Chapter Forty-Six
Choices
In the dining hall at Dras-Leona, Galbatorix, Orwyne, Vander and Tuomas had finished eating. Galbatorix had related the happenings in Gil'ead and had heard a more detailed account from Vander and Orwyne of what they had been doing in Dras-Leona after capturing it. They had then discussed strategy for a while, and Galbatorix had used his glass of wine to scry Durza and tell him the news. The Shade had reported that all was well in Gil'ead, but that Glaedr had managed to fight through the paralysis spell and make his escape. Still, with only three legs and without his rider, the gold dragon would not be much of a threat. Oromis was still secure, and so was Carina.
'So,' said Galbatorix, once the important conversation was over and they were sitting back to enjoy some more wine and a few bowls of almond milk pudding. 'Orwyne… I didn't know you had a son.'
'It neve really came up,' said Orwyne. 'But… well, you see, some time ago when Roland was the governor here, I happened to meet him here at the castle. I wasn't a rider then; I was just a wine-seller. All the Redwyns were, actually. Anyway, I was at the castle overseeing some wine deliveries, and I met Roland here. He'd only just finished his training at the time, and we weren't that far apart in age, although of course riders age more slowly than ordinary humans… anyway, we got to talking while we were here – I'd been delayed because of a mix-up with the order and had to ask permission to stay a little longer. I have to say, when I found myself actually meeting a rider, I nearly wet myself. But then when Roland came in, I just looked at him and said; "who are you? I'm waiting for Lord Roland to come". I couldn't help it, he just looked so ordinary… anyway, he just looked at me and started laughing, and when I asked him what was so funny he asked me what riders were supposed to look like, so I told him what I thought, and before I knew it we were chatting away like we'd known each other for years. In the end he admitted he was Lord Roland, and I was so shocked I just laughed. When the wine finally arrived he invited me to drink it with him and tell him a little about how it'd been made… we ate together, in the end. And then the next day he came looking for me. I asked him why and he gave some excuse… it was so obvious he'd just made something up I nearly laughed at him again.' She smiled. 'Short version is, we fell for each other. I was all ready and willing to marry him, actually, but after I suggested it he suddenly went all quiet. It took ages to get him to talk, and he explained that he wanted to spend the rest of his life with me but he was miserable because he knew he couldn't. He was a rider; he'd outlive me. And I knew he was right. It was terrible. We tried to talk it out between us, but we just couldn't. In the end we agreed we ought to separate, so I went back home. But I just couldn't do it. I was miserable. I kept thinking about him and wishing he was there; I couldn't work, I couldn't sleep, I couldn't eat… I felt dead inside. I spent a year or so like that, and it never got any easier. Then an order came in from Dras-Leona. Ten barrels of the finest red. I nearly didn't go, but my friends talked me into it. Said if I didn't go there and see Roland again I'd regret it forever. So I went, and he was there, and when I saw him again…' she sighed. 'It was the most wonderful moment of my life. We spent a whole day and night together, just talking and… well, being together.' Orwyne broke off there, her expression distant. 'Roderick was conceived that night. And then, next morning… Roland was gone. I searched the whole castle for him, but he just wasn't there. When I asked someone, they said he'd left early that morning for Ellesméra. It was awful. Just awful. I felt like my heart had been ripped out. He'd run off on me. He hadn't even stopped to say goodbye. I felt so betrayed… I stayed around for a while, but eventually I decided he wasn't coming back, so I went home. A few days later I realised I was pregnant. I didn't know what to do. How could I look after a child on my own, and when I had a business to run? But then, that night…' she smiled, almost dreamily. 'He came back. Came to my little winery, riding on Keth's back. I ran out to meet him, and he apologised again and again for running away. But he'd gone to Ellesméra for a reason. You see, that morning he'd had a wild idea. The sort of wild idea you don't talk about in case just doing that puts you off. That was how he put it. He went to Ellesméra as fast as he could, and talked to old Einás the Egg-Guardian there. Somehow he persuaded her to let him take some of the dragon eggs she had, and he brought them to me. I nearly died of shock when I saw them. Somehow he talked me into handling them, so I did, and then… a miracle happened.'
'One of them hatched!' said Tuomas, unable to restrain himself.
Orwyne laughed. 'That's right. That day I became a rider. Right there on the grass outside the Redwyn Winery, still wearing my nightgown. Calanon hatched for me. Me, Orwyne Redwyne, twenty-five years old, who'd never gone to the Rider Trials or visited Ellesméra or anything. It was the most incredible moment of my life.'
'What did the riders say?' said Galbatorix.
'Well, there was a bit of a stir,' Orwyne admitted. 'Actually, a lot of a stir. Roland got into trouble, and so did Einás. But I was a rider, and there wasn't anything anyone could do about it. In the end they told Roland that, since he'd made me a rider, it was up to him to train me. And so he did. I sold the winery and came here to live with him in the castle, and he taught me magic and swordplay. And when Roderick was born, we both raised him. Roland got him a job working in the kitchens when he was fifteen. He did go to the Trials one year, but he didn't get through them. Still, he's our son, for better or worse. Better, Roland always says, but sometimes the cheeky little beggar gives me doubts.' She smiled fondly.
Galbatorix chuckled. 'That's quite a story. The things we do for love, eh?'
Orwyne nodded. 'Oh yes. It makes us all a little mad, I think.'
'Yes…' Galbatorix stared at nothing, and sighed deeply, suddenly pensive. He was thinking of Flell. For riders, love was not easy. But perhaps love was hard for everyone. With this thought, a sudden and powerful sense of longing rose inside his chest. He wasn't sure if it was for Laela, or Skade, or Flell. Perhaps it was for all three.
He stood up. 'I'd better go and see these riders you've got in the dungeon.'
'Oh,' said Orwyne. 'All right. Hadn't you better get some rest first, though?'
'Time waits for no man, Orwyne,' said Galbatorix. 'I'll see you later. But I'd appreciate it if there could be a hammock waiting for me when I get back.'
Orwyne smiled. 'Oh, I had one put up ages ago, sir.'
Galbatorix nodded and left.
Down in the dungeons, he found a number of ordinary human prisoners sitting miserably in their cells – they had attempted to rebel against the new rulers of the city and been arrested for their trouble. Unlike those in Gil'ead, these cells had doors of solid wood, each one set with a little barred window at head-height. Galbatorix walked past them, glancing through at the prisoners until he found the two riders. They were in the two largest cells at the end of the row, which had been made to accommodate more important prisoners and had good furniture and proper beds.
Galbatorix chose one of them arbitarily, and looked in at him. His fellow rider was human and clad in blue. His dark blonde hair was neatly cropped, and he was sitting on the chair provided with his head in his hands, unaware of being watched.
Galbatorix paused, sighed, and slipped in through the door with scarcely a sound. The other rider didn't hear him, and he closed the door as gently as he could and walked silently to stand just in front of him, looking down at him. He folded his arms and waited, unspeaking, until the man looked up and saw him.
The other rider's eyes widened, and he jerked backward in fright, but he made no sound or move to attack and stayed rooted to the chair, staring up at Galbatorix in mute terror.
Galbatorix looked back at him, his eyes two bottomless pools. 'Good evening,' he said, keeping his voice level. 'I'm pleased to meet you, Shur'tugal. What's your name, may I ask?'
The man swallowed. 'I am… my name's… I'm Elric. Elric Radford.'
Galbatorix nodded. 'A good name.' He sat down on a stool, keeping his hands clearly visible. 'As for me, my name is Galbatorix Taranisäii.'
Elric had gone white. 'Oh gods…' he moaned.
'Calm down, Elric,' said Galbatorix. 'Unless you attack me, you're in no danger here. I'm sorry you've been forced to wait like this, but I asked my followers to keep you comfortable. Have you had enough to eat?'
Elric managed a nod. 'Yes, yes, I'm f-fine.'
'Good. A rider deserves respect. Please, calm down. I'm only a threat to my enemies. I've come here to help you, not hurt you. Just hold still.'
He held his hand out, palm forward. Elric went rigid, clutching the arms of the chair. 'Oh gods,' he said again. 'Oh gods, oh gods, oh gods…'
Galbatorix ignored him. He recited the dark elvish spell and let the dark energy from his hand envelop the other rider, dissolving the power of the oath that bound him. When it was over, he lowered his hand.
'It's over now, Elric. See? That didn't hurt at all, did it?'
Elric opened his eyes and hastily inspected his hands, patting himself down to make sure he was unharmed. Then he looked at Galbatorix. 'What – what did you do?'
'I have removed your oath,' said Galbatorix. 'The one you swore to the elders. From now on, you're free to do as you please. Your loyalty is to yourself and no-one else. Unless you choose to swear it to someone else.'
Elric relaxed very slightly. 'You're going to kill me, aren't you?' he said dully. 'That's what you're here for. You're going to kill me for what I did to your friend. You're going to kill me, you're going to… oh gods…' he closed his eyes.
'I am not going to kill you,' Galbatorix said loudly. 'Not unless you force me to. And I hope you don't. I think of you as a friend, Elric. As someone who needs help. You were a slave, but now you are free. I gave that to you, and I ask for nothing in return.'
Elric dared to open his eyes. 'Your friend… is he…?'
'He's well,' said Galbatorix. 'We were able to heal him. And I'm sure he'll forgive you. He knows – we all know – that you did what you did because you had no choice. Your oath was controlling you, just as we were once controlled. We dared to rebel, and now the elders want us dead. What do you want, Elric?'
'I don't want to die,' said Elric. 'I don't want Sytha to die. I want to get out of this place.'
'And you can,' said Galbatorix. He gestured at the walls and the barred door of the cell, and let his voice take on a new note of passion. 'These walls, this cell, are of your making, Elric. You can unmake them if you want to. Blind loyalty to the elders ended thousands of lives and made this country a wasteland dominated by elves. If you can find the power to open your eyes to the truth, if you can let yourself see that there is a need for us to fight back, then you can leave this cell. You can go to Sytha again and fly free as you were meant to. You can live again, and you can fight to keep your freedom and your life. All you have to do is join us.'
Elric said nothing.
'Join us,' Galbatorix said again. 'Join me. The Shur'tugal were formed to fight for justice, and that is what we're doing. We are breaking free of the tyranny of the elves, and we will free this whole country from them as well. You can help us do this, Elric.' He placed a hand on his chest. 'For justice. For the gods. For freedom.' He smiled very slightly, remembering Morzan's contribution to that list, but said nothing more.
Elric sat up a little straighter. 'That's it?' he said. 'That's all you want me to do? Just… join you, and I'll be let out of here?'
'Yes,' said Galbatorix. 'Take an oath to follow me, and I will let you out of here and take you back to Sytha. She's unhurt, and she's waiting for you. You'll be given back your magic and your sword, and from then on you'll be able to go wherever you like in the city. You'll be treated as one of us. And when the war is over and the elders have been punished, you'll be free to go where you like and live how you choose, just as every man should.'
Elric looked at the floor. 'I don't… I'm not…'
'Not what?' said Galbatorix. 'Not a traitor? You'd only be a traitor to the elders. And look where their leadership got you. A cell. And look where it got the country – to civil war. The dwarves have retreated. The elves are failing. Soon we will be ready to attack Ilirea, and when that happens I will kill Vrael and set the land free. A new age will begin. A better age. A free age. That will be my gift to you, and to all others who help me do what must be done.'
Elric raised his head. 'My sister,' he said hoarsely. 'Where is she? Is she safe?'
'Your sister?'
'Her name's Ana,' said Elric. 'She was… she was captured with me. I don't know where she is.'
'Your sister is in the next cell,' said Galbatorix. 'She's unhurt.'
'Will you let her go?'
'If she lets me, then I will,' said Galbatorix. He stood up. 'I will go and talk to her now. You stay here. Rest. Eat. Think about what I said. You can have all the time I need.'
Elric nodded. 'Yes.. sir. But please…' he reached out to grab Galbatorix's arm, but thought better of it. 'Please don't hurt Ana. I'm begging you.'
'I won't,' Galbatorix promised. 'I'll see you later, Elric.'
He left the cell, locking the door behind him. Outside, he leaned against the wall of the corridor and breathed deeply. The pent-up tension inside him finally rose to the surface, and he actually trembled a little as he forced himself to calm down. When he'd relaxed again, he quickly located the cell containing the other rider and entered it.
Elric's sister, who shared his blonde hair, was sleeping when Galbatorix came into her cell. He closed the door and gently nudged her awake. She opened her eyes, saw him, and sat up sharply with a mighty oath.
Galbatorix stood back and waited for her to collect herself. She looked him up and down, not quite as frightened as her brother had been, but drew herself back into the corner very quickly. 'Who are you?' she demanded.
Galbatorix bowed slightly. 'Galbatorix Taranisäii,' he said. 'And you?'
The woman shivered at the sound of his name. 'I'm Ana,' she said tersely. 'Ana Radford.'
'Pleased to meet you, Ana,' said Galbatorix. 'Can I get you anything?'
Ana shook her head. 'I'm… fine.' She was watching him warily, poised to defend herself if he attacked.
'Be calm,' said Galbatorix. 'I'm not here to hurt you. Incidently, your dragon's injuries have been healed. He's fine.'
'What about Elric?' said Ana. 'My brother – he's not…?'
'Elric is in the cell next door,' said Galbatorix. 'He and his dragon are also safe and healthy. I just spoke to Elric myself; he asked if you were all right. What should I tell him, Ana?'
'Tell him I'm all right,' said Ana. 'Please.'
'But are you all right?' said Galbatorix.
Ana hesitated. 'Yes. Your friends didn't hurt me much. Look, if you're going to ask me to join you-,'
Galbatorix couldn't help it; he chuckled. 'You're very bold, aren't you? I like that.'
'If you're going to ask me to join you,' Ana repeated, 'I've already got an answer for you.'
'Don't be hasty,' Galbatorix advised.
'I'm not,' said Ana. 'I thought it over very carefully. The answer's yes.'
Galbatorix blinked. 'Oh?'
Ana nodded. 'Yes, I'll join you. If you don't hurt Elric.'
Galbatorix hadn't been expecting this. 'Can I ask why?'
'Why?' said Ana, almost wildly. 'Why? Well because I don't want to die, that's why. Even if you didn't have me locked up like this, if I'd stayed with the elders I'd still have died in the end. I'm not an idiot… my Lord. You're winning this war. And the oldest law of warfare is "don't be on the losing side". I've seen what happens to the losing side before, and I'd rather it didn't happen to me.'
'Well, you're more than welcome to join me,' said Galbatorix, successfully hiding his surprise. 'Just hold still a moment… I'll remove your oath.'
'So you really do have the power to do that?' said Ana.
Galbatorix nodded. He held out his hand and cast the spell. Ana held still, and when it was done she opened her eyes and said; 'Is it over yet?'
'Yes. You're free now.'
Ana pushed back her hair. 'Thankyou, sir. But first things first. What about Elric? What's he said?'
'I made him an offer,' Galbatorix said carefully. 'I said he would be set free if he joined us, and I set him free of his oath. I left him to think it over.'
Ana nodded briskly. 'He'll say yes once I've spoken to him.' She got up off the bed and straightened her clothes. Now she was standing, Galbatorix saw she was nearly as tall as him. Her features were pointed and intelligent, and she had dark blue eyes. She bowed to him. 'I'm at your command, sir. If you'll hand me a knife, I'll cut my ears. I already know that part. And I'll take an oath to serve you. What else do I have to do?'
'That's all,' said Galbatorix. 'Just that. As soon as you've taken your oath, I'll give you back your magic and your sword and you can leave this cell and go to your dragon.'
Ana considered it. 'All right then.' She placed a hand on her chest. 'I, Ana Radford of Radford Dale, swear by my life, my soul and my blood that I and my dragon, Abern, will be loyal to you, Galbatorix Taranisäii, Lord of the Forsworn. We will fight beside you and do your bidding until we die or until you choose to release us.' She spoke clearly and steadily, pronouncing each ancient-language word with care, and when she was done she lowered her hand. 'There. I'm ready now, sir.'
'Thankyou, Ana,' said Galbatorix.
She shrugged. 'It was the only sensible route to take, sir. May I have my magic back now?'
Galbatorix said nothing. He entered her mind as gently as he could, and removed the mental block that kept her from accessing her magic and talking to her dragon. She felt it and sighed. 'Ahhhh… that's better. May I have a knife, please?'
Galbatorix unsheathed his dagger and gave it to her. She sat down, paused to brace herself, and lifted the blade to her ear. Galbatorix winced slightly as she cut away the pointed tip, gritting her teeth and swearing. Her fingers sticky with blood, she tossed aside the severed piece of flesh and healed the wound before moving on to the other. Afterwards she wiped the dagger clean on her tunic and gave it back. 'All right,' she said, a little shakily. 'All finished.'
Galbatorix put his dagger back into its sheath. 'Come with me.'
He led her out into the corridor and into Elric's cell. The yellow-haired man was standing up and waiting for them, and when Ana went in first he let out an exclaimation of joy and ran to embrace her. She held him tightly, and Galbatorix hung back and let them reassure each other.
As Elric let go of his sister, he saw her ears and his eyes widened. 'Ana, did you…?'
Ana nodded. 'Yes, El, I did. I've joined up with the Forsworn.'
Elric moved back a little, casting a wary glance at Galbatorix. 'Ana…'
'Come on now, Elric, you know it's the only sensible thing to do,' Ana said firmly. 'You can't sit in here and rot forever. Just take the oath. It's not hard.'
Elric rubbed his head. 'But what about the elders?'
'Bugger the elders,' said Ana. 'Who cares about them? They're losing the war, anyone can see that. Idiots haven't got a clue. I don't want to die. And I don't want you to die, either.'
Elric looked at her, and then at Galbatorix again. 'All right,' he said at last. 'All right. I suppose you're right, Ana.'
Ana hugged him again. 'I knew you'd see sense, El,' she said cheerfully. 'Knew it.' She turned to Galbatorix. 'He's in,' she said unnecessarily.
Galbatorix smiled slightly. 'I can see that.'
Elric came forward. 'I swear…' he stopped, straightened up, and put a hand on his chest in the proper manner. 'Uh… I, Elric Radford of Radford Vale, swear by my soul, my life and my blood that I and my dragon, Sytha, will be loyal to you, Galbatorix Taranisäii, and that we will fight beside you and do your bidding until we die or until you release us.'
Galbatorix handed him the dagger. 'Thankyou, Elric. Now complete it. Reclaim your humanity.'
Elric tested the blade on his thumb. 'I'm not sure…'
'It's all right, El,' said Ana. 'You can handle a little pain, right?'
Elric sighed. 'All right, all right. Good gods…' he sat down and started to cut, though he did it hesitantly and kept stopping and whimpering. Ana looked on impatiently, but didn't try and interfere. When he'd completed one ear, she gently reached out and healed it and then waited for him to do the next one. Galbatorix, looking on, resisted the urge to laugh. For a moment, seeing the two of them together, he wished he had had siblings.
'Right,' he said, once Elric had finished. He removed the mental block with ease, and made for the door. 'Come with me, you two. You're free.'
He led them to a guardroom and retrieved their swords from a cupboard, giving them back along with their sheathes. They took them gratefully, and went with him out into a courtyard, where their dragons lay, unable to move.
Galbatorix lifted the paralysis spell and stood back while the two riders were reunited with their dragons, and afterwards the two of them were allowed to go up to the dragon roost, where there was food and water waiting for them.
Ana and Elric watched them go, then turned toward their new master. 'We're ready when you are, sir,' said Ana.
'Let's go, then,' said Galbatorix. 'It's time for you to meet some of your new friends. And you'll get some fresh clothes and so on as well. Of course.'
He took them up to the dining hall, and there they found not just Vander and Orwyne but Roland as well. The old rider was walking slowly around the table, testing his newly-healed legs with the help of a walking stick. When Galbatorix entered with Ana and Elric behind him, he turned to see them enter, and smiled. 'Good evening, sir! Roland Drasborn, up and ready to go into battle again. And… by the Three Peaks, are these…?'
Galbatorix nodded. 'Everyone, these are Ana and Elric Radford. The two newest members of the Forsworn.'
'They've taken oaths?' said Orwyne.
'We both have,' Ana said boldly. She went forward without prompting, and bowed to the three of them. 'I'm very sorry for what happened earlier. Now I've joined you, I'm hoping we can put it behind us.'
'We certainly can,' Roland said graciously. 'All of us were in your position before.'
'So we were,' Vander agreed. 'But like you we saw the light.'
'To heck with the light, I just don't want to die,' said Ana. She gestured impatiently at Elric, who came forward, albeit very slowly.
Roland saw him coming, and limped toward him. 'Ah. Greetings to you, young man. I think we've met.'
Elric looked as if he was hoping the roof would suddenly fall in. 'I'm sorry, my Lord,' he said at last. 'I really… if there's anything I can do to make up for it…'
'Not to worry, lad,' Roland said heartily. 'I'm a little banged up, but I'll live. And let us not forget that I could well have killed you or your sister if you had not fought back. In a situation like that, it's all or nothing.'
That seemed to calm Elric down a lot. 'Well, all right,' he said. 'But I still owe you a service. If there's ever anything I can do to help you, say so and I'll do it.'
Roland nodded. 'Understood. I shall remember that, Elric. Now, won't you and your sister join us at the table? I believe we have things to discuss, so we may as well begin.'
'Indeed we do,' said Galbatorix. He seated himself at the head of the table, and waited for the others to choose their own places. 'Where's Tuomas, by the way?'
'On the wall, keeping watch,' said Vander. 'He's got very good eyesight, hasn't he?'
Galbatorix hesitated. 'We should probably let him stay there, then. Best if we have a good pair of eyes up there. Now, Roland, have the other two given you my news?'
'That they have,' said Roland. 'A very good report all round, I would think. With the Elder Oromis safely under lock and key, we are that much stronger. The situation with the wild dragons is less encouraging, but it could be worse. At least they aren't actively helping the elders or likely to do so anytime soon.'
'Excuse me, sir?' said Ana. 'Could I say something?'
'Go ahead,' said Galbatorix.
'Well, sir,' said Ana. 'If I might make a suggestion… that is, it'd be a good idea to capture Vroengard and Teirm next, if you want to dominate the rest of the country. The elders aren't going to leave Ilirea. They're too scared.'
'We've already discussed that,' said Galbatorix. 'Teirm will be next. Once we've captured it and Vroengard, we're going to lead an army of humans up into Du Weldenvarden and destroy the elves.'
'A good plan,' said Ana. 'As I'd have expected from you. I hope this isn't too much too fast, but I'd be willing to attack Teirm. I know it very well – I was governor there for a while. I'll take Elric with me, and maybe one or two others. We could do it easily. I know which riders are there; Vindigh's only half-trained, and Martain's an old fogey.'
Galbatorix thought carefully. Even though the other rider had taken an oath, giving her such an important mission so quickly felt very hasty. 'It's a good idea,' he said at length, being careful not to betray his thoughts. 'We'll have to talk it over first.'
Ana grinned at him. 'Yes, I know. You don't know if you can trust me yet. Well, that's fine. I'll tell you what I know, and you can make up your own mind.'
Galbatorix yawned. 'Yes… look, everyone, I'm very sorry, but I need to rest. Stay here and talk things over, see if you can come up with anything… Orwyne, make sure Ana and Elric get plenty to eat and a decent place to sleep. They're our friends now.'
'Right you are, sir,' said Orwyne.
Next morning, when Galbatorix had washed and eaten, he gathered Orwyne, Vander and Roland together along with Elric and Ana – both of whom had fresh clothes and were looking much happier – in the dining hall once again, leaving Tuomas outside to keep watch with the dragons.
Once everyone was seated, Galbatorix placed a bowl of water in the middle of the table and spread his hand over it. 'Draumr kópa.' He concentrated on Durza, and found him. While the others looked on, the Shade looked up out of the water. Good morning, my Lord. Are you well?
'Well enough, Durza,' Galbatorix answered. 'Are things well in Gil'ead?'
Yes, my Lord. A rider flew over the city last night – he made no attempt to attack. We don't know who he was, but he was going toward Vroengard. They know we're here, but they are not attacking. Perhaps they lack the strength.
'Good. Go and find Morzan and the others. Gather them together. We're going to discuss what to do next.'
Yes, my Lord.
Galbatorix looked up at his friends. 'He'll be a few moments. This is a bit of a complicated method of talking to the others, but it should work. We can consult Morzan and Tranah and the rest, and get their opinions about an attack on Teirm.'
'Yes, sir,' said Vander. 'I agree with Ana that it should be done quickly. And Vroengard must be taken as well.'
Not long later, Durza reported that he had found Morzan, Tranah and Strein. Speak now, said the Shade. I will relay your messages.
The discussion began. Galbatorix introduced Elric and Ana to the others in Gil'ead, all of whom were very pleased to hear of the new additions to the Forsworn, and after that it was time to get down to business. Several plans to attack Vroengard and Teirm were put forward, discussed, discarded and reformed. Everyone had suggestions, even Kaelyn and Gern, who joined the meeting partway through, and later Tuomas as well.
The talking went on for hours, but few of them noticed. All of them knew that things were about to take an important turn.
By lunchtime, it had been decided that Ana and Elric would attack Teirm, with Orwyne. Morzan, Tranah and Vander would go to Vroengard, and Galbatorix would return to Gil'ead to help defend it with Strein, while Roland took charge of Dras-Leona. Durza would go to help him. Kaelyn and Gern would stay in Gil'ead with Galbatorix, while Tuomas would stay with Roland. Leaving only two riders in Dras-Leona was an unpleasant option, but they decided that since Gil'ead was closest to Ilirea and the obvious threat it posed, it would need the most defenders.
They decided that the attack on Teirm would take place as soon as they had made some more detailed plans in that direction, and once they had positive confirmation that it had been captured they would launch the assault on Vroengard. Once both of these cities had fallen, they would be ready to sweep Northwards into Du Weldenvarden.
Once all these decisions had been made, Galbatorix finally dissolved the scrying spell and announced that it was time for lunch.
But even while they ate, they planned.
By evening, the Teirm attack had been settled. Ana, Elric and Orwyne went to prepare. At dawn, they would leave. Galbatorix went to his hammock that night with his mind still buzzing with ideas and worries and tension, and it gave him bad dreams.
He dreamed that he was standing in the middle of a darkened room, all alone. His sword was clasped loosely in one hand, and there was an expression of shock on his face. He took two staggering steps backward, and as he turned, he saw the dagger embedded in his heart. Then he fell, crumpling to the ground, his sword falling out of his hand, and he saw the elders come forward to stare down at him.
Arren Cardockson is dead.
The boy is insane.
Take him away and whip him, the boy is insane. Tomorrow he will die the traitor's death. Tomorrow he dies.
The boy is insane.
Tomorrow he dies.
Tomorrow…