Chapter Two: Offers and Orders
Days of flying over blistering desert. Having to use magic to acquire any water. Having to use more magic to acquire any food. Sleeping with only Jax as cover and comfort. Waking every morning to find sand in the most uncomfortable places.
This was the life Raznin was used to, and loved.
Their journey was uneventful, and it took only a few days before the forest appeared on the horizon. A few more hours had them landing in Ellesmera to applause, and the greeting roars of more than one dragon. Raznin dismounted Jax to find elves swarming around him. Most passing straight by to gaze in wonder at Jax.
Raznin smiled and slipped through the crowd unnoticed. Another benefit of being small.
He was almost to the Menoa tree when a voice caught his attention,
"Hail, Raznin!"
He turned to find Elias, prince of the elves, striding confidently towards him. Elias was famous for not only being a prince- he was also a rider. One of the most respected. Raznin immediately bowed his head, twisting his hand over his chest. Elias gave a short chuckle.
"Come now, friend. No need for that. We are past the formalities, you and I," Raznin shrugged, and resumed a casual stance, noting with more than a passing interest the magnificent emerald- green longsword the elven prince held. Elias noted his scrutiny, and lifted the sword.
"Wondrous, is it not?" he spoke softly, "Rhunon truly showed herself as a master when she made it. I have yet to test it… perhaps you and I could have a spar later?"
Raznin nodded, then turned to continue his walk.
He spent most of his time in Ellesmera sitting amongst the roots of the Menoa tree, meditating. He spent some time interacting with the elves during the celebrations, but the limitations of his disability grew frustrating and he left before the feast had even begun, shutting even Jax out of his mind.
The dragon eventually found him standing on the cliffs of Tel'naeir, gazing over the forest. Jax landed with a thud beside his rider, and waited.
Three hours passed before Raznin turned from the Cliffside to gaze at Jax.
Why am I cursed so, Jax? They sit at their feasts and converse with each other with the utmost ease. They take for granted one of the simplest things in life.
He lowered himself to a seated position as Jax replied, his voice a low rumble,
They cannot know your pain. But they try to ease it… just be thankful you aren't expected to make any of those ridiculous speeches like the rest of your kind.
Raznin cracked a smile at that, and without another word climbed onto Jaxes saddle and flew back to the celebrations, which by now were almost over. Upon his arrival he was greeted again by Elias, who was accompanied by a pair of elven warriors- guards, most probably. Without a word the prince beckoned him to follow. They walked several yards into the forest away from the main populace. Elias cast a quick spell to prevent people from eavesdropping, then turned to Raznin.
"We have a mission of the utmost importance. I'm going to get straight to the point here. Galbatorix is making a move. Two of the forsworn are mustering an army. We are to stop them before they can do any real damage. Just we two. No one else is to know of this."
Raznin raised an eyebrow and Elias shrugged helplessly.
"We have been trusted to do this, as two of the most respected riders available. The army is being raised just south or Ceunon. It is believed that they intend to strike straight into the forest and cut right through to Ellesmera." His gaze bored into Raznin, "We need to kill the two forsworn and their dragons. Without them the army will scatter."
And with that he turned and walked away, calling over his shoulder, "I'll meet you at the practice area tomorrow morning."
Raznin shook his head helplessly and headed for his home.
It was a simple thing- three rooms set in an oak off the edge of Ellesmera. Raznin didn't care much for luxuries. After a quick wash he collapsed onto his bead with a weary sigh, turning over to find Jaxes molten orange eye staring at him through the window.
So much violence. When will Galbatorix be stopped? he asked rhetorically. When Jax didn't reply, he rolled over and drifted off to sleep.