Howdy folks
I hope that you all liked chapter 3
It took me a while to write it with all of the other things in life.
Anyway, As I said in chapter 3, I'm not 100 sure where this story will go in respect to Sam and Ithmir.
I am currently requesting name suggestions for a potential rename of Ûru'baen. Please just send them in a review. I am looking for anything that is not sad and depressing. I'm sick of reading sad and depressing stories in English.
Example of a good name: Smile-ville
A bad one: Death-ville
Enjoy.
READY?
GET SET!
READ! READ! READ! READ!
And please leave a review when you are done.
Disclaimer:
I don't own anything but the plot and the characters and places that don't appear in Eragon and Eldest.
Chapter 4:
Shroud of Invisibility
As soon as Sam felt them pass through the first of the seven scry shields, he began to relax. It had been a tense night of flying on Ithmir's back. A minute later, He felt them pass through the second shield. Ten minutes after that, they were inside of the seventh and final shield.
The shields were specially designed to ward off anyone trying to scry someone inside them. All that the scryer could see was their target in a sea of white. It also projected an image of a dense forest to anyone who saw it. Once inside the shield, however, parts of what was really there were revealed. The shields also served as a method of alerting those inside whenever someone entered the shields.
The shields had been erected by Galbatorix and Morzan them selves, and was continued by drawing power out of a diamond that had been infused with energy from the vault of souls. It was said by those inside the shield that it was a direct link to the energy stored inside the vault. It was originally cast in order to keep Morzan hidden from the Varden, so that Galbatorix would appear weaker than he was.
Ithmir gradually made his way to the small town hidden away in the center of the seventh shield and landed sloppily. Last stop on the dragon express. Ithmir said sleepily.
I'm glad we made it safely. Sam said as he jumped off of Ithmir's back and started to take off the saddle.
Me too. Ithmir replied.
Do you think that they sent anyone else out after us? Sam asked.
I couldn't sense anyone. Ithmir answered.
Okay. Sam replied. Let's go tell the old man we are home. Then we can go to sleep.
They made their way slowly to the long building in the center of town, and passed Glaedr's large form quietly. Inside, Sam found the old man, Oromis, sitting by a fire.
"Master." He said breaking the silence.
"I'm glad that you made it back safely." Came his old voice.
"Everything went well." He replied. "We made our existence known to the riders."
"Good." Oromis said. "Anything more to report."
"When we attacked, we were captured." Sam told Oromis. "During our escape, which was very easy, I found an armory from which I took this sword, and these eggs." Sam presented all three items to Oromis.
"Good." He replied. "You may keep the sword. It is valuable. Leave the eggs with me and I will put them with the others."
"Yes master." Sam said. "Anything else?"
"No." Oromis said dismissing him. "You may go."
With that, Sam left the building and walked to his own hut, where he found Ithmir slumbering outside the door. He quietly entered and lay down on his bed after taking off the sword. In a minute, he was asleep with Ithmir.
"Eragon," Arya said, "Come back in one piece."
"I will," Eragon replied kissing her. "I always do."
"Saphira, you take good care of him." Arya commanded the sapphire dragon.
I will, you needent worry your pointed little ears off about him while he's with me. Saphra replied.
"Murtagh," Arya said as she turned on the other rider. "The hatchlings need you and Thorn so you can't come back hurt."
"You sound like we're going away forever." Tag said to his mother.
"You might just be if you aren't careful." Arya warned her son. "You obey your father and do exactly what he tells you. You hear me?"
"Yes mother." Tag replied.
"Don't worry." Sunlight told Arya. "I'll try not to let him go splat on the ground too often."
Arya said nothing. She only stared at the were-dragon.
"Come on Arya." Murtagh said. "You need to lighten up a little. We all know how to defend ourselves."
"Just be careful." Arya said at last. "Good luck." With that she backed up to give Thorn, Saphira, and Sunlight enough space to take off.
Once in the air they were joined by the two students, who showed them the path that they had taken the day before. Saphira led the element westward with Thorn and Sunlight following at her sides.
Anything to do while we fly? Tag asked Eragon and Murtagh.
Well, We could teach you. Eragon suggested.
Or we could challenge each other to invent spells that might be handy. Murtagh added.
Murtagh, do you always have to be the immature adult? Eragon asked his brother.
Do I always! Murtagh replied. I have to deal with Thorn's regression into a hatchling at the same time as playing with all the hatchlings.
He doesn't have a choice, really. Thorn said as he joined into the conversation.
What do you mean? Saphira asked.
Well, I have started to sometimes speak like a hatchling. Thorn began.
Not sometimes. Sunlight remarked.
All the time. Murtagh finished.
I do not. Thorn replied.
Do to. Murtagh retorted.
Do not. Thorn replied hotly.
Boys! Saphira's voice broke through the argument. You are acting like hatchlings.
My point exactly. Murtagh said smugly.
At that, Thorn flipped upside-down and started to glide. You're going to regret that my rider. Thorn said with a grin.
Thorn! Saphira shouted. Behave! For goodness sake, you aren't helping your argument by doing that. Now catch up!
Yes Mother. Thorn replied in a winy voice.
That does it! You are going down! Saphira exclaimed as she dove onto Thorn from above and began to yank him out of the sky.
Saphira, Eragon started. I'm getting a bit dizzy here. Would you mind stopping?
Yes I would. Saphira replied and continued to let them plummet.
I wouldn't mind stopping, Thorn said shakily.
As would I. Murtagh slurred as he got even more disoriented.
Alright. Saphira relented about five seconds from the ground and spread her wings to stop her fall. If we don't catch that rider today, it's your fault Thorn. I wipe my claws clean of this mess.
That's not fair. Thorn complained as he fought to gain altitude. You're the one who decided to land on me and ride my down to the ground. He slowly began to fall behind Saphira in the ascent back up to Sunlight's altitude. That ate up a lot of time. You know I can't climb very well.
Well you could use some practice. Saphira replied. And now you are getting some.
Hey! Thorn exclaimed. It's no exactly my fault that I have such muscular legs. They weigh a lot!
Are you two finished arguing? Sunlight asked from above.
Yes. Saphira said. Why don't you come down to this altitude dear.
Will do! Sunlight said with glee as she dove, scaring the life out of Tag.
Please…warn me…next time…you do that. He gasped.
Sorry, but I have to keep you on your toes some how. Sunlight replied.
Tag said nothing. only sat back in the saddle and tried to relax.
It was light out when Sam woke up. It streamed through his windows, making it impossible to go back to sleep again. Slowly, he got out of bed and walked to the door. Outside, Ithmir was still sleeping. It was about noon, and the occupants of the town were moving about silently, trying to not wake Ithmir. The sun also revealed two other dragons sitting outside similar huts. One was a dark green, the other was a vivid purple. Sam walked over to them and greeted them.
Good morning. He said.
Hi'ya Sam. The green one said. How'd it go?
Perfect, Soth. (pronounced s oth as in cloth.) Sam replied. And better.
Wadda ya mean better? The purple one asked yawning, having only woken up a few minutes ago.
I found a sword that matched Ithmir's scales, He started to grin.
Wipe that smile off your face. The purple dragon commanded.
Sorry Hiet. (pronounced height) Sam replied. But I also found two dragon eggs in the same armory as the sword. Soth and Hiet stared at him with their lizard-like eyes.
Where are they? Asked Soth.
With Master Oromis. Sam replied. By the way, I didn't see Flar. (Morzan's dragon)
They had a fight with Oromis and Glaedr. Hiet replied. It was kinda scary to see them fight. They used swords and everything.
Wow. Sam responded. They weren't blocked were they?
Both of them got a few gashes, nothing major. Soth answered.
What caused it? Sam asked.
Morzan demanded that Oromis leave his home. Hiet replied. This is, after all, Morzan and Flar's home.
True. Sam replied. I can remember when Oromis and Glaedr entered the shields.
That was an interesting day. Ithmir said as he woke up.
We hadn't hatched then, so we have to take your word on it. Soth said.
I came here about ten years ago when I got lost in forest. Sam started to tell them his story. Morzan found me and brought me to this town where he let me stay. One day he sought me out and let me touch the eggs that he had. Apparently Galbatorix had more than three eggs. I guess that he and to Forsworn found them over the years. Anyway, Ithmir hatched for me and we immediately started our training. Morzan was kind and stern. Flar was the same. We never really knew of anything going on outside the shields.
Hiet and Soth sat staring at him while Sam continued his story.
One day, a year or so later, Morzan took Ithmir an' me to the Main Hall and told us to stay inside until he returned. Half an hour later, he returned with Oromis.
Neither of them looked particularly pleased with the other's presence. Ithmir said picking up the story. Morzan explained our presence as well as the eggs and let Oromis teach us for a while. Oromis was the complete opposite of Morzan. He was cruel and seemed to hate us. Glaedr was even worse.
They treat us pretty well. Hiet replied.
Ya, they're never harsh or anything. Soth added.
That's because you two hatched after he arrived, and was able to shape you as he wished. Sam retorted. We were bonded before his arrival, and taught by Morzan. He considers us inferior for some reason as well.
I'm surprised that he let you keep the sword. Ithmir said.
Me too. Sam replied. Neither of them taught me how to spar.
I wonder why. Soth said.
Me too. Hiet added. A rider's sword is very valuable.
That's what Oromis said last night. Sam replied.
Sam? Came a distant voice. Is that you?
Who are you? Same demanded.
I am Morzan. The voice replied in the Ancient Language.
Where are you? Sam asked egarly.
I'm just outside the first shield. Morzan replied.
Why are you contacting me? Sam asked.
I need to talk with you in person. Morzan answered.
About what? Sam asked.
The riders. Morzan answerd. I cannot tell you more until you come to me.
We're coming. Ithmir told him.
Bring your saddle and enough food to last you a week. Morzan instructed.
Do you need any? Sam asked
No. Morzan replied. Bring your sword.
With that, Morzan broke contact and Sam bid Hiet and Soth a brief farewell. He ran up to Ithmir and strapped on the saddle. Then he flew inside, grabbed his sword and his food bag, which still had at least a week's worth of food in it. He hopped onto Ithmir and together they took off, skimming the treetops, flying as fast as they could. As soon as they emerged from the first shield, Flar dove down from above and let Ithmir follow in his huge slipstream.
Why do you want to talk to us about the rider? Ithmir asked.
I heard that you attacked the,. Morzan stated dryly.
It was more of an unavoidable collision than an attack. Ithmir replied. A yellow…were-dragon…attacked us and then as we fled, the larger dragons and their riders came out of the city and attacked us.
Then we were captured and the next morning, we escaped. Sam finished.
You got off on the wrong foot with them. Morzan told them.
Right now they think that they have another Galbatroix on their hands. Flar said.
Why? Sam asked.
They think that you attacked them. Morzan said simply.
Your attack was similar to Galbatorix's first on. Flar added.
How do you know so much about what the riders think/ Sam asked.
Morzan was silent for a while, but then said: What I am about to tell you is one of my greatest secrets. I want you to swear that you won't reveal it to anyone unless I give you permission. Sam took the oath without hesitation and without question. Ithmir, If you would. Morzan said and waited for Ithmir to swear, which he did.
Morzan again hesitated and Sam could feel slight indecision through the mental link. You fought with Thorn and, his rider, Murtagh. Morzan stated. Behind him was Eragon on Saphira. Both of them are my sons.
Morzan's revelation caught both Sam and Ithmir off-guard, startling them.
So you're in contact with them? Sam asked.
Yes. Morzan admitted.
Why didn't you tell us? Ithmir asked slightly insulted.
You didn't have a reason to know. Flar said for Morzan, Now you have a need to know.
Why? Sam asked.
We are going to pay them a visit. Flar replied. We have decided to get you out from under Oromis' control.
Why? Asked Ithmir confused.
He was one of the riders of old. Morzan replied. He was my master when Flar and I were in training. When we joined Galbatorix, we went against Oromis and fought against him.
That was over a hundred years ago! Sam exclaimed. You don't look that old!
Thank you. Morzan said. But that is only because of my bond with Flar.
Wow. Said Ithmir in admiration.
We need to gain a lot of altitude. Flar said suddenly. They're a little ways ahead.
So we have an advantage? Sam asked.
Correct. Morzan replied. If we are above, we can dive on them with incredible speed.
Just like what we did with you when you left the shields. Flar finished.
What's the plan? Ithmir asked.
We get above them and then order them to land or we will attack with an outnumbering force. Morzan replied. If they do, I make the two of you invisible, and you land a little ways away from us. We will land with them and prepare them for you.
Then, hopefully if all goes well, we can return to Ûru'baen in peace. Flar continued.
There, we can complete your training. Morzan finished.
We'll expect the exact opposite of the plan. Ithmir replied.
Don't be so pessimistic. Sam ordered his partner.
Come, on. Ithmir wined. You know it always happens.
Flar silenced the two with a buffet of his wings. Quiet, We need to hail them now.
With that, Morzan literally shouted at the riders bellow to surrender after he made Ithmir and Sam invisible.
Down bellow, the dragons started to fly up towards Flar, who immediately dived for them, intent on getting them out of the sky. The skirmish was short-lived, and soon everyone was panting for air on the ground.
"What do you want father." Eragon demanded, "We have to find that black rider."
"That's what I wanted to talk to you about." Morzan replied.
"We're listening." Tag stated.
"The person behind him was Oromis." Morzan replied.
"But he was banished from the land!" Murtagh exclaimed. "When we try to scry him, all we see is white. He's dead."
"He is alive and unfortunately, well, with two apprentices." Morzan replied in the ancient language.
"Then why can't we scry him?" Sunlight asked.
"Do you remember back to the days of the varden?" Morzan asked Eragon.
"Yes, what about them?" Eragon asked.
"Before the Battle of the Burning Plains, Glabatorix deflected the elves' scrying so that they wouldn't see the moving army. We placed a similar shield around a small town where Flar and myself stayed until Galbatorix called us."
"So he's in there." Sunlight finished.
"Yes" Morxan replied.
"Why should we not go and attack him now?" Murtagh asked.
He has two partially trained dragon riders with him, and about ten eggs that he knows about. Flar answered.
"He would threaten us with them in order that he could escape if he had to" Morzan continued. "He would probably take some of the eggs, if not all and try to raise a small army against us."
"So we need more riders?" Eragon asked.
"No." Morzan replied sharply. " That's the last thing we want. He wouldn't expect my apprentice to come back and defeat him."
"Who's your apprentice?" Tag asked.
"You call him the black rider." Morzan answered. "If it wasn't for Oromis's order, He would never have done that." Morzan continued in the ancient language.
"And now you just want us to take him in and help train him?" Murtagh asked.
Yes. Flar replied.
"Where is he?" Eragon asked.
"Awaiting my call." Morzan replied.
"Call him." Sunlight said.
"Alright." Morzan consented, and called Sam. A Minute later, Sam and Ithmir flew over the clearing, and landed right next to Flar.
You called? Ithmir asked.
I would like to introduce you to these riders. Morzan replied. "I would like to introduce my apprentice, Sam, and his partner, Ithmir."
"Hello." Sam said to them.
"My name is Eragon." Eragon said. "And this is Saphira."
"I'm Murtagh." Murtagh continued. "This is Thorn."
"I'm Tag." Tag stated.
"I'm Sunlight." Sunlight finished and then changed into her dragon form and back again. "I'm a were-dragon."
It's nice to meet you all. Ithmir spoke for both of them.
"We should get back to Ûru'baen." Tag said. "A storm is coming from the south and it looks like a big one."
Immediately, they all took off and flew low and fast over to trees. To be caught in a storm meant sure death for a dragon due to the unpredictable updrafts and down drafts that filled a storm. Saphira remembered her first experience with a storm on the plains with Brom, and didn't want to repeat that experience. She slowly picked up the pace until the ground was a blur underneath their bellies. At this speed, it took a long two hours to reach the safety of the dragon hold. As soon as they arrived, Ithmir flopped over onto his side and sat there huffing, trying to regain his breath while Sam extracted himself from the saddle. The other dragons were just slightly winded, and didn't need to keel over. Flar sat right behind Ithmir like a giant protector, and wouldn't let any of the other dragons near him. Sam followed Morzan into the castle with Murtagh, Eragon, Tag, and Sunlight. Once inside, the torches on the walls, dimmed when Sam walked by.
Why do you think they do that? Sam asked Morzan.
They are magical, they will never burn out, and so it is possible that you are absorbing energy from them. Morzan replied. No one has ever been able to do that, but you are different. One day you will know your past.
What does that have to do with anything? Sam asked as they climbed up a flight of stairs.
Everything. Morzan replied.
They walked in silence for a while and finally stopped outside a closed door. Eragon paused briefly before entering. Inside, or rather outside, as Sam saw that they were at ground level, was a horse drawn coach with an elf and dwarf driving the team of horses. Everyone got in except Tag and Sunlight. "We'll run." Tag told Eragon after receiving an odd look.
Inside the coach, it was warm, the complete opposite from the pouring rain outside. "Why did they want to run through this?" Sam asked.
"They've always been close." Eragon replied. "Almost brother and sister. They do almost everything together, and they always like to go into the city on foot to just get away from the castle."
Sam didn't say anything in reply and stared out the window until his sword started to dig into a painful spot. Then he asked: "Where are we going?"
"To the council." Murtagh replied. "They are the governing body of the land."
"Why aren't the riders in power?" Sam asked again.
"We don't want to be in the same position that the riders of old were in when Galbatorix rebelled." Eragon stated. "This way, the other races can have time to prepare their defenses,"
"It can also work in reverse so we can prepare if they are attacked." Murtagh continued.
"On the note of manners, your current ones won't do in the presence of the council." Morzan said in a raspy voice. "Assume everyone is worthy of more respect than you for most are. They have done more things and are many times wiser than you are now."
"Call people Sir, or Ma'am, or my lady." Eragon continued. "Even we still do this. There are many people will try to make you seem better than they are. Try to appear humble, all of these things will make you seen in a more favorable light."
"Who will be there?" Sam asked.
"At least two of every race that is capable of conscience thought and is able to communicate through some means so that others can understand." Murtagh kept the instructions coming. "Most who don't speak the common tongue use mental communication; so keep your mind unbarred."
"We're almost there Sirs." The dwarf said as he stuck his head in the window.
"Thank you." Eragon replied politely.
"On a side note, most rider's won't really care what you call them if you are a rider." Murtagh said into Sam's ear. The coach slowed to a halt, and Eragon opened the door and stepped out. They were under a roof so the rain didn't soak them as they made their way to the council chambers. Sam noticed that each and every torch that he passed, dimmed just like those in the castle.
Don't worry about it. Ithmir said. Come to the Council Chamber, it's amazing.
How are you here? Sam asked.
I walked with Arya. Ithmir replied.
Who's Arya? Sam asked again.
Eragon's mate, and I think Tag's mother. Ithmir replied. She keeps on scolding him for running in the rain.
Sounds like a mother. Sam replied as he stepped into the Chamber and came to a halt as he took in the amazing room. The marble walls jutted out in different places to display statues of various individuals from all of the different races. Sam stumbled over to Ithmir's side, eyes glued upwards.
You're right. Sam said.
I usually am. Ithmir replied.
Yup, Arya's Eragon's mate, they're kissing. Sam said
Gross. Ithmir said as he shuddered slightly.
How did you get in here? Sam asked.
Through a huge set of doors. Ithmir replied. Flar could have flown through them with plenty of room to spare.
Come up to the front of the chamber. Morzan instructed. Ithmir grumbled as he got up and followed Sam down an aisle to the lowest portion of the room. Sam, take off your sword. Morzan commanded. This is no place for violence. And you cannot afford to look threatening.
What should I do with it then? Sam asked.
Strap it to your saddle. Morzan replied. Sam did so and sat next to Morzan. Ithmir crouched down behind him protectively.
In front of him on a raised platform, about four or five feet high, sat a number of different species. Sam could see Humans, Elves, Dwarves, two dragons, and a number of Urgals. One dwarf stood up and called Eragon forward.
"Eragon, you asked us to meet without the public, why?" he asked.
"It is quite simple your honor." Eragon started. "I'm sure that you are all aware of the events of the past few days. We discovered a previously unknown rider who was partially trained. He and his partner attacked us and we were able to capture them. The next morning, he escaped with a sword and two dragon eggs. Two students gave chase, but were not able to keep up, and had to turn back. During the night, we lost their location and myself, Murtagh, Tag, and Sunlight set out in the morning, knowing roughly where they had been. Half way through the day, Morzan and Flar found us and told us about Oromis, and Glaedr, and their connection to his apprentice, the rider who attacked us."
"So you now have the rider in custody." The dwarf stated.
"No your honor." Morzan said as he slowly stood up and walked to the platform. "My apprentice, Sam, and his Partner Ithmir, as you see before you, are not captured."
"Please explain." One human commanded.
"I will." Morzan replied. "After the banishment of Oromis, he stumbled across my residence, shall we say, and I had to let him in. He slowly infested himself into all aspects of training Sam, and two other riders, that we fought and I left after wounding him." Morzan paused for a moment. "That was my mistake. No sooner had I left, Oromis sent Sam and Ithmir to attack the riders here."
"So you are saying that they are not guilty due to Oromis?" an Urgal asked in his guttural ascent.
"Yes." Morzan replied. "Sam come here please and remove your hood." Sam did as Morzan ordered and a collective shush filled the room.
What? Sam asked. Did I offend them?
No. Morzan replied. But they know what you are.
Is this what you said had to do with everything? Sam asked.
Yes. Morzan replied
"Morzan." An elf declaired. "Are you insane?"
"Some might say that." He replied getting a few chuckles from the various representatives.
"That much power?" a dwarf said gawking.
"What is it." Sam demanded.
"You didn't tell him?" a human female asked.
"There was no need." Morzan replied. "It could have been deadly."
This is dangerous night now. One dragon said. Be calm little one.
Sam tried to calm himself down for a minute. That's better.
Now I think he should know. The dragon said to the council members.
"Morzan, you tell him, you probably know more about it than we do." Another elf said.
"Very well." Morzan replied. "Simply put, Sam, your father was a shade." Sam couldn't do anything but stare in amazement. "Galbatorix held Durza the shade on a leash and on one particular assignment, he disguised himself and entered the Du Weldenvarden, where he found a lone elf. She didn't know that Durza was a shade for she had always lived alone, and let him into her hut to stay for the night." Morzan paused for a moment. "Well, things came to pass, and you were born. Durza never knew you existed for he left the next day."
"That explains everything?" Sam asked. "All that tells me is that I'm half shade and half elf."
"There has only been one other half-breed like you before." An elf said.
"He was before Glabatorix by about two or three hundred years." Eragon continued.
It is said that he was able to do almost anything with magic. The second dragon said.
"He was able to absorb energy from the sun, fire, spells, a lot of things." Morzan said. "But then he disappeared, and we have no record of what happened to him."
"So I have a lot of potential power." Sam said. "Big deal."
"It is believed that he had a hidden lair in the spine with countless wards around it." Murtagh said.
"In order for you to learn how to control your power, you will have to find this place, and if he is there, learn from him." The first dwarf said.
"This land cannot afford to have you make a mistake, and destroy untold numbers of lives." Morzan finished. "You must find him."
Sam shared a brief conversation with Ithmir and then looked up with determination. "Tell me how to find him."
Oh man!
The chapter alone without all of these bolded words was over 4600 words.
That was my longest chapter yet.
Okay, not really a good cliffy, but I couldn't think of a better way to finish this where I wanted to.
LEAVE ME A REVIEW!!!!!
Please, after all that work, I want more than three reviews like I got for chapter 3.
Speaking of which:
Blue-Eyed Chica:
ya your evil leaving it RIGHT there!
I needed a cliff hanger, what can I say?
HotrodFlashingKnightOfLight:
yay!
I'm glad you like it.
Arya Skit-Kona:
OK...Maybe Ristvak'mor'ranr? Place of Peace? Anyway, you're doing a great job
on this. Perhaps the "old man" Sam and Ithmir speak of might be Oromis? Can't
wait for the next update!
Thanks for the name, and I am amazed that you guessed that.