- Overlapping duties -


Galbatorix's silence was going to be a bigger problem than he had anticipated, thought Oromis as he took a sip from his cup of tea. Despite everything, Galbatorix was still a young human. Oromis had expected to see his mask of composed courtesy crack after the first few days together as he gained familiarity with his new temporary home and with him, and leave openings for him to see the true self of the former Rider. For this reason, he had given him plenty of space to adjust, but such thing was not happening. On one side, Oromis could not help but feel impressed by the astonishing control Galbatorix had on his own mind and emotions even in such a difficult situation, on the other side, he felt frustrated by not knowing who and what he was dealing with.

He glanced at the young human, who was sitting in front of him with a teacup – hardly touched, Oromis didn't recall seeing Galbatorix actually drinking from it… another problem to address – in his hand, half lifted toward his mouth, as he had been distracted mid-gesture by the beauty of the nature around them. It had been more than a month since the day Galbatorix had been found at the edge of the Spine and brought back to the civilization, and yet his body was not making the progress Oromis had hoped to see by now. His appearance seemed to reflect what his mind was trying to hide. He was still unhealthily thin, his tanned skin looked paler than it should and he had dark circles under his eyes, and even though it was morning he looked exhausted. His black hair had grown way past his shoulders. Clean – despite his sorry state of mind Galbatorix was meticulous with his hygiene, something Oromis had noticed with relief – but unkept and disheveled.

«Oromis-elda…?» called Galbatorix, noticing that he was being observed.

Oromis smiled without taking his eyes off him. «Your hair seems to have grown much, Galbatorix-vodhr, and it is starting to look rather unruly» he said, bringing attention to the most harmless detail of his observation. «Would like me to help you with it?».

Galbatorix seemed to freeze for a moment, then he blinked and quickly lifted his free hand toward his own neck, trying to reach the tips of his hair from above his shoulder, as if he had realized only now the state of it. «Forgive me, Oromis-elda, for my undignified condition. I will take care of it immediately».

«I was not lecturing you» Oromis reassured him. He couldn't help but notice how Galbatorix pressed his lips together. He seemed annoyed, or worried. Once again, Oromis couldn't help but wonder what his act was hiding. Mere pain, as it would be obvious? Or, as he suspected, something more dangerous? Galbatorix seemed to channel all his strength in appearing calm and master of himself, in dismantling that image of instability he had briefly shown in front of the Council of the Elders. «I was merely offering you my help, as I noticed that you could use it. It will be much easier this way, don't you think?» he said, and leaned toward him a bit, silently challenging the human to let him in his personal space. Once again, knowing how Galbatorix was before the incident in the Spine would have been of great help, but this small opportunity could still bring fruits, if well used.

Galbatorix hesitated, but then he nodded. «Thank you very much, Oromis-elda, I would appreciate your help».

It would have been an encouraging answer if they were using the Ancient Language and if it had not sounded as he was obliged by courtesy to accept his offer. Still, Oromis inclined his head. «My pleasure».

They finished their tea in silence. Then he went inside his hut to find a hairbrush, a pair of scissors and a mirror for the human. Galbatorix remained still and silent as the elf moved behind him and started brushing his hair, but Oromis could feel the tension in his muscles.

I wonder if he is one of those humans who dislike physical contact, or if his problems lie with me.

Glaedr intensified the contact between their minds. Suddenly, Oromis could feel the sensation of air under his wings, of the strong tail guiding his flight. Perhaps he is simply unused to be groomed. Not everyone cuddles their disciples the way you do, you know, he said, doubtfully.

Oromis gave him a mental nod, bringing his attention back to the human. His disciple, as Glaedr reminded him. It was still difficult to think of that young, broken human he didn't even know as his disciple.

«Tell me, Galbatorix-vodhr» he started with the lightest tone he could manage «has Barsmid Svit-kona ever cut your hair?».

Galbatorix remained silent for a moment, and even if he could not see his face Oromis had the impression that he was frowning. «Oromis-elda, I would have never… I have always taken care of myself» he said after a moment, surprise for the odd question was evident in his tone.

Oromis hummed softly and kept brushing his black hair, careful not to pull them. «I see. I, on the other side, Galbatorix-vodhr, greatly love having care of my disciples, you know? The bond between a teacher and his students is, after all, one of the most important bonds a young Rider can form, and it usually goes beyond the mere passing of informations and lasts even after the end of the apprenticeship. Even now that they haven't been my disciples for many years, I still share a strong friendship with most of my former students, some even consider me a member of their family».

He put the hairbrush on the table and took the scissors. Minutes passed as he worked and waited for Galbatorix to say something. Galbatorix remained silent. Oromis could feel Glaedr paying close attention to the human's reactions, more focused on that rather than on his own hunting.

…Difficult to tell, grumbled Glaedr as Oromis was about to finish his work, answering to his unexpressed question. I honestly cannot understand if the fool hatchling insists in holding grudge against you, or if he can think of nothing kind to say about his own teacher not even for the sake of keeping up the appearance.

Do you believe he blames her to this point?

Glaedr remained silent for a long moment. Oromis felt the mad accusations Galbatorix had screamed at his face in front of whole Council echo in his head as Glaedr called the memory to his attention. I would not be surprised. Who knows what may be crawling in his mind?

Oromis' expression darkened for a moment, and he found himself staring at the back of Galbatorix's head, almost as it could help him see what was inside of it. Whatever it was, it was dangerous – but only for Galbatorix alone, or for all the people around him as well? This is what I need to uncover.

He put down the scissors and brushed the human's hair one last time. It was now shorter and more even, with the ruined ends cut off, but Oromis still let it long enough to touch his shoulders.

«There we go, Galbatorix-vodhr» he smiled, handing him the mirror. «Hopefully it is to your taste».

Galbatorix took the mirror, but didn't even properly look at it. He made as if to get up – without doubt to properly thank him – but Oromis stopped him putting a hand on his shoulder.

«There is no need to thank me, taking care of my disciples is my pleasure».

This time, Oromis clearly felt Galbatorix flinch under his hand. The human blinked, looking at him for a long moment, but before he could say something Oromis moved from behind him to his side, crouching down next to his chair to better look at him in the eyes, and placing himself beneath him, a gesture that hopefully would help the human relax.

«Yes, Galbatorix-vodhr. The reason you are here with me is so that I could support you and help you, and so will I, if you will allow me. Will you allow me to support you and help you, Galbatorix-vodhr?».

The question seemed to make him uncomfortable, something that did not came as a surprise to the elf. It was, after all, the first time he pushed on Galbatorix's boundaries and probably the first time he did so to anyone in his career as a teacher as well. Trust was not something a teacher could demand. Trust was something to be earned, to be build up over the time. But time was exactly what they didn't have. The longer Galbatorix insisted on hiding in his own mind, on shielding himself behind his composed, cold mask, the less likely it was that he could ever recover.

Oromis did not doubt that the human was behaving like that to show him that his mind was sane, to try and prove him that he had misjudged him. Out of pride? Out of spite? Or out of fear that, if he let his mask slip and the elf see the true state of his mind, Oromis might find a proof of his insanity and decide to use it to exile him as Vrael had wanted to do? If it was the latter Oromis could understand it, but still it was a frustrating situation. Oromis needed to see. He needed to know to be able to help, no matter how dark the truth was. Like a physical wound that had been left without care for too long and was now infected, covered in pus, disgusting to see, so a wound of the mind needed to be observed to be treated. No matter how horrible it was. If Galbatorix insisted in keeping his wound hidden from him, his wound could do nothing but worsen. Galbatorix could not hope to be able to save himself. He had hoped that Galbatorix would instinctively open up more on his own, but he didn't and now he had no choice but to push him to do so.

Galbatorix kept looking down at him without blinking, just slightly frowning, but his eyes were unfocused. Oromis refrained himself from touching his mind to have a better perception of his emotions, and kept waiting, without moving or speaking, for him to emerge from his thoughts.

After a long while, the human's black eyes seemed to focus on his silver – and his whole expression hardened. It lasted less than an instant, but it was still enough for Oromis to catch the hatred in his sight before Galbatorix managed to push his own emotions back under control.

Oromis pretended not to notice.

«Oromis-elda» he finally said, in a much warmer tone than that Oromis had heard him use until now, «I will do whatever you will ask me to do».

…Which promised obedience, not trust.

He believes that obedience is what I want of him. He thinks I want him to bend before I consider giving him anything.

Far from them, up in the warm blue sky, Glaedr snorted. Oromis could feel it in his mind as clearly as if he had been the one to do so. He feels like a prisoner, and you and I are his captors.

Which, thinking about the last events, was comprehensible and not strange at all. Galbatorix's offered choice had been between following him to the other side of Alagaёsia or being exiled by Vrael – and Oromis could see how that was no choice at all. It was easy to understand how Galbatorix's broken mind could have led him to think about this opportunity from the most malicious point of view. Galbatorix had seen all the Elders as enemies that day, there was no reason to hope that he could have changed his opinion on him.

It will not be easy to change his mind.

Glaedr hesitated. He believes us to be his captors, but in truth he is prisoner of his own mind. He hides into it because the world outside it, without Jarnunvösk, is too painful to bear. He will never change until he manages to see that there is something safe he can trust other than himself.

Oromis nodded. It was an answer for both Galbatorix and Glaedr. The first could see it, the second felt it.

«I am relieved to hear I have your cooperation» he smiled as nothing was amiss. There was no need to alarm the human addressing his odd behavior for now – sooner or later they would need to deal with it, but not yet.

Galbatorix nodded. And remained silent.

Oromis looked back at him for moment, then he let his eyes openly fell on Galbatorix's wrist. «…You are not eating enough» he observed, when the human followed his gaze. Galbatorix immediately snatched the hand from under the elf's eyes, almost by reflex, and clasped it with his other hand in his lap. Oromis lifted his eyes back to those of the human, unabated, and went on as nothing had happened. «I understand your frame of mind, but taking care of yourself is of the utmost importance right now. Is there something I can arrange to help you? Something to make our meals more enjoyable to your taste… a recipe from Inzilbêth, perhaps?».

At hearing the name of his home province, Galbatorix flinched. His eyes unfocused as if a memory had suddenly assaulted his mind. But when he spoke, his voice sounded calm and polite as always. «There is no need to bother yourself, Oromis-elda. You are already providing me everything I may need».

Oromis tilted his head to the side, intrigued by that unexpected reaction. Glaedr–

…I would not know…

That was… interesting, to say the least. He wanted to interrogate him about it, but he knew that it would be unwise to try and push him to talk about uncomfortable arguments so soon. Instead, he asked: «Are you well, Galbatorix-vodhr?».

«I am well, Oromis-elda».

«Please, don't lie to my face».

«I am not lying».

«Then why are you hiding?» he inquired, softly, and reached out his hand, palm upwards, to invite the human to show him the hand he was still pressing in his lap.

Galbatorix's eyes briefly fell on his hand, and then back on his face. After a long moment, Oromis saw his hand twitch and move slightly…

…And Morzan chose that exact same moment to attack his wards with the strength of a charging bull.

Oromis flinched. While it was nothing he could not sustain even without Glaedr, the strength and violence of the attack surprised him. Morzan was a strong, powerful young human and, despite his preference for physical combat that sometimes led him to neglect the training of his mind, his mental lashes could be impressive, but that day they were coming from the other side of Alagaёsia.

Krovogon? wondered Glaedr.

Oromis frowned and pressed his lips together. Krovogon was probably the answer, but Krovogon was not the kind of dragon to lend his energy to his Rider for futile things. Not the kind of dragon to indulge Morzan's temper. When he had left, he had silently put his faith in him to keep the wild tempered human at bay for Kelda. It had been three weeks – three weeks in which Krovogon had seemed to be doing a marvelous job at keeping Morzan calm and as well behaved as possible now that he was not there to do that himself.

Why is he playing along with Morzan, now?

Glaedr hesitated. If something had happened, Ofan would have already contacted me, he finally said. Or Saphira.

Oromis squinted. Glaedr was right – but, even with Krovogon by his side, Morzan was an expert in getting himself into troubles. However, the raw storm of energy that was attacking his ward was surely not coming from someone panicked or wounded. Oromis give a mental sigh. Perhaps I am just too used to associate Morzan with trouble…

I cannot say I can blame you, chuckled Glaedr, sending him quick flashes of all the times he had to rush to separate Morzan from some other apprentice before someone could get seriously injured.

Oromis closed his eyes for a moment. Don't remind me, my friend. Don'–! Oromis frowned, feeling a second, more delicate pressure building up in the back of his mind. Kelda. What could possibly bring Kelda to scry him so suddenly, when they had talked just the previous evening, and at same time Morzan was trying to reach him, nonetheless? It was late morning. They should have been together for their lesson. Morzan and Brom with Kelda and Krovogon and Saphira with Ofan.

He absent-mindedly got back to his feet, and only in that moment his eyes fell on the human, who was observing him, cautious but curious.

«Excuse me a minute, Galbatorix-vodhr. Other duties call for me» he told him, then gestured toward the small table, upon which there still was a bowl of fruit Oromis had brought there for their breakfast, and that he had been the only one to touch. «It will not take me long. Why don't you try to eat something, in the meanwhile? A cup of tea is hardly a sufficient breakfast».

As he hurried inside his hut, with the corner of his eye he clearly saw Galbatorix turn his head to follow his movements.

If he will not spy on your affairs I can fit on your shoulder, grumbled Glaedr.

Oromis hummed in agreement – Glaedr could not hear the sound, but he would still perceive him. The golden dragon was right. Oromis had no doubts that the human would try to stick his nose into his conversation. There was even a chance that, seeing how quickly he had abandoned their conversation to find the privacy of his hut, Galbatorix might think that his affairs were about him. Without an idea of what Kelda might say, conjuring a ward to prevent Galbatorix from eavesdropping would be the safest option – but it could come with the price of making the already paranoid human even more convinced that he was not a friend but a captor, and that he was plotting behind his back.

Let him listen, then, he finally sighed, approaching the mirror on the wall.

He murmured the words that were necessary to allow Kelda's scrying spell to reach him, and almost immediately a slim elf appeared on the mirror. She didn't immediately pay attention to him, she was looking around, with her long, brown hair fluttering in the wind around her face. She was flying. Oromis could see a segment of azure sky behind her, and the loud, rhythmical sound of dragon's wings. Wherever she was, she was not too far from Ilirea.

«Kelda-finiaril…?».

«…Ebrithil!» she exclaimed, her voice a bit more high pitched than usual for having been caught by surprise. Her image on the mirror quivered as she moved in Ofan's saddle, changing position to the reflective object she was using to communicate with him, and she pressed two fingers to her lips. «Atra esterní ono thelduin».

«M or'ranr llífa unin hjarta onr» smiled Oromis. «Has something happened, Kelda-finiaril?».

Kelda bit her lower lip, lowering her gaze for a moment. «I don't know, Oromis-elda» she hesitated. «I hope not, but we cannot find Morzan-finiarel nor Krovogon».

That was exactly what he didn't want to hear, but he didn't let his voice betray his anxiety. «Explain yourself, please».

She sighed. «I don't know what happened exactly, Oromis-elda. Ofan and I were waiting with Saphira and Brom-finiarel for them to arrive, so we could start our lesson, when Morzan-finiarel stormed in and started screaming at me. He had found out what your absence is… attributed to, ebrithil» she explained, and then she quickly added: «I don't know from whom he received this information, I am sorry».

Oromis sighed. If that was what had happened, then he could call himself lucky. He had known since the very first day that his silence was nothing but a temporary solution and that, sooner or later, he would have found himself in the need of explaining his disciples the situation, or they would have found answers on their own. He was not the only Councilor who had disciples in Ilirea, and while he trusted his colleagues to not diverge informations that were not theirs to diverge he needed to remember that his disappearance must have not passed unnoticed. Suddenly, his disciples had found themselves with a temporary teacher as he and Glaedr had disappeared, and no explanations to give to the other young Riders and dragons who were their friends. So, how long until someone put the pieces together and noticed that he had left Ilirea within the days of Galbatorix's return? Galbatorix's tragic expedition in the Spine had been topic of discussion in Ilirea for many months, there was no possibility for it to be already forgotten, as there was no chance that nobody would be able to link it to his disappearance, now. Galbatorix's request to speak to the Council of the Elders had not been made public, but exactly like his disciples, the disciples of the other Councilors were informed that the Council had reunited under Vrael's request and disciples talked.

No, his silence and his choice to keep his disciples in the ignorance were not solutions meant to last. In hindsight, perhaps he had been very fortunate that the waters had stayed calm for so long.

«…And Morzan stormed off before you could stop him» he guessed, focusing his thoughts back to his conversation with Kelda.

The elven Rider nodded. «We could have stopped him, maybe… with force and magic… but, ebrithil–».

«No, you made the most sensible choice, Kelda-finiaril. Force is never to be used on a student unless in extreme circumstances» he interrupted her. «Also, Morzan must have left with Krovogon, as I see that Ofan is landing you his wings to search for him. I have known Morzan for three years, and I can assure you that, when he is in this state of mind, it is for the best to leave him alone with Krovogon for a bit to blow off some steam. Krovogon will bring him back to you once he feels that Morzan is willing to cooperate».

Kelda nodded, looking relieved even if still a bit dubious. «Are you sure, ebrithil?».

«Has Morzan told you something that may lead you to think otherwise?».

«He–» she hesitated, suddenly embarrassed. «He was very angry, but he said nothing in particular. He just… gave me a… a "message" for you, Oromis-elda… He… Forgive me, ebrithil, but I am not really comfortable with repeating what he said».

If Kelda looked mortified, the corner or Oromis' mouth twitched in half a smile. Normally, such a thing could have been taken as a scandalous lack of respect. But he had trained and raised Morzan for three years now. Wild, aggressive, emotive Morzan. Sadness and rage generally overlapped into him – being angry was easier, for him, than being in pain.

«There is no need to: I can imagine it». Oromis smiled to try and reassure her. «There will be no need to punish or reprimand Morzan in any way, let alone Krovogon. Under normal circumstances I would tell you to not tolerate such behavior, but I am the one at fault, here, after all… No, Kelda-finiaril, I appreciate your solidarity, but denying the truth is of no use».

«I… Yes, ebrithil. What should I tell them? They will want answers even more than before, now».

Oromis smile widened. «Tell them that I am flattered by their affection for me, and that, since they are so eager to get me back, I expect them to be equally eager to make me proud by showing me all the things they have learned from you and from Ofan and fruits of their hard work when we will meet again».

Kelda smiled back. «I will be sure to tell them».

«Very well then. Again, Kelda-finiaril, Glaedr and I really appreciate you helping us with this. And, please, give Ofan our thanks».

«It's our pleasure, ebrithil» she said. «Oh…! One moment, ebrithil».

«Oh?».

The reflection on the mirror suddenly moved as Kelda rotated the scrying object she had in her hands. After a moment, Oromis could see a long, strong draconic neck covered in shiny blue-greyish scales from the same prospective Kelda had. The dragon turned his head to glance at his own shoulders, and emitted a soft growl.

«Thank you, Ofan» said Oromis, inclining his head toward the dragon.

Ofan slowly closed his eyes in an expression of happiness, puffing white smoke clouds from his nostrils.

Then, Oromis undid the spell and the mirror on the wall turned to reflect only his image.

Poor Kelda, chuckled Glaedr in his mind. If after this first experience she still expresses the desire of becoming a teacher I will personally see that her dreams come true.

Oromis nodded distractedly. This was expected, but it still complicates things.

Maybe it does, but until Krovogon sides with Ofan, does not indulge Morzan's temper and keeps trusting us there is no need to worry. He will keep Morzan calm where Kelda cannot. A great dragon, I cannot imagine a better partner of soul for that fiery hatchling… not like those dragon-servants who cannot stand their ground against the whims of a tiny human.

Oromis groaned internally at the mere thought. A weak-willed dragon as Morzan's soul-bonded partner. That would be a tragedy. But how long until Krovogon will get restless as well?

Glaedr remained silent for a long moment. Then, instead of answering, he asked: What do you plan on doing, now? We should talk to our disciples, Oromis. Silence will only make us sound as cowards. Or traitors of our duties.

That I know, but I have nothing concrete to tell them. I can only do so much to make this situation better, and I can make no promises. They would be as unsatisfied as they are now, possibly even more.

So what do you suggest we do?

Oromis glanced outside of the window. From a distance, Galbatorix seemed calm and relaxed, a dutiful student patiently waiting for his teacher. I will observe Galbatorix for three weeks more, before making any decision on the matter. Krovogon and Saphira do not worry me, but I need to be sure that Galbatorix does not represent a threat for Morzan and Brom. Brom is naive, and Morzan impetuous, and Galbatorix had always been talented in the arts of the mind.

Jarnunvösk, Glaedr corrected him. Galbatorix was lauded, and indeed talented, but Framar more than once said that Jarnunvösk was the most talented in understanding the other creatures and their weaknesses, and that her Rider learned most of his tricks from her. Now Jarnunvösk is dead, and her Rider's mind broken. The question remains whatever this made Galbatorix weaker, or more desperate and dangerous.

Whatever the answer is, I will not risk the wellbeing of two children to indulge their impatience.

You cannot expect Galbatorix to make any significant progress before three weeks have passed. It may happen, but expecting it would be foolish.

No, but I can expect to have a clearer idea of what his state of mind is, and of whether it is safe to introduce him to Brom and Morzan.

He left his hut and returned to the human who was waiting for him. Galbatorix shot him a look of polite curiosity, as he was silently hoping that Oromis would inform him about his affairs. Oromis didn't doubt for a second that the former Rider had used his magic to eavesdrop the whole conversation, but he still smiled.

«My duties are many, and I am neglecting some of them, I am afraid» he explained. «But there is no need to worry about these things, now. Come, let's have a walk. The weather is magnificent, and the forest is full of wonders that humans rarely have the luck of witnessing».

He only hoped that Krovogon would keep buying them time.


End of the chapter


Author's notes:

Ok, wow… A giant thanks to the people who had put this story between their Favorite and/or Followed Stories – you guys have no idea how much it means to me. And a giant thank you to Chuckling-Ghost, who has kindly offered to have a look at this second chapter as well.

What to say? Things are not moving that fast, but they are moving. Galbatorix is not ready nor willing to open up to Oromis, nor to trust him, and on the other side of Alagaёsia Morzan definitively is not fine with having been dumped without an explanation and having being told to just deal with it. Can we blame him, though? Oromis doesn't. I have not forgotten Brom, obviously – but in this story Brom is still twelve, while Morzan is fifteen. Also, I imagine Brom being respectful and well behaved, so it is kind of natural that Oromis is more focused on the troublesome disciple.

SaphiraFan95: Thank you for the review! I am glad that you liked it! Hopefully you were not disappointed by this second chapter.

xGibbs: Thank you for the review! I am glad you liked it! I hope that I managed to keep your interest up with this second chapter!

…So, guys. This is it for this second chapter, hope you enjoyed it. Alla prossima!