Hey guys. Thank you all for your amazing reviews. I updated a little faster this time for you because you have all been so patient with me. I really hope you enjoy reading this chapter as much as I enjoyed writing it. Now, on with Chapter 19!!!
After the crowd of elves had calmed themselves and dispersed, the four dragons quickly flew towards the entrance of the large city where a proud looking elf stood at a path that disappeared into the thick and dense trees. Arya motioned for them to land and dismounted the second Saphira's large feet touched the ground. She made her way to the elf, with Ilian following her protectively; who was standing with his arms firmly crossed. She muttered something to him quietly in the ancient language and he studied her closely for a moment then turned his gaze to the emerald dragon at her side, then to the larger dragons and their riders. The elf mumbled a reply, his silky voice radiating power. Arya turned towards the other riders and pointed to each accordingly. "Eragon Shadeslayer, and his dragon Saphira Brightscales. They previously trained with Oromis and Gladr." The elf nodded in recognition as Arya continued. "Murtagh Morzanson and Thorn, turned from the dark side and now offers their assistance. Be not afraid, Islanzadi knows of their approach and is eagerly awaiting their presence." Murtagh raised an eyebrow slightly and looked over to Thorn who was mimicking his expression. Neither dared say a word, even to each other. Murtagh flashed his gedwey ignasia as proof and the elf inclined his head slightly, his posture still unyielding.
"And Zyana Drottningu with Ohrana her dragon, returned from her service in the kings palace." The elf's eyes widened in disbelief as he studied her closely. "Young Drottningu?"
Zyana stepped forward and showed him her gedwey ignasia, just as Murtagh had done. The small shimmering spiral shone magnificently in the dim forest light, changing between silver and the bright amethyst that matched Ohrana's scales.
A large smile appeared on the elf's face as he closed his eyes and spread his arms in a gesture of welcome that Eragon immediately recognised. Arya motioned them all forward and made their way through the thick trees down the winding path that would lead them to the capital. With a brief welcoming word from him, the elf straightened himself, clasped his hands together and vanished.
Murtagh looked behind him, bewildered, and followed pace down the winding path.
His fatigue suddenly forgotten, Murtagh's eyes were wide with wonder as he surveyed the elven world around him. The forest floor was strewn with many dense patches of flowers, from pink roses to white lilies and bluebells, with many small bumblebees hovering over them slowly, all attracted to the invigorating aromas they possessed. A small lake was situated not far away with dozens of fish of various shapes, sizes and colours swimming freely.
At first sight it seemed to be a peaceful place where a doe might spend the night under one of the small thickets, but taking a closer look, Murtagh noticed several small paths winding their way around some of the trees which, he noticed, were some of the houses in which the elves lived.
He looked over to Zyana who was studying their surroundings with just as much wonder and exhilaration, but her bright blue eyes also burned with recognition. She studied the houses of moss and ferns and slowly, the inhabitants of the carefully hidden houses showed themselves slowly, as a small flicker of movement, seemingly unsure of how to greet the visitors.
Slowly, he caught glimpses of them, a hand, a face, some silvery glowing hair. One by one they emerged, and Murtagh was astounded at their stealth. He was immediately reminded of when he had first met Zyana and she had disappeared around the corner of the castle faster than humanely possible. Seems like aeons ago. He thought to himself.
Time is endless, Murtagh. We have many, many more years to look forward to, and yet, when we reach them, the present will seem all but a clouded blur.
Aye. We have much to look forward to.
That is something I would never have dreamed of saying back then, Thorn said disdainfully. The only thing I ever had to look forward to was the darkness inside Shruikan's cave.
Murtagh smiled. We don't have to go back there Thorn. And if we do, it will be to pull the king off his throne in a bloody battle.
Thorn blew a small puff of smoke from his nostrils in agreement, but was interrupted when the elves finally emerged fully from their confines, all eyes were fixed on the four dragons and their riders before them. Murtagh immediately noted the complete perfection of the people, the women with their hair blowing flawlessly in the wind, tiny bulbs of blossoms strewn into them and the men with their unbreakable strength. All were dressed in various tunics and skirts of moss green and earthly brown to match the surroundings.
Slowly, small smiles appeared on their faces which evolved into large grins as they recognised Arya and noticed the dragon at her heels, and made their way forward in excitement. Laughs and cheers soon erupted from the crowd as she smiled softly and motioned them all forward. Upon seeing Zyana their cries only grew louder as she made her way down the cobbled path. They were screaming out words of praise and welcomes that made Zyana's heart flutter.
They continued down the winding path, followed by the excited elves, until they reached some roots, intricately bound together to form steps that led to a large door. As they drew closer, the door opened, revealing a long hall of trees.
Along each of the walls were twelve chairs, each seating a noble lord or lady. They all shared the same expressions of welcome and awe as the dragons and riders stood before them. Zyana's eyes were wide with barely contained excitement, because there, at the end of the pavilion, was seated her mother, the Queen Islanzadi.
She was as beautiful as she had remembered her, her raven coloured hair falling flawlessly and gracefully down her back, lips bright red as the berries that forever grew on the bushes in the forest. Even her tunic was of the best make and fell from her hips elegantly, perfectly.
The excited elves all fell into complete silence as they looked up in awe at their queen.
The four riders bowed in respect immediately, kneeling on the moss covered ground. Thorn dipped his head in respect to Islanzadi, shortly followed by Saphira, then Ilian and Ohrana. The queen smiled and stood and began making her way toward them, her skirts flowing elegantly with each step.
"Please rise." She said, her smooth voice echoing through the hall. All four riders and dragons did as they were bade and stood before the queen expectantly. She stopped a few feet in front of them and studied them all closely. Her smile widened as she lay eyes on both her daughters and embraced both of them warmly.
"Oh, it is good to have you both in my arms yet again. Not a single day has passed when I have not thought of your fate Zyana. I was wrong to send you to the castle at such a young age, but I am afraid it was unavoidable. Please, would you forgive me?"
Zyana pulled away from Islanzadi and smiled, her blue eyes wide with pleasure. "For so long I have yearned to see your face, hear your voice. For many years I have been stuck in that palace, nothing more than a shadow flitting about the corridors, hiding my identity. Mother, I have been waiting for this reunion for a very long time, there is no way I cannot forgive you. You did what you had to and I do not begrudge you for it. I am just happy to finally be here with you again."
Islanzadi embraced her smiling. After pulling away, she turned her attention toward the other riders and their dragons.
"Eragon. It has been a while. It is indeed a pleasure to see you again, and Saphira of course. I welcome you back into the midst of the elves and hope you make yourself comfortable and at home yet again."
Eragon touched his lips and twisted his right arm over his sternum as was respectful. "Atra esterni ono thelduin." The queen smiled stunningly. "Atra du evarinya ono varda."
"Un atra mor'ranr lifa unin hjarta onr. Saphira and I thank you again for your kind hospitality, it is most welcome."
"You are always welcome here Shadeslayer and Brightscales." The queen nodded regally before turning her gaze to Murtagh and Thorn.
"Ah, Murtagh and Thorn. It is indeed a pleasant surprise to see you both here in the land of the elves. I am glad to be finally properly acquainted with you, especially now you are no longer allies with the king. It fills my heart with pleasure to see you fighting alongside us instead of on the other side of the battle field."
"We both can't thank you enough for allowing us to join your cause. We wish for nothing more than to be rid of the evil tyrant so peace and unity can once again rule the land." Murtagh replied smiling.
"Indeed, we all await the day when peace will fill the land again." Islanzadi said, her dark eyes wide with happiness.
She turned back toward her daughters. "Arya, Zyana. I believe you have forgotten an introduction."
"Aye," Arya said standing aside so Ilian was on full view. "This is my dragon Ilian. Ilian, this is my mother." The young emerald dragon strode forward slowly and lowered his head in respect.
It is wonderful to finally meet you, Islanzadi Queen of elves.
As it is you Ilian. the queen replied happily bowing her own head slightly. "And this," came Zyana's voice. "Is Ohrana, my dragon. She has been wanting to meet you sine she first saw your face in my mind."
"Ah, Ohrana. It is a pleasure to finally meet your acquaintance." The queen said humbly, inclining her head slightly. The amethyst dragon mimicked her response and lowered her head. Indeed it is Queen Islanzadi. As Zyana has already stated, I have awaited this moment from the day I hatched.
The queen smiled. As have I, but as it seems it is better late than never.
Turning back toward her daughters and said, "Much time has passed since I have seen either of you. Please, tell me of your journeying and what has befallen you over this time." Zyana began to recount all that had happened from the day she was left at the castle to their escape with both eggs and then what happened once they reached the Varden. Ohrana helped her where she was able when Zyana had difficulty remembering. The queen stood transfixed, her dark eyes showing little emotion. Once Zyana had finished her story, Islanzadi smiled. "My daughter. I cannot apologise enough for leaving you at the palace, but it seems that more good has come of it then ill. We now have four dragons on our side and our chances of winning the war just tipped in our favour." The queen waved a hand and the large doors that had closed behind them reopened revealing hundreds of excited elves.
She turned her gaze toward the congregation before her and stood tall, spreading her arms slightly.
"Fellow elves. What a day it is! Both our daughters have returned to us bringing with them a renewed sense of hope for this war. They have both played their roles and played them well, but now they have come back, along with Eragon, Saphira, Murtagh, Thorn and their own dragons to bring about a new beginning.
They will all resume their training as of tomorrow, but tonight will be a night of celebration! We shall feast and dance and be merry in commemoration of what they have accomplished over time. Now, we have much still to arrange, lets us begin organising the event and let tonight be a night for all to remember." The elves began cheering in excitement again and quickly dispersed, flitting about in their own preparations.
The queen quickly turned her attention back towards her daughters and their companions. "It has been a long and no doubt arduous journey for you all. Please rest for a while and make yourself comfortable and at home. Please, follow me and I shall show you to your accommodation." She turned toward the large door and strode outside, back into the sweet afternoon sunshine. The four dragons and their riders followed her closely behind, trailing her every step. Within a few short minutes they reached a large tree with a spiralling staircase that wound itself around the trunk, up to a series of circular rooms that were suspended in the trees branches.
"Murtagh, this is where the dragon riders lived while they were in Ellesmera. You can have whichever room you choose, and please, make yourself at home. Thorn, the stairs were not made with dragons in mind so you will have to fly to your respected room. Eragon and Saphira, I assume you have a room already chosen from last time you were here?" Both dragon and rider nodded in synchronisation, smiling slightly. "Very good. And now I must leave you, please go and rest for a few hours, and do not worry about missing out on anything, you will be summoned the second anything exciting happens."
She quickly turned on her heel again before they could offer their thanks, and walked in the opposite direction with Zyana and Arya following closely behind. They soon approached a large and grand tree with a trunk that reached toward the sky, getting lost in the canopies of the smaller trees around it. There was a large oaken door at the base that opened the second the queen approached. Zyana could hardly contain her excitement for this was the palace she had grown up in. The entrance hall was just as grand and exquisite as she had remembered. The floor was a soft moss green colour with small intricate patterns curving right around the passage. From the ceiling hung small buds of flowers, their stems carved into elaborate shapes that clung tightly to the roof and petals glowing softly lighting up the palace.
At the end of the hall was a large spiral staircase that wound itself into the other grand storeys of the palace. Zyana stared in awe at what was in front of her and as she began to follow her mother toward the stairs several of the maids and servants stopped to smile at her and offer their greetings. She replied in the correct fashion to all of them and made her way up the stairs.
"Because Ilian and Ohrana are both still small, they shouldn't find the task of following you two to your rooms too difficult," The queen started. "But as they grow older, I'm afraid they will have to stay in the riders quarters with Thorn and Saphira. It would prove too hard for them to even reach the floor that your quarters are on, let alone fit into the rooms."
Arya and Zyana nodded their understanding. "We had expected as much, and it will not be a problem once the time comes."
Islanzadi nodded her head as they reached another grand passageway that seemed to go on forever. More maids and servants were bustling about, all busily going about their business. They made their way down the hall, it constantly growing grander and more magnificent with every step they took, until they reached the end where a large oaken door with intricate designs stood.
Islanzadi opened it to reveal another, smaller, hall way that was even grander than the last. This one, however, only had three doors. "Now go and rest daughters. I will send someone to get you when it is time for the celebrations to begin." The queen said as she embraced her daughters once more before disappearing into the door at the end of the hall. Zyana and Arya exchanged smiles . "How's it feel?" Arya asked.
"Words cannot even begin to describe it Arya." Zyana replied happily. "I still cannot believe I have finally come home. nothing has changed at all."
"I know," said Arya. "It was what mother had intended. We should both get some rest, it has been a long journey and no doubt tonight will prove to be another sleepless one."
"Indeed. Good day Arya, I will see you in a few hours."
"Aye. Good day Zyana." Arya smiled as she went through the door on the left with Ilian following close behind her, leaving Ohrana and Zyana to themselves. "Shall we?" Zyana said as she placed a hand on the doorknob of the remaining door.
Ohrana nodded eagerly and Zyana opened the door. She gasped out loud for everything was exactly as it was the day she left. The floor was covered in a pale mauve carpet so thick Zyana found herself sinking in it and a small white rug was placed at the foot of the bed which was in the centre of the room on a dais. A chaise-lounge made of oak and rose coloured velvet was placed along the far wall next to her large dressing table.
Even a few of the toys she had loved to play with when she was younger still littered the floor. Zyana smiled as she went to pick them off the ground. Mother used to hate it when I left my things lying around on the floor.
Ohrana smiled her toothy dragon smile and jumped onto the large bed. This is so much better then your cot at the Varden. There is so much room.
Zyana laughed. There won't be any room left soon with the amount you have grown over the last few weeks. I would think that you had nearly doubled in size.
The amethyst dragon stared at her rider playfully. Doubled! I don't think so Zyana.
It is true I'm afraid. You are growing so quickly I'd bet you wouldn't even fit out the window. Ohrana glanced toward the closed window on the other side of the room and puffed a small cloud of smoke out of her nostrils.
I think I could. That window isn't too small.
Zyana walked over to it and pushed it open, letting in the warm sun. Alright then, prove it.
Never one to walk away on a challenge, Ohrana got up off the bed and flew to the window, hovering in front of it for a few seconds.
Ready to be proven wrong? She asked. Zyana shrugged as the amethyst dragon flew out of the window, barely clearing the sides.
See, what did I tell you? the young dragon asked as she came back into the room again.
Zyana laughed. I knew you would be able to do it, I just wanted to make a point of how much you are growing.
You wouldn't have been able to tell, I have never been here before.
I know that, Zyana said as she lay down on the bed. I am going to prove to you just how much you are continuing to grow. We will do this every morning to see, and I will bet you in a week you will not be able to do that.
Ohrana huffed as she lay on the bed beside her rider. We shall see Zyana. We shall see.
Within seconds the dragons breathing became more even and soon small snores erupted out of her nose. Smiling, Zyana looked out the window at the city of Ellesmera and fell into her waking dreams.
YAY!!! They finally reached Ellesmera! Please leave a review and let me know what you think of this chapter.