The Scales of Time

Saphira's wings cruised smoothly across the Eastern sea, a steady updraft worked in her favor as she soared above the blue sea. Atop her saddle sat a man, his body and face betraying his age. The man's features looked beautiful, as if an artist had taken to his face, yet his eyes contained a special wisdom to them. Eragon sat loosely strapped to Saphiras back as he relaxed into the molded seat of his mount. Glancing over Saphiras broad and muscled shoulder he glanced down at the iridescent sea below him, the waves seemed almost melodic and his eyes sparked with a wave of nostalgia for a time that had happened so long ago….

Saphira, It feels close now… Eragon said smoothly to his bonded dragon.

Yes Eragon, said saphira; I am beginning to smell it…

Eragon sat up in his saddle, Brisingr jostled at his side, the prismatic jewel embedded in its hilt glittered, refracting the rays of sunlight. Leaning out just long enough to see beyond Saphiras large neck spikes Eragon sharply inhaled his breath as the tip of the Beor mountain range was just beginning to come into view, the familiar scent crawling into his nostrils.

Eragon could not help but let a smile crawl to his lips. Saphira, sensing her bonded riders happiness.

What is it little one? Saphira spoke to her rider.

Must you always call me that? Eragon chastised, it's been 70 years since we left Aglaesia to establish the new order on Oromia.

Bah, Saphira grumbled. But Eragon could sense her enjoyment at their playful argument.

You may be older than me in flesh Eragon, but my mind is ancient. Crowed Saphira.

At any rate, much is likely to have changed in the time we were gone.

Yes Eragon, Aglaesia very well may be completely foreign to us after so long. But let us not forget our reason for returning in the first place. She said somberly.

Eragons visioned hardened as his woeful reminder of his reason for return echoed in his mind.

Roran.

Saphira, how did Ismira describe his condition again? Eragon replied already knowing the answer.

Failing, but you forget Eragon, Roran Stronghammer is not a man who will meekly pass away before seeing his cousin one last time.

Aye. Eragon said. Let us not linger then. He said briskly, strapping himself back in.

With a rumble of recognition Saphira paused midair, rearing her now titanic deep blue wings into the air before pushing, sending them rocketing forward. The wind accelerating them to greater speeds. Eragon's hair whipping past his face. Despite it being seventy years, five months, and three days since Eragon and Saphira had departed these lands after their Victory over Galbatorix, Saphira had grown tremendously fast in their time gone. They had mused with Glaedr and Umaroth on the topic many a time and had come to the conclusion that the combination of open air, strong presence of hardy feed and game, and the freedom of the skies and from the confines of tight buildings had allowed Saphira to grow at an abnormal pace, for she possessed the size of a larger dragon but a deceptively prominent agility that gave her unparalleled speed for her size.

As the Beor mountain range grew larger and larger, the air gradually shifted its aroma from that of seawater to that of clean and hardy mountain rock, despite his somber mood he couldn't help but repress a feeling of confused longing. Sensing Eragon's confused feelings Saphira extended her consciousness to converse with Eragon once more, but she was beaten to the punch by another.

Do not forget your purpose for your return Shadeslayer, rumbled Glaeder. His amber Eldunari pulsing inside of his saddle bag, you have returned only to impart a final goodbye to Roran and make the rounds across the land. You must not forget your duties as leader of the Riders now.

Eragon glanced down at the securely tied saddlebag as he conversed with Gladr, in spite of Oromis's death at the hands of Thorn and Galbatorix via Murtagh's body the ancient beast had persisted through the rest of the war. He feared however, that the dragon's strength to live had vanished the moment he knew Galbatorix to be dead and buried, but he and Saphira's fears were for naught. Glaedr had persisted, finding a will to live nurturing the future generations of Riders. Strained the remaining Eldunari were who remained uncorrupted by Galbatorix's black spells and mind breaks, a vast majority of their time spent nurturing the maddened Eldunari back to health from the depths of their own consciousness. And so Glaedr had persisted, being a pool of wisdom for Eragon and students alike to draw from, Umaroth being the only other Eldunari besides Glaedr dedicated to the task of maintaining the order. Eragon however, had meticulously spent the last seventy years crafting Oromia with Blohdgarm and his assortment of Elves, he was confident and secure that Umaroth and the caretakers would take care of Oromia while he was away.

Yes Glaedr Elda, said Eragon. But with our first return to Aglaesia after so long, would it not be nice to perhaps spend some time amongst familiar places?

Glaedr was silent for a moment, Eragon had thought that he had retreated inside his consciousness once again before a small but prominent answer spoke to him.

Yes….perhaps it shall be….

Arya Drottning walked through the halls of Ellesmera, her flowing hair tied back into eloquent knots and patterns, her body suspended in a green dress as she walked across the suspended forest bridges of the Elven capital. Making her way towards the central hall she telepathically linked with Firnen, the deep forest green dragon looked up from his meal as she entered the hall, his deep orange eyes looking back at her before he spoke, his deep baritone voice echoing through her mind.

Arya.

Firnen, she replied.

The council elves stood up upon her arrival, as Arya glanced back at them, only familiar faces stared back at her.

My Queen, the council chimed, please explain the reason for this council meeting.

Arya's brow furrowed in exasperation as she stared with concealed anger and exhaustion at the council before her.

You need not hide your intentions to them Arya, stated Firnen simply. You are the leader of this country and a Rider, you need not hinder yourself behind their single minded political maneuvering.

Yes I am aware Firnen, stated Arya. But that is exactly the same reason why I must hinder myself like this. When I assumed my mothers crown I also assumed her obligations and responsibilities to our- my people. Arya stated.

Firnen simply stared back at her with no reply before he returned to his carcass.

Arya's mood did not improve by Firnen's rather crass remark, she slumped down into her chair massaging the ridge of her nose with her hand. After learning of Roran's failing health two weeks prior, she had hastened to go to his side along with Orrik and the others to be by his side, yet she was hindered by the incessantly long and strenuous politics, even by elven societies standards, this council was debilitatingly slow. And it agonized her. She had been wholly unable to spare even a moment for her and Firnen to go riding as she was busy preventing House Tamriel from blowing up into a succession crisis after the head of house had decided to surrender himself to the void after so long of being alive. As such, Arya had been stretched too and froe prancing across the elven cities deep within Du Weldenvarden.

Arya stood up mustering herself before speaking to the council, I have been delayed two weeks in visiting Roran Stronghammer prancing about your political games. I care not for them, I ride for the Palancar Valley at light next morning, I will not brook argument in this matter. Am I understood?

Arya's words contained a hidden lethality to them that was not lost on the council as they all quickly straightened, we have all lost many important to us during our war against Galbatorix, including a significant number of these council members of which, only three of the original seven still reside, when I took up my mother's mantle, I was acutely aware of the responsibility and time I would need to dedicate, but for this council to lag about and drag their feet is unacceptable, from henceforth I will be much more constricting with regards to this.

With that Arya turned on her heel and briskly walked out of the room leaving the council stunned, Firnen's head lowered as he let out a low rumble from his throat which harried the council members to leave.

Firnen's voice echoed in her lead as Arya returned to her quarters. This was the correct choice my rider, fret not about it now. You have reaffirmed your dominance over this defunct council.

I know my dragon, but the days grow longer by the minute and I have not the time or the ability to focus on my hobbies or personal needs.

Arya recalled Nasuada's words when she last visited her, the Queen had passed some time ago, claimed by an unfortunate and sudden sickness that could not abate before she had been tended to in time. However her diligence in securing her claim and line on the throne had been effective, as her line still ruled from Illeria.

Firnen's voice echoed in her head once more and Arya found herself strangely exhausted from Firnen.

Enough Firnen, the light grows weaker and I must sleep. Quickly correcting herself she added- it is not that your presence disturbs me, but I have not had a moment's silence in some time.

I understand Arya, Firnen said. He sent her a photo of his roost, I shall prepare myself for the long flight. With that, it was silent; Arya walked out onto her quarters balcony staring up at the sky, a strange sense of loneliness and pent up energy reverberating through her.

—-

Saphira coasted along the shoreline searching for her landing spot, the rocky beaches were frequently buffeted by foamy waves crashing against the unforgiving rocks.. A familiarity enveloped her as she remembered the place to be their final departure, and her separation from Firnen. Whom she had not seen since.

I miss them Eragon, Saphira said somberly.

As do I, Eragon stated as his eyes became glossy as a familiar heart rending throb echoed through his chest.

Eragon was quickly brought to attention at the sound of a large horn, spinning around as he saw them.

Orrik and a quandary of dwarfish troops awaited his arrival. Eragon's sadness abated, replaced entirely by jubilation, Saphira arced around, soaring over the great pines, heading towards the large, open hill landing gracefully, the troops awestruck and encaptured by her strange mix of ferocity, beauty, and wisdom.

Orrik strode forward onto the grassy plain, soft grass whirling between his feet as he saw his bounded brother Eragon Shadeslayer unbuckling from his mount. Eragon leapt gracefully from Saphira onto the ground as he met Orrik they paused….A moment passed where concern flickered across Eragon's mind, he suddenly felt the hard embrace of king Orrik of the Igneitum as the dwarf crushed eragon with all his might.

"By the gods is that really you Eragon?" Orrik stated incredulously, "Seventy whole years and yet here you stand as though you might have only aged a year!"

"You seem to have aged well yourself Orrik" Eragon stated.

"Hah" Orrik laughed loudly, "we dwarfs may be blessed with long life but we are not immune to it, I can already seem some grey hairs in my beard" Orrik boomed.

"I missed you" Eragon said, returning the hug. As he embraced the dwarf Eragon could make out the lines of age on his face, Orrik was still strong and filled with energy, but he could no longer be mistaken for a youth.

Once they parted, Eragon turned on his heel towards the group of guards, muttering a dwarvish greeting. The men's faces lighted up with happiness and surprise as they returned the gesture in kind. A smile crept over Orrik's face as he whispered to Eragon as they walked back up the hill towards Saphira, the ocean gust catching the long grassy hill, "practicing have you?"

Eragon chuckled as Saphira beant down to Orrik, mentally greeting him. After a moment Orrik stated, "blast she's grown some since I last saw her, I bet she could swallow a man whole if she tried too!"

Saphira seemed to grow proud at the comment, straightening up and revealing her whole height. She spread her leathery wings for Orrik to see her true size, Saphira had grown to be the same size of Glaedr if not slightly larger, her scales had matured into a deeper more prismatic blue, bordering on the edge of purple in some places. Orrik stared awestruck before regaining himself and focusing on eragon again.

"Let us walk, we will take you to the boats" Orrik said.

"Very well, but please be aware Orrik I am very pressed for time, I might barely be staying in Agalesia for five or so weeks"

Orrik nodded grimly, "Aye, I understand. I take it youre here to see Roran?" Orrik said grimly.

"...Yes" eragon replied.

"A tough bastard that one is, no way of telling how that bastard is still alive given his age, he may be a great great grandfather by now." Orrik said with a weird sense of pride. "You guys are made of strong stuff indeed, to be expected of my foster cousin."

"I also share in your surprise Orrik" Eragon said, "I had been expecting this day to come but it seemed to never arrive, I suppose I am still adjusting to the fact that I very well and truly will not be touched by time….It is….unsettling" Eragon said.

Saphira took off down the valley, flying overhead she spoke with Eragon, My stomach hungers. A three day flight is still no small task for me. Saphira said, And I'd like to taste those lambs I used to eat before I left.

So long as you do not stray too far Saphira, Eragon said.

By unspoken agreement Eragon and Orrik walked wordlessly down the dock as they boarded the floating boats the dwarves used to return to the river, soaking up the fresh air wafting down from the river. Eragon was the first to break the silence as he spoke :

"How fares Oznoul? I have yet to hear much after I sent him to Farthen Dur" Eragon spoke, his hands clasped behind his back.

"Ah, it is quite strange for him, as he is the first dwarf rider there is none who he can approach for advice" Orrik stated, "our race is not used to traveling the skies Eragon, however we and all of the dwarves owe you a debt that cannot be repaid, you allowed us into the chain of bonding and for that I, on behalf of the dwarves and the Duremast Ignetium personally, thank you."

Orrik suddenly bowed low, a gesture that surprised Eragon and even Orriks personal guard, for the dwarf had not bowed before anyone since the crowning of Queen Nasuada

"My friend…." Eragon said, "You need not bow before anyone, least of all me. I too owe you a debt that cannot be repaid, you and Hrothgar took me and Murtagh in when we needed shelter the most, you took me as one of your own. And for that, I am forever grateful."

Eragon pulled up part of his long leather Tasset revealing the insignia of the Duremast Ignetium carved into the upper part of his greave. "I carry the name of your- our clan wherever I go."

Orrik straightened up, his eyes strangely glossed over as a smile crept over his face.

"Oznoul is doing well all things considered, we will meet him at the base of the mountain gate"

"That is agreeable," Eragon said, "I shall fly with Oznoul north east over Furnost where I will continue alone towards Roran, fret not at our brief reunion, I shall see you again before I leave. I have much to attend to here."

"Aye, that you do" Orrik said.

For awhile they simply stood in silence as the rafts were pushed upstream, watching the bends and turns as they forded up the river. A flock of carrion flew overhead as Eragon opened his mind, sending tendrils of thought and opening himself to the landscape. He felt every mouse, fox, bird, and living creature around him. Breathing deeply Eragon relaxed, exhaling a knot of unease as he well and truly relaxed. Soon the river slowed as the dwarves pushed the raft against a dock, Eragon reached out with his mind towards Saphira as he uttered,

Meet us at the fifth bend of the river, projecting an image into her mind.

At once Eragon, Saphira said as he felt her take off from an unknown location.

They strode forward into the clearing, Eragon had noticed that a very large and flat marble floor lay out on the field, no doubt a landing pad for dragons. They soon caught flight of Saphira's blue wings as she crested over a hill, sending gusts of wind as she landed on the pad. For a time they stood making small talk of banal things, simply enjoying each others presence.

Suddenly Eragon felt through Saphira's ears a thudding.

Thud….

Thud….

The flapping of wings grew louder until Eragon could hear it clearly even amongst the heavy winds blowing inland. Then, from over the top of a hill crested a dragon.

The dragon was wreathed in a dull deep slated Grey, the dragon's spikes blending into a stark white at the tint reminded Eragon heavily of the marbled halls of Farthen Dur and the throne room of the dwarves. Oznoul landed on the pad, settling his dragon Moldrar on the landing pad. Oznoul hastily climbed down from his saddle, a small but sturdy ladder had been installed on the side, allowing the dwarf to easily climb up and off Moldrar.

"Eragon Elda!" Oznoul cried, bowing low, "It is wonderful to see you.

Oznoul halted himself before he repeated his greetings, "Greetings Brightscales, and you as well Ancient one" speaking towards Glaedr.

"As am I Oznoul, Eragon said calmly." "I spoke with king Orrik, you are to accompany me to Furnost until which point I will continue on alone. We will speak more during the flight, in the meantime I must speak with the king on one last matter before we depart.

Oznoul nodded instantly, returning to Moldrar as they both approached Saphira, she held a great size over Moldrar as the Grey dragon bowed his head in respect.

Greetings wise one, echoed Moldar psychically to Saphira. I have eagerly awaited your return. Moldrar spoke in a very deep voice, one that reminded Saphira of Firnen, yet the dragons voice lacked the same smoothness to it as Firnen possessed.

Greetings young one, Saphira spoke elegantly. It is unfortunate that our meeting will be so short lived, I will need to test you both extensively on what knowledge you have retained.

Yes Saphira. Moldrar and Oznoul spoke simultaneously.

As the two conversed Eragon pulled Orrik aside speaking in a low voice, "Have you heard any news of Murtagh or Thorn?" "Part of my reason for coming back is that I wish to return back to Oromia alongside them, I have been parted from my brother for too long. Eragon said.

"Nay, I have not Eragon." Orrik said grimly, "I know only that he traveled Northwards, perhaps deep in the spine but all our attempts to track him down at your request have been completely unfruitful. Even Arya rode out on Firnen once to look for him, but even she came up empty handed, is this your true reason for returning?" Orrik eyed Eragon warily.

"Yes, it is." Eragon said guilty, "but there is reason for me finding Murtagh, I have been stretched too far training the new Riders on Oromia, the Eldunari can only go so far as to teaching. I need another rider with experience to help me. I would have asked Arya long ago to assist me, but I know her duties demand her elsewhere."

"Aye I suppose you are right." Orrik stated, "at any rate you have done spectacularly well as of now, you have two other riders stationed in Illeria and Teirm aside from Oznoul who resides with us do you not?"

"Yes, eragon recalled. Elyon was my first pupil after I had properly prepared Oromia, he is a good pupil, Licinia is in Terim right now, I plan to summon them to Ellesmera in due time so that I can perhaps do something for them."

Eragon winced with discomfort, he had found himself assuming the role Oromis had for him very difficult, teaching did not come easy towards him.

"I have no doubt you will succeed in finding Murtagh, the challenge would be convincing him to return with you however" Orrik pointed out.

"Aye, perhaps" Eragon said.

It is time Eragon, Saphira said. We must leave for Carvahall now if we wish to outride the storm I can sense forming over the sea.

Very well Eragon replied, turning back to Orrik "Well friend, it seems it is time for me to leave. I shall see you soon enough"

"Ill rip your guts out if you dont." Orrik laughed.

Chuckling, Eragon turned and boarded Saphira, with a call he took off. Moldrar followed shortly after, the younger dragon furiously beating his wings to gain air. Saphira smoothly caught the wind as she began a straight line towards Furnost, and then towards Carvahall.

Moldrar caught up to Saphira, the grey dragon cruising alongside her.

Telepathically reaching out to Oznoul, Eragon tested him on his knowledge of the Ancient Language while Glaedr and Saphira quizzed Moldrar on aerial maneuvers and his knowledge on wind currents. They flew like this throughout the night, the caps of the beor mountains spearing through the clouds into the bright night sky…. Eragon relished the nighttime flight, the clear mountain air cleared his head and opened his mind….

Eventually the outskirts of Furnost began to appear as Eragon turned towards Oznoul, "I am afraid this is where we must part Oznoul, land at Furnost and see to it that you and Moldrar are well rested before returning home, we shall speak again soon.

"Yes Eragon Elda" Oznoul replied respectfully.

Farewell hatchling, Saphira teased to Moldrar. The grey dragon humphed before turning into a downward spiral down towards Furnost.

Returning his attention to Saphira Eragon spoke, it is time to make haste, I do not want to wait a second longer.

Likewise, Saphira uttered. She reared back as she had before, arching her wings before pushing with tremendous force. Saphira maintained a fierce pace, supplied by Glaedr's eldunari. The Pair rocketed through the night towards Carvahall.