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It had been a long time—almost three months—since Kyra's betrayal. She had been on that infernal island for a long time. Though she knew her sister deserved every bit of her punishment. Veyna still missed her sister. Today more than ever.
The culmination of her entire life had been for this day. She, not an hour ago, had graduated into being a full Rider. She had everything she'd ever dreamed of. Except, through it all, she'd always imagined Kyra at her side.
"Veyna?" Staria knocked at the door. "Taeri and Mort wish to see you."
"Okay," Veyna replied, trying to sound normal. Staria had been an unfailing friend, but even she couldn't take the place of her twin.
Veyna stood up from the bed and opened the door. She smiled. "What for? Do they realize I'm no longer an apprentice?" she joked.
Staria grinned. "Maybe they forgot. Drank too much faelnirv at the ceremony."
Veyna laughed and bade Staria goodbye. She climbed the stairs to the top floor and mounted Istalri. The green dragon rose high into the air, then dove through the clouds to land less-than-lightly in front of Taeri and Mort.
"Greetings," Taeri said.
"What more do you have to teach me, ebrithil?" Veyna asked respectfully.
"There is one more piece of knowledge I must divulge to you," Taeri told her. "But call me Taeri. We are no longer your masters."
"Of course, ebri—Taeri," Veyna replied.
Where are we going? asked Istalri.
To the hall of the Eldunarí, Mort answered, Pay close attention, Istalri. This is especially important for you.
"Are you finally going to tell us what they are?" Veyna queried interestedly.
"Indeed."
When they arrived, the hall was empty. Once again, Veyna heard the whispers, tendrils of thought—of a time long past, an era far from now.
Do you know the legends of the Eight and the one of the Seventeen? Mort asked.
"I do," Veyna answered.
I do not, Istalri countered.
"The Seventeen are the famous people who fought against Galbatorix," Taeri explained, "Eragon, Saphira, Arya, Fírnen, Oromis, Glaedr, Murtagh, Thorn, Orik, Islanzadí, Nar Garzhvog, Ajihad, Nasuada, Brom, Roran, Halfpaw, and Angela the herbalist."
"Why Fírnen?" Veyna asked. "He was born after the war, wasn't he?"
"Yes, but he is bonded to Arya and was the last of the three eggs in Galbatorix's possession. Simply resisting his mind games and staying sane was a battle in of itself, I am sure," Taeri answered thoughtfully.
"Ah," Veyna understood. "I was sent here a couple times to visit Glaedr, after Kyra…" Her voice died. "Anyway, he thought Glaedr could help me sort out my feelings since he lost Oromis. But didn't Glaedr die? How could he still have a consciousness? Do dragons not enter the void?"
"He is now an Eldunarí," Taeri answered, "Inside each dragon is a gem of their color, known to them as their heart of hearts." Istalri shifted in place slightly. "During any time of their life, a dragon may disgorge their Eldunarí. The gem's size depends on the age of the dragon, but regardless, it can store and build up—on its own—a vast amount of energy. If a dragon's body was slain, their disgorged heart of heart houses their consciousness instead. It is very dangerous, however. Whoever holds an Eldunarí may converse and borrow the strength of the dragon from any distance, and a person with wicked intent could even control the dragon whose essence he or she is holding."
"So that's how Glaedr lives on?" Veyna asked.
May we see them? Istalri requested.
Taeri reached out with her mind and pushed the hidden doors open, splitting the stone wall in front of them in two. More than fifty gems lay there innocently, of all different colors and sizes. Veyna carefully placed her hand on the large gold one.
Greetings, Veyna, Istalri, Glaedr said. So you have learned of the Eldunarí. It is the greatest secret of our race. Guard it well and remember the promises you have made. Listen to me now: trouble is brewing in Alagaësia. Soon it shall burst forth and test the strength of us all. We must unite, for alone we will most certainly fall.
With that, Glaedr retreated into the bowels of his consciousness. "What does he mean?" Veyna questioned, looking up at Mort.
All of the elder dragons have sensed the impending turmoil, Mort replied, Emissaries have been sent to Alagaësia, but none have returned as of yet. He lowered his head, becoming eye level with Veyna. All we can do is wait. Wait and rest, Veyna-Svit-kona and Istalri Bjartskular. Trouble is coming, and we must be ready for it.
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