From White to Black

by Opifex the Singer

Prequel to Skade and Black Dragon. This one tells Galbatorix's backstory. I changed it to make it a little less Star Wars. Enjoy.

32. At Orthiad

Chapter Thirty-Two

At Orthíad

For the next few days, Galbatorix and his companions stayed on the beach and spent their days with the tutoring of Kaelyn, Gern and Tuomas. The three students learned fast and eagerly, and over time Galbatorix found himself adapting to his new role as a master. He even enjoyed it. It made him happy to see them gradually learning and improving, and even more so when he saw how keen they were to learn, and how glad they were that they had finally found someone who would teach them. Kaelyn in particular listened very closely to everything he said, and was constantly striving to improve. Since their talk on the clifftop she had become very attached to Galbatorix; showing intense concern for his wellbeing and listening to him so closely and respectfully that he found it slightly embarrassing. The truth was that, since he had opened his heart to her, she had come to care for him in a way the others did not. She would enquire after his health and happiness every day, and even fussed over making sure he had plenty to eat, as if she thought he was a child that needed looking after. Sometimes he found this annoying, but he was surprised to find that he felt happy when she asked him if he had slept well or offered him a second helping of dinner. He'd been so used to looking after himself that it was both strange and comforting to have someone watching after him – even if she was in fact younger than him and theoretically needed more looking after than he did. Morzan, Tranah and Strein were surprised to see how much younger he behaved when he was around his three apprentices. He smiled and laughed more, and was even playful sometimes.

Tranah would smile when she saw him tease Morzan or chase Tuomas, Gern and Kaelyn among the sand-dunes, or show off by juggling stones with magic. Evidently he had not forgotten how to enjoy himself.

For Kaelyn, Gern and Tuomas it was one of the strangest but happiest times of their lives. Their time of fear was over. They had a master now, and a good one, and he was not the insane murderer they had been led to expect. He was intelligent and charismatic; he knew when to be stern and when to be lighthearted, he was patient and did not talk down to them, and he made their lessons enjoyable as well as challenging. He was not the Great Betrayer. He was Galbatorix Taranisäii, and he was their friend as well as their mentor. And, at different times, both Tuomas and Gern offered to become his followers and help him fight. He accepted it gravely, showing no more signs of the fear and self-doubt that Kaelyn had seen in him. Evidently he had shrugged off his fear, or maybe he was hiding it. Although Kaelyn tried to talk to him about what he had said on the clifftop, he brushed her off. Sometimes she doubted that he was the same man who had spoken so openly and passionately to her that night, but from time to time she would see the vulnerability in him show through once more, and then she would be sure. Even if he was hiding himself away again, she knew that he had shared something of his heart with her, and she treasured it, keeping it to herself like something given in confidence. Whenever she saw him walking alone along the beach, or flying overhead with Shruikan to keep watch, she would promise herself, again and again, that she would do whatever she could to keep him safe. The others saw him as a leader and still maintained a slight distance from him, born of both respect and slight fear, but Kaelyn had seen what was inside him and she could not forget it. Although she was unable to put it into words in her head, she knew just how fragile he really was. It made her afraid for him.

Sometimes, when she woke at night and looked up at the moon, she would wonder if she loved him. But she could not identify the way she felt toward him, or tell if it was love or not. Still, she knew that she would not leave him. Come what may she would stay by his side, and she would fight for him. Even kill for him. And, if need be, die for him. Because he was the leader she wanted to follow. He was Galbatorix.

At the end of the week, Galbatorix announced that it was time to move on. 'We can't risk being discovered,' he said. 'Anyone got any suggestions about where we should go? I suggest Orthíad. We can hide out in the old dwarf city there.'

'Sounds like a good idea to me,' said Tranah. 'But I suggest we go separately. If we travel in a big group, there'll be a bigger chance of being spotted.'

'Good point,' said Galbatorix. 'All right… we'll wait until this evening. I'll go on ahead, and the young dragons will come with me.'

'I'm coming too,' said Kaelyn.

'Can't bear to let me out of your sight, eh?' said Galbatorix, casting an amused glance at her. 'All right. But no chattering. I need to stay focused. Morzan, you'll be next. Wait an hour or so after I'm gone, then follow. Tranah, Strein, you'll be next. Same time-lapse applies. Got that?'

They nodded.

'Right then,' said Galbatorix. 'Let's pack up.'

He extinguished the magical fire, and helped the others pack up and bury all the evidence that their camp had been there. They were running low on food, and Galbatorix made a mental note to take some time out to let Shruikan hunt when the opportunity arose.

Once all was ready, he led Kaelyn toward Shruikan. She had become used to the black dragon by now, and much to everyone's surprise Shruikan would sometimes let her touch him – something he absolutely refused to let anyone else do. She had already flown on his back before, albeit always with Galbatorix there as well. Now she climbed into Shruikan's saddle fairly confidently, and waited while Galbatorix secured his luggage using the ropes attached to the sides of the saddle. When he was done he passed her her sword, saying; 'Not leaving this behind, are you?'

Kaelyn took it. 'Oh! I forgot – thanks.' Lacking the room to strap it onto her back, she held the weapon in her arms while Galbatorix climbed up and seated himself behind her. He reached around her to take hold of Shruikan's neck-rope, then glanced down at Sartago, Leahdorus and Ithír. They raised themselves in readiness to take off, and Galbatorix looked over at the others. 'Good luck, and be careful,' he said. 'I'll see you in a few days.'

'Take care of yourself, Master,' said Tuomas. 'And Ithír too.'

'Don't worry; she'll be safe with me,' said Galbatorix.

Shruikan took off.

The flight to Orthíad took several days. They stayed in the air for hours at a time and only came down to land when it was well dark, choosing isolated places and sleeping in shifts so that one of them was always awake to keep watch.

This was where Kaelyn saw a different side of her master. Galbatorix lost the cheerfulness he had had on the beach and became grim and shut-in, his eyes always on the alert for danger. He would pace restlessly in their temporary camps, his hand always on White Violence's hilt, stopping frequently to listen. His conversation became monosyllabic, even terse, and he was constantly urging her to keep quiet and always be on the lookout. This was when she saw the fugitive in him, and although he was much less open and friendly now he made her feel safe. She stayed close to him and did as she was told, and during her idle moments she would draw her sword and practise with it, or repeat words in the ancient language to perfect her pronunciation. He would glance approvingly at her when she did this, but made no comment. At night, when it was his turn to keep watch, he would climb into a tree, surprisingly nimbly given the long, heavy robe he always wore, and perch on a high branch, nearly invisible amid the leaves. And when he went foraging for food, he would vanish into the forest, becoming a moving shadow seemingly without any effort. When Kaelyn asked him how he did it, he evaded the question. It made him feel like even more of a mystery to her, and she became all the more fascinated by him.

At last, one evening, they passed over the Beors and Orthíad came in sight. Kaelyn felt Galbatorix tense. 'All right,' he said in her ear. 'This is it. Get ready. We're going to land just there, by that entrance, and go in on foot. I'll go first. If something happens, don't wait for me – run. Get to Shruikan and stay by him. No heroics. Understand?'

'Yes, Master,' said Kaelyn, her heat beating faster.

A few minutes later, Shruikan landed on a narrow ledge on the side of the mountain of Orthíad – a huge, ancient peak that had been carved into a palace by the long-dead race of the red dwarves long ago. The mountains all about were riddled with their tunnels. It was a perfect place to hide – full of secret chambers and passages that could be used to make a quick escape. If it was still deserted, they would be able to hide out there for months, undetected.

But if something went wrong… Kaelyn felt numb with fear as she climbed down from Shruikan's back. If something went wrong, there would be no-one there to help them. She gripped the hilt of her sword. It made her feel a little better.

Galbatorix stood perfectly balanced on the ledge, his sword in his hand. Once he had scanned the area, he gestured silently at Kaelyn to follow him and moved off. The ledge was very high up, and uncomfortably narrow, but Kaelyn had a good head for heights and kept close to the wall of rock behind her, forcing herself not to look down. When they were partway along, Galbatorix reached back toward her and took hold of her free hand. He continued on, carefully picking his way around the cracks and bits of loose stone that were in the way. He was sweating, Kaelyn realised.

When they finally reached the entrance, Galbatorix sighed and let go of her hand. 'All right,' he said in a low voice. 'We're there. How did you go?'

'Fine,' said Kaelyn, keeping her voice down. 'You didn't need to hold my hand, you know.'

'Oh. Well, uh… just for safety.' He was looking embarrassed, and Kaelyn forgot her fears for a moment.

'What's the matter?' she asked.

Galbatorix smoothed down his hair with his free hand. 'I don't like heights,' he said briefly, and entered the cave. Kaelyn followed him, her heart pounding.

It was gloomy inside the cave. A hole in the ceiling let a shaft of sunlight fall over the floor, and they could see that it was a fairly small space.

Kaelyn saw no sign of life anywhere. She relaxed and stepped forward, toward the shaft of light, but Galbatorix blocked the way with his arm. She looked at him, and he silently shook his head. He gestured at her to stay where she was, and edged forward, sword in hand. He stopped a few paces away from the beam of light, and pointed his sword at what appeared to be a heap of rocks against the opposite wall.

'Show yourself, or I'll attack,' he said sharply.

There was silence, and then the shadow moved. It unfolded itself and came forward into the light, and Kaelyn nearly cried out in shock.

It was a strange, middle-aged man clad in rough yellow clothes. He was short and compact and had a thick head of straw-coloured hair and a freckled, snub-nosed face. He and Galbatorix faced each other warily, both poised to fight.

'Who are you and what are you doing here?' Galbatorix demanded.

The man hesitated, then held up his hands. On the palm of the left hand was a gedwëy ignaesia.

Galbatorix tensed immediately, pulling back his sword in readiness to strike. 'What are you doing here?' he said again. 'Answer me now, or die.'

The yellow-clad man looked nervous. 'Please,' he said, using the ancient language. 'I promise I'm not here to fight you. My name is Roland.'

Galbatorix relaxed a little. 'Why are you here?'

'I'm hiding,' said Roland. 'And hoping to find someone. Are you that someone?'

'That depends,' Galbatorix said carefully. 'Who are you looking for?'

'I seek the Great Betrayer,' said Roland.

Galbatorix lowered his sword. 'Why?'

'First tell me who you are,' said Roland.

'You'll answer my question before I answer yours,' said Galbatorix.

They were silent for a time, glaring challengingly at each other. Finally Roland said; 'I am looking for the Great Betrayer because he is a friend to outcasts, and a leader looking for justice.' He was still using the ancient language. Kaelyn, looking on, had no idea what was being said, but she felt sick with fear.

'Are you the Great Betrayer?' said Roland.

Galbatorix hesitated. 'I am,' he said at last.

Roland's face split into a great smile. 'I knew it,' he said. 'My Lord, I have come a very long way looking for you. I went into hiding here, hoping you would find me or that I would find you. My sword is yours.' He drew it. It was a short but elegant weapon, with a pure gold blade, and gleamed in the shaft of light. 'And there is someone else here to meet you,' he added.

A second shadow moved and came forward. It too had a sword in its hand.

Kaelyn's heart skipped a beat when she saw this. It was a trap. They had lured Galbatorix into a false sense of security, and now they were going to kill him.

She didn't think: she acted. She drew her sword and rushed to Galbatorix's side, pointing the weapon at Roland's face. 'Stay away from him!' she yelled.

Roland started in surprise. 'Good heavens, where did you come from?'

Kaelyn ignored him. She started trying to hustle Galbatorix away toward the entrance. He, however, barely noticed. He was looking at the second person who had stepped into the shaft of light. His mouth fell open.

'Brom!'

Brom inclined his head. 'Hello, Galbatorix.'

Galbatorix's tired face lit up with a smile. He sheathed White Violence, stepped forward, and took his old friend in a fierce embrace. Brom was taken aback by this, but hugged him back.

'Brom!' Galbatorix said again. 'Oh my gods, I can't believe it! Where have you been?' He let go of him and clapped him on the shoulder. 'I knew you'd come and find me, Brom. I knew it.'

Brom smiled, a little warily. 'You look so different. How have you been?'

'Oh, well enough, I suppose,' said Galbatorix. 'Morzan's well. He's been missing you, though. I kept wondering how you were doing and if you were all right. Oh… this is Kaelyn, by the way. My apprentice. Relax, Kaelyn, they're friends.'

Brom held out a hand toward Kaelyn. 'Hello, Kaelyn.'

Kaelyn glanced at Galbatorix for reassurance, then put her sword back into its sheath and shook Brom's hand. 'Hello,' she said formally. 'So your name's Brom?'

'That's right,' said Brom. 'So Galbatorix is your master, is he?'

'Yes,' said Kaelyn, with considerable pride. 'My friends and I ran away because the elves wouldn't teach us, and he saved us from prison and let us be his apprentices.'

'Apprentices?' Brom repeated, looking at Galbatorix.

'Three of them,' said Galbatorix. 'The others are coming here right now. We decided to split up for safety's sake. Look… let's make ourselves a little more comfortable and we can talk.'

Brom nodded. 'Good idea.'

'Where are your dragons, by the way?' said Galbatorix.

'Outside,' Roland volunteered. 'Keeping watch.'

'Sensible,' Galbatorix remarked. 'I'll let Shruikan stay outside as well, but the other three should probably come in.'

Sartago had already been close to the entrance, summoned by Kaelyn's fear. He entered, and his two fellows were close behind him. Sartago went straight to Kaelyn's side, and she scratched his flank to reassure him while Galbatorix conjured up a black fire and bade Brom and Roland sit down by it. Kaelyn sat beside her master, watching the two riders suspiciously.

'So,' said Galbatorix. 'How did you two come to be here?'

'If I may, I will begin with my story,' said Roland.

'Be my guest,' said Galbatorix.

'My full name is Roland Drasborn, or Roland of Helgrind,' said Roland, still speaking in a slightly formal, almost theatrical way, although his tone was quite matter of fact. 'I became a rider thirty years ago and was mentored by Elder Saraswati. And, to be honest, I enjoyed it. I've fought in battles – I was there at the defeat of Ungo the Great and in fact personally slew the old warlord's son. I've governed cities, judged criminals… I even had an apprentice of my own at one time. But all that time, I had a secret. And secret it would have remained but for the fact that the elves have ceased to trust us humans. When I was found out, I had no option but to flee. And here I am.'

'What secret is this?' said Galbatorix.

Roland paused, then took something from around his neck and gave it to him. Galbatorix examined it. It was a large gold amulet in the shape of three peaks, inscribed with strange runes. 'You're a member of the Three Peaks cult?'

Roland nodded. 'Always have been. My grandfather was a member of the priesthood, and was executed after the riders discovered his faith. That was several hundred years after the burning of the Cathedral in Dras-Leona, but the power of the Three Peaks still lives on in the hearts of a few secret believers. I was one of them. I carried out my worship secretly and when I governed Dras-Leona I saw to it that the secret believers there were protected and allowed to worship without persecution. Unfortunately, after you-,' he inclined his head respectfully toward Galbatorix – '-began your war and other human riders joined you, I stopped being above suspicion. My rooms were searched and the sacred texts I kept hidden there were discovered, along with the idol I had kept safe for more than twenty years. The order was put out for my arrest, but fortunately Brom here came and warned me, and we fled together. To find you. If you will accept me, Lord Galbatorix, I will fight by your side to avenge the killing of the priesthood and the burning of the cathedral. I will do it in the name of the Three Peaks. It was not an easy decision to make, but I know of your deeds and how you are a friend to outcasts, and if you will let me, I will abandon the elders and become Forsworn.' Roland finished his speech and looked expectantly at Galbatorix.

'"Forsworn"?' Galbatorix repeated.

Roland nodded. 'That is what your followers are being called. They broke their vows. Thus, they are the Forsworn. They say you have the power to undo an oath made in the ancient language. I have come to find you so that I may ask you to do it for me.'

'I'm honoured,' Galbatorix said gravely. 'And I will accept you.'

Roland bowed his head. 'Thankyou, my Lord.'

'And you, Brom?' said Galbatorix, fixing his old friend with a penetrating stare. 'What's your story? Why did you take so long to come looking for me?'

Brom hesitated. 'I wanted to,' he said. 'After Morzan disappeared I wanted to find him, and you too. But Oromis had me watched. I knew that if I ran, they would follow me. I had to wait a long time for my chance… they made me take more oaths of loyalty, but they still didn't trust me. They sent me to Dras-Leona to work for Roland. They're sending all human riders away from Ilirea. Pretty soon they'll only let elves in. You've created virtual anarchy. The elves don't trust humans, humans don't trust elves, and the dwarves don't trust anyone. Everyone is seeing traitors around every corner, and it's all your doing. That spiral symbol is showing up everywhere. Even the elders are frightened for their lives. They won't admit it, but they are. Every time they think you're gone, you show up again and then vanish like smoke. And you leave dead riders behind wherever you go. Queen Islanzadí is furious with Vrael – she came to Ilirea in person to demand why he had failed to kill you. I've never seen either of them so angry in my life. They're not on speaking terms any more, and now the elves have stopped letting humans into Ellesméra and most of them are refusing to trade with them either. I knew it was only a matter of time before Vrael had all human riders exiled or imprisoned, so when I found out Roland was in trouble I took my chance and went on the run with him. And here I am. I hope you'll accept me, Galbatorix, because if you don't…'

'Of course I will!' said Galbatorix. 'Are you mad? You're my friend, for the gods' sakes. You saved my life twice, and I never forget something like that.'

Brom looked guilty. 'Yes, but… I wasn't sure how much you remembered after what happened to you, and besides, I have been working for your enemies.'

'So what?' said Galbatorix. 'Until fairly recently, I was working for my enemies. But I knew you'd see the truth in the end, Brom. You're not an idiot; your eyes are open. You know why the elders have to be removed.'

'What do you mean by that, Galbatorix?' Brom asked carefully. 'Removed?'

'I mean what I said,' said Galbatorix. 'They must be removed. I'm going to kill them. All of them. And anyone who tries to stop me will die as well.'

'Why?' said Brom.

'Revenge. For Laela. And for everyone else they killed.'

'But does it have to be war?' said Brom. 'Do you really have to kill people?'

'Listen, Brom; they chose this war as much as I did. They tried to destroy me, but they failed. Now, I'll destroy them. There are no other options.'

'It can't be that simple,' said Brom.

'It is. The time for running and hiding is over. It's kill or be killed, and I'm not going to let them win. Not after what they've done. So tell me, Brom – which would you prefer? Do you want to go on working for those murdering tyrants, or do you want to fight back? Because you know what they've done. You must know, surely? A hundred lost races, a thousand dead religions, so many lives destroyed because of the elves and their dogma. For as long as people turn a blind eye and tell themselves it doesn't matter, it will go on happening. As for me, I have no intention of letting them go unpunished. I will fight on for justice, and when my sword finds Vrael's throat I'll know I've fulfilled my purpose.'

'But by killing people?' said Brom.

'Sometimes the world needs a man like me,' said Galbatorix. 'The elders made a killer out of me, and a killer is what they deserve. Will you help me, Brom?'

'I'll help you,' said Roland, when Brom didn't answer straight away. 'And to the very death. Release me from my oath, Lord Galbatorix. You're right. The time has come, and I will not stand idly by while my race is persecuted and my religion defiled.'

Galbatorix nodded. 'Well said, Roland. Just… hold still.' He held out a hand and recited the words of the spell. Black energy outlined the other rider, who shivered and closed his eyes as he felt it work at him.

It was over in moments. Galbatorix withdrew his hand and the magic faded. 'There,' he said. 'You're free. The elders have no power over you now. And you, Brom? I'll do the same for you. Just ask.'

Brom was staring at his hands, evidently deep in thought. At last he looked up and said; 'Do it.' He made no move as the spell went to work. Afterwards he said; 'Is… is it over?'

'Yes, it's over, Brom,' said Galbatorix. 'You're free of them now.'

'Yeah…' Brom twisted his hands together, his shoulders hunched.

'Cheer up,' Galbatorix advised. 'Morzan will be here in an hour or so. He'll be overjoyed to see you again.'

'Is he all right?' Brom asked. 'Has he been hurt?'

'He's fine,' said Galbatorix. 'He's stayed by me all this time and done everything he could to help us stay alive and win our battles. He's my most loyal friend.'

'I've been worried about him,' said Brom. 'Ever since he ran off with you, I was always listening to the latest news… I was terrified that one day I'd hear that he'd been killed or captured.'

'He was frightened for you, too,' said Galbatorix. 'The elders still had you in their power, and for all we knew they'd tortured you for information. And what if they sent you to fight us? If Morzan had had to fight you, it would've broken his heart. Mine too. No. I'm very glad to have you here, Brom. And I hope you'll choose to stay with us.' He stopped suddenly, cocking his head like a dragon that had heard something. Then he smiled. 'Morzan is coming. Shruikan's seen him. Let's go to the entrance so he knows where to go.' He stood up and walked toward the cave entrance. The others followed him, and, sure enough, they saw Idün flying toward the mountain.

Galbatorix stepped into the sunlight and waved his arms over his head, signalling to her. She saw him and made straight for the cave entrance.

'Look out!' Galbatorix yelled.

They ran for cover. Moments later, Idün landed. She was moving a little too fast, and skidded a short distance before she managed to stop herself by digging her claws into the stone floor, then turned around back toward the entrance, growling and shaking her head. Morzan got down off her back and hurried to meet Galbatorix.

'Good to see you, sir. Who's this bugger? I – Brom!'

Brom ran to his friend, and the two of them embraced fiercely.

'Morzan! I can't believe it's you!' Brom exclaimed. 'My gods, how long has it been?'

'More than a year,' said Morzan. 'Way too long. How've you been, mate? Godsdammit, Brom, I thought you'd forgotten about me. Where've you been? I kept waiting and waiting for you to come and find me. How's Saphira?'

'She's well,' said Brom. 'But missing Idün.'

Idün lowered her snout toward him, and he patted her. 'How are you, Idün? You're so much bigger!'

'As you can see,' Galbatorix cut in. 'We're two members stronger now. Roland here has told me he's willing to help us fight, and I've set him free from his oath. As for Brom…' he gave him an expectant look.

Brom grinned and clapped Morzan on the shoulder. 'I can't leave this big lug to fight on his own. I don't like rebellion, but I can see it's necessary. Count me in.'

'Thankyou, Brom,' Galbatorix said gravely.

Brom coughed and looked away from him nervously, and he and Morzan began talking intently.

Galbatorix stayed by the wall with Kaelyn and Roland, watching the two old friends catch up. Roland sidled over to Galbatorix. 'Well,' he said amiably. 'I can't say I was expecting it to be anything like this. But I like life when it surprises me.'

'Nothing's ever what it seems,' said Galbatorix.

Not long later, they were joined by Tranah and Strein. They brought Tuomas and Gern with them, and the group was complete. The cave was too small for them all to fit into, so they moved on and eventually selected what had once been a banqueting hall. It was very large, with more than enough room for the dragons, all of whom elected to stay indoors except for Shruikan, who preferred the open air and stayed perched on the mountaintop, on the lookout for danger.

The banqueting hall was carved very elaborately, with many entrances leading out of it. There was a huge stone platform dominating the centre, which they eventually realised was a table, built low to accommodate dwarvish diners. There were even hollows in the floor where feasters had once sat, and a minstrel's gallery in one wall, and a great stone chair where the Queen of the red dwarves had once sat.

But now the place was in ruins. There were scars on the walls and ceiling left by magical attacks, and they found bones and broken weapons on the floor, and dark stains on the table that could only be from ancient blood that had soaked into the stone.

It was a dead place, full of the unsettling presence of a hundred restless ghosts. But Galbatorix and the Forsworn did their best to make it come alive again. Galbatorix lit a large black fire in the middle of the table, and claimed the minstrel's gallery as his sleeping spot, from where he could get a good view of both the entrance and the rest of the camp. The others chose places around the walls and in various nooks and crannies, and the dragons chose to stay by the entrance where they could easily take flight if they had to, although the three youngsters elected to shelter in a tunnel entrance close to where their riders had chosen to bed down.

Strein's dragon, Talziri, had caught a pair of deer during the journey, and all of them had gathered various fruits and edible plants from the different campsites they had stopped at, and they worked together to create a kind of impromptu feast. Which, Roland remarked, was only appropriate given that they were in a banqueting hall which had doubtless hosted many feasts in its time.

They sat together around the fire, in no particular order, and ate heartily. Everyone was full of talk, particularly Roland, who quickly endeared himself to everyone there. Even though he was the oldest person present – when Tuomas asked him his age he revealed that he was fifty – he had an air of constant good cheer. His golden dragon, Keth, was a big, battle-scarred creature with a broken horn, but proved to be surprisingly gentle, settling down among her fellows and watching the youngsters play, her yellow eyes peaceful.

Roland talked enthusiastically about his life as a rider, and informed his curious fellows about the cult of the Three Peaks, which had once been widespread throughout Alagaësia, with thousands of believers.

'Until the riders came into power,' he added, losing his smile. 'They were willing to tolerate it at first, but it didn't last. First they made it forbidden for a believer to hold a state position, then they forbade them from becoming riders as well. They encouraged people to blame them whenever something bad happened, then they put bigger and bigger taxes on the cathedrals and the priesthood until people started leaving the faith because they simply couldn't afford it. There was a lot of anger over it, but no-one dared fight back until one young idiot who'd turned himself into a fanatic tried to assassinate Vrael's predecessor. He was caught and executed. The traitor's death. Then the riders started to destroy all of us. Quiet-like, at first. The priests started dying conveniently, the cathedral in Teirm "accidentally" burned down while there was a congregation inside… so on. Then they made it a crime to visit the Three Peaks and killed hundreds of people for trying it. It was horrible. The High Priest in Dras-Leona inspired the believers to rebel, and they did, but it was pointless. Ordinary people can't fight against riders; it's suicide. The rebellion was put down, and Vrael, who'd just about come into power by then, had every last believer rounded up and killed or sent to the mines. My grandfather was one of the ones who escaped. He lived in hiding for a long time and taught his daughter – my mother – all about the faith. He was grooming her to follow in his footsteps and be a priestess, but someone betrayed him.'

'What happened to him?' Tuomas asked.

Roland glanced at him, his genial face hard and cold. 'Why… burned him alive, of course. Tied him to a stake and burned him, right in front of the castle where everyone could see. That's what happens to heretics.'

'That's horrible!' Tuomas exclaimed. 'How could they do that to someone just for believing in a god?'

Roland shrugged. 'The riders have been known to take extreme responses to things that appear to be simple and harmless. After all… they drove the entire race of the silver elves to extinction mostly because they were religious.'

'Silver elves?' said Gern.

'I've heard of them,' said Galbatorix. 'Tree-worshippers.'

'That's right,' said Roland. 'That happened during my lifetime. It's said no-one worked better with wood than the silver elves did. They lived in the shade of a group of giant trees that they'd fed with their magic for hundreds of years. Supposedly, those trees could work miracles. Their leaves could cure diseases that were usually fatal, and just sitting in the shade of one would make you feel at peace. I saw them, you know, just once, when I was a boy. The Southern elves, though…' he sighed and shook his head. 'The trees were poisoned. No doubt the elders know who did it, but no-one was ever revealed as the culprit. The elders acted like it was an unfortunate accident, but they refused to do anything to help the silver elves. They stood by and let them all die.'

'How does losing a tree kill someone?' said Kaelyn.

'Ah, my dear, if you were a believer you'd understand,' said Roland in a genial tone, like a grandfather. 'Those trees were more than just giant old plants. To the silver elves, they were gods. And a god is hope. As soon as the trees died, hope died with them. The silver elves hanged themselves from the branches. I was sent to find out what had happened, and I saw the bodies.' He paused and shuddered. 'There were so many of them. That was the thing I never forgot. I saw at least twenty of them all on the same branch. They were like giant silver fruits that had rotted before they could be picked. The ones who didn't commit suicide just let themselves die. Gave up eating, stopped taking care of themselves, just withered away and died like the trees had done. And just like that they were gone. A whole race, vanished.'

'Just like the one that owned this place,' said Galbatorix. 'The red dwarves. I've no idea what they were like, but I read about them in the records. They were massacred here, and this dead city is all that's left of them.'

'Still,' said Roland, breaking through the miserable silence that followed, 'Let's not be too gloomy. We're still alive, at least, and I could probably tell a story or two that you'll find a little more cheerful.'

'Please do,' said Tranah.

'Anything for you, my dear,' said Roland, winking at her.

The others laughed, and Roland went on to tell the story of how he had first become a rider. Galbatorix was slightly surprised to hear how similar it was to his own. Evidently things had not changed that much since Roland was a boy. But, then, changelessness was what the riders seemed to like best.

'…and at last I picked up an egg and felt it move under my fingers. My heart beat so fast I thought it was going to burst. I just sat there like an idiot and watched it hatch, and next thing I knew I was seeing my dear Keth for the first time. Later on I found out that her father was none other than Glaedr himself – who would've thought it? That was before that old snot Oromis became an elder, mind you. Anyway, so Keth bonded herself to me of course, and after that it was nothing but training for a couple of years. Such a long time ago now, but I remember it very well. You mightn't believe it now, but I was a right handsome dog back in my day. I knew it, too.' He grinned.

'You don't act your age much, if you don't mind my saying so,' said Tranah. 'I wouldn't have expected a rider as senior as you to turn traitor like this.'

'Oh, well, the secret is in pretending you're not old,' said Roland. 'Why should anyone make you take things slow just because you're past forty, eh? I never bought into it. Besides, we're riders. Check in on me again in a hundred years and I'll still be going strong. Might not have all my hair, though, or all my marbles. Mind you, I started out being short of a few of those anyway so you probably won't notice much.'

They laughed at this, and Roland turned to Galbatorix and said; 'Well, that's my story. Would you care to be next, sir?'

Galbatorix paused. 'All right. I've got one.'

The others looked interested, settling down and turning all their attention on him.

'I will tell you a story I heard in the North,' said Galbatorix. 'Now… a long time ago, before the riders came into being, before the elf and dragon war, there were two elvish nobles who both dreamed of finding a divine wellspring that would grant wisdom to whoever found it. But it would only work once. Whoever found it first would be granted wisdom, and after that it would become useless. Now, these two elves were from different races. One of them was a Southern elf. The other was a Northern elf. A dark elf.'

'Dark elf?' said Roland. 'I've heard of those. Aren't they supposed to be evil?'

Galbatorix snorted. 'An entire race, evil? No. It doesn't matter anyway; the dark elves are all dead now. Anyway, the Southern elf was called P'aarthian Blueyes. He was favoured all his life because his uncle was King of the Southern elves at the time, but he wanted to prove that he could do something better than just be related to a ruler. He decided he would go in search of the wellspring. The interesting thing about P'aarthian is that, even though he was called Blueyes all his life, it wasn't because his eyes were blue. For some reason he couldn't see red or green; to him, everything looked blue. Anyway, before Blueyes set out to find the wellspring, he was told that there was already someone else looking for it – a dark elf called Tynyth Traeganni. The light elves and the dark elves were bitter enemies, so Blueyes was bent on finding the wellspring before Tynyth did. For years and years the two of them searched. Neither of them met, but they both knew of each other, and it was a race. The search was long and difficult, and very dangerous, but in the end they both learned where the wellspring was, and travelled as fast as they could toward it, each one determined to get there first.'

'So what happened?' said Brom. 'Who won?'

'They both found it at the same time,' said Galbatorix. 'I imagine they were both angry about it, but there was nothing they could do short of fighting each other, and they were both too worn out for that. So they approached the wellspring side-by-side, and both of them saw what was carved on its side. The inscription revealed something neither of them had known beforehand. In order to gain wisdom from the water, a sacrifice had to be made. Whoever wanted the wellspring's power would have to give up one of their eyes. When Blueyes realised this, he pulled out his dagger and tried to cut out his eye. But he couldn't do it. He didn't have the courage. In the end, he blinded himself in the attempt but still failed to cut out either one. Tynyth saw him lying there, screaming for his lost vision, but she was not afraid. "Half my sight for all your wisdom", she said, and she tore out her left eye with her fingers and threw it into the wellspring. Afterwards she drank the water, and the magic worked. She became wiser than anyone else living in the world. Afterwards the wellspring sank into the ground, never to be seen again. Tynyth carried Blueyes back to his people, and then returned home. For the rest of her life she wore an eyepatch, but when her people saw her again and found that her quest had succeeded they made her their Queen. And from that day the Traegannis ruled the dark elves. As for Blueyes… no-one really knows what happened to him, but he lived out the rest of his life in darkness, cursing the name of Tynyth Traeganni. Some say that is why the Southern elves came to hate their Northern cousins so much in the first place, but that's neither here nor there.'

He fell silent, his eyes fixed inscrutably on the fire.

'A fine tale,' said Roland. 'May I ask where you learned it?'

Galbatorix shrugged. 'In the North.'

'Yes, but where in the North?'

'That's a story for another time,' said Galbatorix.