Chapter Thirty-One

Lessons

The dragons flew as hard and fast as they could, wanting to put plenty of distance between themselves and the devastated castle as they could. The three youngsters had trouble keeping up, but plucked up the courage to fly in closer and ride the slipstream which the larger ones created, although all three of them kept well away from Shruikan.

The black dragon led the way as always, heading this time toward the coast. They flew through the night and finally landed on an isolated beach, too tired to travel further.

Galbatorix, Morzan, Tranah and Strein dismounted, helping their new companions down as politely as they could. The three young riders ran to their dragons, embracing them tightly before they began to reassure each other.

Galbatorix sighed and walked a little stiffly to a spot on the beach that was above the tideline. He wearily conjured up a fire, and he and his followers began to set up camp with the ease of people who had done it a hundred times before. Shruikan, Aedua, Talziri and Idün spaced themselves in a circle around the camp, curling up on the sand to rest, and Tranah began preparing some food while her friends sat down by the fire. Galbatorix, meanwhile, approached the three teenagers, who watched him warily.

'It's all right,' Galbatorix told them, using the ancient language. 'You're safe.'

They blinked uncomprehendingly. Each one was keeping close to his or her dragon for comfort, and all three had a jittery look about them. Finally the girl said; 'Are you… are you… are you the Great Betrayer?'

Galbatorix scratched his beard. 'I prefer to be called Galbatorix, if you don't mind. I'm sorry about the rush, but we couldn't afford to stay there any longer. But you're in no danger here, unless you decide to attack us. Would you care to join us by the fire? There's food. Not very good food, but it's edible. You look like you're in need of something to eat.' When they didn't move straight away, he said; 'Come on, I won't bite,' and walked off toward the fire.

They followed, a little reluctantly, and sat down a short way from the fire, keeping their distance from the older riders and their dragons. Their own dragons sat themselves protectively behind their riders, and the little group stayed where they were, huddled together as if for protection.

Galbatorix watched them and sighed, but left them alone. When the food was ready he took some over and offered it to them. 'Here, eat.'

They accepted it, and ate ravenously. Galbatorix sat down opposite them and created a second fire in the middle of this new, smaller circle. The three teenagers drew back nervously at the sight of it, but relaxed when they realised that, though it looked strange, it was warm and dry just like an ordinary fire.

Galbatorix found himself smiling a little at their expressions. 'All right,' he said, once they had relaxed and begun warming their hands by the fire. 'You'd better tell me about yourselves. What are your names, and why were you locked up?'

The friendliness in his tone seemed to reassure them.

'I'm Tuomas,' one of the boys said. 'And this is Ithír,' he added, obviously meaning the female dragon crouched behind him. She was bright golden-yellow with orange eyes and wing membranes.

'And I'm Kaelyn,' said the girl. She had light brown hair and grey eyes, and her dragon too was grey; a steel-tinted tone unlike anything Galbatorix had seen before. 'My dragon's name is Sartago.'

'And I'm Gern,' said the other boy. There was something oddly familiar about him. His dragon was orange, and to Galbatorix's surprise she reached out mentally and said; 'My name is Liahdorus.'

'I'm pleased to meet you,' Galbatorix said politely. 'As you've already heard, my name is Galbatorix. Galbatorix Taranisäii. Or, as some people call me, the Great Betrayer.'

'You're different from what I thought you'd be like,' Gern said unexpectedly.

'Oh?' said Galbatorix. 'What were you expecting?'

'Well…' Gern looked uncomfortable. 'You're younger than I thought. And also… well, you know…'

'Go on.'

'Well, they say you're insane,' said Gern in a hesitating kind of way.

Galbatorix chuckled. 'Do I look like it?'

'No,' Kaelyn broke in. 'You don't at all. And you saved our lives. Thankyou.'

Galbatorix inclined his head graciously. 'I was told you were being held prisoner in the castle, so I came to see if I could help you.'

'But why?' said Tuomas. 'For all you know, we could be criminals.'

'Who am I to judge?' said Galbatorix. 'As far as the entire country is concerned, I'm a criminal too. Worse than a criminal, actually. If they caught me I'd be hung, drawn and quartered. Along with my friends. Now, what were you locked up for? What did you do?'

They glanced at each other, evidently trying to decide who would tell the story. Finally Kaelyn said; 'We tried to run away.'

'Why?' said Galbatorix.

'Because… well, we became riders only a few months ago,' said Kaelyn. 'We went to Ellesméra with the others and we got chosen… then we were sent to Ilirea to be trained.'

'Who was your master?'

Kaelyn hesitated. 'We didn't really have one. It was all a bit… we were meant to be apprenticed to elder Oromis, but he wouldn't teach us properly. We took the oaths and everything, and Oromis started teaching us swordplay, but he wouldn't tell us how to use magic. When we asked why, he wouldn't tell us. And then he just left us. We never found out why; he just stopped teaching us, and we had nothing to do for weeks. Then Menulis said he'd teach us, but-,'

'He was a bastard,' Gern complained. 'He called me a low-born piece of human filth when I said I wanted to learn about magic. All the elvish apprentices were learning it, but they wouldn't do it for us. And then Menulis passed us on to Yansan, and he started teaching us magic and the ancient language and stuff, and everything was going fine-,'

'-And then Vrael came and shouted at him,' said Tuomas. 'Said he didn't want us learning that stuff because humans couldn't be trusted with power. And when I complained he hit me.'

Galbatorix winced. 'He hit you?'

'In the face,' said Tuomas. 'It left a big bruise. Anyway… after that we got sent away from Ilirea and had to live in Ellesméra for ages. The elves treated us like scum.'

'It was ridiculous,' said Kaelyn. 'We were meant to be riders, but no-one would teach us anything! We were just being shunted around the place like we were useless. I hated it in Ellesméra. I couldn't stop being afraid that the elves were going to kill me.'

'So we ran away,' said Gern. 'It was my idea. I said; "if they don't want us here, then we'll go".'

'So we left Ellesméra one night and ran away,' said Kaelyn. 'We didn't know where we should go.'

'And then when we were near a village called Yazuac we were caught and taken to Gil'ead,' said Tuomas. 'And they threw us in a cell and said we were all traitors and we'd be executed as soon as Vrael gave the order.'

Galbatorix pulled a disgusted face. 'So that's what they're doing now, is it? Gods, I never thought I could hate the elves more than I already did, but now I can see I was wrong. So you never did anything wrong? Never argued, never disobeyed orders?'

'Never, sir,' said Kaelyn. 'We just wanted to learn, but they wouldn't let us. Just because we were human. How is that our fault?'

'It isn't,' said Galbatorix. 'Being human is nothing to be ashamed of, and never let anyone tell you otherwise.'

'But the elves are better than us,' Tuomas said doubtfully. 'Everyone knows that.'

'They're not,' said Galbatorix. 'Not where it counts. They're strong and fast and they live longer than humans, but what does that matter? I'm human and I'm proud of it, because I have something the elves don't.'

'What's that, sir?' said Kaelyn.

Galbatorix put a hand on his chest. 'I have a heart,' he said. 'It might be a little rough around the edges, it might have a few holes in it, but it's still mine. And that's why I'm here and doing what I'm doing. Because Alagaësia should not be ruled by elves. Humans should be governed by humans, and elves by elves. How can elves lead humans? They have no understanding of us at all.'

'But plenty of the riders are human,' Tuomas pointed out. 'Even two of the elders are.'

Galbatorix shook his head. 'They might have been human once, but they're not any more. Don't you see? The elves train new riders. They make you give up eating meat, give up having gods, give up everything that makes you human. Unless you become like them, they won't accept you. They tried to do it to me, but I wouldn't let them. I fought back. See?' he pulled back his hair and showed them his mutilated ears.

Kaelyn shuddered. 'What happened to them?'

'They became pointed after I was made a full rider,' said Galbatorix. 'And I cut them off.'

'Didn't it hurt?' said Gern.

'It did, yes. But if pain comes from fighting for something worthwhile, you can bear it.'

'What should we do, sir?' Tuomas asked. 'Where can we go now? They'll be looking for us, and they'll kill us if they find us.'

Galbatorix shrugged. 'That's up to you,' he said. 'I'm not going to force you to do anything. If you want me to set you free of your oaths of loyalty, I can do that for you. You'll never have to obey the elders again.'

'Can you really do that, sir?' said Kaelyn.

Galbatorix nodded. 'I did it for my friends.'

'Set us free,' Gern said immediately. 'I don't want to work for the elders any more.'

'Me neither,' said Kaelyn.

'And me,' said Tuomas.

'All right,' said Galbatorix. 'Hold still.' He spread his hand over them and recited the spell. It worked, and afterward he said; 'There. You're free. You can go wherever you like and do whatever you choose.'

'Thankyou, sir,' said Kaelyn.

Gern, however, looked less than happy. 'I hate this,' he burst out. 'It's not fair! I wanted to be a rider ever since Berim told me about what it was like in Ellesméra, and-,'

'Berim?' said Galbatorix.

'My brother,' said Gern. 'He said-,'

Galbatorix laughed incredulously. 'Well I'll be damned. Berim! I remember him!'

'You know him?' said Gern.

'Of course I do. We met in Ellesméra on the day I became a rider. I liked him.'

'He never said anything about you,' said Gern.

'Ah,' said Galbatorix, a little sadly. 'Yes. I imagine a lot of people are pretending they don't know me any more.'

Gern watched him closely. 'You really aren't like I expected,' he said. 'Not at all. You're so… how old are you?'

'Twenty-one,' said Galbatorix.

'I'm seventeen,' said Gern.

Galbatorix blinked in surprise at that. He looked at the three young riders, and it suddenly occurred to him that he was barely any older than they were. But they looked so young. He could not imagine a time when he had been like them, but it must have happened.

'You're just not evil,' Gern went on, oblivious. 'I mean, you look kind of scary, but you don't act like it. I mean… whenever people talk about the Great Betrayer, I think of some kind of monster. Some giggling lunatic with red eyes or something. But now I can see you, you're just… well, a man.'

'Sorry to be such a disappointment,' said Galbatorix, caught between amusement and alarm at this description.

Kaelyn giggled. 'You're funny.'

She sounded very much like Flell when she said this, and Galbatorix had a sudden pang of guilt and sadness. 'Well,' he said gruffly. 'I suppose these things get built up over time. But half the things you've heard about me almost certainly aren't true.'

'What is true about it, then?' said Tuomas.

'Well, what did they tell you?' said Galbatorix.

'Uh…'

'Go ahead,' said Galbatorix. 'I'm not expecting fulsome praise or anything, you know.'

'They say you were just an apprentice like us once,' said Tuomas. 'You went to be trained by Vrael himself, and you were so strong and clever you finished your training in a few weeks. Everyone liked you; they said you'd be an elder one day, but you were always in trouble. There's this tree in Ellesméra, a big old oak, they say you made it grow with magic.'

'That's true enough,' said Galbatorix. 'About the tree, I mean. It was a stupid mistake. I was showing off. Nearly killed myself. And yes, Vrael was my mentor. But I definitely didn't finish my training in a few weeks. It took a year. Go on.'

'And then you were sent away to govern Teirm,' said Tuomas. 'It was amazing, everyone said, because riders who just got trained don't get given positions like that. Not on their own. But then one day you and a couple of friends went off adventuring in the North, and you got attacked by urgals, and your dragon died, and you went insane and came back to Ilirea and asked them to give you another dragon, and after they said no you stole someone else's and started killing other riders 'cause you were insane and thought it was their fault what happened to your dragon.'

Galbatorix sighed. 'My gods, they really made sure everyone heard that pack of lies, didn't they?'

'So it's not true?' said Tuomas.

'Absolutely not,' said Galbatorix, a little more forcefully than he needed to. 'Yes, I governed Teirm, and for quite a long time. But I was betrayed. I was in love with another rider; her name was Flell. We were trained together. I loved her very much. But she betrayed me. She lied to the elders; told them I raped her, and they believed it because they didn't trust me. They called me back to Ilirea and were going to have me executed, but I ran away. I went North to hide. The elders sent two other riders after me, and they killed my dragon. I won't lie to you; I did go insane when that happened. I killed them both, but now I hardly remember it. I was lost for a long time, and nearly starved to death, but I survived. Then I was caught and taken to Ilirea.'

'What happened then?' said Kaelyn. She and her two friends were all looking very apprehensive.

'I'll show you what happened then,' said Galbatorix. He undid the front of his robe and pulled it off, then twisted around so they could see his back.

Tuomas, Gern and Kaelyn all breathed in sharply and uttered exclamations of horror.

'They had me whipped,' said Galbatorix, turning back and beginning to put his robe back on. He rolled up his sleeves and held out his arms so they could see the faint scars on his wrists. 'Those were left by the manacles. And afterwards I was thrown in a cell, half-dead with hardly any skin left on my back. In the morning they were going to kill me. The traitor's death. Hanging, drawing and quartering. Not nice.'

'Oh gods,' said Kaelyn. 'How could they do that to you?'

'Because of something I have no control over,' said Galbatorix. 'Because of how I was born and what I was born as.'

'But that's not fair,' said Kaelyn.

Galbatorix snorted. 'The elders rule this country, why should they care whether something is fair or not? As far as they were concerned, I was nothing but a pathetic piece of humanity they had no further use for. And to be honest, I didn't care. I'd lost my dragon, the woman I loved had betrayed me, I had no friends left, and I was still only half-sane. But I was wrong to think I had no friends left. Two of them rescued me from the cells and let me go. One of them was Morzan.' He nodded toward Morzan, who was by now dozing by the fire. 'So I escaped with my life, thanks to Morzan. I went into hiding and eventually I recovered. The madness left me and I built up my strength. After that I had nothing left to live for but revenge. And that is why I'm the Great Betrayer.' He pulled a pained, disgusted face. 'They call me the betrayer, but I learned how to betray from them. And I learned it very well.'

'That's terrible,' Gern said in a low voice. 'I'm so sorry for what they did to you, sir.'

'It's not your fault,' said Galbatorix. 'But you see, no matter what happens, I'm always willing to help people the elders have betrayed. Like you and your friends. So if there's anything you want from me, just ask.'

Tuomas, Gern and Kaelyn were silent for a time.

'We can't be much use to anyone,' Gern said eventually. 'We don't know anything. Without training, we're useless.'

'Sir,' Kaelyn piped up. 'Will… will you teach us? Like a master?'

The other two looked surprised for a moment, but then Gern said; 'Yes, would you?'

'They say you know things,' said Tuomas. 'Things no-one else knows, spells no-one else can use. You even beat Vrael in swordplay, I heard. You could be our master.'

'Are you sure?' said Galbatorix. 'I really don't… if you decide to stay with me, it won't be an easy life. My friends and I live on the run. And I've never really taught anyone before…'

'I don't want to be a nuisance to you, sir,' Kaelyn said pleadingly. 'But we've got nowhere else to go. And even if we go off on our own, we'll have to live on the run anyway. Besides, we wouldn't stand a chance. We don't even have swords, and our dragons are too small to ride.'

'Please let us stay with you,' said Tuomas. 'On our own, we'll die.'

Galbatorix hesitated, but he knew there was only one choice he could realistically make. 'All right,' he said. 'I'll do my best to train you if that's what you want. And I'm sure my friends will be willing to lend a hand. But you'll have to work hard and be careful. This isn't a game. If they catch us, we die.'

'We understand,' said Kaelyn. 'We're not stupid.'

'Of course you aren't,' said Galbatorix. 'If you were, you wouldn't have survived this long.'

'Thankyou, sir,' said Tuomas. 'For everything you've done for us. I'll do whatever you ask me to, and Ithír will too.'

'And Leahdorus and me will do the same,' said Gern.

'We all will,' said Kaelyn. '…Master Galbatorix.'

Galbatorix shook his head. '"Master Galbatorix". That's going to take some getting used to… well, you three had better get some rest now. As for me, I think I'll have a swim.'

He got up and padded away over the sand. Once he was at a respectful distance he took off his robe and boots, walked down to where the waves lapped at the shore, waded in and then plunged face-first into the sea. They could just see him swimming out beyond the white breakers, and then he was gone.

'My gods,' said Gern. 'The Great Betrayer is our master. Funny old thing, life, isn't it?'

Kaelyn sighed. 'He was nothing like I thought he would be. I thought he'd be dark and strong, but I never thought he'd be so kind. Or so handsome,' she added wistfully.

The two boys sniggered at her.

Kaelyn ignored them. 'I'm going to get some sleep, if you don't mind,' she said, and curled up against Sartago's flank. The grey dragon spread his wing over her, and not long later she was asleep.

The three apprentices were woken up at dawn the next day by Galbatorix, who nudged Tuomas with his boot and cheerfully said; 'All right, that's enough dreaming for one day. Up you get, come on.'

Tuomas groaned and rolled over. 'Is it day yet?' he mumbled.

'It's been day for at least half an hour,' said Galbatorix. 'Hurry up, or you'll miss breakfast.'

Tuomas, Gern and Kaelyn roused themselves, mumbling and irritable, but respectful of their new master, who seated himself by the fire with his three friends, who were already up, and gestured at them to join him. Kaelyn, Tuomas and Gern did so readily enough, and Galbatorix introduced them to his friends. 'This is Morzan, my old friend, who I already told you about, this is Tranah, and this is Strein. You three, these are Kaelyn, Gern and Tuomas. Morzan, you're not going to believe this, but Gern here is Berim's younger brother. You remember Berim, don't you?'

Morzan yawned. 'Yeah… I remember. Never shut up for a minute. Had a good sense of humour, though. I was sad for him when he got sent home like that. Never did go and visit him…' he looked at Gern. 'Yeh… I can see it now. You look like him. How is he, then?'

'He's good,' said Gern. 'Or he was the last time I saw him. He got married, you know.'

'Lucky him,' Morzan sighed. 'Sometimes I wish I could just go home and live like a normal person. I would've liked to be a father. Looks like that opportunity's passed me by, though.'

'Don't speak too soon,' said Galbatorix. 'You never know how things are going to play out. Anyway… you three, Gern and his friends have asked me to take them on as my apprentices. They've only been given a few scraps of training so far, nothing like what they should have had, so I'll need to teach them magic and the ancient language, among other things. If you'd be willing to help me, I'd appreciate it.'

'Of course I'll help,' said Tranah. 'I always used to wish I had an apprentice to teach. It'd be the closest I'll ever come to having a son or a daughter of my own.'

'I'll help,' Strein volunteered. 'What about you, Morzan?'

'Well,' Morzan grunted. 'I s'pose I could teach 'em a few things about fighting and whatnot. Never was any good at anything else.'

'I'm sure you'd be perfect for it,' said Galbatorix. 'You're one of the best fighters I know.'

They ate breakfast and chatted inconsequentially for a while, and afterwards Galbatorix got straight down to business. 'Now,' he said. 'I think we can be safe here for a day or so, so we may as well start now. Morzan, would you pass me that bag, please? Thankyou.' He opened the bag and rummaged around inside it. 'Now, you'll need swords if you're going to be proper riders. If I can just find the damn… ah, here we go.' He pulled out a long bundle wrapped in cloth and untied the rope tied around it. Half a dozen swords fell out onto the sand, shining in the light of the rising sun. Kaelyn, Gern and Tuomas leaned forward to look at them, wide-eyed in wonder.

'Choose a sword,' Galbatorix told them. 'Whichever one you like.'

Gern reached out to touch the magnificent weapons, lifting them and turning them over to look at the hilts and the engravings on the blades. Kaelyn and Tuomas joined him, and after some indecision Gern picked up the orange-bladed sword Morzan had retrieved in Gil'ead the previous day and said; 'I'll take this one, since it matches Leahdorus.'

There were no grey blades, so Kaelyn settled for one that was dark blue with a gold hilt. Tuomas nearly selected a yellow one, but ended up choosing the solitary gold sword, unable to resist the shining blade.

Galbatorix bundled the rest of them away in the bag again, and picked up White Violence. 'Let's begin,' he said. 'Come with me.'

He led them to a spot well away from the camp, and began the lesson. He was uncertain as to exactly how he should go about it, but in the end, recalling how Vrael had taught him, he followed his former mentor's example and taught them a few basic moves which he had them practise until they were confident. Then he told Tuomas and Gern to pair up and spar together. Since Kaelyn was left without a partner, he had to be the one to spar with her, which he did as carefully as he could, making sure he moved slowly so he wouldn't accidentally hurt her. Kaelyn was hesitant at first, but once she was sure he wasn't a threat she began to move faster and more confidently. Galbatorix blocked every blow she aimed at him, which goaded her on, giving her advice and encouragement all the time. Kaelyn started to grin, evidently enjoying it.

'Come on!' Galbatorix said. 'You can go faster than that! See if you can land a blow on me.'

Kaelyn sped up obediently, but Galbatorix continued to block her with ease. 'Try harder,' he said. 'Pretend I'm someone you hate.'

Kaelyn lost her grin and started to scowl in concentration as she drove forward, swinging the blue sword with all her might. But no matter how hard she tried, she couldn't get anywhere near to Galbatorix. He continued to encourage her, while White Violence flicked her sword aside, again and again, frustrating her. At last, Kaelyn decided to throw caution to the winds. She yelled and made a rush at him, in a reckless attack. Her sword found its way past White Violence and hit Galbatorix square in the arm.

'Ow!'

Kaelyn backed off, staring in horror. 'Oh my gods, I'm so sorry!'

Galbatorix dabbed at the cut on his arm. 'Ouch. Ooh, that stings.' He was about to heal it with a spell, but then stopped.

Kaelyn dropped her sword. 'Oh, gods, sir, I didn't mean to do that…'

Galbatorix looked at her. 'Don't be silly; you did very well. Rushing in like that is dangerous, but if your enemy isn't expecting it, it can work. It worked on Vrael. Now, would you come here please?'

Kaelyn came toward him, very hesitantly. Galbatorix rolled up the sleeve of his robe, exposing the cut on his arm. 'All right,' he said. 'There's another lesson here for you to learn. Tuomas, Gern, you should watch.'

The two boys came over, and Galbatorix said; 'Right. Do you know how to access your magic?'

'Yes,' said Kaelyn. 'Master Yansan taught us before Vrael stopped him.'

'So you know how the words work and how to concentrate and channel?'

'Yes sir. I haven't had much practise at it, though.'

'It'll do,' said Galbatorix. 'Here are the words you need to learn. Listen carefully. To heal an injury, you say "waíse heill". Repeat it, make sure you're pronouncing it properly.'

'Waíse heill,' said Kaelyn. She and her friends said it several times, and once Galbatorix was satisfied he said; 'Good. Now you, Kaelyn. Hold your hand over the cut and focus your magic. Don't try and force it; just relax and let it flow. It'll come naturally. When you feel ready, say the words. And don't panic.'

Kaelyn clasped her hands together. 'Are you sure, sir? What if I make a mistake?'

'I'll be fine,' said Galbatorix. 'Just relax and try it. Do you trust me?'

'I trust you,' said Kaelyn.

'Then do it.'

Kaelyn breathed deeply. 'All right.' She held out her right hand, letting it hover over the cut, fingers spread. For a few moments she stood still, eyes closed, not moving at all, obviously deep in concentration. Then she said; 'Waíse heill.'

Nothing happened for a moment or two, but then a faint glow of grey light appeared around the cut on Galbatorix's arm. It grew brighter, and, slowly but surely, the cut began to heal.

'Oh my gods, Kaelyn!' Gern exclaimed. 'You're doing it! It's working!'

Kaelyn's eyes snapped open. She saw what was happening, cried out in shock and withdrew her hand. The magic flickered and died, and Galbatorix yelped as pain shot through his arm. He hugged the limb to his chest and swore. 'Mae gen ti cont mawr drewllyd a fronnau flewog! Godsdammit that hurts!'

The three apprentices looked on, horrified, but Galbatorix relaxed eventually and let go of his arm. There was an ugly red scar where the cut had been. Kaelyn took one look at it and ran away.

Galbatorix set Tranah and Morzan to continuing the lesson with Tuomas and Gern, and set off after her. He eventually found her hiding among the dunes with Sartago, her dragon, sobbing into her hands. Galbatorix sat down beside her. 'Hey,' he said. 'Stop that. There's nothing to cry about.'

Kaelyn looked up at him. 'I'm so sorry, Master,' she almost wailed. 'I didn't – didn't mean to. I'm so stupid!'

'No you're not,' Galbatorix said sharply. 'Stop it, Kaelyn, you're acting like a child.'

Kaelyn went silent, staring at him with as much shock than as if he had slapped her.

'Now listen,' said Galbatorix, keeping his voice kind but stern. 'Everyone makes mistakes. If you never get anything wrong then you don't have anything to learn. And you won't learn anything at all if you give up this easily.'

'But I hurt you, sir,' said Kaelyn.

'Oh, don't worry about me,' said Galbatorix. 'It smarted a bit, but it didn't kill me. And another scar won't make much difference. You're not stupid, Kaelyn. You did very well. What happened was as much my fault as yours; I shouldn't have made you use that spell for the first time just like that without any proper preparation; I should've started you off with something simpler, but I just got it into my head that it was a good idea. Forgive me, Kaelyn, I'm not much of a teacher. But you're an excellent student.'

'I am?' said Kaelyn.

'Of course you are. You managed to hit me with your sword, and that's quite an accomplishment for a beginner. And you were handling your magic very well until you got distracted. I should've warned the other two to keep quiet, but oh well. Now, come on, let's get back to work. There's still a lot to do today.'

He got up and beckoned for Kaelyn to follow him, which she did, her confidence slowly returning. 'I'm sorry, Master,' she said. 'I'll try harder.'

'I know you will, Kaelyn,' said Galbatorix.

They spent the rest of that day with lessons. Galbatorix, Tranah and Morzan taught the three apprentices some more swordplay, and Morzan demonstrated some hand-to-hand combat with Tranah's help; the two of them wrestled each other on the sand, showing off various holds and blows and afterwards turning it into a contest when Tuomas and Gern started shouting to goad them on. Morzan won, tossing Tranah onto the ground with a powerful heave of his brawny arms and a triumphant shout. The onlookers applauded, and even Tranah joined in the laughter.

It was a warm day, and the atmosphere in the camp was cheerful, almost festive. When they broke for lunch, Tuomas remarked; 'You know, this doesn't feel like learning at all. It's too fun to be learning.'

'I wish my training had been fun,' Galbatorix said darkly. 'My master Vrael was a total bastard to me. Always moaning and whingeing and putting me down. When he wasn't making me feel useless, he was making me feel like punching him in the nose.'

'Oromis was just as bad,' said Morzan. 'He never shouted, but… he always talked to me like the whole time he was thinking how stupid I was and how much better than me he was. Not like he ever said anything, but I knew he didn't like me.'

'Well, they're elves, aren't they?' said Galbatorix. 'I never met an elf who had a sense of humour. I always had a strange feeling that they were all the same person. They all look the same and they all act the same – like they think they're gods.'

'You won't catch us acting like that,' Morzan assured the three students. 'I'm too dirty to mistake meself for a god.'

The others laughed.

'You've only got yourself to blame for that, Morzan,' said Galbatorix. 'You just can't be bothered to keep clean. When was the last time you combed your hair?'

'Look, I got better things to do than sit around straightening my hair like some ponce,' said Morzan. 'Just 'cause you're always doing it.'

'Suit yourself,' said Galbatorix. 'Now… you three, once we've had lunch, it'll be time to move onto the next lesson. We've done enough swordplay for one day, so after you've done eating we'll start on the ancient language. Tuomas, Morzan will tutor you. Strein, you can take care of Gern… Kaelyn-,'

Kaelyn looked up expectantly.

'You can go with Tranah,' said Galbatorix. 'As for me, I'm going to go with Shruikan and scout around to make sure this place is secure. Everyone comfortable with that?'

'Fine,' said Tranah.

'Right,' said Galbatorix, standing up. 'If anything happens… I'll try and stay in mental range, all right?'

They nodded, and Galbatorix strode over to Shruikan and climbed into the saddle, and was gone in moments. The black dragon could still be seen, flying high overhead for a time, and then he flew out of sight.

Kaelyn, Gern and Tuomas went with their tutors and spent the afternoon being coached in the ancient language, learning words and phrases which their teachers judged the most useful. Their dragons were free to interact with Talziri, Aedua and Idün, and after some initial tension the adults accepted them. Talziri was even playful, leading the youngsters in a chase around the beach, although all the dragons were careful to stay on the ground for safety's sake.

Kaelyn did her best to stay focused on what Tranah was telling her, but she continually glanced up at the sky, watching for Galbatorix's return. There was no sign of him.

In fact he did not return until it was nearly nightfall, when the afternoon's lessons were over and the group of riders had retired to the fireside to rest and eat.

There was a rush of cold air, and Shruikan suddenly appeared from out of the darkening sky, landing on the outskirts of the camp with only the faintest of sounds. The others looked around and relaxed when they saw Galbatorix get down off his back. He paused to adjust Shruikan's saddle and pat the dragon's neck before he walked rather stiffly toward the fire.

'How did it go, sir?' said Morzan.

Galbatorix yawned and stretched. 'Fine. There's no-one around for miles. Ah, gods, my legs feel like they're made of wood.' He sat down by the fire and accepted some food from Tranah. 'So, how did the lesson go?'

'Quite well,' said Tranah. 'Kaelyn has very good pronunciation. Not a bad memory, either.'

Kaelyn smiled shyly. 'I'm glad you're back, Master. I started to think you could be in trouble.'

Galbatorix yawned again and massaged his knees. 'That's very kind of you, Kaelyn. Tuomas, Gern, how did you go?'

'I can't say "brisingr" properly,' Tuomas moaned. 'It keeps coming out wrong.'

'Don't worry, you'll get there,' said Tranah. 'Practise is all it takes.'

'Strein had me try a spell,' said Gern. 'Lifting stones. It was really easy! Look, see? I can do it-,' he pointed at a nearby pebble. 'Reisa.'

The pebble lifted slowly off the ground, and Gern grinned.

'Showoff,' Tuomas muttered.

'Master, could you teach me how to make a fire like that?' said Kaelyn, indicating the black fire that was still burning steadily. 'I've been watching it all day and it still hasn't gone out. How did you do it?'

'That's special magic,' said Galbatorix. 'Something I learned in the North. It's a kind only I can use, but if you like I can teach you the words.'

'Why are you the only one who can do it?' said Kaelyn. 'I don't understand.'

Galbatorix shrugged. 'It's an ability I was born with; as far as I know everyone else who could is dead now. The spell to make a fire like that uses a different language than the ancient language.'

'What language is that?' said Kaelyn.

'I don't understand,' said Tranah. 'The ancient language is the only one that can control magic; there are no others.'

'This is a different kind of magic,' said Galbatorix. 'One that has its own language. The words to make the fire are fyrnarth niatch ddywyn yma wywch.'

'That's a strange language,' said Tranah. 'Sounds Northern, but… where did you learn it?'

Galbatorix shook his head. 'I'll tell you another time.' He finished his food and stretched, wincing when his back cracked. 'Well, that's about all I have the energy for today. If no-one minds, I'm going to get some rest.' Without further ado, he lay down on his side in the warmth from the fire, and promptly went to sleep.

The others watched him silently.

'He's very strange,' Kaelyn said in a low voice.

'What d'you mean by that?' said Tranah.

'Well, why is he so… calm all the time?' said Kaelyn. 'I mean, he's the Great Betrayer, isn't he? He told me about everything that happened to him. How could he even smile after that? It just doesn't fit.'

Tranah shrugged. 'People don't work like that. They aren't as simple in real life as they are in stories. As for Galbatorix, well… I've never seen him cry, but that doesn't mean I think he doesn't feel anything. He keeps it hidden, that's all.'

'He's the strongest person I know,' said Strein. 'The things that happened to him would have killed a lesser man, or crippled him for life. But he found something inside him that kept him alive and sane. A lot of people who lose as much as he did lose their hearts as well, but somehow he kept his. He still cares about other people. When Tranah and I came to him to ask for his help, we were both frightened of him. I was terrified, to be honest. If the stories were true and he really was just a bloodthirsty madman, then we'd lose our last chance. We'd probably die. But he wasn't like that at all. He listened to us. And he accepted us. He gave me back my dignity and gave me a reason to live. I would die for him.'

'He did the same for me,' said Morzan. 'I mean… I was governor of Teirm a while ago, when he was in hiding there, and I caught him. I had him in the dungeon and I was waitin' for them to send me a letter from Ilirea and tell me what to do with him. And they told me to execute him. It was the worst thing that's ever happened to me in my life. I knew the stories were all lies and he was innocent, and he was my friend. But I was going to have to kill him. I went and told him, and he was just calm. Just took it in like it was nothing. Not so much as a blink. He was going to be hanged the next day and he apologised to me. Said he was sorry he'd forced me to execute an innocent man an' he didn't blame me for it.'

The others murmured in astonishment. Tranah glanced over at the sleeping Galbatorix. 'My gods. He really said all that?'

'He's one tough son of a bitch,' said Morzan. 'I saw him get out of Ilirea and outrun both me and Brom when he'd been flogged an' beaten and had all his fingers on one hand broken. I couldn't believe it. But later on when I went to see him again, I found out what he was really feeling. He was crying. Only time I ever saw him do it. He admitted he was scared of dying. That was when I knew I couldn't go on working for the elders. If I killed him, it'd be like killing me.'

'I know what you mean,' said Strein. 'That was a very brave thing you did, Morzan.'

'But it was the only thing to do,' said Morzan.

Tranah nodded. 'I had doubts when Strein and I first decided to look for him, but now I know we did the right thing. He is a great man. In all my life I've never met a leader who inspired me as much as he does. You three should count yourselves as very lucky that you have him as your teacher.'

'I do,' said Kaelyn, while her friends nodded their agreement.

Galbatorix stirred and mumbled something. Kaelyn, watching him, saw again how young he was. He looked very vulnerable in sleep, frowning slightly, his hands curled. She could see how his right forefinger was ever so slightly crooked. The gedwëy ignaesia on his palm was faded, as if the loss of his dragon had robbed it of its original silver glory. As Kaelyn watched him, she saw his lips move. He started to talk in his sleep. 'Laela…'

Kaelyn started. The others looked around, surprised.

'Can you run, Laela?' Galbatorix mumbled. 'Can you catch me, Laela?'

'He must be dreaming,' said Tranah.

Galbatorix's brow furrowed. 'Please don't go,' he said. 'Don't leave me. I don't want to be alone, Laela. Please.' His hands twitched. 'Run, Laela, can you run? They're coming. Please, Laela. I don't want to die, please don't let them hurt me, NO!' his eyes flicked open and he came awake very suddenly, sitting up and grabbing White Violence's hilt.

Tranah hurried over and put her hands on his shoulders, holding him still. 'It's all right! Calm down, you're safe.'

Galbatorix blinked and shook his head, and alertness returned to his eyes. 'Tranah? What's going on?'

'You were having a bad dream,' said Tranah.

'Oh…' Galbatorix let go of White Violence and rubbed his eyes. He looked around at the others, his expression slightly confused. 'Where's Laela?'

'She's dead, sir,' Strein said softly.

Galbatorix's face fell. 'Oh. Yes. That's right. Sorry. I got confused.' He stood up and walked away without another word. No-one tried to stop him.

Kaelyn watched him go, her heart pounding. 'Who's Laela?'

'Laela was his dragon,' said Morzan. 'Don't worry about him. He gets a little confused sometimes and forgets she's dead.'

'That's so sad,' said Kaelyn.

'Yeah…' Morzan sighed.

'Shouldn't someone go after him?' said Gern.

Strein shook her head. 'I think he'd prefer to be alone right now. He'll come back when he's ready.'

But Galbatorix did not return.

They finished eating and talked on about this and that. Tuomas talked about his childhood in Furnost, and Strein told the story of her part in the Teirm assassinations. She proved to be quite a good storyteller, and made the tale thrilling. Tuomas and Gern listened intently, quickly caught up in the story.

'…and afterwards we were all prepared to get out of there while the going was good, but Galbatorix insisted on going down there and saying the funeral rites over the bodies. He does that every time he kills someone, you know. He's very particular about it.'

'Why?' said Tuomas.

'It was something about… oh…' Strein glanced over at Tranah. 'What's that thing he's always saying, Tran?'

'"While your enemy lives, never forgive him. When he is dead, let your hatred die with him",' said Tranah.

Tuomas and Gern murmured, much impressed. Kaelyn, however, said nothing. She sat by the fire, watching its black flames flicker, then quietly slipped away into the darkness.

She met up with Sartago at the edge of the camp. The grey dragon stirred in the moonlight, turning toward her, his silver eyes bright. 'What is it, Kaelyn?'

Kaelyn scanned the dark beach, unable to see much beyond the light reflecting off the waves. 'Where's Galbatorix? Did you see where he went?'

Sartago raised his head and sniffed at the air. 'I can smell him,' he said. 'He's somewhere in that direction.' He pointed his snout Eastwards, toward the end of the beach, where there were cliffs.

Kaelyn walked in that direction, stumbling a little on the sand. Sartago followed. 'Why are you going after him?'

'I'm worried about him,' said Kaelyn. 'He just wandered off on his own. What if something happens to him?'

'I think he knows how to look after himself, Kae,' said Sartago.

But Kaelyn did not know how to express the passionate concern she had for her new master. Her head was full of the heartrending vulnerability and loss that she had seen in his face, and though she didn't know what she could possibly do for him she was desperate to find him. She wouldn't say anything to him. She would just keep going until she could see him, just to make sure he was all right, just to check…

But he was not on the beach. Kaelyn halted at the point where the sand ended and the rocks began at the base of the cliff. 'Where is he, Sartago?'

Sartago sniffed again, peering around with his night-piercing eyes. 'There,' he said at last. 'Up on the cliff. See?'

Kaelyn followed his gaze, and sure enough she saw the figure sitting on the clifftop, a piece of living darkness silhouetted by the stars, hair blowing in the wind.

'There,' said Sartago. 'You know where he is now. You should go back now.'

But Kaelyn stayed where she was, her eyes on Galbatorix, just watching him. Then, impulsively, she moved forward, climbing up over the rocks toward the cliff. There were plenty of handholds on its face, and, after a moment's hesitation she began to climb up. She reached the top of the cliff, and there was Galbatorix, sitting right at the edge, looking out over the sea. She could hear him breathing, see his robe being ruffled by the wind, smell his sweat.

Kaelyn moved closer, afraid that he would hear her and be angry. As she neared him, she realised he was singing softly, the words in a strange lilting language she did not understand.

'S mithic teárnadh do na gleannaibh,

O'n tha gruamich air na beannaibh,

S ceathach dùinte mu na meallaibh

A' cur dallaidh air a léirsin…'

Although Kaelyn did not know what it meant, the tune was slow and melodic, full of a deep and terrible sadness. She had never heard anything like it in her life.

Suddenly, she felt ashamed of herself for spying on him like this. She was tempted to turn and leave, but something prevented her.

'Galbatorix,' she said softly.

He turned sharply, his hand immediately reaching for his sword. When he saw her, he relaxed. 'Kaelyn?'

'I'm sorry,' Kaelyn blurted. 'I didn't mean to… I was worried about you.'

He blinked and let go of his sword. 'Worried? About me?' he sounded slightly bemused.

'Yes,' said Kaelyn. 'I just wanted to make sure you were all right, but then I heard you singing…'

'Oh,' said Galbatorix, embarrassed. 'I'm not a very good singer…'

'I thought it was beautiful,' Kaelyn said boldly.

Galbatorix turned away to look at the sea again. 'I was thinking about Laela,' he said.

Kaelyn sensed that he wanted to talk. She plucked up courage and moved forward to sit beside him. He moved aside to let her, huddling on the rock he was using as a seat, hugging his knees.

'What did the song mean?' Kaelyn asked.

'It's a lament,' said Galbatorix. 'A bit hard to translate, but it more or less goes like this: "It is time now to go down into the dales, for gloom is fallen on the tops and mists shroud the hills, darkening our vision. I cannot smile. Not before, less now. I cannot."'

Kaelyn was silent for a time. 'What's it like to lose your dragon?' she asked.

Galbatorix looked at her, his eyes shining in the starlight. 'Terrible,' he said.

'Does it hurt?' Kaelyn persisted.

Galbatorix turned away once more, looking up at the sky. 'Unimaginably.'

'How do you do it, Master?' said Kaelyn. 'How can you keep living? If I lost Sartago, I'd… I don't know what I'd do.'

Galbatorix sighed. 'I don't really know. But I think… there was always a darkness in me. Ever since I was born. There was something in me that was stronger than I was. I could feel it sometimes, when I was angry, and it made me afraid. I'm still afraid of it. But it keeps me alive.'

'What do you mean, Master?'

'I don't really know,' said Galbatorix. 'It's just… a way of thinking about it. But it's a power that kills people. It killed all those riders. And it will kill many more of them. I can feel it.'

Kaelyn shivered. 'I'm really sorry I hurt you, Master. I can't stop thinking about it. When you went off with Shruikan, I couldn't help but feel like you were angry with me.'

'I'm not,' said Galbatorix. 'I promise. I was angry with myself for scaring you like that. I really shouldn't swear so much. And I like to be alone, that's all.'

Kaelyn hesitated. Was he telling her to go away? 'If you don't want me here, I'll leave you alone,' she said.

'No, no, you can stay if you want to,' said Galbatorix. 'The truth is, I always feel alone. I've been alone ever since Laela died. Alone inside, if you can understand what I mean. I keep trying to find her in my head; I forget she's dead and call out to her, but she doesn't answer and then I remember. And it hurts every time. I'm not much of a teacher, Kaelyn, but if you never learn anything else from me, let it be this: never let anything happen to Sartago. Keep him safe, never take him for granted, never think he'll always be there when you need him. Being a rider is a gift. When I was with Laela I couldn't imagine how I'd lived without her there beside me. But being a rider comes with a curse – if you lose your dragon, you lose yourself. Even if you don't die. It kills something inside you, and you can never get it back. I've killed many other riders, but every time I did it I made sure I killed both of them. They're my enemies, but I could never bring myself to make them live like I do. Not when I know what it feels like, every day.'

Kaelyn listened. 'I'll remember,' she promised.

They were silent for a while, and Galbatorix sighed and fiddled with his beard. He looked up at the sky again. 'Do you think the gods are real, Kaelyn?' he asked unexpectedly, and when he said it he suddenly lost the normal tone of distance and formality and sounded like the boy he really was.

Kaelyn hesitated. 'I don't know,' she said. 'My mother came from Surda, and she used to tell me the wind was the breath of the gods. I was never sure if she really meant it.'

'I'm not sure what I believe,' said Galbatorix. 'I mean… I grew up in Teirm, and most people there were godless. The riders stamped out all the religions people used to have, you see. There were only a few cults left, and they met in secret. I remember I knew someone who lived on my street who was arrested for keeping an idol in his house. But I met someone very wise when I was in the North, and she told me the gods were dying.'

'How could a god die?' said Kaelyn.

'Gods are alive only in the hearts of those who believe in them,' said Galbatorix. 'But if the believers die, if they stop believing… the god dies. The riders told me the gods weren't real. Lies and false hopes and nonsense. They told me there was no afterlife. The soul dies with the body, and all gods are built out of lies. I remember I argued at first, but in the end I lost interest. I couldn't see the point in debating it; they wouldn't listen to me anyway, and why would they? They already knew they were right.'

'What do you believe now?' said Kaelyn.

'I just don't know,' said Galbatorix. 'After Laela died, I used to wonder if she still existed somewhere. If there really was an afterlife, then I could be with her again after I died. Sometimes, when I was confused, I'd be so convinced I could still feel her inside me that I would believe it. Now I'm not so sure. Are there gods? If they exist, it's inside people, and if they act, it's through them. A god didn't come out of the sky to save me from Ilirea's dungeons. It was Morzan and Brom that came. Because they cared about me. Maybe that's all the power the gods really have. I don't know. I suppose that sounds silly, really. If people are all the power the gods have, then they may as well not exist. But it's comforting to think that there could be something else out there. I know fate exists.'

'I don't believe in fate,' said Kaelyn.

'Why not?'

'Well, if everything we do has already been decided, then there's just no point in living, is there?' said Kaelyn. 'Everything is futile.'

'Yes… that's what I thought, too. But I believe in fate. Sometimes I see things in my dreams. Just little snatches of things. Premonitions. I never know what they mean until after it's already happened, but… well, I think it's in my blood. My grandmother was a seer, you see, and she saw the future in her dreams. I must have inherited a hint of the gift.'

'I don't like it,' said Kaelyn.

'Neither do I,' said Galbatorix.

The moon was well overhead by now, and the night was all about them. The only sound was the hiss and rush of the sea below, and the low, hollow howl of the wind.

'I'll fight for you,' Kaelyn said softly. 'Once I've finished training, I'll help you fight the elders. I'll take an oath to serve you.'

'Kaelyn, no,' said Galbatorix. 'Please don't.'

'But I want to fight for you,' said Kaelyn. 'Please, Master, why won't you let me? Aren't I good enough?'

'That's not what I meant,' said Galbatorix. 'You're a very brave person, Kaelyn, and intelligent as well. You'll make a great rider. And you can fight beside me if you want. But don't take an oath. I don't want you to bind yourself like that. I wish Morzan and the others hadn't done it now, but they did it of their own free will, without asking me if I wanted them to. I never expected to be a leader, but after he set me free Morzan pledged himself to me and I knew I had to lead him. He'd thrown away everything he had in order to follow me, and I couldn't turn him away. He would have had nowhere else to go. No, Kaelyn. If you want to fight for me, do it because you want to. If you don't take an oath, you can leave whenever you want.'

'But I wouldn't leave you,' said Kaelyn. 'I trust you.'

'That could change. I don't want to set people free and then put them into a different kind of prison.'

'It's not a prison!' Kaelyn exclaimed. 'Don't you understand, Master? You're our only hope. Without you we've got nothing.'

'Don't be silly,' said Galbatorix. 'I'm nothing special. I'm just… well, I'm me. And I'm not sure I like that. What can I offer you except fighting and killing? I don't even know what I'll do once this is all over, assuming I'm still alive by then.' He sounded slightly sulky.

'Why won't you let me take an oath?' said Kaelyn. 'I want to do it. And you're not like that, Master. You're special. A great man.'

Galbatorix sighed. 'I don't feel great,' he said honestly. 'Do you want to know how I really feel, Kaelyn?'

'Tell me,' Kaelyn said boldly.

'I'm afraid,' said Galbatorix. 'I've been afraid for a long time, and I can't shake it off.'

'Afraid of what?' said Kaelyn. She was taken aback by this frankness. 'That they might catch you?'

'I'm afraid for you,' said Galbatorix. 'All of you. You, and Tuomas and Gern, and Morzan, Tranah, Strein, and the dragons. I can't help but feel like I'm a danger to you. All of you.'

'Why?' said Kaelyn. 'You wouldn't hurt us, would you?'

'Never. But… I'm a curse, Kaelyn. A cursed man. Everyone I care about dies. My whole family is gone, and my dragon as well. And so many others. I can't help but be afraid that something will happen to you. You and all my friends, and Shruikan too. Sometimes I look around at them all and feel like I should run away. But if I did that, I'd be betraying them.'

'We'll be all right, Master,' said Kaelyn. 'If you're leading us, we'll be safe. You wouldn't let us down. Tranah said she trusts you so much she'd die for you. Strein did too.'

Galbatorix covered his face with his hands. For a moment Kaelyn wondered if he was in tears, but he took his hands away and cradled his head in them, staring at the ground. 'I've been having dreams,' he said. 'The same dream, over and over again. I had it again just now, by the fire. I keep telling myself it's nothing, but…'

'What was it?' said Kaelyn. 'I heard you talking in your sleep.'

'I see myself,' said Galbatorix. 'Standing somewhere in the dark. I have my sword in my hand and I look frightened. And then I realise there's a dagger in my chest, and there's blood on my robe. And I see myself scream and die, and I'm lying there, dead, and the elders appear. All of them. Vrael, Oromis, Menulis, Yansan and Saraswati. And they see my body lying there, and they laugh and jeer and kick it and spit on it. I can see their faces, all twisted and full of hate, like masks. And then I wake up.'

Kaelyn went cold. 'But it won't happen,' she said. 'Never.'

'Why not?'

'Because I won't let it,' said Kaelyn.