spoke to him, those of his real name. She remembered how he had spoken hers and her body had shaken down to her. She remembered, as if she had been told them only moments ago, the meaning of Eragon's true name and it had revealed everything to her.
"The depth of feeling had for me", Arya said out loud, a smile crossing her face as she spoke; "He truly loved me"
The revelation of his feelings in his true name had affected her, for she had always held a compassion and affection for Eragon, and she begun to realise that perhaps she did feel the same way that he did.
But he was human, his feelings would change Arya thought to herself, of the times she reassured herself that would be the case to try to remove him from her thoughts.
He was young, too young even for humans, to hold those feelings of love for long Arya thought.
Now, after all these years, seeing his face once more and hearing his voice had brought back the feelings she held for him into her mind. Over the years, she had come to realise that perhaps they could be together, that she did in fact have feelings for him that were greater than friendship.
Did I discover this too late? I can see in his eyes that he has changed, does he see me as he once did? Did I force him to accept we would never be together by remaining distant?
No, he understands my obligation and duty to my people. He knows my true self.
Does he still care for me? His eyes held pain, so much sorrow. Does he still wish that we could be together? Arya then thought of their conversation just now when he had looked into her eyes, she felt a shiver down her spine as she had minutes ago, she a glimmer of the feelings he had for her, but also his sorrow and pain at seeing her again. For many years she had begun to imagine what it would be like to have those beautiful brown eyes looking at her with love, and when the reality came to be it left her asking questions. Did I ruin our possible happiness by leaving and taking my mother's crown?
Arya sighed and let her confusing thoughts overcome her, the tears flowed down her cheeks and she felt all that she might never experience. Suddenly, a wave of soothing and calmness came over her, Firnen entered her mind
Peace, my loved one. Do not let these thoughts cause you pain. Firnen spoke caringly to her, he agreed to come did he not? A man who held the hatred you believe of Eragon would never accept to easily.
But, what if he does not feel the same? His feelings where present then, and my where not. What if his have faded as mine have grown? You saw his eyes, so much sorrow and pain. Arya argued, Firnen voice tried to soothe her mind.
You must not worry of these things. Eragon's eyes may have held pain in them, but I know you saw his joy at seeing you again. His eyes give his emotions away, trust me. He still cares for you deeply. Firnen said lovingly.
You are very wise, and I love you. Arya accepted with a smile, wiping his face with a cloth.
I love you too, partner-of-my-heart-and-mind. I am wise because I am a dragon. Dragon logic Is infallible. Firnen said wisely.
I've accepted your words must you jest? Arya laughed as she responded.
Only to see you happy once more. Firnen answered
Arya finished wiping her face to hide the marks of her sorrow before she turned and left her quarters and headed for the throne room in Tiadiri Halls. Several elves bowed before her as she passed them in the halls on her way and she found it oddly amusing. I never expected to grow into liking being bowed to.
As she entered the throne room she noticed that all of the elven lords and ladies were sat ready for her bemusement crossed her mind before she realised she was late for their daily conference. Bowing before them in apology she took her seat in the throne of the elven monarch. Settling into it, she cast her eyes around the room and the elven lords returned it instantly.
"My friends, I bring wonderful news" Arya exclaimed, excitement in her voice. "I bring news of an old friend returning to us our city."
"Of whom do you speak, Drotting." Lord Eterin inquired, casting a quizzical look at her.
"I speak of the one who assisted us so bravely in freeing this land. Je who helped us get revenge against the man who brought our fall." Arya replied
"Surely you do not mean "Lord Dathedr began before Arya interrupted him.
"I do. Eragon Shur'tugal, the saviour of Alagaesia will be returning to this land to assist us in our investigation of the recent attacks. He will also join us for the Aghaeti Blodhren" Arya declared happily.
Waves of muttering passed over the room along with gasps and other excited expressions by the elves congregated. Lord Eterin sat on his chair thoughtfully, eyes in his lap, appearing as the one in the room that did not have a reaction to the news.
That's strange. Arya thought, she wanted to ask him what was the problem but was interrupted in her thoughts
"This is great news, when shall we expect to receive the lead rider?" Lady Naelin asked, a smile upon her face
"He shall join us in little over a week and a half. He will be bringing with him his three current students to join our celebrations. As also will several of the elves who departed with him many years ago, and have no yet returned." Arya declared, and cast an eye at Lord Vanir.
"This is great news, Your Majesty. I look forward to seeing my daughter once more." He stated, happiness shone in his eyes.
"Aye it is. Let us prepare to welcome our old friends back." Arya declared; "We shall prepare the residence for the rider and his apprentices. Two weeks we have to prepare for such esteemed guests. We shall welcome them like no-one has ever been greeted before."
The lords and ladies clapped and nodded happily at her declaration and after twenty moree minutes of questioning and discussion, Arya departed to walk in the gardens. She headed towards an area that had been raised around thirty years ago. In the centre of this garden stood a small pond, and around the edge where several dozen golden lilies resting in the sun. Arya smiled as she saw Firnen lay on the grass near to the pond, and she walked over to him and sat by his side.
Are you excited to see Saphira again? Arya questioned after several minutes.
I am. Perhaps this is most excited I have been in many, many years. Firnen answered.
I am excited as well, to see Saphira and her rider. But something else fills me, my love. Arya replied, For the first time since that they we shared our true names. I am nervous about what the future brings.
Eragon stood on the deck of the ship that once led them from Alagaesia to search for the new homeland of the Wild Dragons and the Rider Order. All those years ago he had considered it would be the last time he stepped foot on the land of his birth, that he would live the remainder of his days, however long they may be, on a strange place where he would be forgotten from the lives of Alagaesians.
But here I am. Eragon thought, Ninety-eight years have passed, and I stand merely an hour away from Alagaesia.
It had been just over a week since they had departed from The Silent Isle by ship to sail back to the land of his birth. The journey had been peaceful, Eragon felt that the waves seemed to encourage the ship to go faster, along with the increased speed it traveled at due to being powered by the energy Eragon had stored within gems around the ship throughout the last century.
I stored this energy for the wards to protect eggs travelling to Alagaesia, never would I have thought they would protect me. Eragon said to Saphira, even though she was resting her eyes.
Eragon stood upon the deck of the ship alone for several moments before he felt a mind touch his, as he felt someone stand next to him as he cast his mind out towards Alagaesia.
"Ebrithil" Irim said as she took her place by his side.
"Ah Irim , how are you?" Eragon asked, a smile upon his face.
"It is cold at sea, but other than that I am well." Irim said, and at hearing her complain Eragon took off her cloak and wrapped it around her. "Thank you, Ebrithil."
"It is my pleasure; you and your fellow students are the most important of those beings aboard this ship". Eragon said and put his arm on her shoulders. They stood in silence for several minutes before Eragon felt Irim eyes upon him, he returned her gaze for a moment and saw a look of concern in her eye.
"You looked concerned, you are not happy to return to Alagaesia, to see your mother and father, little one?" Eragon asked caringly.
"I am, that is not my concern. I am excited to see them again", Irim replied "I was wondering if you were excited to return?"
Eragon smiled and returned his gaze to the see, and the master and his student stood in silence for several long minutes. Eragon could feel Irim eyes on him the entire time, and finally with a sigh he turned back to her.
"I am unsure of my feelings about returning, Irim ." Eragon replied as his eyes observed the young elf, "I was once told I would leave this land for good. I had taken the words to heart, and not expected to ever return."
"You are afraid?" Irim asked, raising an eyebrow in the process.
"Perhaps, I am. It is a strange feeling to be this close to my homeland" Eragon replied and cast his eyes out to see.
"Surely it is a good thing that we are returning, Ebrithil? We are assisting the King and the Queen in their investigations?" Irim spoke and Eragon smiled.
"Yes, we are, there is no doubt us assisting them is the right thing to do. What bothers me is that I cannot escape the feeling that I am not meant to return. Fate does not often change its mind." Eragon replied, "I suppose you are correct, and I am afraid of returning to Alagaesia"
"Don't worry Ebrithil. We will watch out for you" Irim said reassuringly, Eragon glanced at her and laughed. "I know. I know you will."
Eragon then glanced out at the sea in front, the formation of land beginning to form in the distance. As he did, the memory of the warning he and Blodhgam had received from the Eldunari flash in his mind.
So you are returning to the land of your birth. Umaroth's mind resounded in his
"I am, Umaroth-elda. I wish to take yourself, Glaedr along with several others eldunari with us. The Aghaeti Blodhren would be truly special if you where there in person, so to speak." Eragon spoke calmly.
We will come, it is fitting we experience this with you. After all, of what occurred at the last ceremony in our presence. Glaedr replied, and Eragon nodded in agreement.
"Elders, what off the symbol that has appeared in Alagaesia.". Blodhgam inquired.
"Aye, it is the one that you warned me off all those years ago. It cannot be a coincidence." Eragon agreed with the fur covered elf.
It is indeed a strange occurrence. Glaedr agreed.
I agree with Glaedr, but we have not felt the presence of that it represents in Alagaesia. Umaroth replied in Eragon and Blodhgams mind. We should be careful however, there is a shadow in Alagaesia, you know we have felt it these years. It hides in the darkness for now, but we must be wary. Alagaesia is not the place it once was and do not be surprised if you encounter things that you would not have expected from its inhabitants.
The memory faded from Eragon's mind, and the words reverberated in his thoughts. He was excited to return to Alagaesia, to see Arya again but in the back of his mind he knew that the land would have changed over the last century, and if this shadow did exist. He would have to be careful.
"We have arrived" Blodhgam's voice shouted through the air as the ship slowed as it drew into the docks at where it had once been. Ninety-eight years ago. Eragon smiled warily as he looked to the shore, and he saw a group waiting for them and above all else he heard the roar of an old friend.
"ERAGON, WELCOME BACK MY BOY." King Orik yelled from the shore, accompanied by his wife and guards.
Eragon grin widened, and he thought of the years he had spent away. Excitement passed over his bond with Saphira as she too was filled with happiness and joy at returning.
We have arrived. Eragon thought to her.
Aye, little one. Saphira replied, roaring into the air, happiness passed over them both. We have returned home.
It took them several more minutes until the ship reached the shore, at which point Eragon stepped onto Alagaesian land for the first time in a century. He stood up straight and breathed in the air, it seemed colder than that of Dragonhold and shiver was sent coursing down his spine. Aaenor and Irim seemed similarly affected by the change in climate and in the air as they had stayed on The Silent Isle longer than Jacob had. Likewise, the elves that had not returned to Alagaesia since their arrival at Dragonhold. They both spoke words in the ancient language to warm their clothes. Eragon instructed his students to do the same, and then headed to meet the procession of Dwarves that were approaching.
Eragon spotted Orik, his foster brother, at the head of the procession and immediately sped up to greet him. As they approached one another, they each grasped the others left shoulder.
"I do not believe mine own eyes. It is truly you Eragon" Orik said with a grin on his face.
"Aye it is brother. I have returned". Eragon replied with a grin matching the Dwarf's.
"Brightscales, you become more beautiful with the years. My people still tell tales of your repairing of our most precious gem."
It is an honour, Orik. I have missed your peoples riddles and rhymes during our Absense." Saphira said, broadcasting her thoughts
"We shall have some for you tonight, do not fear!" Orik roared with joy.
After enjoying his foster brothers welcoming grasp for several moments, Eragon then turned to the Dwarven kings wife, Hvedra.
"Welcome Eragon, Good to see you" Hvedra spoke slowly with a rough version of the humans language. Eragon smiled and bowed his head before responding.
"It is a pleasure to return, I thank you Hvedra." Eragon spoke in Dwarvish and saw Orik and his wives faces light up.
"You learnt mine language!" Orik responded happily to Eragon's learning of his language
"You honour us Rider" Hvedra said, still grinning widely which made her appear very beautiful to Eragon.
"I have had a lot of time to study, I thought it would be important to know Dwarvish at some point" Eragon said his grin never leaving his face.
"Aye, aye! This is truly good news. Come, Hvedra has prepared a banquet for you and your companions". Orik said, continuing to speak in Dwarvish.
"I thank you for your kindness, but how did you know when we would arrive." Eragon inquired
"Arya made sure I was aware of your return". Orik replied before leading Eragon and his companions towards the inn. "Does the human boy eat meat?"
"Of course I do. Why wouldn't I?" Jacob asked, to which Orik grinned knowingly.
"Later, little one. Lets' eat and then rest, it has been a long journey" Eragon said with a smirk on his face as he placed a hand on Jacob's shoulder. He looked towards the elves and noticed their faces seem to light up now that they had returned home, with a smile on his face Eragon entered the hold where they would dine and rest.
Chapter 7
The area was pitch black but for the moonlight, that cast down upon the forest below. A single figure could be seen walking through the darkness. The figure pulled the hood of his cloak further over his head, nervously looking over his shoulder. A house came into his view straight ahead.
The cloaked figure entered the house and opened the door to his left, revealing a dimly lit room. The cloaked figure entered and closed the door behind him, casting the dimly lit room into greater darkness by shutting off what little light had entered the room. Despite the darkness in the room, the cloak figure walked onwards seemingly as if he knew where to go.
The cloaked figure walked towards the furthest end of the room and then fell to his knees. A light started to emanate in front of him and after several seconds it revealed a small glass orb placed upon a cushion atop a pedestal. The light continued to emanate from the orb and it enclosed the man in its rays.
The man blinked his eyes as he readjusted to the new light, and he found himself inside a great hall filled with light. From the walls hung crimson banners with the symbol of two hands clasped together, with the head of a snake visible only an inch above the hands. As he looked ahead of him, the man saw three figures sat in chairs atop a small raised platform.
"What news do you bring." One of the figures atop the platform said in a musky voice that sound rough to the cloaked figures ears.
"Your plan is working, my lords." The cloaked figured said,
"He has come?" another of the figures said
"Yes." The cloaked figure said.
"It is happening just as planned. Are we ready for the next part of our plan to activate?" The second of the seated figure said.
"Yes. We shall send them to meet his arrival in the land of his birth". The third seated figure that had yet to speak replied, the cloaked figure heard that he seemed to hiss as he spoke.
"He shall not see this coming" the first of the seated figure to have spoken replied and he raised his head. The cloaked figure saw that he had a grin on his face his red slanted eyes visible beneath the robes glistened with a devilish glow.
"Very well my masters, I will inform them" The cloaked figure responded.
"Do not fail us" All three of the seated figures roared as the light vanished before the cloaked figure and he found himself in the dark room once again.