Chapter 3: A look in the past

I waited a moment to gather my thoughts, and then I began:

'First, as I already told you, my name is Utumros, and my uncle is Nar Garhzvog. I am one of the few of our race to be able to use magic. You have to know that the use of magic is looked down upon by our species. Battle prowess, that counts, not much else. There my story begins. At young age, it became clear that I could use magic. My father and uncle saw my potential, but the danger of it more. When a family member has bad reputation, it will affect the whole family, and in my case, it would weaken the power of my uncle with our tribe, causing pretenders to rise and such. Back to me. My dad warned me to not speak about my gift to the Urgralgra. Back then, I could do nothing with it, since I knew nothing of the ancient language. But having the skill is enough to downgrade your reputation.

At that time, our tribes expanded rapidly. Many younglings came, and each tribe fought against each other for territory for the children. Eventually, this warring came to a halt, because our Herndall saw that it was wiser to be at peace with each other, with the Empire being so strong. We made a treaty with the Empire for food and land. Galbatorix agreed, on the condition that we would provide soldiers for his armies, which he would not use to attack us. Both parties benefitted from this, but Galbatorix became greedier, asking for more soldiers in return for land that he would conquer. Many of our rams agreed, for it is an honour to fight for an ally. Then the first problems arose. Rams from hostile tribes had to fight next to each other. This resulted into bloodbaths for Galbatorix' armies. That is when and why he sent Durza.'

I paused for a moment, thinking of all the damage he had done. Murtagh used that time to ask a question: 'So, magic is seen low in the Urgal society. But you are Kull, would that not help?'

'Being a Kull helps your reputation a bit when you have defeated a lot of rams, but as one who has defeated few, you look too weak to be a Kull. Like I said, battle prowess counts.

Continuing with my story, Durza came. He manipulated the Herndall to make a declaration of peace between our tribes. Back then, it was believed, and the Empire's armies functioned better. However, he personally led raids against unguarded villages, to enslave the promising rams and those who are family members of the leaders, to discourage the spirit of rebellion. I was captured as well. My uncle feared for my life, but had to join his warriors in the fight against Farthen Dûr.'

'I was there as well. All the Urgals there fought for their own, at least, that is what I've seen.'

'Indeed, that was Durza's new strategy, to let every village fight separately. That worked out very well. In the meantime, I was taken to Ceunon. I became the slave of the jarl in charge there and was forced to swear fealty to him in the ancient language. I had to help expand his palace, and carry all the beams and marble and so on. I thought I was strong, but I was exhausted after a week of that heavy work. For that, I got my first punishment by the jarl's house magician, which was specialised in torture by fire. He was the worst of them all, but after a month he let me forge a blade, and when I had done that, he made me fulltime smith. I learned to enjoy it, for I now had some variety in my work. However, he always kept an eye on me when I was working and at least two guards were with him all the time. This went on for about half a year. But one day, I felt another mind touch mine. I was walking towards the mine to get some more iron ore. I kept walking on while the mind spoke to me. It was an elf, asking me who I was. I told her and then she brought me hopeful news: she was the scout of the elven army who was about to advance. She told me that she could contact my uncle and get me out of there. She told me that the Urgals had a major defeat at Farthen Dûr, but Durza was killed in the attempt. I told her to urge my uncle to join the Varden, and to tell him that I was alive.

Later I heard that she did that immediately and so the Urgals joined the Varden at the battle of the Burning Plains. That is where you killed king Hrothgar, didn't you?'

Thorn answered: 'It was my Rider's hand, but Galbatorix' command and spell. We both regret it every day. That the Urgals had betrayed him, had angered him to the point of almost direct intervention, which would have been a disaster for the Varden if he did. We managed to sway him, but he still intervened when killing Hrothgar.'

'It must have been a difficult time for you back then. But from this point on, my story is less dark. The conversation with the elf meant a revival for my magic. She thought in the ancient language, of course, and that enabled me to perform very basic magic. We had contact a few times after that day, and every time she learned me more about magic. She had to return to the elven army and we decided that she would contact me again if they were about to attack Ceunon. The magician noticed some activity though, but he thought that it meant no harm, since an elven slave had been brought in some time before. The next weeks, some things started to stand out to me. First, our rations became less. Secondly, I had to make a lot more weapons and armour than before. Thirdly, a few of the guards left the palace, and those who remained became more nervous and punished more. This could only mean Ceunon was preparing for a siege. One day, the elf contacted me again. In two days, the elves would attack. I gave her all my information regarding the jarl and the city that I knew. That was not the best decision, for my production slowed down. The magician took me to a torture room and branded me. Right between my horns, the symbol of the Empire. Due to the pain and shock, I went unconscious. However, I was still connected with the elf, and she had shielded some of the pain for me. When I awoke, the magician came to me again, with two guards. He wanted to brand me again, but the elf looked through my eyes and, with minds connected, we casted a spell. The magician was unable to move, and I felt a battle rage come over me. I took the swords from the confused guards and killed them all right there. I went to slave quarters, killing any guard who stood in my way and woke the other slaves. We went to the palace armoury and armed ourselves. I still had the two swords from the guards and took a bow and quiver. At that moment, the elves attacked. Me and my group locked down the palace, and locked the jarl up in his bedroom. We could commit him no harm, since we were forced to swear an oath when we became his slaves. We could kill many Imperial soldiers with our bows though, which we did. The elven assault was very successful. With their magic, they went over the walls and overcame the remaining guards no problem. They took all who had sworn an oath to Galbatorix prisoner and those who had sworn another oath, like us, had to stay inside the city until Galbatorix himself was killed and our oaths were released. I was brought to an elven healer, which healed all my scars except the brand. I wanted to keep that as a memory. The healer healed enough that there was no risk of infection. She helped me contact my uncle and dad. I told them that I wanted to stay and learn more magic from the elves. They agreed. After that, I went looking for the elven scout. I found her in the armoury and I finally got to know her name. She was called Arana. We spent a lot of time together and when I was released of my oath by Eragon after Galbatorix was killed, she took me to Du Weldenvarden, and teached me a lot about the ancient language, magic and fighting. I preferred the two swords and bow which I had used in my 'rebellion' against the jarl. After a year and a half, I wanted to go home, and as a gift, she gave me two elven blades and her own bow. Then I went home and after two and a half years I could finally see my family again. I returned half a year ago, and have not left since then. I still keep in touch with Arana, and only use those weapons she gave me. This is my story.'

We all were silent for a few minutes.

'Many things have happened to you,' Murtagh said, 'and I thank you for being so honest. Do not forget you past, but focus more on your future. Be still careful with magic. I think it is best for you to head to your village now.'