It's me, Argetlam-Meg, I just changed my Pen Name. I am SOOO sorry the last chapter SUCKED it was terrible. It was short, and very soap opera. but thats pretty much what my life is so...w/e. Anyways this is a good chapter I feel. I am satified with it. Sorry if it has spelling and grammar mistakes, I don't have microsoft word here. next will be okay though. Anyways please enjoy this chapter! It's bolder and better I think. Please R&R
The Next Generation
Chapter Thirteen
New Travels, Old Friends
On the morning that the brave riders departed, every inhabitant of Ellesmera was there to bid them good fortune and farewell. They had all gotten special gifts from certain individuals that would help them with their journey. The Chefs had prepared all of their food supplies so it would be easier for them when they camped and ate. Rhunon gave them each a special enchanted weapon that would help them to fight. Such as an enchanted mace for Alvar, the skilled elf who would accompany them in their journey. (A/N: I looked for names on a search engine and I found this name it actually means Elf Warrior. Cool huh?)
She also had a magical sphere for Arya, which was smooth and flawless, seemingly harmless, but when the wielder would speak a few magic words from the ancient language it floated and attacked on its own. And other elves gave them certain tokens, such as Good Fortune necklaces and useful things that were light and easy to carry or pack. It was a good hour or two before the sun was to rise, and everyone was in a large clearing, the dragons in the middle, ready to launch into the air, and onlookers made a circle around them to watch.
As the three riders, along with Arya and Alvar, put the saddles on their dragons and packed the belongings to them, everyone was silent watching. Then when all was ready to go, Queen Islanzadi strode to the middle of the clearing and bid each rider and warrior farewell. Then Master Oromis and Glaedr also came and gave their blessing and farewells.
"You must remember to be strong, no matter what happens, we must defeat Galbatorix. No matter the cost. But be careful and watch for each other. There is strength in numbers, so if you all are watching out for the other, you will become as one team, and will be successful in finally destroying Galbatorix and his minions. Farewell brave riders and warriors." Lectured Oromis.
"You have the elves' blessings with you." And with those final words of Islanzadi, everyone watched as the riders mounted their dragons, and Arya rode with Eragon, while Alvar rode with Murtagh, and Jaide flew on her own, with out her dragon by her side to fly with.
As Jaide looked from person to person, and taking in the last she would see if Ellesmera for a while, she launched herself in the air, followed closely by Saphira and then Thorn. The crowed cheered for them as the took off and started to fly in the direction of the great Beor Mountains. They all knew in their hearts that they would be successful. The only thing that they didn't know, was that only some of them would return safely.
After about an hour of constant flying, the group of warriors could finally see the end of Du Weldenvarden. They continued on, not speaking out loud but rather talking to eachother with their minds. Alvar struck up conversation with Arya about attack tactics that he planned on using, and Murtagh and Eragon talked about their lineage and how they planned to set the family record straight starting with them and Roran and Katrina. Saphira and Thorn spoke of Dragon secrets and how they planned to carry out the plan of killing Galbatorix without harming Shruiken. But Jaide was the only one who refrained from speaking. She concentrated on every detail of the mission over and over until it was burned into her mind as if with a branding iron.
They pressed on, pushing their speed to the limit, so as to try and reach the foot of the Beor Mountains by late night. They passed over the land at great speed, and by noon had reached the Hadarac Desert. They stopped for a brief period to stretch their legs, let the dragons rest, and relieve the forces of nature. After that 30 minute break, they lifted into the air again, and sped on towards the mountains.
After everyone had stopped having conversations, and everything was quiet except for the wind whistling past them and the hard thump of the dragons wings, Jaide decided to talk secretly with Eragon.
Are you anxious to get back to the Varden?
I am anxious to see Nasuada and Orik, but I am at loathe to get there, because once we do, the time will fly by and then it will be the time to face Galbatorix. But it must be done.
I see. I am somewhat excited to see Tronjheim and the dwarves, and also to meet Nasuada. Do you believe that I should pledge loyalty to her, as you did?
I'm not sure, but we should deffinatly discuss it with her and Arya, but I do believe that it might be wise. Since you will be here to help us rebuild the dragon race, I don't see where it would hurt.
Hmm. Do you think that after all this is said and done, and after the repercussions of this battle calm a bit, that we could possibly travel to Carvahall, and then I could see where you grew up at and partially raised Saphira at? We could spend some time helping to rebuild it.
Eragon glanced over to Jaide, watching her fly on her own accord, he felt so drawn to her. She was a creature of Magic alone, such as dragons or elves are, but she didn't need the connection with a dragon to be that. Her being attatched to Emerald Fire was just a plus. He noticed her hair flowing back in the wind, with the sun shining through it. Arya noted that he was staring at Jaide, and smiled inwardly. She could sense the pull inside of him that signaled his longing for her.
Jaide looked over to Eragon after he hadn't answered here, and was startled to see him just staring at her. Their eyes locked and they just looked into each others eyes for a moment, but then a large cloud passed between Jaide and Saphira, cutting of their contact. Jaide had actually passed through the cloud and when she finally passed out of it, she was soaking wet. (Clouds are made up of moisture, you know)
The sight of her all soaking wet made everyone laugh. Alvar almost fell off Thorn.
After an hour or so, Jaide finally dried off and they were approaching the Beor mountains. It was almost dusk, and they could already see the monstrous mountains looming before them like gigantic monsters waiting to devour them all. The heat of the Hadarac Desert was finally behind them, and now they were about to enter the cool and dark mountains. They took another break at the foot of the mountains, and (since she had been using her reserves of energy to fly for the past hour, slowly evaporating her life force) Jaide flopped onto the thick and cool grass they had landed on and planned to take a quick power nap before they continued.
Arya started to get out the food, since they also hadn't eaten since very VERY early that morning and all were hungry. The Dragons went to hunt in the nearby forest while the others ate their dinner of fresh vegetables and fruits, along with some bread, and each also had a small cup of Faelnirv, which gave them an extra shot of energy.
Arya and Alvar did the Dance of the Snake and Crane to stretch their limbs, while Eragon stayed with Jaide as she rested in the grass. They spoke of what might happen on their quest for vengeance and what the other would do if the worst should happen. Eragon rethought the Queens words of earlier that morning, "We must defeat Galbatorix, no matter the cost"….That meant even if it cost a life of one of the riders. He thought about what would happen to Saphira if he died. He shuddered at the thought and instead thought of them killing the evil king, once and for all, knowing that they could accomplish it.
When the Dragons had returned and had eaten their kill, an hour had passed. Dusk was upon them, but they were still determined to make it to Farthen Dur. None of them wanted to camp out in the forests of the Beor Mountains. There were creatures larger than the dragons as predators and they did not want to take the chance of being delayed even longer because someone was injured by one in their sleep.
So the group took off again, heading straight for the mountain that would grant them shelter for that night and the next. After about four hours of straight flying they were upon the Varden's front door, the great Farthen Dur Mountain. Arya did the honors of taking a rock and hitting the canyon walls and shouting the words "Ai Varden abr du Shur'tugals gata vanta!"
Eragon remembered the last time he and Murtagh went through this process, they were being trapped by a horde of Urgals and he almost drowned, until Orik saved them, that is. He and Murtagh seemed to be thinking of the same memory for they both shuddered at the sound of the sound of Arya knocking and the waterfall crashing down. They looked to eachother and smiled, knowing what each other was thinking.
I'm glad we got out of that alive. Said Eragon to Murtagh with his mind.
So am I. Let's pray that we get out of this new predicament alive.
We will. I know we will.
They would have said more but the Cliffside opened and they were granted passage. As they walked inside a few dwarves and people welcomed them in, but there was an uproar when Murtagh and Thorn entered the cavern. Nasuada and Orik were on their way to greet the arrival of Eragon and Jaide, the new rider, but as they approached they heard shouting voices, then they heard Eragon raise his voice, and the other voices quieted down. They quickned their pace and wondered what the problem was. But then they rounded a corner and immediately comprehension hit them. Orik sucked un a tight breath while Nasuada gasped.
Orik shouted, "WHAT is that traitor doing here!"
Nasuada and the Dwarf started running towards the riders, realizing that Thorn and Murtagh were not in chains or restrained. They ran towards Eragon and the others with concern striking their faces. Nasuada clutched her hidden dagger, and Orik pulled his axe out of his belt, ready to fight.
"Don't worry," Eragon shouted to them before any more was said or done, "we can explain."
"You'd better be able to." Stated Nasuada.
"So why don't you enlighten us, oh valiant one?" Said Orik.
"Well, for starters, it's all because of Jaide." Said Arya.
"Who?" Said Orik and Nasuada at the same time.
"Me," Said Jaide, stepping forward.
"I am the new dragon rider, who escaped from Galbatorix. I freed Thorn and Murtagh from his control, along with myself."
The onlookers, including Nasuada, looked incredulous.
"You are able to do that?" Asked Nasuada, astounded at the knowledge of the extent of her power.
"Yes. I can do many things with my power. I don't get my power just from being a dragon rider. When I was transported here, I got special powers. Before I became a dragon rider I honed these skills, tested everyday by Galbatorix I trained until he saw me a fit apprentice. Then he showed me the dragon eggs and the green one hatched for me."
"What color was the other dragon egg?" Asked Nasuada.
"White. White as snow."
Murtagh stepped in, and bowed low before Nasuada and Orik, and Thorn crouched low and lowered his neck and head in a bow.
"I am truly and honestly sorry for all of the trouble and heartache I have caused here, but you must understand that it was not my wish to do everything that I did. It was not my wish to murder Hrothgar. I really did loathe doing that deed. And I do apologize and beg of your forgiveness. We will avenge everyone that Thorn and I have murdered, and we will have justice for what Galbatorix made us do. I do hope you will accept this apology. I have no more intention of harming the Varden or Dwarves, and I am truly regretful of what Thorn and I have done. Please forgive us." He finished in the Ancient Language and Eragon translated, so they would trust what he said.
"I understand. I know what he has done in the past so it is no surprise that he would do worse in the present and future. That is why you all are going to kill him in a short period of time. You have mine forgiveness." Said Orik after a long silence, and scrutinizing Murtagh and Thorns appearance.
"As you have my forgiveness as well. It was against your will to do the things that you have done recently."
Murtagh and Thorn bowed deeper, saying "Thank you," in the ancient language, again translated by Eragon.
After a short silence, Orik again spoke up,
"Ah! But what are we all standing around here still for. You are obviously tired and worn out from your journey. Come, we shall give you food and drink and lift your spirits. The dragons may fly up to the dragon hold, The Rose is gone, but they can still access it by flying. We shall have meat placed beneath the hold for the both of you."
Thank you, Orik, as always good to see you again. Said Saphira.
"Well met, brightscales. And well met to you, Thorn." Thorn complied and they turned to walk towards where they would find refreshments.
As they walked along the dark interior of the mountain, Eragon was telling Jaide about how Murtagh had killed the former Dwarve King, Hrothgar and everything that had transpired since he was first captured. Then everyone added all of their bits and pieces of the story, and it got to the point where everyone was almost attacking Murtagh and Thorn, when Nasuada interrupted the 'debate' they were having, by suddenly remembering that when Jaide got there she wanted to introducer her to someone special. She had gotten a letter from Islanzada and some news from other sources such as Angela and Orik about Jaide's story. But Murtagh and Thorn, that was all new. It had only happened a couple days ago, and a runner had not enough time to bring a letter from the elves before they riders themselves got there. So Eragon was to give Nasuada a letter from Islanzadi when the time was oppertune. But for the moment, Nasuada was going to tell Jaide of a person who was transported to Alagaesia, similar to her.
"Jaide, I almost forgot I want to introduce you to someone who was also mystically transported here. I believe that he is from your world."
Eragon perked his hearing up at the words "HE is from YOUR world"
"Really?" Jaide wondered if she knew him or even if he was from her area. It would be interesting if she did know him…Maybe a new way to make Eragon jealouse. She snickered inwardly but then thought, wait, this could be one of my friends. She suddenly got very anxious to meet this person.
"Yes, I will send for him. He will meet us at the kitchens where you will get your food and drink."
After Nasuada had sent for this person that was supposedly from Jaide's world, they got their food from the cook, and shortly after they had finished eating, the boy from Earth had arrived. Well, man is more the term for him. He hadn't been told about the mysterious person he was supposed to meet, but he least expected it to be this girl, whom he had mourned over for weeks after she had mysteriously gone missing. But when he walked into the kitchen areas, and announced himself, Jaide spun around to see this man from her world, who it turns out she did know. His breath caught at the site of her, he thought she had been murdered.
She stood from the seat at the table where she was sitting, and spoke,
"Kale?"
"Oh my god! Jaide?"
He ran at her, with tears in his eyes. He couldn't believe what he was seeing. She moved quickly towards him as well, happy so see a friend of hers that she thought she would never see again. He grasped her into his arms, and lifted her off the ground and squeezed her into his bear hug. He was so happy to see her after he thought that she was lost forever. They had been good friends but he secretly had more feelings for her than 'just friends'. That's why he mourned so much over her disappearance and seeming death. Everyone was distraught, but he was heartbroken. He never got the chance to even confess his feelings.
But now she was suddenly in his arms, right here in his arms. He could barely control his joy. Tears were streaming down his face but he didn't care; he was only glad to be reunited with his untold love. When they finally stopped hugging so tight and he let her back down to the floor, they were wiping tears out of their eyes. Everyone was staring at them, whispering to each other, and Eragon was in shock. He was getting jealous of this new guy that was already moving in on Jaide. He walked towards them and intertwined his arm with Jaide's and said,
"So are you going to introduce us to your 'good' friend here…love?"
Jaide lifted an eyebrow at him and gave him a warning glance before going back to Kale, and holding his arm instead of Eragon's, and walking up to everyone in the room, she introduced Kale to the Dragon Riders and Warriors of Alagaesia.
"Everyone, this is Kale. He was my good friend before I was transported here. Kale this is," and she pointed to each one as she said their name, "Arya, she is the Elf representative, and this is Murtagh, Dragon Rider, and Alvar, Elf Warrior, and then Eragon, he is also a Dragon Rider. Like me."
Kale gave her an incredulous look. "YOURE the new girl dragon rider everyone has been talking about?"
She smiled sheepishly. "Yeah, I am."
"Then you can kick butt can't you?"
Her smile widened. "Yep. I could totally kick your butt in a heartbeat."
"What all can you do?"
"Let me demonstrate…"
With that she let go of his arm and levitated above the ground. Then she brought him up with her, along with everyone in their chairs and the tables. Then she set everyone down.
"I can do more, but I don't want to make a mess in here. I will show you more tomorrow on the sparring grounds."
"Cool. I look forward to it."
"WELL its been quite a day we are all so very tired you know we should all be going to bed now in our chambers goodnight Kyle we will see you tomorrow!" Eragon Inturrupted and quickly led Jaide out of the kitchens by the arm.
Eragon what ARE you doing! She exclaimed with her mind.
You two were certainly getting 'cozy'. What was that about?
What? COZY? We haven't seen each other in almost 2 years! He thought I was dead! We have known each other for years! You are being way to jealous and selfish. Now let me go back and talk to my friend. Go on to bed, like you said, your soooo tired so go and sleep. And by the WAY his name is KALE not KYLE.
But-
And don't wait up! She exclaimed as she walked back towards the kitchens to talk more with her friend.
Eragon was upset that she had ditched him like that, and hurt that she didn't invite him to talk with Kale and her. He knew that they would probably walk and talk about old times and how they missed each other so much. He wondered if Jaide would mention him at all. Probably, he decided. She had spent so much time with him in Ellesmera that she had to say something about him.
He walked to the place where Nasuada had told them their things had been put, and where they were to sleep. He found his room and sat and read, trying to get his mind off of Jaide. And it worked, for a little while. Then he decided to just try and get some sleep. It was late and they had to get up and deal with political matters in the morning. He finally dozed off, but his dreams were haunted by Jaide's face….
"Sorry about that, Kale. Eragon was just being stupid."
"It's cool." Kale stared at Jaide for a moment, then continued, "God, its just so good to see you again, Jaide. I can't believe you have been in Alagaesia this whole time."
"I know, really weird huh. I'm so happy to see you too. But now I have to explain to you my tasks for the next couple of days."
"Why is it so important?"
Jaide paused for a minute or two, then finally looked him in the eyes and said, "Because I might not come back."
Concern immediately clouded his eyes and they walked and talked for a few hours before Jaide finally retired to her room, after describing in detail what was to happen to Kale. She told him everything that had happened to her, and vice versa. She held nothing back from him, even the parts about her and Eragon maybe finding love. He acted strangely after she had spoken about him so she changed the subject. And they talked about everything that was probably going to go down and why the two of them were there. When he walked her to the quarters she was supposed to sleep in, she waited for him to walk away and turn the corner and out of site before she slipped her night wear on and slunk out of her room and into Eragon's.
She knew that he was asleep, but she could sense his restlessness even in the dormancy of his body. She slid under his covers where his back was facing her and wrapped her arms around him, waking him gently. He opened his eyes and, realizing who it was, smiled. His heart fluttered as she squeezed his body closer to her own. He rolled over so he was facing her and told her how glad he was that she was here with him now.
She smiled and then gently moved up to kiss him. When their lips met they deepened the kiss, and Eragon rolled over and wrapped his arms around her, with her back facing him. He whispered in her ear,
"I love you."
"And I you." She replied to him, although she was still puzzled over Kale's actions. But she let it go, and just let Eragon hold her through the night. They were truly carefree and happy for just a few hours if fate would grant them no other time.
Ok so how was that? Good I hope. I hope you liked it, please review. Please tell me what you thought. thank you!
