Torn Between Two
Chapter 20
Reilyn took her sword back from Eragon and refastened it to her belt with trembling fingers.
You'll be fine, she told herself. It's not as if we're sleeping in these trees tonight.
A noise in the forest caught her sensitive ears and she stopped, causing Eragon to bump into her.
"Rei!" he hissed, "what are you-?"
"Shhh!" she hissed back, raising her hand for silence. Reilyn scanned the trees, searching for who caused the noise, she tested the air carefully and listened intently.
"They're here?" Lady Nasuada whispered, walking up next to her. "The guardians?"
"Yes," she whispered to the Varden leader.
Eragon gasped as the tall, black cloaked figure emerged from nowhere, followed by a silver wolf and a large, black cat. Reilyn heard the whole group behind her gasp and whisper in frightened tones. She took a deep breath, pulling her choker from a pocket, and fastened the clasp in the back. The necklace was proof that she was no imposter, she had once lived in or very near Alurra, and it granted she would not be harmed.
"Rei! No!" Eragon said, grabbing her arm when she started to walk forward.
The cloaked figure rose its head, showing the white skin and bared its teeth. The canines were long, much longer than any humans, and as sharp as the wolf's teeth that stood beside the Guardian.
"Er," she hissed, turning to him. "I have to! Just me," she whispered the last two words, glancing at Lady Nasuada.
The dark skinned woman nodded and placed a hind on Eragon's shoulder.
"Eragon, let her go. This is her task."
Reluctantly, the brunette let her arm go. He looked at the cloaked person worriedly, then back to her.
"I'll be fine. I know how this works. Just keep everyone here."
The Rider nodded slowly, holding himself with pride as Reilyn walked towards the Guardian and the creatures.
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"Sleta," she whispered, bowing low before the cloaked man.
"Sleta," he said in a low voice, returning the bow.
Reilyn rose slowly, feeling the man's black eyes on her and she resisted the sudden urge to fidget. The Guardian looked her over, slowly walking around her, the beasts at his sides following suit. She bit back a scream when she felt his breath on her neck, remembering the fangs that were inches from her skin. The creatures positioned themselves in front of her, sitting on the ground and watching her with interest.
"Name, child," the Guardian hissed in normal language.
"Reilyn," she whispered, keeping her focus on the animals and not the fangs.
"Last name!" the teeth grazed her skin threateningly.
"I have none," she gasped.
"Reilyn," he whispered, moving from behind her. "It does fit what they told me," he gestured to the animals. "Flames for hair, moonlight skin, proud and protect, and demons in the eyes."
They knew I was coming. . .
"Of course they knew!" he laughed, exposing his deadly fangs even more. "They know all!"
He touched her face, his hands like ice. His flesh was much colder than her own, almost like a corpse.
"Do I frighten you, Reilyn?" he whispered, putting his face close to hers.
"In all honesty," she shuddered from his cold touch, "yes."
"Good! I like that!" he laughed. "Honesty, I mean."
Reilyn let out a relieved laugh, but kept it very quiet.
"Siel con tola?" he asked, gesturing the group. He had decided she was trustworthy and would hear what she had to say.
"Shiertals de Rider Eragon."
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Eragon toyed with his sword. His nervous energy had to be released somehow or he feared it would kill him. He sighed when Reilyn finally came walking back, followed by the silver wolf.
"Well?" he asked, jogging to her.
"We can enter the city, but not until tomorrow."
"Why tomorrow?" he eyed the wolf beast cautiously.
"Right now," she sighed and scratched the wolf behind the ears, "they haven't enough lodging for all of us, and they need to prepare for an audience with the king."
"I see," he said, running his hands through his hair. "This is a set back."
"Not really," she smiled and knelt down to the wolf's level, rubbing his face. "They've agreed to take Tolan off our hands, but they insist Murtagh be kept with us. They fear the 'merciless Pale Rider.'"
"Can you blame them?" he asked, glancing at the moody boy.
"No, I can't," she eyed the boy as well. "We need to talk about his sudden change, Er."
"I know," he sighed, shaking his head. "I don't like it."
"Makes me nervous."
"Should we get Tolan or. . .?"
I don't want her alone with that insane bastard, he whispered to Saphira.
I doubt she'll want that either, Eragon.
"I have to take him to the Guardian," she whispered, standing up. "Alone. . .I'm sorry, but it's their way."
"Reilyn," he began to protest, but the growl from the silver wolf stopped him. Eragon watched the beast, hand moving to his sword, in case it made a false move.
"Well, I mean," Reilyn snickered, "I'm not completely alone. I have him." Reilyn nodded to the creature.
Eragon smirked as the wolf bristled with pride, holding its head up high and viewing everything with its green eyes.
I actually feel safe knowing he'll be with her, he told Saphira.
As do I, Little one. This beast is wise and strong. . .Trusting him is a wise move.
He got level with the wolf, looking directly into its eyes, and carefully pet its fur.
"Reilyn means a lot to me," he whispered. "Please keep her well protected. I don't know what I'd do if I lost her. . ."
The wolf startled him be licking his hand, then it stepped back and lowered its head between its paws, bowing.
As you wish, Rider, the wolf said. I would have guarded her had you not asked, but it's appreciated to know you respect manners.
"Thank you, Sir Wolf."
Eragon rose and caught Reilyn looking at him with amusement and admiration. He felt himself blush and he looked away.
"Sir Wolf," she whispered, "would you kindly go gather said prisoner, Tolan?"
The beast nodded and loped off to find the blonde boy.
Words I made up:
Sleta (slay-tah) greetings. (Very formal)
Siel con tola?- Who goes there?
Shiertals de Rider Eragon- Friends of the Rider Eragon.