Chapter 7: Safe Yet Endangered.
He woke to a growl.
He looked round a found Saphira, with her eyes still closed and her upper lip trembling as if to snarl.
He pulled himself from the makeshift bed that was Saphira and watched as she growled, with amusement.
'She must be dreaming' he thought with a grin.
He stood and stretched, feeling Zar'roc comforting weight at his side.
"Morning" muttered Murtagh, lying on his back in the far corner.
Eragon nodded through a yawn then asked "Been awake long?"
"Yeah, I'm surprised she didn't wake you sooner."
Eragon laughed quietly "She could have breathed fire on me and I doubt I would have woken."
Murtagh grinned in response.
"Any idea what time it is?"
"No, impossible to tell in here."
"Anyone come to see us yet?"
"Nope."
Eragon sighed, thinking of last night conversations, and of the blade hanging from his waist, the same blade that had cleaved through a three year old Murtagh's back.
Carefully and quietly he removed the sword and it's sheathe form his belt.
'Brom gave you that little one' Saphira had apparently woken up.
'And Brom said that I have more claim to it than he did, well Murtagh has more claim to it than I do.'
He stalked forwards to where Murtagh sat, and held the blade, handle first out to him.
Murtagh stared at him and then at the sword.
"This is your inheritance right? Take it" he implored.
Murtagh stared at the blade a few moments "I... why?"
Eragon almost grinned "You have more claim to it than I do."
"But... didn't Brom give you this, doesn't it mean something to you?" he asked, looking and yet trying not to look at the sword.
"Sort of. But as you said Brom stole it from your father's corpse, it was stealing, as his student I'm returning it, atoning for him if you will. If you want it, take it."
Murtagh reached out and took the sword. Eragon let it slide from his grip, with only a small bit of reluctance.
He turned back to Saphira who was looking at him with her blue eyes.
Then he heard a clatter, Zar'roc lay by his boots.
Eragon glanced at Murtagh, who was staring at the ground somewhere to the left of Eragon "You... you keep it."
Eragon nodded and strapped it to his belt "If you ever want it Murtagh just ask, and it's yours" he promised.
Murtagh nodded stiffly.
Saphira's stomach rumbled 'They better feed us, and I mean more than a snack like last night. I'm so hungry I could eat an entire herd of cows."
'They'll feed you' assured Eragon, shaking his head in amusement.
'They better.'
'Well if they don't feel free to eat a couple of them.'
Saphira snorted.
They sat in amicable silence for a while, Eragon wasn't sure how long exactly, but it wasn't too long as soon voices could be heard on the other side of the door.
Murtagh's hand gripped the hilt of his sword.
The doors opened, allowing in a dozen warriors, the bald man and Orik stood at the back of the group.
The warriors gulped when they saw Saphira, staring at them like they were prey.
But the bald man swept past them and entered the room.
"Ajihad, Leader of the Varden has agreed to meet with you. Be warned that should you draw your weapons you will be treated as a threat" he declared.
"Be warned that should weapons be drawn on us they will be treated as a threat" said Eragon, staring the bald man down, he seemed to shrink before Eragon's crimson eyes "Where are our horses? And how is Arya?"
The man took a steadying breath "Your horses await you in the tunnel."
"And Arya?" Eragon added before the man, who had started to leave, could.
He hesitated before answering "I do not know. The healers are still with her. Now come!"
Eragon glanced over to Murtagh, who glanced back at him.
The warriors watched them nervously "You go first" one said.
Eragon smirked at them, then strutted over to Murtagh and Saphira, making sure they couldn't see his lips he said quietly to Murtagh "Stick close to Saphira."
Murtagh nodded.
They headed back along the tunnels they had traversed the day before, when they reached the huge tunnel through which they had first entered the mountain, they found the bald man and Orik stood there, Tornac's and Snowfire's reigns in the dwarfs hands.
"You will ride single file down the centre of the tunnel" instructed the bald man "If you attempt to go anywhere else, you will be stopped."
Eragon nodded and mounted Snowfire, taking the lead, Murtagh on Tornac just behind him and Saphira behind Murtagh.
'Look after Murtagh' said Eragon keeping his eyes straight forwards.
'I will' promised Saphira solemnly.
The bald man examined their small line, nodded, then gestured to the warrior, who dived into half and surrounded them, giving Saphira as wide a berth as possible.
Orik and the bald man went to the head of the procession.
The bald man gave them another examination, then clapped twice, and stared walking forwards.
Eragon tapped Snowfire lightly on his flanks, urging the white stallion forwards at the same pace the bald man moved.
He focused entirely on the future meeting, mainly on what spells he might need to escape, he ignored the pounding of horse's hooves as they struck the hard floor and paid no attention to the occasionally door or gate that marred the smooth walls.
After an entire league he realised something 'They're taking us through the entire mountain!'
He glanced back at Murtagh and raised both eyebrows with his cocky grin firmly in place, Murtagh smiled back.
A soft white glow soon became visible ahead of them, he didn't bother straining to see it, knowing that they would come to it soon.
And come to it they did.
Thick marble pillars laced with rubies and amethysts standing in rows along the walls, scores of languet hung in-between the pillar pillars and gold tracery that gleamed from the marble like molten thread could now be seen.
Other than that he ignored it, barely caring, the finery holding no importance in his mind.
Except for the pair of gargantuan black doors, accentuated by the shimmering silver lines depicting a seven point crown that spanned both sides.
The bald man halted, raised his hand and gestured to Eragon "You will ride your dragon now, at the front. Do not attempt to fly away. There will be people watching so remember who and what you are" his tone was curt, and Eragon raised an eyebrow at this.
But still he clambered up onto Saphira and strapped himself into the saddle.
'I think they want to show us of' said Saphira proudly.
'Of course they do, a dragon and her rider have arrived, what else would they do' Eragon replied with equal arrogance, Zar'roc's weight at his waist was a good comfort, Saphira shifted to the front of the line, slightly ahead of the bald man "I'm ready."
"Good" said the bald man. He and Orik took either sides of Saphira, standing far back enough to show that she was clearly in the lead "Now once the doors open, follow the path. Go slowly."
'Ready?'
'Of course' Saphira headed to the doors at a slow and measured pace. AS they neared the door, without warning, swung outwards on hidden hinges, neither rider nor dragon let this shock them and not a hint of doubt appeared on either face.
Sun light filtered through the widening gap, and glimmered off of Saphira's scales, Eragon's eyes were unaffected by the sudden brightness and he kept his gaze planted firmly ahead.
The path he was to follow headed to the base of a snowy white mountain that glimmered like an uncut gem. He completely ignored the volcanic crater that surrounded the mountain, keeping his sights focused on the over a mile high mountain.
"Look well, human, for no rider has laid eyes on it in nigh over a hundred years. The airy peak under which we stand is Farthen Dur, discovered by our forefather Korgan while he tunnelled for gold. And inside it is our greatest achievement, the city Tronjheim made from the purest marble" the dwarf spoke quietly, almost reverently.
Eragon took a moment to notice the crowd gathered at the tunnel entrance. There were thousands of them, humans and dwarves, packed together like tree in a thicket.
Eragon stared out at them with boredom.
'Maybe you should do something, smile, wave, say hello?'
Eragon groaned 'Why don't you say hello for the both of us.'
"ROOOOOOOOAAAAR!"
The crowd backed away in fear as Saphira let her mighty lungs project her greeting, the bald man scowled.
But then one person cheered, and like the single drop of rain that starts a downpour thunderous cheers could soon be heard, emanating from, seemingly, every member of the crowd.
But, Eragon noted, the dwarves weren't as happy to see him as the humans, some glared resentfully, others turned their backs to him.
But to be honest he didn't care.
'Shall we?' he asked Saphira playfully.
'We shall' she responded, and, with a strut worthy of a queen, walked out along the path, the crowds cheering only intensified at her arrogant canter.
They walked through, the crowd following the dragon and her rider.
Eragon glanced back once to check on Murtagh, he was stiff and pale, a vein twitching in his temple.
Eragon kept himself calm, nodding to the occasional person, which elicited great cheers from the crowd. But other kept silent, and still.
He paid no attention to where they were going, nor where there were, trusting Saphira to guide him, he just kept his head up and checked on Murtagh occasionally.
Until they came to a circular room, easily a thousand feet across, etched upon carnelian floor was a hammer surrounded by twelve stars, the same symbol that rested upon Orik's helmet.
The room's ceiling was capped with a gem of monstrous size, twenty yards across and easily a thick, it was the largest gem Eragon had ever seen, if not in the entire world.
Four hallways left the room, one of which they had entered from, it divided the city into quarters.
"You must go on foot from here" said the bald man, walking ahead of them now, scattered booing emerged from the crowd as he said so, but Eragon nimbly leapt down and landed on his feet.
He noticed a dwarf lead Tornac and Snowfire away, and gestured for Murtagh to come and stand by him and Saphira, which he did so, hesitantly. Some curious stares met him, but Murtagh shrugged them off self-consciously.
Eragon once again ignored the route, trusting Saphira to remember and guide him. But soon they came to a massive cedar door stained black with age.
The bald man pulled it open and allowed all but the guards entry.
They entered an elegant two story study, panelled with row of cedar bookshelves. A wrought iron staircase wound up to a small balcony with two chairs and a reading table.
White lanterns hung on the walls and ceiling, allowing a book to be read anywhere in the room.
The stone floor was covered by an intricate oval rug, at the far end of the room, a man stood behind a large walnut desk.
He had dark skin, the colour of oiled ebony. The dome of his head was shaved bare, but a closely trimmed black beard covered his chin and upper lip. Strong features shadowed his face, and grave, intelligent eyes lurked under his brow. His shoulders were broad and powerful, emphasized by a tapered red vest embroidered with gold threat and clasped over a rich purple. He bore himself with great dignity, exuding an intense, commanding air.
When he spoke, his voice was strong, confident "Welcome to Tronjheim, Rider and Dragon. I am Ajihad, please seat yourselves."
Eragon took an armchair, Murtagh sat next to him and Saphira laid herself behind them, protectively.
Ajihad raise his hand and snapped his fingers.
A man, identical to the bald man beside Ajihad, stepped out from the shadows of the staircase.
Murtagh stiffened, Eragon watched, boredom in his eyes.
"They are twins" explained Ajihad "I would tell you their names, but they have none."
Saphira hissed in distaste and Ajihad watched her a few moments, then he sat down into a high backed chair behind his desk.
The twins retreated into the shadows of the staircase, standing side by side.
Ajihad watched Eragon carefully, Eragon in turned scrutinised Ajihad, when their eyes finally met, he spoke "You have placed me in a difficult position, Rider, I have allowed you passage as you knew of Brom's message and twins assured me they can control you."
Saphira snorted, violently, smoke drifted from her nostrils.
Ajihad surveyed here again for a while "You do not think that true Dragon?"
'Tell him my name is Saphira, and that two measly humans could never stop my rider' she said anger bubbling in her thoughts.
"Her name is Saphira, and she says that two measly humans could never stop her" he accentuated the word, earning a purr like growl from Saphira "Rider."
He frowned.
"And yet you refuse to be examined, and because of this we cannot trust you, or your companion, with our secrets"
Eragon scowled "Know this, I would never reveal anything of the dwarves nor of the Varden to Galbatorix, I can't speak for Murtagh here, but he'd have to be pretty desperate to ever speak of it, he has as much reason to hate Galbatorix as I do."
Ajihad frowned "Galbatorix prides himself on making people desperate."
Eragon stared at him with incredulity. He then turned to Murtagh "I thought he prided himself on his tea party of evil."
Silence.
Murtagh wrestled with himself a few moments, strain showing on his face, but then, in front of the leader of the Varden, a man likely to kill him, he snorted.
"My companion, as you say, prides himself on keeping out of desperate situations, though he has failed on all of those accounts, since meeting me."
Murtagh smiled at him, and his making light of a serious situation.
"You can trust me to hate Galbatorix and all he stands for, I want him dead and burnt, and I want to be the one to kill him. But you can't trust me with your daughter" Ajihad stiffened, then examined Eragon face, and finally relaxed.
"You speak you mind, you care not for other people's opinions and don't mind who you offend. A rare trait, if you wish to know I do have a daughter, and that is why I was nervous for a few moments, before I realised you were simply making a point."
"That's nice" said Eragon casually.
"And your companion refuses to be examined as well?"
"I won't let anyone inside my mind" said Murtagh speaking for the first time since entering.
Ajihad's face darkened as Murtagh spoke, and his eyes flashed dangerously "It's been twenty three years since I last heard that voice" the twins started whispering frantically. Ajihad stood ominously, chest swelling "It came from another man, one more beast than human. Get up."
Murtagh warily complied, eyes darting between Ajihad and the twins, Eragon kept his relaxed posture, but his hand shifted nearer to Zar'roc.
"Take off your shirt" he ordered, with a shrug Murtagh removed the tunic "Now turn around."
As he did so, light fell upon the scar on his back.
"Murtagh" breathed Ajihad. Orik swore in surprise. Without warning Ajihad turned on the twins "Did you know of this?"
"No, we never suspected that..."
"You know I did mention your names a couple of times... didn't I?" Eragon interrupted the twins explanations with a question for Murtagh.
Murtagh nodded, pulling his tunic back on.
"I thought so."
Ajihad watched the two converse, and then asked "Do you still refuse to be probed?"
"I won't let anyone inside my mind" Murtagh repeated.
Ajihad frowned "If you refuse I will be forced to keep you restrained at all times, for your own protection as much as the peoples. Once they learn of you they will tear you apart if I do not keep you contained. It will only get worse once the dwarf king Hrothgar, demands custody of you. This can be easily avoided."
"No, even if I were to submit I would still be treated like a leper. I just want to leave. Let me and I will never reveal your location to Galbatorix."
"And if he captures you. He will extract every secret from your mind willing or not. No we cannot take that risk."
"Will you hold me prisoner forever?" demanded Murtagh straightening.
"No, only until you submit to the probing then..."
"I will let no man into my mind. It is the one sanctuary remaining to me, men have tried to breach it before and I have learned to defend it vigorously. You have asked for the one thing I cannot give, least of all to them" he gestured to the twins in disgust "Death will take me before I submit to their probing."
There was a glint of admiration in Ajihad's eyes "I'm not surprised, but I had hoped otherwise... guards!"
Warriors entered the room, their weapons readied "Take him to a windowless cell and bar the door. Let no one inside until I come and see him, and do not speak to him either."
They made to encircle Murtagh but Eragon reached out and grabbed his arm.
Seen only by Ajihad and Saphira, was Eragon preventing Murtagh from drawing his sword. The guards watched him nervously and looked to Ajihad for instructions, he signalled for them to wait.
"Once Arya is healed" he said slowly "Ask and I'll spring you from your jail, even if I have to fight through the entire Varden and most of the dwarves."
Murtagh watched as he publically declared this, Ajihad and Orik frowned, whilst the twins scowled, the warriors looked even more unsure.
Murtagh nodded and let them disarm him and take him away.
Ajihad met his gaze, he met the crimson gaze.
"I want everyone out of this room except Eragon and Saphira... now!"
The twins nodded and left, Orik paused by the door "Sir the king will want to know of Murtagh and there is still the matter of my insubordination."
"I will tell Hrothgar myself. As for your actions... Wait outside until I call you. And don't let the twins get away, I'm not finished with them either."
"Very well" Orik inclined his head, and then shut the heavy door with a slam.
Ajihad turned his gaze back to Eragon. He headed back to his desk, keeping Eragon firmly in the corner of his eyes.
He reached down and drew a shiny blade, and kept the point firmly pointed towards Eragon.
'Saphira, don't' he warned as she made to growl.
"So you are Eragon, dragon rider" his voice was cold and harsh.
"Yes, I am."
He paused to consider Eragon a moment "Why are your eyes red?" he asked finally.
Eragon grinned "You are a most wise leader of the Varden" he nodded accepting the praise "And you are also foolish" now he frowned.
"Why do you say that?"
"Simple. You dare point your blade at me... the first... and most likely the last dragon rider who became..." he let his red eyes open, madness gleaming in their depths "A shade."
Ajihad stiffened.
"No need to fear" assured Eragon "I am in control, Eragon is in control. Not the spirits. Me."
Ajihad frowned "How is that?"
"I don't really know myself. Durza turned me into a shade, I know not how I am me."
"This makes you even less trustworthy" warned Ajihad, lowering his sword, but keeping it ready.
"Or even more so."
The dark skinned man blinked "How would it make you more so?"
"Because I could have killed the twins back in the tunnel and I could kill you now. And do you know something... I won't."
Ajihad paused, considering it "Durza you say, I have fought him before. I placed a scratch down his blade."
"Oh, then we are most certainly talking about the same shade."
After a long silence Ajihad sheathed his blade and sat with a tired sigh, he ran one hand over his face and stared up at the ceiling.
"You trust me now?" he asked tauntingly.
Ajihad looked over to him "No. But I trust the fact that if you wanted to kill me you would have done so. How did you become a shade... and why?"
Eragon frowned now "The why is personal" he said stiffly "But it was my choice. And I don't know how, you probably know more than me."
Saphira watched him carefully, he had never talked about it, not with her, the few times se breached the subject he went silent, sometimes even blocking her form his mind, and so she stopped asking, but now here he was talking about it, albeit it in a not admitting much way.
He let out a long tired sigh and resumed his staring to the ceiling.
"How is Arya?" asked Eragon after more silence.
Ajihad retained his position but said gravely "She is... recovering. They worked on her through the night. The poison took a dreadful toll, she would not have lived if not for you. For that you have the Varden's deepest thanks."
Eragon nodded, satisfaction on his face.
"So I suppose you can spring Murtagh from jail now, if you wish" he said calmly.
"I don't think I'll need to" Ajihad raised an eyebrow "He is in a cage now. It's never a nice place to be in. But he is in a cage that as much protects him from the outside world as it does protect the outside world from him. He'll be quite happy for some months I think. Once he's settled down."
"I see" there was more silence, then "Will you tell me everything that happened? How you found Saphira's egg? Your travels with Brom? And how you saved Arya? I know some, from Brom's message, but I want to hear it from you, especially the details concerning Brom's death."
"I won't tell you all of it" Eragon warned "Some of it is for me only to know, but I'll tell you most."
Ajihad nodded in agreement and let Eragon speak.
And so Eragon described everything he wanted to, some bits were let out, and a large part of Gilead was emotionless and fairly sparse in details, but he related everything else, and his tale only stopped on the shore of Kostha-Merna.
Ajihad had moved during his tale and now stood, hands clasped behind his back, absently examining a bookshelf.
"Brom's death is a terrible loss. He was a close friend of mine and a powerful ally of the Varden, he saved us from destruction many time. And even now, with him gone, he provided us with the one thing that can assure our success. You."
Eragon nodded as Ajihad returned to his seat.
"The news of the Urgals pact with the empire is serious. If an Urgal army is being gathered to destroy us we will be hard-pressed to survive. Even though many of us are protected here in Farthen Dur. "
"That a rider, even one as twisted as Galbatorix, would consider a pact with them is indeed proof of his madness. I can only imagine what e promised in return for their fickle loyalty" more silence "You say Durza was shot by a bow, where?"
"One in the shoulder, and one in the head."
"I see" said Ajihad gravely.
"What do you see?"
"I see that Durza is not dead. I see that he has just vanished and reappeared elsewhere in spirit form. It's an unpleasant process but he will survive, and return stronger than ever."
Eragon nodded, he had expected something like that.
Ajihad raised his head to look at Eragon "You are an enigma Eragon. Everyone knows what the Varden, or the Urgal, or even Galbatorix wants, but no one knows what you want. And that makes you dangerous, especially to Galbatorix. He fears you because he doesn't know what you will do next."
Eragon nodded again "Do the Varden fear me?" he asked his cocky grin returning to his face.
Ajihad gave him a slightly confused look "We are hopeful" he said carefully "But if that hope proves false then yes. We will be afraid."
More silence, then Ajihad continued "You must understand the unique nature of the position you are in. The moment you entered Farthen Dur the interest of factions began tugging on you, wanting you to serve their interests and no one else's. Their power and influence will try to affect you."
"Even yours?" he asked sarcastically.
Ajihad smiled and nodded in agreement "Even mine. There are certain things you should know, namely how Saphira's egg appeared in the Spine. Did Brom ever tell you what was done with it after it was brought here?"
"No" answered Eragon looking to Saphira.
Ajihad tapped his desk before beginning "When it first arrived everyone was deeply interest in its fate. The dragons were assumed exterminated. The dwarves were only worried that the new rider would be an ally, though some loathed the thought of a new rider at all. The elves and the Varden, however, had a more personal stake in the matter. Throughout history all the Riders have been either elven or human, the majority were elven. No dwarf has ever been a rider."
"Because of Galbatorix the elves were reluctant to let any of that Varden handle the egg, fearing that the dragon would hatch for one with similar instabilities."
"Well there's plus" Eragon interrupted "Saphira didn't hatch for a human with similar instabilities, he gained those instabilities."
Ajihad frowned, but nodded, slightly amused "Yes, it was a challenging situation, both sides wanted the Rider for their own. The dwarves only aggravated the problem by arguing with everyone at every opportunity. Tension escalated, and threats were made that were later regretted. Then Brom suggested a compromise that allowed all sides to save face."
'Brom never struck me as a diplomat' Eragon said to Saphira thinking of the gruff and impatient old man.
'Maybe he just shouted at them that they were all idiots and told them what to do' she replied amused.
'Now that sounds like Brom style diplomacy' they silenced as Ajihad continued.
"And so following his proposal the egg was ferried between the Varden and the elves every year. Children would parade past it at each place, and then we would wait to see if the dragon would hatch. If it didn't, it was returned to the other group. But if the dragon did hatch, the new Rider's training would be undertaken immediately. For the first few years or so he or she would be instructed here, by Brom. Then the rider would be taken to the elves, who would finish the education."
"Sounds fair enough."
Ajihad nodded "The elves reluctantly accepted this plan... with the stipulation that if Brom were to die before the dragon hatch, they would free to train the new Rider without interference."
"Ah... less fair."
Ajihad nodded again "The agreement was slanted in their favour, we both knew that the egg would likely choose and elf, but it provided a desperately needed semblance of equality."
Ajihad paused here, as if waiting for a comment. When none was forth coming he continued "It was hoped that this new Rider would bring our two races closer together. We waited for well over a decade, but the egg never hatched. And soon the matter became unimportant and we rarely thought on it, except to lament the egg's inactivity."
"The last year Arya and the egg disappeared on her return from Tronjheim to the elven city of Osilon. The elves found her steed and guards slain in De Weldenvarden and a group of slaughtered Urgals nearby. But neither Arya nor the egg was there. When this news reached me, I feared that Urgals had both of them and would soon learn the location of Farthen Dur and the elves capital, Ellesmera, where their queen, Islanzadi, lives. Now I understand they were working or the Empire, which is far worse."
"We won't know exactly what occurred during that attack until Arya wakes, but I have deduced a few details from what you've said" Ajihad's vest rustled as he leaned his elbows on the desk "The attack must have been swift and decisive, an ambush most likely, else Arya would have escaped. Without any warning, and deprived of a place to hide, she could have done only one thing, used magic to transport the egg elsewhere."
'So she can use magic, she said a drug was used to suppress her power, but I wasn't sure it was magic.'
Saphira agreed 'Perhaps she could teach you a few more words of your magic language."
'Maybe.'
"She could not send the egg to us, she was too far away, and the elves realm is warded by arcane barriers that prevent anything from entering their borders through magical means. She must have thought of Brom and, in desperation, sent the egg toward Carvahall. Without time to prepare, I'm not surprised she missed by the margin she did. The twins tell me it is an imprecise art."
"She was closer to Palancar Valley than the Varden?" asked Eragon.
Ajihad's keen gaze bored into Eragon as he considered the question "I trusted Brom, and would trust him with the life of everything important to me. And Brom trusted you, but know that I do not tell you this lightly, for the elves guard the knowledge jealously. But I will tell you this, as a display of trust, if you will. The elven cities lie far to the north, in the deepest reaches of the endless forest Du Weldenvarden. Not since the Riders time has anyone, dwarf or human, been elf friend enough to walk in their leafy halls. Even I know not how to find Ellesmera. Osilon, were Arya disappeared, I suspect is near Du Weldenvarden's western edge towards Carvahall."
"When Arya disappeared the elves withdrew their support from the Varden. Queen Islanzadi was especially enraged and refused any further contact with us."
"That's nice of them. Arya goes missing on their territory and you take the blame, boy these elves sound nice and friendly."
Ajihad smiled "You should be careful, and do not say it to them for I doubt they will take it kindly. But I believe that you do not care and will insult their entire race all the same, and perhaps rightly so. But yes, you are correct."
He paused to find his place in his tale "Because of this, even though I received Brom's message, the elves are still ignorant of you and Saphira... without their supplies to sustain my troops, we have fared badly these past months in skirmishes with the empire."
"With Arya's return and you arrival, I expect the queen's hostility will abate. The fact that you rescued Arya will greatly help you case with her. Your training, however, is going to present a problem for both the Varden and elves. Brom obviously had the chance to teach you, but we need to know how thorough he was. For that reason, you'll have to be tested to determine the extent of your abilities. Of course this all depends on..."
"As I told you, I want Galbatorix dead, and the Varden seem to share my goal so I will share their battles."
Ajihad nodded, gratefully "The elves will expect you to finish your training with them, though I'm not sure if there's time for that."
"Why?"
"Several reasons, chiefly the tidings you brought about the Urgals. You see Eragon the Varden are in an extremely delicate position, we have to comply with the elves wishes if we want to keep them as allies and on the other hand we cannot anger the dwarves if we wish to lodge in Tronjheim."
"So the dwarves aren't a part of the Varden?"
"No, they allow us to live here and provide assistance in our struggle against the empire. But they are loyal only to their king. I have no power over them except what Hrothgar gives me, and even he has trouble with the dwarf clans. The thirteen clans are subservient to Hrothgar, but each clan chief wields enormous power they choose the new dwarf king when the old one dies. Hrothgar is sympathetic to our cause but many of the chiefs aren't, and he can't afford to anger them unnecessarily or he'll lose the support of his people, so his actions of our behalf have been severely circumscribed."
"These clan chiefs are they against me as well?" asked Eragon gravely.
"Even more so I'm afraid" sighed Ajihad "There has long be enmity between dwarves and dragons. Before the elves came and brought peace dragon often stole their gold and ate their flock, and dwarves are slow to forgive past wrongs, In fact they never fully accepted the Riders and didn't allow them to police their kingdoms. Galbatorix's rise to power only served to convince many of them that it would be better never to deal with riders" he directed his next words to Saphira "or dragons again."
Eragon nodded slowly "Wasn't Galbatorix shown where Ellesmera and Farthen Dur are during his training? Surely he was told of them?"
"Told of them, yes. Show were they are, no. It's one thing to know that Ellesmera is in Du Weldenvarden, or that Farthen Dur is in the Beors, it's another to find it. He was not taken to either place before his dragon was killed, and after that he was not trusted. I'm told he tried to force it from a few riders during his rebellion, but they chose to die rather than reveal it to him. As for the dwarves, he has never managed to capture one alive, though it's only a matter of time."
Eragon considered this, then asked another question "Then why not just take his army and march them through Du Weldenvarden until he finds Ellesmera?"
"The elves still have enough power to resist him" said Ajihad simply "He dares not test his strength against theirs, at least not yet. But his cursed sorcery grows stronger each year. If he were to raise a rider to his side he would be unstoppable. He keeps trying to get one of his two eggs to hatch, but so far he's been unsuccessful."
'How could his power be growing? The strength of the body limits the power, and it can't just build up forever.'
'Perhaps this is one of the things the elves must teach us?' said Saphira.
Ajihad reached into his vest and pulled out a battered piece of parchment "Do you know what this is?"
Eragon examined it closely, a black alien script was inked across the page, blood damaged some of the writing and one edge of the parchment was charred, Eragon looked up seriously "Parchment."
Ajihad chuckled, then his face turned sombre "This was taken from the lead Urgal of the horde we destroyed last night. It cost us twelve men to do so. They died so that you might escape safely" Eragon nodded briefly, his face cold "The writing is the king's invention. A script Galbatorix uses to communicate with his servants, it took me a while to translate it, but, apart from what is damaged, it reads:
...gatekeeper at Ithro Zhada is to let this bearer and his minions pass. They are too be bunked with others of their kind and by... but only if the two factions refrain from fighting. Command will be given under Tarok, under Gashz, under Durza, under Ushnark the Mighty.
Find what they are suitable for and... the footman and... are to be kept separate. No weapons are to be distributed until... for marching.
"Except for a few vague words, nothing else can be read past here" he finished.
Eragon paused and considered it "Tarok, Gashz, Durza and Ushnark the Mighty" he said slowly.
"Ushnark is Galbatorix. It means father in the Urgal tongue, an affection that pleases him."
Eragon nodded "What's Ithro Zhada?"
"I know not. I suspected Galbatorix has renamed an existing place for his own purposes. Hundreds of Urgals by the Beor Mountains, others of their kind, all of this can add to only one thing. Galbatorix is forging a bastard army of humans and Urgals to destroy us."
Silence prevailed after his statement.
"For now however, we can do nought but watch, and wait. Without more information we cannot locate this Ithro Zhada. But there is hope, Farthen Dur remains hidden, the only Urgals who saw it last night are now dead."
More silence.
"How did you know we were coming?" asked Eragon finally "There was an ambush prepared for the Urgals, and one of the twins was there, I find it unlikely that one is posted their at all times."
Saphira listened intently, but kept silent.
"There are sentinel placed at the entrance of valley, on either side of the Beartooth River. They sent a dove to warn us."
Eragon blinked 'You think it was the dove you almost caught?' he asked Saphira grinning in amusement.
'Most likely.'
It was nice, knowing where Saphira came from, but it held only sentimental value and he turned his thoughts to other things.
"What do you want from me?"
Ajihad blinked as the silence was finally interrupted "What do you mean?"
"As I've said I want to destroy Galbatorix, but I'm not one of your soldiers, I'm not some docile little rider you can order about and I'm not some almighty bearer of justice above any man. I fight for me, and for Saphira, I side with you because is serves my goals but I want to know what you plan for me, so I can tell you know whether to rejoice, or to fuck off."
Ajihad regarded him silently "Know that if you were a different man or before a different leader you would likely be killed for such insolence" Eragon didn't back down, he didn't become embarrassed but met Ajihad gaze head on
"But your position gives you the right to say such things. And you are right, you must retain freedom from leader or king, for in that lies true power. My own power over you will be limited" Eragon snorted here, as if to say 'You assume you have any'. But Ajihad continued disregarding it "But I believe it for the best. The difficulty lies in getting those with power to include you in their deliberations."
"Also be warned, people will come to you for aid. They will bring you their problems, no matter how small or petty and demand you solve them, sometimes a person's life will in your hands, with a word you can send them into happiness or into misery. So you must be careful, do not speak flippantly or without forethought for you words may have an effect far beyond what you intend" his voice was deadly serious as he spoke.
"You're talking to the wrong person, I speak as I please, when I please and how I please. If people don't have the common sense not to listen when I'm stupid then they deserve whatever ill fate awaits them" Eragon own voice was stern, angry almost "Nothing and no one will control me, I will maintain my freedom, as you stated, and I will retain my freedom of speech as well."
Ajihad nodded accepting his protests "I do understand, I merely ask that you think on how you advise people, be careful and do not be rash, this is not a demand but a request. Many people do not believe that they can decide on a matter and as such will look to a higher authority for aid, and few are higher than a dragon rider."
"Also be careful where you place your heart, and, I suspect, your cock. Many women here will seek your hand in marriage, some will consider what you may think of as a fling a promise of a life together, so please be careful."
Eragon nodded "Ah the tumultuous fate of a dragon rider" he said wistfully.
Ajihad smiled, but it was more restrained than previously, the serious topic taking away some of his humour.
"Leadership is a heavy burden, I know. It mean being responsible for those under you charge. Be warned, I will tolerate no injustice under my command" his voice was once again dangerous.
"Yeah, yeah" Eragon waved the topic away with his palm, like a bad smell "But you still haven't said what you want from me."
Ajihad regarded him a few moments "For now nothing, you have covered over a hundred leagues in eight days, a great feat for any man, even a dragon rider. Once you've recovered we will test your skills in arms and magic, and then... then we will discuss what choices are open to you."
"Oh goody I have choices" said Eragon a childish grumpiness in his voice.
Ajihad gaze was now drawn to the sword at his waist "May I see that?"
Eragon just smirked at him "It is Zar'roc, Morzan's butchery tool, the sword used to lay open Murtagh's back, the sword stolen from Morzan's corpse by Brom, and then presented to me, last of the riders."
"Brom never told me he took Morzan's sword" said Ajihad stonily.
"Hmm, you recognised Murtagh from just his voice, how?" Eragon changed subjects sensing Ajihad discomfort over Zar'roc.
"One thing first, I would not advise you to wear that in Tronjheim's walls, a few people are like me, and have met Morzan, that is how I recognised Murtagh."
"You met his father, huh? Well I'll take your advice on board, but I'll probably ignore, I did most of Brom's advice, as Saphira can attest to."
Saphira snorted, blowing hot smoke over his face, and looked at Eragon amused.
"Yes" there was even more silence now, it was starting to get tedious to Eragon "I have Brom's ring, which he sent as confirmation of his identity. Now that he's dead I suppose it belongs to you. He would have wanted you to have it" he said after a moment, lifting the sapphire ring from his desk drawer.
Eragon stared at it for several moments, before taking it, reverently, and slipping it gently onto his finger "Thank you" he said with a seriousness, a deep and true seriousness, that Ajihad hadn't heard over the past conversation.
Ajihad considered him again, then turned to face Saphira "Do not think I have forgotten you, mighty dragon. The words I have spoken are as much for your benefit as they were for his, for it is your task to guide him through these troubles. Do not falter by his side, nor doubt your own might, for without you he will surely fall."
They stared at each other, neither blinking, until Ajihad lowered his head "It is truly an honour to meet you."
"The rider gets terse words and numerous warnings, the dragon receives only praise" said Eragon turning away from the pair, pouting.
'You're so childish sometimes. Tell him I'm impressed with him, and Tronjheim. The empire is right to fear him. But that if he decided to kill you I would have torn this mountain, and him apart with ease."
"Saphira is impressed with both you and Tronjheim, the empire is right to fear you. But if you decided to kill me she would have torn this mountain, and you apart with ease."
Ajihad considered her seriously "I would expect no less... but I doubt you could have gotten past the twins."
Saphira snorted angrily.
Eragon agreed "Those two honestly believe they could take on a dragon, perhaps in the absence of dragons little magic user can claim such thing, but they would fall against me, against Saphira they would be squashed like bugs."
Ajihad watched them both "Besides a rider's dragon strengthens his magic beyond what is normally possible, even as a human Brom was always weaker than me because of that. Given what I am now and the amount of magic I wield, your twins wouldn't even be a match" Eragon kept his crimson gaze locked in Ajihad's eyes, Ajihad moved first, looking away.
"Brom was considered one of our strongest spell weavers. Only the elves surpassed him. If what you say is true, it will force us to reconsider many things. As it is I'm glad it wasn't necessary to harm either of you."
Eragon focused his thoughts of Brom's ring "Orik!"
He kept his gaze locked on the sapphire as the dwarf entered, examining the symbol carved onto it. It was exactly the same as the tattoo on Arya's shoulder.
"You've caused me a great deal of trouble Orik. I've had to listen to one of the twins complain all morning for your disobedience. They won't let it go until you are punished. Unfortunately, they're right. It's a serious matter that cannot be ignored."
Orik's eyes flicked towards Eragon, but he kept his face emotionless. He spoke quickly in rough tones "The Kull were almost around Kostha-Merna. They were shooting arrows at the dragon, Eragon and Murtagh, but the twins did nothing to stop it. Like... sheilven, they refused to open the gates even though we could see Eragon shouting the opening phrase on the other side of the waterfall. And they refused to take action when Eragon did not rise from the water. Perhaps I did wrong, but I couldn't let a rider die."
Ajihad was silent as he thought on the matter, his fingers combing through his short beard.
"Your actions were honourable, but you did disobey a direct order. The penalty for that has always been death."
Orik stiffened.
"That seems stupid, he helped me, without him I, Murtagh and Saphira would likely be dead" Eragon twisted Brom's ring on his finger.
"It is not your place to interfere" said Ajihad looking to the rider who was still examining Brom's ring.
"You're right" agreed Eragon "It is not my place" he lifted his gaze to meet Ajihad's "But I can."
Ajihad surveyed him coldly for a minute "Regardless, Orik, you must be punished. I will mitigate the sentence because of the circumstances but I cannot allow any exemption from the law. You are removed from active service and forbidden to engage in any military activities under my command. Do you understand?"
Orik's face darkened, but then he looked confused, but nodded sharply "Yes."
"Furthermore, in absence of your regular duties, I appoint you Eragon and Saphira's guide for the duration of their stay. You are to make sure they receive every comfort and amenity we have to offer. Saphira will stay above Isidar Mithrim, Eragon may have quarters wherever he wants. When he has recovered from his travels take him to the training fields. They're expecting him" a twinkle of amused was clear in Ajihad's eyes.
Orik bowed low "I understand."
"Good. You may all go" Eragon stood and made to follow Orik, Saphira fell several paces behind him "And Orik, send the twins in as you leave."
And with that they left.