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A Trail Of Shadows
I – Däthedr
Däthedr — accompanied by Arl and Arlen — rode for Tialdarí Hall. The sky was like ash after a great fire, where the stars remained the last smouldering sparks. After a long ride into the night Tialdarí Hall was in sight, and an agitated crowd gathered behind the wide entrance. It was unusual for a meeting to be held at midnight so they had a right to feel concern.
Wind ruffled the trees, casting haunted shadows that fanned outwards and inwards. The air spoke of bad omens…but it also spoke of secrets. Ever since Däthedr encountered the strange key an eerie voice settled in his mind, luring him to understand what he had seen. However, he cast such thoughts aside and rode onwards. That was when his sight transformed in front of him. Tialdarí Hall did not seem so grim anymore and the wind settled. What sort of power did the key have, that it could manipulate his perception in such a way? At times he felt cold when in reality there was warmth. He smelt smoke when in reality there was fragrance. He saw darkness when in reality there was light.
It was better that no one else knew about this, especially Arl, Arlen and Loriel. This was his curse, a price for being fervent for artifacts. Why throw that burden upon the people he loved? No, when the time was right he would figure this out by himself.
Separated from the crowd, near the garden patio, he noticed Loriel leaning against the trunk of a tree, her hands crossed with her eyes looking in the distance at nothing particular. He met her eyes and felt comfort seep through his heart. She remained the only vestige of his old family, and he came to regard her as his own. She was Irene's daughter, his sister-in-law that had died in battle when Loriel was just one. Däthedr and Loriel were the last strands of a close-knit family that tarnished not long ago.
Loriel wore a sleek white dress with a swooping arc across her torso. She had become a strong young person, honest and unwavering in her affairs. If one made a friend of her they would find within her fierce loyalty, a trait that greatly facilitated her ascension in rank, making her one of Queen Arya's closest advisors.
Däthedr rode up to her then unmounted his saddle. Loriel immediately embraced him. "I missed you," she whispered. He nodded, patting her back. I have indeed gone for too long. Afterwards she hugged Arl and Arlen, who were like uncles to her. Arlen had trained her in the Fifth Company as an elite archer, before he became general, while Arl had bestowed upon her knowledge in all things war-related and some even political.
"The situation is grave," Loriel said, walking back from Arl and turning to Däthedr. The situation in Teirm has troubled her more than usual. "My friends…they…"
"Who?" Däthedr asked.
"Nelmora and Senthria," Loriel said. "They were in Teirm when it occurred. I asked them to go." She kicked the nearest stone, clenching her jaw.
"This can't be your fault," Däthedr said. "Have all the councillors arrived?"
"They are inside," she said in a low voice.
Däthedr placed his hands on her shoulders. "Keep a firm mind in situations like these."
Loriel shook her head. "I should have gone myself. I was planning to but I didn't."
"Loriel," Däthedr said pointedly. "Nelmora and Senthria know that you are taking care of this. And you have never let them down. I'm sure they feel safe knowing this."
"They won't come to harm," Arlen said. "Do not worry child."
That seemed to assuage Loriel's concern, somewhat. She even managed a slight smile. "May the stars guide you," she said.
They walked towards the crowd who cheered upon seeing Däthedr, Arl and Arlen. No doubt the news of the Elven Legion's numerous victories had jubilated them. "The heroes of the Mage Rebellion!" "Our pride and strength. The stars have blessed us!"
Däthedr waved at them dismissively, as guards signalled for the crowd to part. He hurried inside the rotunda. The place was as majestic as he remembered it. It certainly was as busy. The councillors were engaged in loud conversation, as scribes furiously jotted down statements while guards remained on vigilant stand. Attendants ran haphazardly around the hall, making sure everyone remained comfortable. Then dead, cold silence, as everyone noticed Däthedr's presence. Of course he was not surprised. Popularity among the people turns politicians suspicious. It was a rule he lived by and so far it had not failed him.
"May I have the honour of greeting our heroes?" Councillor Arinor said aloud, breaking the silence. The rest of the councillors took this queue and resumed their loud conversations.
Däthedr smiled at Arinor, hiding his displeasure at having to speak with him. They exchanged the elven greeting, then Arinor greeted Arl and Arlen with the same enthusiasm before turning his eyes towards Loriel.
"Loriel, you are growing more beautiful by the day."
She raised her brow, hardly flattered. "As you are growing confident. I heard you asked the Queen to reclaim Ilirea for the elves. Again."
Just in time the doors to the throne chamber spread apart. "The Queen is here," Däthedr said.
"May the stars guide us all," Arinor said, turning from Loriel to Däthedr. "I will agree to rescuing only our people. I don't care for the rest of Teirm. That is Nasuada's concern."
You are not the one making the decision. Däthedr thought it better to express his thoughts for the throne room, rather than now. He merely nodded. Arinor bowed curtly then joined up with his supporters. The opposition had come in full strength tonight. They included Councillor Amrika, Councillor Indarin, Councillor Nylvari, Councillor Seldorin, Councillor Galmathur, and lastly Councillor Felmrond. All of them had served under Queen Islanzadí as supporters. It was ironic that they were now opposing the former Queen's daughter. It made him wonder if Islanzadí herself would have supported her daughter's decisions over the last ten years.
"I will join you shortly," Däthedr said to Loriel. She gave a perfunctory nod and left for the throne chamber.
"Send a missive to Faelyn and Elion," Däthedr told Arl and Arlen "Tell them to gather a hundred of their most veteran soldiers. We will discuss the details tonight. I want a company marching as soon as possible."
"You will join us, surely?" Arlen asked.
"There is some personal business I have to attend." I cannot lead soldiers with this curse over me.
"I understand," Arl said. "We will meet you outside Ellesméra at the Alryne army camp."
"Make sure the list of the soldiers is written up before this meeting concludes."
They bid their farewells and promptly left the Hall. There was not even a shred of doubt about Arl and Arlen's capabilities with this situation. They had achieved so much on campaigns together.
Entering the throne chamber his thoughts drifted to the meeting at hand. The throne was scented with subtle fragrances and lit with orbs of light hovering over tree branches. Above, one could clearly see the night sky with its countless stars.
Queen Arya sat resolutely at the throne, wearing her most formal attire; a sweeping white dress with a golden cloak tied to her neck. It seems the news at Teirm has not perturbed her. He smiled at that. Evandar, my friend, if only you could have seen your daughter grow into what she is now. The Queen met Däthedr's gaze and smiled at him, a moment between old friends, before Ambassador Vanir engaged her in quiet conversation.
The whole chamber echoed in murmurs. Arya gestured with a wave of her hand and all attendants and scribes left the chamber. Däthedr took his seat around the wide, round table, close to the Queen. It was made of cool marble stone and had survived all the previous elven rulers. To have a position on this table was the highest honour for an elf.
Loriel sat to Däthedr's left while Ambassador Vanir rushed to take a seat to his right. Then arrived Councillor Talvinus, who sat beside Loriel. "I apologise for my tardiness," Talvinus said.
"You are on time," Vanir remarked.
"Excellent."
The chamber was bolted shut, killing the murmurs down with it. Queen Arya extended the elven greeting then began her opening remark. "Dear councillors and Ambassador Vanir, I do not need to explain how grave this situation is. Therefore, I ask that we stifle our opposing views on political matters and find a solution to this predicament quickly." There were nods around the room before she gestured for Vanir to take the floor.
"Thank you my queen," Vanir said, then cleared his throat. "So far, our scouts have reported nothing from Teirm. We only know what was told to us by Ambassador Senthria. Also, Veras had contacted me shortly after, but he betrayed nothing of importance — just demands. But I will get to that later."
"Last we heard of Veras is that he was marooned on Beirland," Councillor Nylvari spoke. "Now he is in control of Teirm with a fleet?"
Däthedr was perplexed himself. How could Veras manage something like this and no one have any knowledge of it? Fleets don't roam freely without being noticed. The truth was it was impossible. The rebellion had people working within Nasuada's ranks.
"Without any concrete information," Vanir answered, "I cannot say how Veras managed it."
"And we will not have you speculate," Arya said. "Please continue, ambassador."
"Thank you, my queen," Vanir said. "Veras demands the Elven Legion to disband, that Queen Nasuada steps down from the Council of Eüdh, and the rebellion be given an independent country with Ilirea as its capital."
This caused some to snicker, as the demands were obviously outlandish. But Däthedr noticed the sort of game Veras was playing, saw the tactics within the bluffs.
"Veras is smart," Däthedr said.
Everyone regarded him with frowns, even Loriel could not help but mirror the crowd.
"How so?" Queen Arya asked.
"He mentioned the Elven Legion, the Council of Eüdh and Ilirea — three things that are most debated within these council meetings. The Empire will answer on Ilirea stating that it rightly belongs to them. However, half of your council here will dispute the Empire — you'll say that it rightly belongs to the elves. This is just one scenario among many that could happen. His hope is that we give conflicted responses to his demands. That will only seek to undermine our alliance with Queen Nasuada. If successful, Veras will strike a major blow to her without unsheathing his sword."
Arinor stood. "I will not have this situation manipulated for political gain. There is a legitimate claim on Ilirea, and to mask this as some sort of weakness that Veras is exploiting — I don't believe it for a moment. I would like to bring forth some strategy on the matter rather than discuss baseless conspiracies."
Loriel made an attempt to stand but Däthedr put his hand on her shoulder. "Be patient," Däthedr whispered to her. "Let us hear his strategy, then we'll dismantle it."
Loriel could barely hide her irritation, but nonetheless complied with a sigh and then sat back down. In due time she would learn to better time her retorts in council.
Arinor continued. "It is within the interest of the elves that we free only our own people. Let Queen Nasuada handle Veras since Teirm is her business." His supporters nodded. Speeches like these showed how naïve Arinor really was, however to many he was one of the wisest individuals, having previously served under Queen Dellanir, King Evandar and Queen Islanzadí.
"On what grounds Councillor Arinor," Arya said, "do you propose this strategy?"
"My Queen the Mage Rebellion nearly destroyed the Elven Legion. Every skirmish after that dwindles our military capacity."
To that Däthedr stood up. "I am the true judge of that Councillor Arinor." Arinor sat back down and Däthedr continued. "It is true we lost quite a lot of our forces in the Mage Rebellion. But now we barely lose a single soldier. The Elven Legion is the most effective military force, and our capacity increases by the day."
"I am inclined to take the Field Marshal's word on this," Arya said, nodding in Däthedr's direction. "How should we handle this Däthedr?"
"As we speak General Arl and General Arlen are gathering a hundred of our best soldiers. This small company will be ordered to sneak into Teirm and sabotage Veras's operations. After that they either free everyone in the city or just our own. The latter will change our political situation dramatically."
"Please elaborate on that point Field Marshal Däthedr," Councillor Nylvari said out loud.
Loriel leaned up to his ear. "May I answer that?"
Däthedr smiled. "I will ask Councillor Loriel to elaborate on my behalf." He then sat back down. If anyone can handle Nylvari it is Loriel.
Loriel spoke. "If Queen Nasuada finds out that we sent soldiers in her city without informing her it will shatter our alliance."
"The Legion are quite efficient at covering their tracks," Nylvari retorted. "Am I correct councillor?"
"You are."
"Then Nasuada will not find out."
"That is where you are wrong Councillor Nylvari," Queen Arya interrupted. "I had told Queen Nasuada moments ago about our situation in Teirm. Loriel is right. Nasuada will expect us to free every person that is within Veras's grasp, if we are to keep the mutual trust between humans and elves."
Nylvari's eyes slightly widened at that; for the briefest moment she showed surprise before it was replaced by a calm façade with which she sat back down.
"Thank you, my Queen," Loriel said, bowing her head then sitting back down. She couldn't help but sneak in a smile, even though she was truly terrified by the shaking of her hand. Everyone else on Däthedr's side smiled too, even Talvinus who usually was impassive. Vanir tapped Däthedr's shoulders. "You raised Loriel well."
Arinor then shot up from his seat. "My Queen, may I speak freely?"
"You may," Arya said.
"My Queen, you have made a mistake in consulting Queen Nasuada before us," Arinor said.
"Have I? If word reaches me that one of her cities has been overwhelmed do I not tell her at once?"
"We are here to give you advice. By tradition the queen talks with her council before anyone else."
"It is also tradition that the queen can decide if she needs the council's advice. Please, do not think to tell me what my duties are. I am perfectly in the know about that." Brilliant. Absolutely brilliant. Arya is playing Arinor like a fine instrument.
Councillor Seldorin, sitting to the left of Arinor gestured for him to sit back down. Arinor hesitated at first but then nodded and did what he was asked. Seldorin then stood up to speak. "Queen Arya, while you show common decency to your allies, they do not show it back. Queen Nasuada expands her cities, amasses power, and exploits the wealth of the land, knowing that we will provide her military favors. We always pay the price for her ambitions. This is an opportunity to make a stand, to let her know that our support comes with conditions. Let us save only our own people. This will give Nasuada a message that if she wants our help she should not mismanage her empire, and that we will not provide forces every time to clean up her mess. In your eyes you might see this as weakening the alliance but I see it as strengthening it."
Seldorin never failed to impress anyone with his oratory skills. Däthedr had come close to getting his support but Arinor came in at the last moment and convinced Seldorin to stay on his side. It is truly unfortunate that Seldorin and I are at odds.
"Ten years ago we signed the Legionnaire Initiative," Arya said, tapping two of her fingers on her armrest, "where it stated that Du Weldenvarden will provide five hundred elves to keep the peace in Alagaesia. Until that treaty is expired, there will be no more disagreements with our military policy."
"We have to put more conditions in that treaty," Seldorin retorted.
"Your complaint is noted, councillor. That, however, is a discussion for another time. Right now the only thing left to discuss is how we should handle Veras. My opinion is that we should kill him."
A grim silence settled over the room. Loriel crossed her hands in a fist and rested her chin atop it. She looked at Däthedr and shook her head slowly, indicating to him that she did not know if killing Veras would be a wise path to choose. Slowly everyone in the room began to look at him, to see if he agreed or not. Killing someone so influential could have untold consequences. It could cause another war.
"My Queen," Däthedr said, looking down and without standing up. "I think it more wise that we apprehend Veras."
"He slipped our grasp numerous times," Arya retorted. "It was precisely because we wanted to capture him that gave him time to slip away."
"I know, my queen. However, Veras is more valuable to us alive. He knows all the secrets about the other rebellions in the land. By reading his memories, once we capture him, we could finally gain a step ahead of the rebels. But by killing him it will embolden the rebels to unite and start another war, and this time it will cripple us even greater."
"I agree with Däthedr on this one," Arinor spoke. No one in the room seemed to want to object Däthedr. He noticed Queen Arya shake her head slightly as she closed her eyes in thought.
"I don't want him to slip again," Arya said slowly, with anger in her eyes.
"I will have a plan that will make sure he doesn't, my queen. For years I have been studying his moves and I am certain that I have discovered a weakness."
Arya opened her eyes. The doubt in her expression didn't leave her. I had reassured her before when Veras attacked The Spine.
"Would you like to share this weakness?" Arya asked.
"We have always responded to Veras by calling a large army against him. He always manages to escape when that army arrives."
"Are you suggesting we don't send an army to Teirm?"
"No we should, my queen. If we do not, Veras will indeed suspect that we are sending assassins against him. I suggest, separate to the army, we send at least ten of our best mages a day ahead. They will make sure to apprehend Veras silently and swiftly. When the army reaches the next day they will confront the rebels, and it would come as a surprise because they will find Veras missing, and not have a leader to command them."
Arya leaned back against her throne and looked down, while massaging the front of her temple with her right thumb and forefinger. It seemed she would be silent forever, but after a while she nodded slowly and leaned forward. "This is indeed a sound plan, and I am putting the success of it in your capable hands. May the stars guide you. This meeting is now concluded."
Däthedr looked over to Loriel, who had tears brimming in her eyes. She is scared for her friends. He came over, gently lifted her from under her shoulders, and took her into a hug. "Everything will be okay, dear Loriel, " he whispered with as firm a voice he could manage.
"You cannot promise that," Loriel said, her voice shaking. "I want this to be over soon. I don't want to lose any more people I love."
He held her tighter. She is right. I cannot promise her that. The promise that everything shall be fine is the promise most broken.
####
"Surely you must come with us," Faelyn said, trying to meet Däthedr's eyes. "Nelmora is like a daughter to us all. You cannot abandon her."
Däthedr kept his eyes trained on the flickering candle in the middle of the table, disappointed. This curse could not have come at a worse time.
To his right sat Arl and to his left sat Arlen, while in front of him sat Faelyn and Elion close together. It was quiet, but Däthedr was sure he could hear whispers calling his name. Is that you Tamri? Then the whispers faded away. He could smell rotten flesh. Shadows cast by the moonlight over the tent grew and dwindled, as if trying to shape into something. He knew this was impossible and that his perception was being manipulated by the key's curse.
"Remember when I became the head of this army?" Däthedr said, looking away from the shadows. "I stated that if I felt I was incapable of commanding I would responsibly hand it over to one of you."
"Wait," Arlen said. "You are not stepping down as Field Marshal are you?"
"No," Däthedr responded. "But at this point I am not able to issue sound commands on the field. We know the plan and Arlen is the most capable among us."
"What is my duty then?" Elion asked, frowning curiously. Loriel, long ago, had once japed that Elion should be demoted, because he was too handsome to be taken seriously as a general. I mean look at him Däthedr, perfectly tall and svelte, always formal and upright. His large blue eyes and gorgeous black hair should alone be grounds to demote him. Our enemies would probably ask him out to dinner than meet him on the battlefield. Of course she was just joking back then, but it was also clear that Loriel wanted to have Elion all to herself.
"You will not be going to Teirm," Däthedr told Elion.
Elion leaned back, clearly hurt. "Is it because I am not as experienced among you?" Elion asked, turning to look at everyone around the table. "I always feel I am getting the lesser jobs, and -"
"You are getting the most important job," Däthedr interrupted.
"Oh?" Elion managed to say, who now seemed afraid of what he was going to be tasked with.
Däthedr continued. "You will organize and lead the company that will escort our Queen to Surda."
The blood from Elion's face drained away. He gulped, then gave a surprised laugh as if he was expecting Däthedr to tell him it was only in jest. That is how I reacted when Evandar promoted me as his closest advisor. Elion stood up, walked over to Däthedr, and extended his right hand. Däthedr leaned over and shook it.
"This is the greatest honor of my life," Elion said, his smile widening. "Thank you."
"You deserve it," Däthedr said.
"The Queen? I cannot believe this."
"Believe it, Elion," Arl said, "when you know the responsibilities required. Most days I couldn't rest, because a job like this takes a lot out of you."
"I do not know if I am even ready."
"Many people are not on the first day," Arl said. "But it is not you that grooms into the job. The job grooms into you. Now hurry, and tell your family about it. I am sure Gêrald will be proud to hear it."
"I am sure my father will. And…" Elion's expression turned serious. "I hope that your mission is successful. I really do."
"Thank you," Arl and Arlen both said together.
"May the stars guide you all." Elion bowed and left the tent.
After a brief silence Däthedr then spoke. "We cannot waste time. Leave with the company tonight." Arl and Arlen stood up together, followed by Faelyn.
"We have gained and lost many things along this journey," Däthedr said before he stood up. "And throughout it, it was always my honour to lead individuals as talented as you. But it is a greater honour to see you lead yourself."
He hugged Arl and Arlen who had been his childhood friends in Sílthrim, and who had nearly lost their lives to save him from the ambush at Farthen Dûr eight years ago. Arl put his hand on Däthedr's shoulders. "I wish you could tell us what is troubling you Däthedr."
Däthedr placed his hand atop Arl's hand on his shoulder and smiled. "In due time I will. But first I must deal with it."
"I will not disappoint you," Arlen said. "I will definitely make sure to lord over my brother with this position."
Arl shook his head while Däthedr laughed.
Däthedr then greeted Faelyn, who for fifty years mentored Däthedr in the art of the ancient language, and now he was the most powerful mage in Alagaesia.
"Make sure Veras doesn't escape this time," Däthedr told Faelyn. "You will be the one to strike the first blow."
Faelyn nodded. "May the stars guide you, Däthedr."
With that everyone left the tent and rode off to meet the company that had gathered ten leagues west of Ellesméra.
Däthedr closed his eyes and let the vision draw out in his mind again. He needed to be sure that the hills around the town in his vision were identical to the hills on the map he had looked over showing the outskirts of Aroughs. He had studied every map of Alagaesia since he encountered the vision but none showed that mysterious town ever existing. He found that studying the location of the town against the maps was his best chance of finding that town, and hopefully getting answers. He was sure the hills around Aroughs was where he needed to go to find this town. And then can I rid myself of this...
He left the tent and waited for his personal guard to arrive. He heard the soft hooves of a horse digging into mud and turned to look in the direction of the sound. Appearing from behind a large boulder Kavír arrived riding atop Däthedr's pearl-white horse.
"Excellent timing," Däthedr said as Kavír unmounted next to him.
"I made sure to pack everything you need," Kavír said, handing over the reins. "You will find enough water to last you three weeks and food to last you two weeks."
"What about coins?" Däthedr asked.
Kavír chuckled. "There are enough coins in there to buy several estates."
"I hope you didn't take every coin from my house. Loriel needs those."
"No, sir."
"Excellent work, Kavír." Däthedr mounted his horse and checked over all the supplies carefully before he was satisfied. He began to ride but then stopped and turned back to Kavír. "Kavír, it will be best that you not tell Loriel about his. I will see you in Surda."
"My lord," Kavír said. "I wish to come with you, to guard you as I have always done."
"Not this time, Kavír. Some battles must be fought alone."
Response to the Readers
Elemental Dragon Slayer: Hey! Thanks for your review, I really appreciate your support. In regards to Eragon and Arya, because I have to first establish the story and not force the relationship, it will take longer than other fanfics but I promise it will be worth your wait. But I am cool with hearing everyone's opinion about this.
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