Hello again everyone! I was hard pressed to get this chapter up but it's up! I'm not going to say much so you can all get to your reading. I can't wait to upload the battle with Durza. Happy reading! Eragon=CP. RR!
They sat in silence, taking time to contemplate Ajihad's suggestion. Eragon felt sorry for the man. Executing the Twins was not as much of a test as he believed it to be. While it would prove his loyalty in a firm manner, morally it would not bother him in the least. He had always hated the Twins and their demeaning messages that were sent to him. Killing the Twins would almost be like stepping on an ant. It did not matter to him. Eragon, since we're here, we might as well take the opportunity to inform Ajihad about the Urgals' plans.
Yes, you are right. He nodded. How to broach the topic? Trying to devise an eloquent way to address the subject, Eragon soon gave up when he found that he could not. Instead, he decided to speak plainly. "Executing the Twins won't be an issue. Also, if you can spare the time," Eragon began, straightening in his armchair, "there is another matter I need to discuss with you."
Ajihad nodded, motioning for him to continue. "Durza is leading an army of Urgals to Farthen Dûr." Even for someone as cold and aloof as Eragon, he hated the way it came off his tongue. It was if he were discussing the weather. Shocked expressions spread across both Ajihad's and Arya's faces.
"They're going to attack Farthen Dûr?" Ajihad asked. He nodded. Did I stutter? Eragon thought, irritated.
"When?" asked Arya, her appearance by now calm.
Eragon shrugged. "Soon. Today, tomorrow, or maybe the day after. I don't know when, but I do know their course of action." I helped them devise it. He watched as Ajihad rang a small bell, and soon after a guard entered the room. Ajihad ordered him to bring Brom, Orik, Murtagh and someone by the name of Jörmundur.
"The Twins' execution will have to wait then." Ajihad said with a sigh. Eragon frowned. It seemed a foolish thing to do. If Durza burst in, he could free those two imbeciles and they could wreak havoc on the small army that the Varden possessed.
"I think the wiser plan would be to kill them before Durza arrives here and has the chance to free them." Eragon said. "I would rather not have two spellcasters running amok during the battle."
"Then it'll have to be a private execution," Ajihad murmured. His eyes returned to Eragon. "How large are their numbers?"
"Quite massive." Eragon smiled wolfishly. "Though when compared to the fact that you have two large dragons fighting on your side, such numbers are less threatening." Saphira hummed contently behind him. And imagine their confusion when they see you, Eragon. The human who earned their respect through Tarok's challenge of strength.
He nodded. Yes, another advantage to be had. The doors burst open again and in walked Brom, Murtagh, Orik and a man whom Eragon had yet to meet, who could be none other than Jörmundur. Ajihad introduced the two to one another. "Eragon, meet Jörmundur, my right-hand man in military matters."
He nodded and stood, kicking his armchair out behind him, as Arya did the same. They stood around the desk as Ajihad spread out a map of the Beor Mountains. "Something has happened then, Ajihad?" Jörmundur asked.
"We're going to be attacked, if," he glanced sharply at Eragon, "my sources are correct."
"The oath I gave would not allow me to lie, even if I tried to. Nor is my information inaccurate," he replied coldly. "If I may?" He gestured towards the map. Ajihad nodded, allowing him reign to explain their situation. He pointed to three different locations on the map. "They're going to attack Tronjheim in three separate areas within Farthen Dûr. They are traveling from Orthíad. Galbatorix has renamed the city Ithro Zhada, in an attempt to deceive you, in case you learned of his plans," he continued; ignoring the murmured curses. Only Ajihad and Arya remained silent. "I'm unsure if Durza will be leading the attack directly, but their main goal is the capture of Tronjheim. Because if they seize that—"
"Then they'll destroy the Varden and gain control of the dwarves. It's the very heart of Farthen Dûr," Arya finished. He nodded.
"The only things we have as an advantage are surprise, and the dragons," Eragon declared. "Surprise being the fact that since we have the upper hand, we can prepare and despite their overwhelming numbers, prevail. And if we can gather enough oil and other flammable materials, we can let the Urgals bake in flames."
"It's surprising how you can easily talk about killing Urgals, when they were your allies a few days ago," Murtagh muttered. His temper flared as he glared at the tall, dark-haired boy.
"The Urgals were never my allies," he said casually. "It disgusted me to see them raid our towns and villages." He turned back to the map. "They know that if you were to find out, you would be able to collapse the tunnels, but seeing as all of Tronjheim is above a network of tunnels, collapsing every one wouldn't bring the tide of battle to our favor."
"Aye," agreed Orik.
"We need only to collapse a few, to influence their chosen paths. Otherwise we may force them too far from their intended exits. That could lead to them encircling our position. If they had us back to back, it would be a losing battle." He pointed to three different spots on the map, each further from the last. "A battalion will be waiting for them at each point. If we can get them to follow those particular routes, we can set a trap."
"A sound strategy." Jörmundur spoke with a confident tone, his eyes following every trace Eragon made on the map.
"There is also another matter of confusion that will work to our advantage," said Eragon.
"Confusion?" asked Brom. "How so?"
Eragon attempted to not look annoyed by Brom having spoken directly to him. He did his best to answer the question without straining his voice. "Before Saphira and I left Orthíad, I gained the Urgals' trust in a challenge of strength. If they still consider me one of their 'formidable leaders', then it will surely cause confusion if they see me fighting against them within your numbers."
Ajihad nodded before taking control of the meeting. "Arya, I would like for you and a number of dwarves to collapse some of the tunnels inside Tronjheim. We cannot allow them to enter the city, as Eragon has said. Murtagh, you and Orik shall collapse those outside the city. They have to take the bait and divert to the tunnels of our choosing. Eragon, I'll have a guard lead you to where the Twins are so you may proceed with their execution."
He nodded as Ajihad sent for the guard. "Meet me under the star sapphire once you've all completed your tasks, I would like for us to form ranks there."
Leaving the room, he broke off from Arya, Murtagh, and Orik, Saphira following him down the hall as they trailed behind the guard. The guard led him into a small hallway that was lined with cells, bringing him to the one at the end on the left. Eragon stood in front of it and murmured incantations, taking off the wards he had placed to prevent the Twins escaping using magic. When he was done, he nodded at the guard who unlocked it and swung it open. Stepping inside he found great pleasure at the sight of the two men sitting on the dirty ground, their robes covered with small smudges of filth. "Ah, we meet again," said Eragon.
"And what would you want?" one twin said boldly. "Have you come here to boast? Wait until the King finds out."
"I wonder when that will happen. In the meantime, the task has been set to me to dispose of the filth." He smiled when their eyes widened in surprise. "I've always hated killing helpless people. But I'll be sure to make it quick."
"You wouldn't dare! If the King hears word of this—"
"Enough. Do not think you can frighten me with such threats. Aiding the Varden has already assured me of death, or worse," Eragon muttered, a dark expression passing over his face. He pulled out one of his swords, remembering all of the times the Twins had ridiculed him as a child. His expression became both cold and pitiless as he stared at them. "Now, since you are twins, let's see how much love you have for one another. Who shall be the first to die?" The Twins looked at one another. Neither of them spoke a word.
"You don't want to decide? Very well, I shall make the decision for you." Eragon said vehemently. He advanced on the one closest to him, ignoring the shouts of the other twin. With a flash of his arm, his silver blade easily pierced the bald man through the heart and reappeared through his back. The ground was splattered with blood when he pulled his blade out. Hiding his disgust, he pushed away the feelings that rose of having to kill the twins in such a helpless situation. He would have preferred to kill them in a battlefield, in honest combat.
He turned from the limp body to see the second twin slumped against the wall, twitching wildly. A soundless howl escaped his lips. Eragon ignored him, slowly drawing back his blade. The second twin was then able to regain control over himself. Breathing heavily, he looked at Eragon with loathing in his eyes.
"Curse you, Eragon! May you leave Alagaësia and never return!" His blade cut through the air, piercing the remaining twin in the chest. He pulled his blade free, wiping the blood on one of the twin's robe. Leave Alagaësia, he thought, staring down at the two dead bodies strewn over the floor, as he sheathed his blade. As if I am not cursed enough.
Leaving the cell, he nodded towards the guard. "It is done." Without another word, he approached Saphira, who waited for him at the end of the hallway. To the Isidar Mithrim.
Yes, he nodded. It did not take long for them to reach the large central chamber, underneath the star sapphire, where Ajihad stood with Brom, Hrothgar, Orik and everyone else of importance. Eragon stopped before the dark skinned man. "You've done it then?"
"If you would like proof, one of your guards can go and drag their bodies here for you to see," Eragon replied. Ajihad nodded, letting the matter pass, before turning back to the assembly.
"It has been decided that we will spilt our forces into three battalions. I shall lead one, as will King Hrothgar. Jörmundur, you will lead the third battalion closet to Tronjheim with the three Riders," Ajihad explained.
"Would it not be prudent to have one Rider accompany you? Arya, Eragon or Murtagh could lend great assistance to your Battalion," said Jörmundur.
"It's a necessary strategy. We need our strongest warriors to defend the heart of Farthen Dûr. If it lends any comfort to your concerns; your battalion will have the smallest amount of soldiers." Jörmundur nodded in acceptance.
Ajihad nodded. "A scout is searching through the tunnels as we speak. We will have information on their movements soon, for now; you should all prepare and rest. This battle will be hard fought."
With that they dispersed, going their separate ways. Catching sight of Arya and her dragon, Eragon voiced a concern to Saphira. Her dragon cannot fight, he is far too young. Arya is surely concerned for his safety.
Saphira agreed. Yes, he is but a hatchling.
Thinking quickly and with Saphira's encouragement, he reluctantly came to a decision. Before Arya left, he called to her, eyeing the young dragon in her arms. "I doubt you will bring him with you into battle, so where will you leave him?"
She eyed him closely, bright emerald orbs flashing. "My quarters, though I would rather not leave him on his own."
Eragon pointed to the dragonhold above them. "Before the battle, Saphira could fly him to the dragonhold, where my servants would guard him. If they are at all threatened, they will alert me. We could fly there in time to aid them."
Her brows furrowed at his suggestion. "Are you certain of their abilities?"
"They are more capable than they appear. I would trust them with Saphira and my mother's lives. Your dragon would be safe with them. I give you my word," Eragon asserted. After a few moments of silence on her part, she nodded.
"Let us go with your plan then." He nodded as she walked away. To his surprise, Saphira followed. What? I want to spend more time with the hatchling.
As she walked away, he noticed, as he had noticed earlier, Arya's movements were unusually stiff. She seemed to be struggling with something. Ajihad's words floated through his thoughts. You deserve to hear what I have to say, as you've lost two companions due to them, Arya.
She wanted revenge. He could both understand and sympathize with her pain. Feeling that it was still too early to retire for the night, Eragon began to wander the halls. After walking for some time, he came to a hallway adorned with carvings on either side. At the end of the hallway, an unusually large cat sat, licking its shaggy paw. It glanced at him, and he saw a flash of slanted red eyes.
A werecat? He thought curiously.
The werecat shook its rough mane, and yawned languorously, displaying long fangs. It then stretched, stood quickly and with a flick of its paws, disappeared around a corner. Eragon — letting curiosity take the better of him — walked after the werecat. After rounding the corner, he saw that the werecat had waited for him before a door.
You are quite slow for a Rider, aren't you? The werecat asked, touching his mind.
I did not feel the need to run.
Much more refined than your brother, I like that.
You have met Murtagh before?
The werecat nodded. He didn't take my advice and ended up getting shocked by an ancient artifact. And may I ask your name?
Eragon. And what should I call you?
Solembum. His red eyes regarded Eragon lazily. You are far more educated than Murtagh. He thought I was a regular cat when we had first met. Coming? He turned towards the door and with a yowl, he slid inward. He cautiously followed the werecat inside. Eragon found himself in an earthy two-room suite, lavishly decorated with carved wood and clinging plants. The air was warm, fresh and humid. Bright lanterns hung on the walls and from the low ceiling. Piles of intriguing items cluttered the floor, obscuring corners. A large four-poster bed curtained by even more plants was in a far room.
In the center of the main room, in a stuffed leather chair that was seated behind a large wooden desk, was a young woman with thick curls. To his surprise, sitting before her in a similar chair was Rosalie. "Lord Eragon!" She hurriedly stood at his appearance. "What are you doing here?"
He noticed with further surprise, that Solembum arched his back against Rosalie's leg. "Following Solembum. And you?"
"Just meeting some old friends. I'll be on my way now." She turned to whisper something to the woman in the leather seat, before curtsying to him. "My lord."
"Before you leave, tell Desdemona that I would like to have a word with the both of you tomorrow." She nodded and hurried from the room. He would ask her about that later. Eragon turned back to the woman before him. She waved brightly at him.
"Sit down, boy, don't stand there all day!" he did as she said and sat before her, curiosity getting the better of him. As he studied the room, he found it odd that she had such things and was in the company of a werecat. The only reason she would have all of these strange plants and that she had befriended such a creature would be if she were a witch. "Solembum has told me that your name is Eragon." He nodded. "We are well met, I am Angela."
"It is a pleasure."
She sat forward, studying him. "I've heard much about you since your arrival. Brother to Murtagh, son to Brom, and what's more, you're the King's Rider, Gabranth! Or you used to be, I should say. A most intriguing life you've led thus far. And I thought your brother's life was interesting when I told him his future. It makes me wonder—"
She hurriedly left her seat, bustling about the room before returning with a black pouch and thick cloth that she laid on the table. "Would you like your fortune told?"
He raised a brow. "Why the sudden offer?"
"Because of Solembum, he rarely speaks to anyone. I have only offered to do this for three other people and two of them were your family. Your mother, Selena and your brother, Murtagh." He felt himself frown at the mention of them both. "The other was a blind beggar, but he refused to listen to his fortune."
"How would you predict my fortune?"
Angela poured a handful of smooth bones onto the cloth, each slightly longer than a finger. Runes and symbols were inscribed along their sides. "These," she said, touching them gently, "are the knucklebones of a dragon. Don't ask where I got them; it is a secret I won't reveal. They do not lie, though understanding them is complicated. But understand that to know one's fate can be a terrible thing. You must be sure of your decision."
If my mother and if Murtagh had theirs told, surely I can withstand my own fate. He nodded. "Cast the bones for me."
Angela's face became grave as she grasped the bones in each hand. Her eyes closed, and her lips moved into a soundless murmur. Then she said powerfully, "Manin! Wydra! Hügin!" Memory! Fate! Thought! From that moment, Eragon knew that she was much more than a common spell caster. She tossed the bones and they fell, jumbled together.
Finally Angela leaned back and heaved a long sigh. "This," she said, "is one of the hardest readings I've ever done. Maybe even harder than your brother's. And let me tell you, it was hard. Your future is nigh impossible to see. But I've managed to wrestle a few answers from it."
Solembum jumped onto the table and settled there, watching them both. "I will start here," she said slowly, "because it is the clearest to understand."
The symbol on the bone was a long horizontal line with a circle resting on it. "Infinity, or long life," said Angela quietly. "It is natural, as you're a Rider, though this is only the second time I've seen it. The first was for your brother." She moved onwards. "Now the bones grow harder to read, as the rest are in a confused pile." Angela touched three of them. "Here the wandering path, the lightning bolt, and sailing ship all lie together— a pattern I've never seen, only heard of. You have many choices that lie before you, battles raging around you, some fought for your sake. There is a doom upon you that of which I do not know. And the last bone, the sailing ship, is impossible to misunderstand. You will leave this land forever."
Suddenly the twin's voice echoed in his mind. May you leave Alagaësia and never return! He shook the thought away as she continued. She pointed to another bone and the symbol upon it was flames. "Hatred and vengeance seem to dominate you." He nodded for that was true. "And soon you shall face a great sorrow."
A great sorrow? Angela rubbed her temples and breathed deeply. "The next bone is easier to read and perhaps more pleasant." Eragon examined it and saw a rose blossom inscribed between the horns of a crescent moon.
Angela smiled and said, "An epic romance is in your future, extraordinary, as the moon indicates—for that is a magical symbol—and strong enough to outlast empires. I cannot say if this passion will end happily, but your love is of noble birth and heritage. She is powerful, wise, and beautiful beyond compare."
Eragon frowned as he sat back. Love? Don't make me laugh, who would I come to love? But in the back of his mind, he had an inkling that he knew who Angela spoke of. He sighed, for his life was beyond complicated. His eyes traveled back to the bones, resting the longest on the last one, taking in the rose and moon.
So what did you all think? Good? I'll have the following chapters up as fast as I can but my life is getting pretty hectic. The fortune that Angela told is basically the same in the book but I changed some things here and there, not that much. Anyways, I can't wait for you all to read to chapter with the fighting with Durza, which I shall post after this chapter I think or maybe the next. Don't forget to review! I'm open for suggestions.