Free Riders

Author's Note: I do not own any part of the Inheritance Cycle. The only characters I own are Blaster, Char, and a yet-unnamed dragon.

Chapter 7: The Rider's Blade

Nothing was the same with Garrow gone. It was like the whole town was mourning. Blaster decided to confront Sloan up front, blaming the butcher for Garrow's early demise. He immediately countered, but Blaster wouldn't let the issue go until Sloan nearly slashed his hand open. Invoking his own ancient magic, Blaster cursed Sloan to lose something of his within the year. Upon reaching Horst's, Blaster heard him and Elain talking. They mentioned large tracks and the lack of skid marks between where Eragon had dropped Garrow off and the farm.

It's become too dangerous, Blaster thought to himself. There will be no way to explain Saphira's tracks and the lack of tracks leading from the farm. He felt something brush against his mind, then heard Brom's voice almost as clear as day.

Blaster, he called. Eragon has made his decision. He plans to leave. Looks like he's getting some stuff ready. Meet me outside the village.

Understood, Blaster replied. He grabbed his bag from the side of Horst's and left the village. He soon came upon tracks that led to a group of trees. Already, Brom was there, the short sword on his hip. His head was no longer bandaged, but the wound on the side of his head was still rather nasty looking. In his hands were some hides.

"What are these?" Blaster asked.

"Hides," Brom replied. "Stolen from Gedric's tannery. I intend to confront Eragon when he returns. Possibly for food."

"Probably stealing that from Sloan," Blaster said.

"I heard what you did. Very unwise of you to confront him like that."

"He doesn't even feel guilty," Blaster replied, a twinge of anger in his voice. "I tried to make him realize that he was indirectly responsible for Garrow's death, but I guess his heart of stone got the best of him."

Brom nodded, but said no more. He and Blaster moved to cover as Eragon started to return, something bulging from under his shirt. Eragon, apparently paranoid, looked around before he reached the tree where his leather was. He reached up, and found nothing there. At that point Brom emerged from behind the tree. Blaster was right behind.

"Going somewhere?" Brom asked. Eragon twirled around, and seemed to get irritated.

"Give them back," Eragon said, referring to the hides still in Brom's hands.

"Why? So you can run off before Garrow is even buried?" Brom accused.

"It's none of your business," Eragon barked, temper flaring. "Why did you follow me?"

"We didn't," Brom grunted. "We've been waiting for you here. Now, where are you going?"

"Nowhere," Eragon replied. He lunged for the skins and grabbed them from Brom. The old man didn't even try to stop him.

"I hope you have enough meat to feed your dragon." Eragon froze.

"What are you talking about?" Eragon asked. Brom crossed his arms while Blaster rolled his eyes.

"He knows, Eragon," Blaster said. "He knows about us. The mark on your hand is called the gedwëy ignasia, or the shining palm."

"And I know where it comes from," Brom added. "You two have both touched dragon hatchlings. I know why you came to me with those questions, and I know that once more the Riders live."

Eragon seemed too be trying to talk to Saphira because Blaster got word from Sara that she had taken flight.

Okay, Blaster replied. I want you to follow her, then circle overhead. This may get ugly. I will let you know if things get out of hand.

Understood, Sara replied, taking flight as Blaster closed that connection temporarily.

"How did you find out?" Eragon asked, his voice hollow.

Brom seemed to stare into the distance, and moved his lips soundlessly as if talking to someone else. When he was done, he replied, "There were clues and hints everywhere; I had only to pay attention. Anyone with the right knowledge could have done the same. Tell me, how is your dragon?"

"She is fine," Eragon said. "We weren't at the farm when the strangers came."

"He was flying," Blaster said. "Evidence is right there, on his legs."

Eragon seemed to blank again, but he seemed to ask "What?" Blaster knew Brom had talked to Saphira. The old man leaned against a tree with a slight smile.

"I have talked with her, and she has agreed to stay above us until we settle our differences. As you can see, you really don't have any choice but to answer my questions. Now tell me, where are you going?"

Eragon was bewildered, wondering how Brom could talk to Saphira. He eventually realized he'd have to answer sometime. "I was going to find a safe place to stay while I heal," he finally said.

"And after that?"

That question could not be ignored. Eragon seemed to be pondering what to do, then finally decided to say what he wanted to say. "I was going to hunt down the strangers and kill them."

"A mighty task for one so young," Brom said in a normal tone, almost as if that were simplest and most suitable thing to do. "Certainly a worthy endeavor and one you are fit to carry out, yet it strikes me that help would not be unwelcome." He reached for a large pack hidden behind a bush.

"Besides, Eragon," Blaster added, "I am hunting down these strangers too. They have killed an innocent, and justice must be served."

"And I'm not going to stay behind while some striplings get to run around with a couple of dragons," Brom finished.

Eragon had that bewildered look to him, trying to decide if this was a trap or not. He finally said, "I don't need help, but you can come." He added the last half of his sentence grudgingly.

"Then we best get going," Brom said. His face blanked for a moment, then he added, "I think you'll find your dragon will listen to you again." Blaster thought for a second, then decided to send Sara after Saphira. Behind them, the village happened to be busy, people running from house to house, probably in an attempt to find Eragon and Blaster. Blaster suggested they go, but Eragon hesitated.

"I'd like to leave a message for Roran," he said. "It doesn't seem right to run off without telling him why."

"Taken care of," Brom said. "I left a letter for him with Gertrude, explaining a few things. I also cautioned him to be on guard for certain dangers. Is that satisfactory?"

Eragon nodded. He wrapped the leather around the meat and started off. They stayed out of sight until they reached the road, then quickened their pace once they got there, eager to distance themselves from Carvahall. Eragon plowed ahead determinedly, legs burning from his wounds. Blaster took this time to think about what Eragon may be thinking about.

As soon as the wreckage of the farm came into view, both Blaster's and Brom's eyebrows beetled with anger. Nature was reclaiming the farm at a quick rate, with snow and dirt already piling in the house, concealing the violence of the attack. The only thing left of the barn was a rapidly eroding rectangle of soot.

Brom's head snapped up as the sound of the dragons' wings drifted over the trees. They dived past the group from behind, nearly brushing their heads. The group on the ground was buffeted by the wind generated. As the two dragons wheeled over the farm and landed gracefully, the sun seemed to glint off their scales.

Brom stepped forward with an expression both solemn and joyous. His eyes were shining, and a single tear shone on his cheek before it disappeared into his beard. Only Blaster knew why, but he couldn't say anything about that due to his oath. Brom stood there for a long while, breathing heavily as he watched Saphira and Sara. Eragon heard him muttering, and edged closer to listen.

"So…it starts again. But how and where will it end? My sight is veiled; I cannot tell if this be tragedy or farce, for the elements of both are here….However it may be, my station is unchanged, and I…"

Blaster let the man continue to rant as Sara and Saphira approached them. The two riders passed Brom and greeted their dragons. There was something different about meeting up with Sara this time for Blaster, almost like they knew each other more intimately, yet were still strangers. Blaster could sense a strong curiosity coming from Saphira, but dismissed it as she had not seen any other human except Eragon, Blaster, and Garrow, although the latter was severely injured at the time. Sara seemed to be used to this, having seen Brom unconscious. However, she was still weary.

The two dragons turned their heads so that they could inspect Brom. The old man held still as the two dragons sniffed the air. He extended his hands to them. Saphira and Sara bowed their heads and allowed him to touch their brows. With a snort, Saphira jerked back and retreated behind Eragon, her tail flicking over the ground. It took all of Sara's self control to keep from doing the same.

I felt it, Sara said. He truly is who he says he is. I will not give away his secret. She then said a few words so that her promise was binding.

"So, what's her name?" Brom asked in an undertone while turning to Eragon.

"Saphira." A peculiar expression crossed Brom's face. Blaster knew Brom would act like this if he had told the old man the name of Eragon's dragon. Brom ground the butt of his staff into the earth with such force his knuckles turned white. "Of all the names you gave me, it was the only one she liked. I think it fits," Eragon added quickly.

"Fit it does," Brom replied. His voice was a mix of sorrow, wonder, fear, and envy.

"And this is Sara," Blaster said.

"Greetings, Saphira and Sara," Brom said. "I am honored to meet you." He twisted his hand in a strange gesture.

I like him, Sara said.

Everyone enjoys flattery, Blaster muttered. He began to watch as Eragon sifted through the remains of the house. He soon found his empty pack, part of the frame broken but easily repairable. A few seconds later, he found his bow, still in the buckskin tube and unharmed. It bent smoothly when he strung it, not creaking or snapping as he did so. However, the quiver nearby was full of many broken arrows. After a few more minutes of sifting, he emerged with a meager amount of stuff.

"Now what?" Blaster asked.

"We find a place to hide?" Eragon answered.

"Do you have somewhere in mind?" Brom asked.

"Yes." He wrapped his supplies, minus the bow, into a tight bundle and tied it shut. Hefting it onto his back, he added, "This way," and headed into the forest. Sara and Saphira took off seconds later.

Their destination wasn't too far away. It was a clearing large enough for a fire, three people, and two dragons. Brom extricated himself from one of the many vines concealing the clearing and looked around with interest. "Does anyone else know of this?"

"No. I found it when we first moved here. It took me a week to dig into the center, and another week to clear the dead wood." Sara and Saphira landed beside them, careful to avoid the thorns. They curled up, snapping twigs with their hard scales, resting their heads on the ground. Saphira's unreadable eyes followed them closely. Brom leaned against his staff and fixed his gaze on her. His scrutiny even made Blaster nervous.

Eragon soon got hungry and made some stew using a pot and filling it for snow. It simmered quietly, spreading a rich aroma through the clearing. The tip of the dragons' tongues snaked out and tasted the air. When the meat was tender, Brom and Blaster came over and Eragon served the food. They ate silently, each avoiding the other's gaze. Afterwards, Brom pulled out his pipe and lit it leisurely.

"Why do you want to travel with me?" asked Eragon.

A cloud of smoke left Brom's lips and spiraled up through the trees until it disappeared. "I have a vested interest in keeping you alive."

"What do you mean?" Eragon demanded.

"To put it bluntly, I'm a storyteller and I happen to think that you two will make a fine story. You're the first Riders to exist outside of the king's control for over a hundred years. What will happen? Will you perish as martyrs? Will you join the Varden? Or will you kill King Galbatorix? All fascinating questions. And I will be there to see every bit of it, no matter what I have to do."

Eragon looked like he had a knot in his gut. Blaster too had one, but not as big of one. He really didn't want to become a martyr, but he wouldn't mind dethroning the king. Although, he hoped Galbatorix's demise would come from Eragon as opposed to himself. He had a whole other universe he had to take care of. One that included his own friends.

"That may be," Eragon finally said, "but tell me, how can you talk with Saphira?"

Brom took his time to pack his pipe with more tobacco. One it was relit and firmly in his mouth, he said, "Very well, if it's answers you want, it's answers you'll get, but they may not be to your liking." He got up, brought his pack over to the fire, and pulled out a long object wrapped in cloth. He peeled away the cloth to reveal the red sword of Zar'roc. When the last strip had been peeled away, he handed it to Eragon.

The sword's handle fit Eragon's hand as if it had been made for him. It slid soundlessly from the sheath, and the red blade shimmered in the firelight. The keen edges curved gracefully to a sharp point. They symbol for Zar'roc was inscribed on the metal. The balance looked perfect, looking like an extension of Eragon's arm. Blaster could see the air of power that lay over it, as if an unstoppable force was held within the core. It was a weapon of war, designed to kill, yet had a terrible beauty.

"This was once a Rider's blade," Brom said, gravely. "When a Rider finished his training, the elves would present him with a sword. Their methods of forging have always remained secret. However, their swords are eternally sharp and will never stain. The custom was to have the blade's color match that of the Rider's dragon, but I think we can make an exception in this case. This sword is named Zar'roc. I don't know what it means, probably something personal to the Rider who owned it."

Eragon swung the sword, but his curiosity seemed no bounds. However, Blaster felt that this weapon was the best thing Eragon could get for being a Rider. A Rider's blade itself.

And so, the hunt begins. Where will it take them? What dangers will they face? And how long will they last?

Double chapter week, here. Hope you enjoy and tune in next time for another chapter of Free Riders.