Chapter 11
AN I'm so sorry! It's been a ridiculously long time since I last posted Exams have been really stressful and long and let's just say that chemistry is a bitch. Hope you enjoy this chapter. Nym x
It took them a week to arrive at Edoras. Eragon spent most the journey riding by horse with the group, learning more about his companions and their home. He found the hobbits particularly interesting. They were an incredible people, always smiling and joking, making the rest of them laugh even though the future seemed grim.
Saphira spent the days floating lazily above them, regaining her strength from the battle of Helms Deep. She gorged on the herds of wild deer that roamed the grasslands, each day her energy growing. With the sun blazing high in the sky above, Saphira's scales glinted like gems, catching their eyes and momentarily blinding them. This would inevitably be followed by some kind of compliment on her beauty and majesty, which Saphira was only too happy to accept.
As they rode through the gates of Edoras and up the winding streets towards the keep, a great cheer went up from the townsfolk.
"Theoden!" they called. "Theoden! The King has returned!"
As they crested the hill on which the keep stood, they dismounted their horses and strode into the hall. Inside were Theoden's advisors and leaders of the Rohirrim.
Theoden walked slowly to the top of the hall, the rest of the group hanging back. When he reached his throne, he turned to face them, and said, "Tonight, we feast!"
This time going on foot, Eragon was able to better appreciate Edoras for the beautiful town that it was. It was wrapped around a small hill, the main pathway winding around like string. From the top you could see for miles in every direction. A mountain range to the south-west, open plains everywhere else.
Scanning his surroundings, Eragon spotted Saphira curled up on a neighbouring mound. He quickened his pace, soon passing through the gates. He broke into a jog, and within minutes he had reached Saphira. Wordlessly, he started to take her saddle off. She hadn't had it off for more than a couple of hours since they had arrived in Middle Earth.
Better? Eragon asked.
Mmmm, Saphira hummed, flexing her cramped muscles, Thank you, Little One.
With her saddle now off, Saphira could stretch herself fully, and she draped her long body across the top of the hill, basking in the sun. Eragon lay down next to her warm belly and slipped into a state of mindfulness, aware of everything in his surroundings but staying relaxed. The pair stayed like this for hours, revelling in each other's company, and glad that they finally had some time to themselves.
As the day grew older, Eragon sensed that the feast had begun in Edoras. He slowly came back to full consciousness, noticing that it was now dusk.
Little One, Saphira said, When did you last scry Nasuada? Or any of our friends in Alagaesia?
Eragon jolted, realising with a lurch that he had completely forgotten the promise that he had made to Nasuada, Orik and Arya before he left Alagaesia.
Saphira sent a wave of love and reassurance across their link. It's alright, Eragon, she soothed. You've had a lot on your mind. You can't remember everything.
It's not alright Saphira. You know it's not. I'm the Lead Rider. I have to remember everything, he replied. And come to think of it, the last time I scryed anyone was before we crossed the sea. That was at least a moon's turn ago.
He stood up quickly and walked over to the saddle-bags, fishing out a small mirror, and then returning to his spot by Saphira.
"Draumr kópa," Eragon intoned, channelling his magic into the words, allowing him to speak to the person he was scrying as well as just seeing them.
The surface of the mirror went dark, and then colours came together to form an image. Eragon was looking at a study. He could see a wooden desk, stone walls, a window looking out at a blue sky, and a woman.
"Queen Nasuada," he greeted.
Her head shot up, a clearly startled look on her face. She looked wildly around the room for a moment, before her eyes finally settled on the mirror and Eragon's own face.
"Eragon," she breathed. She regained her composure slightly, and said in a much more measured voice, "Are you trying to scare me to death? You almost gave me heart failure!"
"I'm sorry, Nasuada," Eragon said, laughing, "That was not my intention." His eyes were twinkling with happiness – he had forgotten just how much he missed his friends.
They both lapsed into silence for a few moments, each studying the other's reflection. Nasuada, Eragon noted, seemed tired but happy – and healthy. Queenship suited her well.
"So, Eragon," Nasuada started, "How are you? Where are you? It has been more than a month since we last spoke, is everything all right?" Eragon could detect the slight hint of concern in her voice.
"Well…" Eragon began. He told her everything that had happened since he crossed the sea on Saphira's back, from the bodies at the ford to the battle of Helms Deep, to Fangorn Forest and the Ents to Saruman and Isengard. When he finished, Nasuada's face – although still – was clearly worried.
She took a moment to gather her thoughts, and said, "Do these creatures, these orcs, pose a danger to Alagaesia?"
"No," Eragon said quickly. "Although they are bloodthirsty creatures and they love war, they do not possess the intelligence to cross the sea or survive the long journey they would need to make to reach you. Even if they did, I have no doubt that between the armies of men, elves and dwarves in Alagaesia, you would make short work of them."
Nasuada leant back in her chair, relieved. Eragon was not finished, however.
"The orcs themselves are not a threat, but their masters are." Nasuada sat up again, steepling her hands in front of her face. Eragon continued, "From what Gandalf and Aragorn have told me, he is worse than Galbatorix. He has absolute control over his armies and lands. He is evil. His most powerful servants are creatures similar to the Ra'zac, and they have steeds like lethrblaka. The only difference is that there are nine of them."
"What should we do?" Nasuada asked, troubled. "We just finished one war, one that lasted over a hundred years. We don't have the resources or the energy for another, not so soon."
Eragon tried his best to reassure her. "Myself and Saphira will do our best to make sure it doesn't come to that. Their armies are large, but not invincible. We destroyed an army of ten thousand Uruk'hai only a week ago – some of their best warriors. The people of Middle Earth will not go down without a fight, either." He could see that she was still worried.
"Even if we are defeated, and even if the enemy decides to explore, they would not reach Alagaesia for a long time. It took myself and Saphira five months to fly here from the edge of Alagaesia – and that was by dragon! It would take an army far longer! At least two years, I'd say."
"What do you suggest we do?" Nasuada asked. "We can't just sit here and do nothing!"
"I will scry you again, in one month. Until then, there is no need for you to do anything. But if I do not contact you, then start preparing. They may never come to Alagaesia, but it would not do to assume that. You must be prepared. Fortify the towns and cities, keep the army in shape, build siege weapons, grow crops and store food. If they arrive, they will do so from the direction I came, so have an outpost near Hedarth. Try not to cause mass panic, in all likelihood they will never arrive."
"And what about you?" Nasuada asked. "What will happen to the Riders if you and Saphira are killed?" she asked quietly.
Eragon responded in a calm voice, "If we are killed, leadership of the Dragon Riders will pass to Arya and Fírnen. They will raise the order."
"Is that right? To be both Queen of the Elves and Leader of the Riders?" Nasuada asked.
"We do not have a choice. Saphira and I cannot run from this fight, and Arya and Fírnen are the only others who can lead our order. If it comes to it, I know they will do well."
They exchanged a few more pleasantries, Nasuada telling Eragon about the state of things in Alagaesia. It was now summer, and crops were growing well. The people were happy and towns and cities were slowly being rebuilt. There were still a few bands of rogue soldiers roaming the plains but they were being hunted down one by one. The slavers were gone – in jail or killed. Dras Leona was being razed to the ground, and there were plans to completely rebuild it – Eragon was particularly happy at this piece of news.
When Nasuada finished, she said, "Alagaesia cannot afford to fight another war, Eragon. And it cannot afford to lose you. Make sure you come back to us."
"I will, my lady. Goodbye."
"Goodbye, Eragon."
Nasuada's face faded, the mirror once again turning black. Eragon took a deep breath, composing himself, before once more saying, "Draumr kópa."
An empty room materialised.
"Hello?" Eragon said.
A short figure entered the frame, a child.
"May I speak to King Orik?" Eragon asked.
"Of course, Argetlam," the child replied, bouncing up and down on the soles of her feet. "One moment, please," and she ran out of the picture, presumably to go find her King.
One moment turned into several minutes, but eventually Eragon could hear a commotion coming towards the empty room. It kept getting louder, until –
"Eragon!" Orik greeted. "My brother! How are you? It has been a while since we talked last."
"Orik, it is good to see you. It has been too long, I am sorry about that." Eragon proceeded to tell Orik everything he told Nasuada, and Orik had much the same reaction, his face becoming grimmer and grimmer.
"Out of the frying pan and into the fire, it seems, for you and soon for us!"
Eragon gave him the same advice he gave to Nasuada. "If they do eventually come, they'll arrive from that direction. Close up unused tunnels, protect your vulnerable towns. Keep your army strong and your axes sharp!"
"We will, my friend, we will. They will come through without a fight!"
Orik told Eragon about the dwarven kingdom. It seemed that they were doing as well as the Empire, crops were good, the clans were co-operating, and towns abandoned during The Fall were slowly but surely being repopulated.
"In case you wanted to know, Vermund, the leader of Az Swelden Rak Anhuin, is dead. He was killed in a scuffle by someone from his own clan. The rest of them do not want to live in isolation."
"Good," Eragon said harshly.
"I agree," Orik said dryly, "But we still have to watch them. Vermund may be gone but his supporters aren't."
"Hmm…" Eragon said. There was silence again for a few moments.
"Be careful, Eragon. You had better come back. Whatever you say about Arya leading if you were gone, the Riders need you. You are friends with every race, I don't think she will accomplish the same feat easily."
"I'll be careful, Orik. I'll scry you in a month to prove it!"
"Goodbye, brother."
Orik's face faded, leaving Eragon staring at a reflection of himself.
He talked to the Urgals for a few minutes, not mentioning the possible war in the future – he didn't want to get there hopes up. They were settling in well in their new lands, enjoying the fact that they were no longer being hunted.
He scryed Roran, this time simply observing. He didn't want to worry him about something he could do nothing about. He watched as Roran – along with Horst and others from the village – fit together logs to form a wall of a house. A woman came towards the group, as she got closer Eragon saw it was Katrina, looking healthier than he had ever seen her. He saw Ismira on her hip, her shock of red hair making her stand out. Eragon kept watching for a few more minutes, then he withdrew.
H had to spent a few minutes preparing himself for the last one, the last person he had to talk to.
Come on Eragon, man up. She doesn't bite, Saphira said playfully, flicking him with the tip of her tail.
Alright, alright. You're nervous too, I can tell.
Pffft.
"Draumr kópa."
A bright hall appeared, a long table with elves seated around it, and one elf seated at its head. They had been talking about something, but they all fell silent as Eragon appeared in their midst, their eyes drawn to him.
Eragon had eyes for only one elf there.
"Leave us, please," a clear voice said.
Together, the elves seated around the table stood up soundlessly, leaving the room gracefully.
"Astra esterní ono thelduin," he said.
"Astra du evarínya ono varda," she replied.
"Arya."
"Eragon."
They simply observed one another for a few moments.
"It has been more than a month since you last scryed," Arya said, slightly icily.
"I know. I'm sorry. I lost track of time."
"You lost track of time?" Arya said incredulously. "The last time we spoke, the only things you had encountered were deer and grass, and they are not enough to make you forget your promise." She sighed, calming herself. "I know you, Eragon." He shivered. "You would not forget us unless something greater was occupying your mind. What happened?"
He told her. He didn't leave out a single detail, including things he hadn't told Nasuada or Orik because they seemed trivial. As he spoke, Arya remained silent, her mouth setting into a grim line.
When he finished, Eragon said, "Arya, if we do not come back-"
"Don't say that. Don't."
"I have to, you know that. I have to make sure that the Dragon Riders will continue. If we do not come back, you and Fírnen will become Lead Rider and Lead Dragon."
"I cannot be both Queen and Leader of the Riders, it is too much power for one person," Arya said to him.
"Hopefully that will never happen, but it may, and I trust you to do what is right," Eragon said. Arya's shoulders sagged, worry weighing heavily on her.
A large, green, scaly head entered Eragon's field of view, stopping beside Arya.
"Hello, Fírnen," Eragon greeted. Saphira picked her head up, moving it closer so that she could see Fírnen for herself.
Arya spoke for Fírnen. "Greetings, Eragon. Hello, Saphira," he said.
Please tell him I say hello, Eragon.
"Saphira says hello to you too, Fírnen." The two dragons stared intensely at one another, separated only by a mirror.
"Eragon," Arya said, drawing his attention, "You might have faith in me, but you are the Lead Rider. It is your duty to lead the Shur'tugal. Not mine. They need you. You saved this land, you gave the dragons a future. Now you must lead your order."
"I cannot leave, Arya. These people need our help. If they are defeated, if this evil spreads, there will be no future for the dragons, for anyone."
"I'm not saying you should leave, I'm saying you have to win. You are right, Alagaesia cannot survive another war. Win, and then come back," Arya said, almost pleading.
"I will. I'll scry you in a month. Goodbye Arya," Eragon said.
"Goodbye, Eragon. Be safe. Saphira, Fírnen says goodbye, and may your teeth stay strong and your claws stay sharp."
"Goodbye Fírnen," Eragon said for Saphira.
The mirror turned black for the final time, and Eragon released a breath he didn't realise he was holding. Taking a look around him, he saw that night had fallen. Edoras was glowing with pinpricks of light here and there, and Eragon could hear the distant sound of drunken singing. The feast was well underway.
I'm going to go to the feast Saphira. Are you ok to stay here by yourself? Eragon could feel through their link that she was missing Fírnen.
I'll be fine Eragon, I'm a dragon. Go, enjoy yourself.
I love you, Saphira. See you in the morning.
I love you too, Little One.
He hugged her neck, then turned and jogged to the gates of the town. Following the meandering path around the hill, Eragon thought about his friends in Alagaesia. They seemed to be doing well, personally and in their roles as leaders. In particular he thought about Arya. He knew she had never wanted to be Queen, she only took the position because the rest of the elven population wanted her to. Considering that, Eragon thought she was coping well, but he was determined not to make her the Lead Rider when she clearly didn't want to be. His train of thought was interrupted when he reached the top of the hill. The doors to the keep were flung open, light and music spilling out. The feast was in full swing.
Walking through the doors, the first thing Eragon saw was Merry and Pippin dancing on a table, singing loudly, each with a flagon of mead. They were singing about a pub called The Green Dragon. Eragon laughed to himself, imagining Saphira arriving for a few barrels of mead. Spotting Gandalf and Aragorn, he made his way over to them.
"Eragon!" Gandalf called. "We've been looking for you. Where did you go?" he asked curiously.
"I was with Saphira, I had to take off her saddle and then I fell asleep in the sun," Eragon laughed.
Eomer joined them, handing a drink to Eragon. "Here you go lad, Rohan's finest brew."
Eragon took a sip – it was good. Not as strong as faelnirv or any of the dwarfish brews he had encountered, but it was as good as anything in Morn's Tavern.
Eragon relaxed once he had a drink, and the rest of the night blurred together. He remembered having more of the mead until his head felt light, and at some stage he stumbled across Gimli and Legolas having a drinking competition which, much to Gimli's disgust, he lost. Soon after, Gimli's head was on the table, great drunken snores emanating from him. Beside him, Legolads had become rather tipsy and was making bird noises. The hobbits kept going all night, dancing and singing to the entertainment of everyone else.
It was very late when they all went to bed, Eragon, Gimli, Legolas, Aragorn, Merry, Pippin, Gandalf and some of the Rohirrim all crammed into a room. As soon as they lay down, they all fell into a deep sleep.
It was very early morning when Eragon heard a shout, startling him awake.
"Gandalf!" a voice screamed. Eragon was on his feet and had Brisingr halfway out of its sheathe before he even realised what was going on. Around him, he could see Aragorn and Legolas had reacted the same way.
It was Merry who had shouted, and he spoke again, "Pippin," he said, his voice trembling, finger pointing at a figure huddled on the ground.
Aragorn reached him in a few strides, Eragon and Legolas right behind him. Pippin was sitting crouched, holding the glass orb that Gandalf had taken from Isengard, staring into its depths and convulsing. Immediately, Aragorn grabbed it from him, but as soon as he touched it he started screaming as if he had been burned. It fell from his hands and rolled across the wooden floor, until someone threw a blanket over it. Gandalf.
He strode over to Pippin, turning him around so he could look him in the eye.
"What did you see?" he demanded. Pippin didn't answer, his eyes were glazed and he wasn't paying attention. Gandalf shook him. "Peregrine Took, what did you see?" he thundered. Gone was the kind hearted old man, Eragon had never seen this Gandalf before.
Pippin focused on Gandalf's face, scared. "He…he looked at me…with his eye. It was horrible."
"What did he say, Pippin? What did you see?" Gandalf urged.
"He didn't say anything," Pippin whispered, "he didn't have to. I saw death, and armies, and giant flying bats, and a white tree…" Pippin looked up at Gandalf, "but it was dead Gandalf. The tree was dead."
Gandalf was silent for a moment. He took Pippin's face in his hands and said, "Look at me."
He stared intently at him and then he let go, sitting back. "You are a fool, Peregrine Took, but an honest fool. There is no malice in you." Gandalf stood up, turning to Aragorn. "Are you hurt?"
"No," he said, "I only touched it for a second."
"Good," said Gandalf. "The white tree…we must talk to Theoden." He strode from the room in the direction of the keep, the others – except the hobbits – trailing behind.
Hope you liked it. I know nothing major happened but its setting it up for something –I think you know what for;) Also I'm going to America in 2 weeks for the first time ever (so excited!) for a family holiday! Visiting San Francisco, Seattle, Orlando and NYC. Now we're going to be doing all of the touristy things but I was wondering if you guys know anywhere really cool that's not particularly well known (or even if it is – I don't mind)! In particular, restaurants, bars, cafes- foody places in general. Basically anything you think is worth doing/visiting.
Anyway, I love you all. Feedback is fab and reviews are my lifeblood so feel free to leave one – in fact please do! I'll have another chapter up next week. Stay tuned folks! Nym x