Thank you to those of you who have submitted such kind reviews! I also appreciate constructive criticism, so please feel free to submit some of that too!
We're getting closer to the point where this fic will diverge from canon. It will be only a little at first, but the gap will get wider and wider.
The houses were in this part of town were clean, ornate, and large. The people in the streets wore expensive finery and walked with authority. Nari fidgeted and tried to smooth down her clothes, not that anyone paid her much attention. The herbalist's shop was easy to find, with a cheery sign that made it seem inviting. A short, curly-haired woman sat by the door, holding a frog in one hand and writing with the other. Nari thought that she must be Angela, the herbalist. On either side of the store was a house, with no way to tell which house was the one they were searching for.
"Which one do you think is his?" she asked.
Brom deliberated, then said, "Let's find out." He approached the woman and asked politely, "Could you tell us which house Jeod lives in?"
"I could." She said, continuing to write without looking up.
"Will you tell us?"
"Yes." She fell silent, but her pen scribbled faster than ever. The frog on her hand croaked and looked at them with baleful eyes. Brom and Nari waited uncomfortably, but she said no more. Nari was about to blurt something out when Angela looked up. "Of course I'll tell you! All you have to do is ask. Your first question was whether or not I could tell you, and the second was if I would tell you. But you never actually put the question to me."
"Then let me ask properly," said Brom with a faint smile. "Which house is Jeod's? And why are you holding a frog?"
"Now we're getting somewhere," she bantered. "Jeod is on the right. And as for the frog, he's actually a toad. I'm trying to prove that toads don't exist—that there are only frogs."
"But if toads don't exist then you are holding a frog, not a toad," Nari debated.
The woman's eyes lit up, pleased. "Exactly!"
"It sounds interesting," Brom said, "and I'm sure we would enjoy hearing more, but we have to meet Jeod."
"Of course," she said, waving her hand and returning to her writing.
They stopped before a door with a wrought-iron knocker and marble doorstep. Brom banged three times. No one answered. Nari frowned. "Do you think they're not here?" she wondered. Brom ignored her and knocked again, pounding loudly. Again no one answered. Nari opened her mouth to suggest coming back later, but then heard someone run to the door. A young woman with a pale complexion and light blond hair cracked it open. Her eyes were puffy; it looked like she had been crying, but her voice was perfectly steady.
"Yes, what do you want?"
"Does Jeod live here?" asked Brom kindly.
The woman dipped her head a little, but did not open the door any more. "Yes, he is my husband. Is he expecting you?"
"No, but we need to talk with him," said Brom.
"He is very busy."
"We have traveled far. It's very important that we see him."
Her face hardened. "He is busy."
Brom bristled, but his voice stayed pleasant. "Since he is unavailable, would you please give him a message?" Her mouth twitched into a frown, but she consented. "Tell him that a friend from Gil'ead is waiting outside."
The woman seemed suspicious, but said, "Very well." She closed the door abruptly. Nari heard her footsteps recede.
"That wasn't very polite." she commented.
"Keep your opinions to yourself," snapped Brom. "And don't say anything. Let me do the talking." He crossed his arms and tapped his fingers. Nari clamped her mouth shut, hurt, and looked away.
The door suddenly flew open, and a tall man burst out of the house. His expensive clothes were rumpled, his gray hair wispy, and he had a mournful face with short eyebrows. A long scar stretched across his scalp to his temple.
At the sight of them, his eyes grew wide, and he sagged against the doorframe, speechless. His mouth opened and closed several times like a gasping fish. He asked softly, in an incredulous voice, "Brom . . . ?"
Brom put a finger to his lips and reached forward, clasping the man's arm. "It's good to see you, Jeod! I'm glad that memory has not failed you, but don't use that name. It would be unfortunate if anyone knew I was here."
Jeod looked around wildly, shock plain on his face. "I thought you were dead," he whispered. "What happened? Why haven't you contacted me before?"
"All things will be explained. Do you have a place where we can talk safely?"
Jeod hesitated, swinging his gaze between Nari and Brom, face unreadable. Finally he said, "We can't talk here, but if you wait a moment, I'll take you somewhere we can."
"Fine," said Brom. Jeod nodded and vanished behind the door.
Perhaps I will learn something more of Brom's past, Nari thought, pleased.
There was a rapier at Jeod's side when he reappeared. An embroidered jacket hung loosely on his shoulders, matched by a plumed hat. Brom cast a critical eye at the finery, and Jeod shrugged self-consciously. He took them through Teirm toward the citadel. Nari led the horses behind the two men. Jeod gestured at their destination.
"Risthart, the lord of Teirm, has decreed that all the business owners must have their headquarters in his castle. Even though most of us conduct our business elsewhere, we still have to rent rooms there. It's nonsense, but we abide by it anyway to keep him calm. We'll be free of eavesdroppers in there; the walls are thick." They went through the fortress's main gate and into the keep. Jeod strode to a side door and pointed to an iron ring. "You can tie the horses there. No one will bother them." When Snowfire and Dusk were safely tethered, he opened the door with an iron key and let them inside.
Within was a long, empty hallway lit by torches set into the walls. Nari was surprised by how cold and damp it was. When she touched the wall, her fingers slid over a layer of slime. She shivered. Jeod snatched a torch from its bracket and led them down the hall. They stopped before a heavy, wooden door. He unlocked it and ushered them into a room dominated by a bearskin rug laden with stuffed chairs. Bookshelves stacked with leather-bound tomes covered the walls.
Jeod piled wood in the fireplace, then thrust the torch under it. The fire quickly roared. "You, old man, have some explaining to do."
Brom's face crinkled with a smile. "Who are you calling an old man? The last time I saw you there was no gray in your hair. Now it looks like it's in the final stages of decomposition."
"And you look the same as you did nearly twenty years ago. Time seems to have preserved you as a crotchety old man just to inflict wisdom upon each new generation. Enough of this! Get on with the story. That's always what you were good at," said Jeod impatiently. Nari's ears pricked up, and she waited eagerly to hear what Brom would say.
Brom relaxed into a chair and pulled out his pipe. He slowly blew a smoke ring that turned green, darted into the fireplace, then flew up the chimney. "Do you remember what we were doing in Gil'ead?"
"Yes, of course," said Jeod. "That sort of thing is hard to forget."
"An understatement, but true nevertheless," said Brom dryly. "When we were . . . separated, I couldn't find you. In the midst of the turmoil I stumbled into a small room. There wasn't anything extraordinary in it—just crates and boxes—but out of curiosity, I rummaged around anyway. Fortune smiled on me that hour, for I found
what we had been searching for." An expression of shock ran over Jeod's face. "Once it was in my hands, I couldn't wait for you. At any second I might have been discovered, and all lost. Disguising myself as best I could, I fled the city and ran to the . . ." Brom hesitated and glanced at Nari, then said, "ran to our friends. They stored it in a vault, for safekeeping, and made me promise to care for whomever received it. Until the day when my skills would be needed, I had to disappear. No one could know that I was alive—not even you—though it grieved me to pain you unnecessarily. So I went north and hid in Carvahall."
Nari clenched her jaw, infuriated that Brom was deliberately keeping her in the dark.
Jeod frowned and asked, "Then our . . . friends knew that you were alive all along?"
"Yes."
He sighed. "I suppose the ruse was unavoidable, though I wish they had told me. Isn't Carvahall farther north, on the other side of the Spine?" Brom inclined his head. For the first time, Jeod inspected Nari. His gray eyes took in every detail. Nari shifted uncomfortably under his assessing gaze. He raised his eyebrows and said, "I assume, then, that you are fulfilling your duty." Nari frowned, curious.
Brom shook his head. "No, it's not that simple. It was stolen a while ago—at least that's what I presume, for I haven't received word from our friends, and I suspect their messengers were waylaid—so I decided to find out what I could. Nari happened to be traveling in the same direction. We have stayed together for a time now."
Jeod looked puzzled. "But if they haven't sent any messages, how could you know that it was—"
Brom overrode him quickly, saying, "Nari's uncle was brutally killed by the Ra'zac. They burned her home as well. Fortunately, she had the sense to flee before they could catch her. She deserves revenge, but they have left us without a trail to follow, and we need help finding them."
Jeod's face cleared. "I see. . . . But why have you come here? I don't know where the Ra'zac might be hiding, and anyone who does won't tell you."
Standing, Brom reached into his robe and pulled out the Ra'zac's flask. He tossed it to Jeod. "There's Seithr oil in there—the dangerous kind. The Ra'zac were carrying it. They lost it by the trail, and we happened to find it. We need to see Teirm's shipping records so we can trace the Empire's purchases of the oil. That should tell us where the Ra'zac's lair is."
Lines appeared on Jeod's face as he thought. He pointed at the books on the shelves. "Do you see those? They are all records from my business. You have gotten yourself into a project that could take months. There is another, greater problem. The records you seek are held in this castle, but only Brand, Risthart's administrator of trade, sees them on a regular basis. Traders such as myself aren't allowed to handle them. They fear that we will falsify the results, thus cheating the Empire of its precious taxes."
"I can deal with that when the time comes," said Brom. "But we need a few days of rest before we can think about proceeding."
Jeod smiled. "It seems that it is my turn to help you. My house is yours, of course. Do you have another name while you are here?"
"Yes," said Brom, "I'm Neal, and Nari will be disguised as a boy named Evan."
"Nari," said Jeod thoughtfully. "You have a unique name. It's of elven origin, I believe. That's quite unusual during times like these." Nari was startled but said nothing.
Brom looked at Nari. "Could you go check on the horses and make sure they're all right? I don't think I tied Snowfire to the ring tightly enough."
They're trying to hide something from me. The moment I leave they're going to talk about me, Nari thought darkly. Without a word, she shoved herself out of the chair and left the room, slamming the door shut. Snowfire had not moved; the knot that held him was fine. Scratching the horses' necks, Nari leaned sullenly against the castle wall. I'm trying, she mused to herself. I'm trying to trust him. Trying to believe that he means well. But haven't I earned a bit of trust as well? And why was Jeod looking at me so strangely? If only I could hear... She jolted upright, electrified. Brom had taught her many words. If she could string some together to make a spell... Pulling out Du Grind Eom Hûgin,
she quickly searched for the words she needed. There were several that she was uncertain of using, specifically the one that commanded the stone to give way. She didn't want the wall to crumble, or to use the effort that might require. Reaching for her power, she concentrated intensely on what she wanted.
"Atra eka hórna!" As she guided the magic forward, keeping a tight control on how much she released, she began to hear faint whispers in her ears. She frowned, urging a little more power forward. Suddenly, she heard Brom's voice, as clear as if he was sitting next to her.
"...things have been going badly," said Brom.
"Yes, none of the shipments have gotten through lately, and Tronjheim is running low on supplies. Somehow the Empire—at least I think it's them—has discovered those of us who have been helping to support Tronjheim. But I'm still not convinced that it's the Empire. No one sees any soldiers. I don't understand it. Perhaps Galbatorix hired mercenaries to harass us."
Nari sat up straight, frowning. Jeod was supporting a group against the Empire, and Galbatorix knew? And wasn't Tronjheim one of the larger dwarven cities? Were the dwarves massing an army?
"I heard that you lost a ship recently."
"The last one I owned," answered Jeod bitterly. "Every man on it was loyal and brave. I doubt I'll ever see them again. . . . The only option I have left is to send caravans to Surda or Gil'ead—which I know won't get there, no matter how many guards I hire—or charter someone else's ship to carry the goods. But no one will take them now."
"How many merchants have been helping you?" asked Brom.
"Oh, a good number up and down the seaboard. All of them have been plagued by the same troubles. I know what you are thinking; I've pondered it many a night myself, but I cannot bear the thought of a traitor with that much knowledge and power. If there is one, we're all in jeopardy. You should return to Tronjheim."
"And take Nari there?" interrupted Brom. "They'd tear her apart. It's the worst place she could be right now. Maybe in a few months or, even better, a year. Can you imagine how the dwarves will react? Everyone will be trying to influence her, especially Islanzadi. She and Saphira won't be safe in Tronjheim until I at least get them through tuatha du orothrim."
Clearly Brom trusted this man more than she'd thought if he'd told Jeod about Saphira.
"Still, I have a feeling that they are in need of your power and wisdom."
"Wisdom," snorted Brom. "I'm just what you said earlier—a crotchety old man."
"Many would disagree."
"Let them. I've no need to explain myself. No, Ajihad will have to get along without me. What I'm doing now is much more important. But the prospect of a traitor raises troubling questions. I wonder if that's how the Empire knew where to be. . . ." His voice trailed off.
A traitor to what? Nari listened intently, hoping for more clues.
"And I wonder why I haven't been contacted about this," said Jeod.
"Maybe they tried. But if there's a traitor . . ." Brom paused. "I have to send word to Ajihad. Do you have a messenger you can trust?"
"I think so," said Jeod. "It depends on where he would have to go."
"I don't know," said Brom. "I've been isolated so long, my contacts have probably died or forgotten me. Could you send him to whoever receives your shipments?"
Contacts? Exactly who had Brom been? Clearly it wasn't just a dwarven army then, if Brom had played a larger part. Could it be the Varden?
"Yes, but it'll be risky."
"What isn't these days? How soon can he leave?"
"He can go in the morning. I'll send him to Gil'ead. It will be faster," said Jeod. "What can he take to convince Ajihad the message comes from you?"
"Here, give your man my ring. And tell him that if he loses it, I'll personally tear his liver out. It was given to me by the queen."
The queen!? There aren't any queens in the known human kingdoms. Perhaps a dwarven queen?
"Aren't you cheery," commented Jeod. Brom grunted. After a long silence he said, "We'd better go out and join Nari. I get worried when she's alone. She has an unnatural propensity for being wherever there's trouble."
"Are you surprised?"
"Not really."
Nari heard chairs being pushed back and opened her eyes, releasing the magic. "Gods," she muttered to herself, thinking hard. Was Brom part of the Varden? Or was there another army that had been rising against Galbatorix since more than twenty years ago? The door opened and Brom and Jeod came out.
"Were the horses all right?" asked Brom.
"Fine," said Nari. They untied the horses and left the castle.
As they reentered the main body of Teirm, Brom said, "So, Jeod, you finally got married. And," he winked slyly, "to a lovely young woman. Congratulations."
Jeod did not seem happy with the compliment. He hunched his shoulders and stared down at the street. "Whether congratulations are in order is debatable right now. Helen isn't very happy."
"Why? What does she want?" asked Brom.
"The usual," said Jeod with a resigned shrug. "A good home, happy children, food on the table, and pleasant company. The problem is that she comes from a wealthy family; her father has invested heavily in my business. If I keep suffering these losses, there won't be enough money for her to live the way she's used to." Jeod continued, "But please, my troubles are not your troubles. A host should never bother his guests with his own concerns. While you are in my house, I will let nothing more than an over-full stomach disturb you."
"Thank you," said Brom. "We appreciate the hospitality. Our travels have long been without comforts of any kind. Do you happen to know where we could find an inexpensive shop? All this riding has worn out our clothes."
"Of course. That's my job," said Jeod, lightening up. He talked eagerly about prices and stores until his house was in sight. Then he asked, "Would you mind if we went somewhere else to eat? It might be awkward if you came in right now."
"Whatever makes you feel comfortable," said Brom.
Jeod looked relieved. "Thanks. Let's leave your horses in my stable."
They did as he suggested, then followed him to a large tavern. Unlike the Green Chestnut, this one was loud, clean, and full of boisterous people. When the main course arrived—a stuffed suckling pig—Nari eagerly dug into the meat, but she especially savored the potatoes, carrots, turnips, and sweet apples that accompanied it. It had been a long time since she had eaten much more than wild game and she had missed vegetables she had once been so used to.
They lingered over the meal for hours as Brom and Jeod swapped stories. Nari did not mind. She was warm, a lively tune jangled in the background, and there was more than enough food. The spirited tavern babble fell pleasantly on her ears.
When they finally exited the tavern, the sun was nearing the horizon. "You two go ahead; I have to check on something," Nari said. She wanted to see Saphira and make sure that she was safely hidden.
Brom agreed absently. "Be careful. Don't take too long."
"Wait," said Jeod. "Are you going outside Teirm?" Nari hesitated, then nodded. Brom trusted him, after all. "Make sure you're inside the walls before dark. The gates close then, and the guards won't let you back in until morning."
"I won't be late," promised Nari. She turned around and walked quickly down a side street, toward Teirm's outer wall. Once out of the city, she took a breathe, enjoying the fresh
Saphira! Where are you? Saphira guided her off the road, to the base of a mossy cliff surrounded by maples. She saw Saphira's head poke out of the trees on the top and tilted her head. How am I supposed to get up there? Nari teased playfully.
If you find a clearing, I'll come down and get you.
No, Nari assured her, eyeing the cliff. It's been a while since I've been able to climb.
It's too dangerous, Saphira scolded disapprovingly.
You worry too much, Saphira. Let me have some fun! Nari pulled off her gloves, eyeing the cliff face. There were plenty of handholds, but Nari noticed that there was a gap right there in the center. She stepped over a few feet and began to climb. The strain on the muscles felt refreshing; the only physical challenge she had lately was sparring with Brom.
Soon, she was high above the trees. She had to stop on a ledge halfway up, breathing hard and pressing a hand to her chest.
Nari? Saphira inquired worriedly.
I'm fine, Nari promised, unsure if she was telling the truth. She waited until her strength and breath returned before continuing up.
Once at the top, she had to lean against Saphira, feeling an ache in her ribs.
This is not the first time you have had trouble breathing, Saphira noted. Are you sure you are well? Nari looked away, studying the landscape. The cliff provided a wonderful view of their surroundings, especially the foaming sea, as well as protection against unwelcome eyes. Only birds would see Saphira here. It was an ideal location.
I will speak to Brom about it, Nari finally said when Saphira nudged her insistently with the tip of her tail.
Good, Saphira said, satisfied. Now tell me everything. Is Brom's friend trustworthy?
I'm not sure. Brom seems to think so. But he looked at me strangely. Nari proceeded to recount the day's events, including what she'd overheard, and what she thought it meant. There are forces circling us that we aren't aware of. Sometimes I wonder if we can ever understand the true motives of the people around us. They all seem to have secrets and most of them wish to use us for their own ends.
It is the way of the world. Ignore all the schemes and trust in the nature of each person. Brom is good. He means us no harm. We don't have to fear his plans.
I hope you are right, my Saphira, Nari told her softly, staring down at the palm of her marked hand.
This finding of the Ra'zac through writing is a strange way of tracking, Saphira mentioned, changing the subject. Could there be a way to use magic to see the records without being inside the room?
It's possible. I used magic to hear over a distance, after all. But that was a much smaller distance, and I was focusing on Brom. You might have to combine the word for seeing with the word for distance, and you might have to know exactly what the thing you are searching for looks like. Even then, it might require more magic than I have. Or I might be being overcautious due to Brom's warnings. I will check with him.
A good idea, Saphira agreed. They lapsed into silence, basking in each other's company.
We may have to stay here for awhile, Nari said sadly.
Are we to remain apart? Saphira demanded, a hard note entering her voice.
No, Nari assured her. You know that is not what I want. I will come to visit as often as I can get away, and we will travel again as soon as we can. Hopefully it will go quickly, with three of us searching.
May the days pass quickly until we can put this place behind us then. Nari smiled, hugging her tightly, but her smile faltered when she noticed the light fading.
I have to go, Saphira. They lock the gates of the city at night. You hunt tomorrow; I will try to visit in the evening.
I will take you as close as I can, Saphira said, spreading her wings. Nari climbed onto her back. Saphira launched herself from the cliff, gliding over the trees, and landed on a knoll just out of sight of Teirm. Nari thanked her, and then took off at a run.
She came into sight of the portcullis just as it was beginning to lower. She called out, asking them to wait, with the last of her breath. She managed to slip inside seconds before the gateway slammed closed, but the second she was inside, she felt her legs give out.
"Ya alright there, lad?" One of the guards questioned.
"Fine," Nari gasped, "fine." Nari felt her vision begin to blur, unable to get enough air.
"Easy there," the other guard murmured, kneeling down next to her. "Where do you live, lad?"
"Visiting. Jeod." Nari gasped out. Her vision started to go blurry, but she forced herself to her feet, swaying.
"I'll help the lad back to Longshank's house." One of the guards muttered. "You get these gates locked tight." A guiding arm went around her back, and Nari did her best to keep herself upright.
Slowly, they wound their way through the darkened city to Jeod's house. A lantern hung outside like a beacon, and Nari nearly cried out in relief.
A plump butler answered the guard's knock and she was swiftly transferred from one man's guiding hand to another's. Nari found she could not even admire the furnishings in the room, so much did she struggle to breathe.
"Fetch Master Jeod." The butler muttered to a passing woman. The woman hurried off down the long hall and disappeared.
"What happened?!" Brom's voice was sharp with worry and Nari felt a warm feeling envelop her aching chest.
"The guardsman that accompanied him say he entered the city at a run and fell, out of breath." The butler reported.
"Look at me," Brom's voice insisted. Nari forced her head up. "Were you attacked? Are you injured?" Nari managed to shake her head.
"Can't breathe," she rasped. Then everything went black.
...Sorry? :D