As Eragon and Arya flew towards Ilirea in the moonlight, Eragon felt Arya's mind touch, faintly. Ever since the trip down the tunnel to the vault, he'd had protection. Unbreakable protection. Not only had he sworn the secret leader oaths. He'd come to terms with the destiny that actually is important. Not that he hadn't protested the wise words of Umaroth heavily, but hearing wisdom from a mentor, and accepting it is one thing. Embodying it and fulfilling that advice is quite different. Feeling out Arya surface thoughts and her current mind defence gave way to things to be desired. Without announcing his presence nor his entrance, Eragon spoke to Arya in her mind "Your mind is like an open book, Arya. I would also recommend not trying to access my mind again. You would get hurt before I could intervene." Eragon felt her surprise and some other emotion he couldn't recognize at the moment after he'd stopped speaking and retreated to his mind.
She is looking. Saphira said. We will be in Ilirea shortly. Eragon could see the lights of bonfires and torches. Shielding Arya and Fírnen from sight, smell and magical presence, he spoke to Fírnen.
Follow a bit behind us. I will let you know once it is safe for you and Arya to enter. I would like to establish my presence in Ilirea before I announce you and the former queen, dragonslayer, shadeslayer and Rider. Getting a feeling of reluctant acknowledgement from Fírnen saw Eragon enter the Dragonhold.
It was a large room, with a circular ceiling. Large boulders in the walls with thick logs holding everything up. Drawing from both rider and dragon hidden in walls, only apparent to fellow riders. It was the tapestry of the rider legacy. For now, Eragon hid it, from all but him and Saphira.
Saphira found the usual 'cubby in the corner' where she could position herself to always hear and see when someone entered, and Eragon dismounted. As Eragon and theorized a few weeks before, nothing happened when Saphira set foot on the floor, but the instant Eragon's did he heard the scuffling outside the door.
Reminding himself he could fix the wards in the dragonhold later he turned to the now running steward, messengers and guards. "Greetings Kingkiller. I apologize for not having a welcoming prepared for you. The guards will be punished for their tardiness." The steward said, in the most atrocious and simpering voice he had ever heard.
"An entrance without a welcoming is of little consequence. But you shall not punish either guards or messengers, it was my intention not to arrive with a big fanfare. I was under the impression that there was a Lord's meeting to be held today. I have a busy schedule. Could you inform Nasuada that I shall be with her shortly?" Eragon concluded to the awed messenger. A "Yes Kingkiller" and he ran with surprising haste.
With a questioning glance at the remaining guards and the steward had them exiting with a frightened step. That was fun. You are sure you are ready to intimidate previous friends and allies? Saphira asked. Eragon did not answer with words, rather sent his emotions as he went through his arguments. Two words could describe most of the emotions he felt. Reluctant Confidence. He was confident that the lords of Alagaesia would have no respite and as a consequence forced into a corner politically. But he did not want to force anybody's hand. During his education, the teaching method he learned the most from was debate on various politics. The teaching method he hated most was also debate, at least when he was the one, who had to hide his cards until they had the maximum effect.
Eragon sent the word to Fírnen that he could enter the dragon hold. He also ordered both of them to be completely silent. When he felt that they were close to the entrance, Saphira moved a bit as agreed, then ordering Fírnen to land and remain behind Saphira. "Come with me. Remain silent. I have you warded for every detection method, I have not fixed the wards in the floor. Make an effort not to walk into people." He ordered Arya. He turned and opened the gate and walked out. Spotting the guards he walked confidently over to them. "I am going to Queen Nasuada. Guard the Dragonhold with your life, but do NOT enter. I have warded the place so that any person that is not a dragon rider will fall unconscious until I can assess the breach. Feel free to tell anyone who approaches." Eragon said and walked away, hesitating he turned his head. "If you could keep that information from that steward, for now, I have some orders for him personally, and will tell him when I return." He added, unconsciously smirking. Eragon resumed his walk away, after confirming Arya's presence. Eragon never noticed but the guards where smirking too after his message. More than a couple of them would recommend the steward to enter.
Opening his mind to locate Nasuada amidst the entire castle, would previously have him worried about detection. With his mind protected by the dragons' gift, and his confidence, nobody but trusted dragons could enter, without permission. It was a creation of Anurin, after he a large group of rogue sorcerers tried to gain access to his mind, and force him into submission. It was an almost invisible and tiny circlet made of brightsteel, with imperceptible grammarye engraved into it. He had worn it for 3 years before he relinquished the position to Vrael. When he presented his circlet, Vrael was in awe. While they both were effectively old men, both had studied what interested them for most of their long lives. Vrael being a young elf hatchling had studied a lot more widely, but had still used a lot of free time studying. Anurin had been happy that his replacement had genuinely appreciated the gift for what it could do, rather than who gave it. Anurin never saw what it became but Vrael had taken it to the dragons and asked of Anurins dragon's eldunari whether he should destroy in respect or if he could continue to use it and maybe study and improve it. The old dragon had been outraged that the hatchling, not a hatchling had even considered this until he actually thought about elves, their customs and traditions. While he was still disappointed he could not blame the hatchling, while Vrael was a worthy successor he was still elven and even they were not infallible. When Anurin's dragon exploded Vrael placed the circlet on the large gem and retreated in shame. When he later returned he noticed nothing different of the circlet. Vrael did not wear the circlet for a long time. Partly because it's creator had died, and he'd to wanted to pay his respects, and also because he'd forgotten about it. The instant Vrael put it onto his head he noticed something was different. The circlet had been given a gift from the dragons.
Eragon had been in awe when he first read the engravings and been told of its potential. How the words were defined, had been lost to time since Anurins death but Eragon understood some of it. This, Eragon, is a circlet created by Anurin and worn by both him and Vrael. It will allow you to relax in large crowds. What it does is protect your mind, from others and yourself. How it works only Anurin could really understand though not explain. As Brom said to you a master could see connections places most wouldn't. If you are trying to contact another mind this will allow you to do it. But the person you contact will not feel your presence, they will not even be able to push you out, because to their mind, you do not exist. That same goes if someone tries to force their way into yours, if they are not dragon or rider, they will not be able to feel you out. Riders and dragons will be able to because its protection is based in draconic magic, in which both you and I are in tune. Should it ever happen you have to protect yourself from a wild dragon or perhaps a rider, dragon minds will have to be broken before they can get to yours. You see, Vrael discovered that the gift from Anurin's dragon had asked the dragons if they were willing to protect the wearer of the circlet so that any lead rider, would never have to worry about such an attack. While this may sound like a request without reward the dragons knew that the dragon riders, may have been tasked with keeping the peace, their real task only you know now. The riders were also protectors of dragons, though they rarely needed it.
It was bittersweet holding Anurin's creation, and even wearing it because he needed it. Anurin made it as a precaution, Eragon needed it regularly.
He saw the guards outside the royal study and waved to them. A guard went inside to let the queen know of his arrival and his request to enter.
He entered and went over to where he could feel Nasuada was. It was an impressive study. Books from floor to ceiling. At least 10 meters in height, with small walkways to the higher books and ladders off to the side. The room was roughly 20 meters wide and even longer in-depth. Looking to his right he saw it. The dragon rider seal. It was not apparent to anyone but him, but even then nobody should have been able to get in here. It couldn't even have been Galbatorix who removed wards because he was too paranoid to let anyone know too much, and all of the forsworn were removed from the pact early on in the war. Big boulders surrounded the room on all sides, with logs and slabs in the ceiling in a peculiar pattern.
Nasuada was in the back of the large study she sat in an elven chair with inlays of imitations portraying Urgal fabrics.
"Expressive chair, Queen Nasuada," Eragon said. "I know. Beautiful isn't it. The maids and guards are afraid of it." She answered. Since there was no question in it, Eragon remained silent. "Well, you are the one requesting this meeting so what do have for me? Have we had further problems with Urgal relations?" She said. Ever since Eragon had sworn non-binding fealty to Nasuada back in Tronjheim, Nasuada had forgotten that Rider bow to no authority. They were the authority, or at least that's what the people were told.
"I have not checked the status of relations in your dominion," Eragon said neutrally. It would look poor if he took insult from lack of knowledge. Since the fall of the riders, the ways and laws regarding riders were overlooked. Well until now.
"What?" I remember clearly that I sent you to check that people were behaving according to our rules, and laws? Do you have a reason for your disobedience? It better be good."
Nasuada stressed. Peculiar… Nasuada does not seem to be able to keep her cool at the moment. Eragon said to Saphira, pulling her into him.
"What is the issue, Nasuada? I have rarely seen you this flustered and out of control." Eragon said, with slight compassion painting his voice.
"It's your brother. He has been seen again. I do not know why, but even though I have conquered Alagaësia, it doesn't feel as satisfying as imagining his grey eyes, his thick, luxurious brown hair. His soft yet calloused hands, posture and dry wit…" Nasuada she said, without taking a breath. When she looked back at Eragon, even he could see the blushing on her cheeks. "I'm sorry, I shouldn't ha- "Nasuada tried before Eragon smirked.
"Don't apologize Nasuada. You miss something every ruler and leader needs. A true companion. Someone that can take your entire focus without you even realizing it. Don't be ashamed that you are stressed and need something to take your mind of constant debate." Eragon said smiling, relaxing. "My brother is many things, I hope evil isn't one of them-"Eragon started before being interrupted.
"I will have your head if you keep insulting your brother. While I do not have the ability to use magic I know it's limits and it was a close victory over Galbatorix, Eragon. He helped push the odds to our favour." She sputtered as if choking on honey. Eragon sat in disbelief, his face showed nothing. Then rage hit him, as it had begun to do after he'd taken up the mantle. Who was she to begin question his motives behind his statement? Who was she to doubt his wisdom?
Though Eragon would only learn it later one of the properties with the lead rider circlet is that it allows us to share knowledge between the leaders to allow wisdom gained not to disappear or be forgotten.
He could feel the air around him was growing hotter and more uncomfortable. Disappointed in his failure to control himself the air grew less and less uncomfortable. Nasuada looked at him, with an expression towards the disbelieving.
"What was that, Eragon?" The question hung in the air as if Saphira was breathing fire letters.
"I can't tell you how, but that was my mood. Your reaction made me angry, in turn making the air hot." He said diplomatically, at her questioning glance he added.
"It is quite hard to control. I believe I recently made most of my surroundings shrivel and combust." He smirked at her, daring her to make fun of him. She gave in.
"My my, the legendary dragon rider is making his surroundings burn, where has that legendary education gone? Down the gutter?" She said glaring at him. It took a very short time before Eragon heard something he'd thought he would never hear from the queen of Alagaësia. Giggling. Utter disbelief was plastered all over Eragon's face. Eragon's face fell.
"You love my brother." He said. Nasuada's face fell. Sorrow so intense, with grief, resignation and commitment, shone in both her appearance and her thoughts. An intense silence followed. A silence, that wasn't uncomfortable, but aching to release as if a belt was strapped too tightly.
"Yes. I, Nasuada, Queen of Alagaësia, love the Red Rider. I feel both elated that I feel something after these years of carnage. I feel shame that I fell for the manipulating of Galbatorix and his slave, but still, that shame feels light… As if easy to bear for the promise he made and never-ending hope?" Nasuada said, with a more emotion-filled voice than Eragon had ever heard. Even from Roran and Katrina, and those two love each other as dragons do, the hot and dry air.
"I see," Eragon said, falling into contemplation. To give him more time to think Eragon said: "To what end do you love my Brother?". Nasuada seemed at first surprised at his question, but as Eragon was currently wearing a thoughtful expression, she settled to consider her answer. Many moments passed. A maid entered with Nasuada's favourite tea, and her biscuits with the seasons' nut, with some fresh fruits and vegetables for Eragon. They each took a cup of the steamy hot liquid. It was not Eragon's favourite. While Nasuada was partial to her heritage' way of handling the tea leaves it became too earthy and thick for his taste. He favoured the zesty and sweet.
"So we have had tea and some morsels. So, I say again. To what end do you love my Brother?" Eragon asked again. He waited, almost so long he thought he'd never said anything. "Too much." Was Nasuada's sole reply.
"Well if you will allow me, I will clarify my earlier statement on my brother?" Eragon asked. Nasuada simply nodded.
"Very well. Know this Nasuada. I inform you of the following based on our friendship." She nodded
"I believe Murtagh is still bound to someone' will. That he is still a name slave, and therefore I cannot be completely sure that what he does is his actions. If they are, then Murtagh is truly damaged from his time serving Galbatorix, and I have much work ahead of me. If we have luck on our side, and Murtagh is a name slave, then it shall be a simple fix. I just need to inform him of some things and all his bindings will fall." Eragon said, surprising Nasuada with the obvious forethought and authority, lathered in diplomacy.
"That is why I said as I said, Nasuada. I did not want to talk ill of my brother, but I am not in a position where I can trust easily." He finished.
"If we set Murtagh's potential alliance or slavery aside, you need to consider another problem, regarding loving my brother," Eragon said gently.
"What is that Eragon? He treated me with honesty, kindness and was willing to sacrifice everything for me in the end. I do not know what else I could look for in a potential companion in life." Nasuada said. She was both worried she was having trouble doing what was right, instead of what was easy, which was paramount to her position as Queen.
"Murtagh is a rider, Nasuada," Eragon said almost whispering.
"What does that have to do with anything?" She said confused.
"Nasuada… Murtagh is immortal." Eragon answered softly.
Nasuada began to cry. "So he will never be with me?" She asked softly.
"I do not doubt that Murtagh loves you very much, Nasuada. But I think he will keep his distance from you because he wants to save himself the sorrow and grief of watching you die beside him. At the same time, I think he is sparing you doing the same. To grow old beside your husband who doesn't look a day over 20 winters old." Nasuada never responded to this, only took it in.
"Then there is his possible forced allegiance."
"I do not know what I want him to be. If he is a name slave, then that means I have an unknown enemy. If he is not, then I also have an enemy. And this one is known and shall soon perish underneath my arrows." Nasuada said her voice breaking near the end.
"That shall never come to pass," Eragon said. Funny game, wording a sentence is. Nasuada thought that Eragon was telling her, he would kill Murtagh before Nasuada would have to do anything. Eragon was telling her that no opportunity would ever rise were someone would kill Murtagh. He was a dragon rider, therefore Eragon's responsibility and solely his.
A silence appeared.
"When did you become wise?" Nasuada shyly jested. It was one of those questions that aren't really rhetorical, but you don't expect an answer.
"When I took up the mantle of being Lead Rider." Eragon sighing. "Look I came to you to inform you of some things before the lords meeting. I came here as your friend. Firstly I hope if you, Nasuada, has need of me then ask. Not the kingdom but you. Though you may have forgotten the fealty oath I swore long ago, we both knew it did not really count for anything. I was honourable to fulfil it, I do send the wrong image. The Riders are returning and if I continue to uphold my duty as your vassal then I essentially am just a steward you can send on errands. That will never happen. It is why I am informing the lords today that I am reinstating and removing several laws from ancient secrecy spells. I will warn you some things will shock and anger you. But to sell this correctly you need to have the same expression. I will remain your personal friend, Nasuada, but for now, I have a lot of duties to attend. An entire order to fix and sort out." Eragon lectured monotonously.
"I will not arrive at the start of the meeting, but I will come to the meeting. Do not inform them of my eventual arrival." Eragon added. Eragon then intentionally left before Nasuada could make a response. Eragon went directly back to the dragonhold.
As he was approaching the door, he saw a guard raising his hand and with a grin pointed his thumb towards the dragon hold. Eragon smirked. So, the trap fell, let us see what we have caught. He said to Saphira. Entering and letting Arya enter, saw him closing, locking and warding the door.
Nobody should disturb him at the moment. When he was finished he waved his hand and Arya appeared again. She was wearing an expression of indignation but Eragon paid her no mind. His focus was on the unconscious steward lying on the stone floor. Calling forth some blankets from his satchel, letting the steward down on those. Arya looked as if about to speak, but Eragon put his index finger over his mouth to signal silence. Eragon sat, crossed his legs and began to concentrate.
Okay, what do we have here? Hmnh… Signals a bell in the guard room that a human has touched the ground, who is not a guard. That has to go, wonder if there is anything more?
Stench removing...? Not something I'd have thought of but useful none the less. What is this? Eavesdropping. Out. Kills the dragon if the rider attempts to harm the king or queen. Out, nobody should have the opportunity to kill a dragon so easily. Now to add some wards of our own creations…
"You can speak now. I have removed the wards and warded for any means of magical listening viewing, feeling or scrying. If you need to do any of those inside this room let me know."
A/N
If anyone has ideas for the upcoming political talk, feel free to send me some pointers. I welcome all reviews.
- James