Free Riders
Author's Note: Eragon is not mine. Char, Blaster, and Saranya are. Comment as you see fit. Also, apologies for the week-long hiatus. I had technical difficulties (My Power Supply failed on my desktop).
Chapter 41: 'Dem's Fightin' Words
"The Varden are in an extremely delicate position," Ajihad said, his gaze occasionally hovering over to Sara or Saphira. "On the one hand, we must comply with the wishes of the elves if we want to keep them as allies. On the other hand, we cannot anger the dwarves if we wish to remain lodging in Tronjheim."
"Aren't the dwarves a part of the Varden?" Eragon asked.
"In a sense, yes," Ajihad said. "They do allow us to live here and they provide assistance in our struggle against the Empire, but they are only loyal to their king. I have no power over them except for what Hrothgar gives me, and he has his troubles with the dwarf clans. There are thirteen in all, subservient to Hrothgar, but each clan chief wields enormous power. They choose the new dwarf king when the old one passes. Hrothgar is sympathetic to our cause, but many of the chiefs are not. He can't afford to anger them unnecessarily or else he'll lose the support of his people, so his actions on our behalf have been severely circumscribed."
"About these clan chiefs," Blaster said, "are they against us as well?"
"Even more so, I'm afraid," Ajihad replied. "There has long been enmity between the dragons and the dwarves. Before the elves came and made peace with the dragons, those dragons made it a habit of eating dwarven flocks and stealing their gold. Dwarves are slow to forget past wrongs. They never fully accepted the Riders, nor allowed them to police their kingdom. With Galbatorix's rise to power, he had only served to convince many dwarves to never deal with Riders or dragons again."
Eragon thought for a moment. "Speaking of, why doesn't Galbatorix know where Farthen Dûr and Ellesméra are? He's surely been told of them when he was being taught by the Riders."
"Told of them, yes," Ajihad said. "Shown where they are, no. It's one thing to know Farthen Dûr lies within these mountains, but it's another to find it. Galbatorix was never taken to either place before his dragon was killed, and the Riders didn't trust him with that knowledge after that. He tried to force the information out of several Riders during his rebellion, but they chose to die rather than reveal their locations to him. As for the dwarves, he's never been able to capture one alive, though it's only a matter of time."
"Then why doesn't he just take his troops and march them through Du Weldenvarden until he finds Ellesméra?" Blaster asked.
"Because the elves still have the power to resist him," Ajihad said. "He doesn't dare test his power against theirs, at least not at the moment. But, as the years tick by, his cursed sorcery grows stronger. If he were to have another Rider at his side, he would be unstoppable. He keeps trying to get one of his remaining two eggs to hatch, but has been unsuccessful thus far."
"How can his power be increasing?" Eragon asked, puzzled. "The strength of his body limits his abilities. He can't keep building it up forever."
"We don't know," Ajihad said, shrugging, "and neither do the elves. We can only hope that someday he will kill himself with his own spells." He reached into his vest and pulled out a battered piece of parchment. "Do you know what this is?" he asked, placing it on the desk.
Both Eragon and Blaster leaned forward to examine it. It was an alien language scrawled in black, with large sections destroyed by blots of blood. One edge of the parchment was charred. Eragon shook his head, but Blaster had an idea. "It's either a love-letter, or orders," the alien said.
"You would be correct on the second," Ajihad said. "It was taken from the leader of the Urgal host we destroyed last night. Cost us six men to do so. They sacrificed themselves so that you could escape safely. The writing you see here is the king's invention, a script he uses to communicate with his servants. Took a while to decipher, but I was able to devise its meaning where it's legible." He cleared his throat and read.
"…gatekeeper at Ithrö Zhâda is to let this bearer and his minions pass. They are to be bunked with others of their kind and by…but only if the two factions refrain from fighting. Command will be given under Tarok, under Gashz, under Durza, under Ushnark the Mighty.
"Urshank is Galbatorix. It means 'father in the Urgal tongue, an affection that pleases him.
Find what they are suitable for and…The footmen and…are to be kept separate. No weapons are to be distributed until…for marching.
"Nothing else can be read after that except for a few vague words."
"Where is Ithrö Zhâda?" Eragon asked. "I've never heard of it."
"Nor have I," Ajihad confirmed, "which makes me suspect Galbatorix has renamed existing places for his own purposes. After deciphering this, I asked myself what hundreds of Urgals were doing by the Beor Mountains where you first saw them and where they were going. The orders mention 'others of their kind,' so I'm assuming there are even more Urgals at their destination. I can only think of one reason for the king to gather such a force: to forge a bastard army of humans and monsters to destroy us.
"For now, there is nothing to do but to watch and wait. Without further info, we can't find this Ithrö Zhâda. Farthen Dûr is still safe, as the only Urgals who have seen it died last night."
"How did you know we were coming?" Blaster asked. "One of the Twins was waiting for us, and there was an ambush in place for the Kull." Both Saphira and Sara were listening intently, but kept their thoughts to themselves at the moment.
"We have sentinels placed at the entrance to the valley you traveled through, one on either side of the Beartooth River," Ajihad said. "They sent a dove to warn us."
Blaster's stomach did a flip-flop as he realized that the dove that Sara tried to eat was the one that told of their coming.
"When the eggs disappeared and Arya disappeared," Eragon said, "did you tell Brom? He said he had heard nothing from the Varden."
"We tried to alert him, but I suspect our men were intercepted and killed by the Empire," Ajihad said. "Why else would the Ra'zac have gone to Carvahall? After that, Brom was traveling with you, so it was impossible to get word to him. I was relieved when he contacted me via messenger from Teirm. Didn't surprise me one bit that he went to Jeod as they were old friends. Jeod could easily send us a message because he smuggles supplies to us through Surda.
"However, this has raised serious questions. How did the Empire know where to ambush Arya and, later, our messengers to Carvahall? How has Galbatorix learned which merchants help the Varden? Jeod's business has been virtually destroyed since you left him, as have those of other merchants who support us. Every time one of their ships sets sail, it disappears. The dwarves cannot give us everything we need, so the Varden are in desperate need of supplies. I'm afraid we have a traitor or traitors in our midst, despite our efforts to examine people's minds for deceit."
"Have the Twins been checked?" Blaster asked.
"Yes, why?" Ajihad said.
"Well, I checked one of them as Brom checked me, and he has a foggy past, and I don't like that," Blaster said. "What's worse is that one of the clearer things I got was that they were in Galbatorix's court and shaking hands with him. I would advise disposing of them as soon as possible."
There was a long pause while everyone thought. Finally, Eragon said, "What do you want from us?"
"How do you mean?" Ajihad asked.
"I mean, what is expected of us in Tronjheim?" Eragon said. "You and the elves have plans for us, but what if we don't like them? I'll fight when needed, revel on occasion, mourn when there is grief, and die if my time comes. I'm sure Blaster will feel the same way. But I won't let anyone use me or Blaster against our will." He paused. "The Riders of old were arbiters of justice above and beyond the leaders of their time. I don't claim that position, and nor does Blaster. I doubt people would accept such oversight when they've been free of it all their lives, especially from one as young as both myself and Blaster. But we do have power, and we will wield it as we see fit. What I want to know is how you plan to use us. Then we'll decide whether to agree to it."
Ahihad looked at Eragon wryly. "If you were any one else and before another leader, you would have likely been killed for that speech. What makes you think I will expose my plans because you demand it?" Eragon flushed, but didn't lower his gaze. "However, you are right. The position both of you hold gives you the privilege to say such things. Neither of you can escape the politics of your situation. You will be influenced, one way or another. I don't want to see you become pawns to any one group or purpose any more than you do. You must retain your freedoms, for it lies in your true power: the ability to make choices independent of any leader or king. My own authority over you will be limited, but I believe it's for the best. The difficulty lies in making sure that those with power include you in their deliberations.
"Also, despite your protests, the people here have certain…expectations of you. They'll bring you their problems, no matter how petty, and demand you solve them." Ajihad's voice became deadly serious. "There will be cases where someone's future will rest in your hands. With not but a single word, you could send them careening into happiness or misery. Young women will seek your opinion as to whom they should marry: many will pursue you as a husband."
"Good luck with that," Blaster said. "Char and I are due to be married eventually. Just need to set a date."
"Still, at least you are warned," Ajihad said. "Also, old men will ask which of their children should receive an inheritance. You must be kind and wise with all of them, for they put their trust in you. Don't speak flippantly or without thought, because your words will have an impact far beyond what you intend." He paused. "The burden of leadership is being responsible for the well-being of the people you're in charge of. I have dealt with it from the day I was chosen to lead the Varden, and now you must as well. Be careful. I won't tolerate injustice under my command. And do not worry about your youth and inexperience; they will pass soon enough."
"You still haven't said what I'm to do here," Eragon said, nervous.
"For now, nothing," Ajihad said. "Blaster, you've covered over a hundred and thirty leagues in eight days."
"Almost four-hundred miles?" Blaster asked. "Wow. There's a feat to be proud of."
"Indeed," Ajihad said. "Because of that, I expect you to rest. Once you are recovered, we will test your competency in arms and magic. After that, I will explain your options, and you'll have the chance to decide your next course of action."
"What about Murtagh?" Eragon asked.
Ajihad's face darkened. He reached under his desk and lifted up Zar'roc, which glinted in the light. Ajihad slid his hand over it, lingering on the etched sigil. "He will stay here until he is rested and Brom clears his mind."
"You can't imprison him," Eragon argued. "He's committed no crime!"
"We can't allow him to walk free without being sure that he won't get killed by one of us," Ajihad said. "Innocent or not, he's potentially as dangerous to us as his father was, and more people other than me will take action."
"How were you able to recognize his voice, by the way?" Blaster asked.
"I met his father once," Ajihad said shortly. He tapped Zar'roc's hilt. "I wish Brom had told me he'd taken Morzan's sword. I would suggest that you don't carry it within Farthen Dûr. Many here remember Morzan's time with hate, especially the dwarves."
"I'll remember that," Eragon said. Ajihad handed over Zar'roc to Eragon. From underneath the desk, Ajihad also brought up Cratona, two pistols, a revolver, and Blaster's shotgun, handing them back to their owner.
"Oh, one more thing," Ajihad said. "I have Brom's ring, which he sent as confirmation of his identity. I was keeping it for when he returned to Tronjheim. Would you give it to him, next time you have the chance." He pulled the ring out of a drawer in his desk.
"You take it, Eragon," Blaster said. "You'd know where he is."
Eragon accepted it. The symbol on the sapphire face was identical to the tattoo on Arya's shoulder. He put the ring on his index finger, admiring how the jewel caught the light. "I…I'm honored," he finally said.
Ajihad nodded, then stood. He faced the two dragons and spoke to them with power swelling in his voice. "Do not think I have forgotten about you, O mighty dragons. I have said these things as much for your benefit as for Eragon's and Blastbone's. It's even more important that you know them, for it fall to you to guard them in these dangerous times. Don't ever underestimate your might nor falter by their side, for they will surely fail without you." The two dragons moved their heads up close, each staring at him with examining eyes. After a few moments, Ajihad lowered his eyes and said softly, "It is indeed a privilege and an honor to meet you both."
He'll do, Saphira said respectfully.
Would you tell him that I am impressed with both Tronjheim and with him? Sara said. The Empire is right to fear him. Also, let him know that if he had decided to kill you, I would have destroyed Tronjheim and torn him apart with my teeth.
Eragon spoke the same thing, as Saphira had said the same thing to him. Blaster added a "Ditto for Sara," at the end. Ajihad looked at both of them seriously. "I would expect nothing less from ones so noble, but I doubt you could have gotten past the Twins."
Pah! Sara snorted.
"Well, then I guess they must be stronger than they appear," Blaster said. "However, I think they'd be severely underclassed if ever faced with a dragon's wrath. The two of them might be able to defeat me or Eragon, but never Saphira or Sara. It is my belief that, in the absence of the Riders, the Twins have significantly overestimated their power, even if they were in Galbatorix's court. Especially since a dragon augments their Rider's magic beyond that of a normal magician. That's probably why Brom was always weaker than myself or Eragon."
"Wait, how did you know Brom was a Rider?" Eragon asked.
"He made me promise not to inform you that he was a Rider while you were out after the attack on your farm," Blaster said.
"Brom is considered one of our strongest spell weavers," Ajihad said, looking troubled. "Only the elves surpass him. If what you say is true, then we'll have to reconsider many things." He bowed to Saphira and Sara. "As it is, I'm glad it wasn't necessary to harm any of you." The two dragons dipped their heads.
"Orik!" Ajihad shouted, straightening. The dwarf hurried into the room and stood before the desk, crossing his arms. Ajihad scowled, obviously irritated. "You've caused me some serious trouble, Orik. I've had to listen to one of the Twins complaining all morning about your insubordination. They won't let it rest until you are punished, and, unfortunately, they're right. It's such a serious matter that it cannot be ignored. Tell me what happened."
Orik's eyes flicked towards Eragon, but he held no emotion. He spoke quickly and in rough tones. "The Kull were almost around Kóstha-mérna. They were shooting arrows at the dragon, Blastbone, and Murtagh, but the Twins did nothing to stop it. Like…sheilven, they refused to open the gates even though we could see Blastbone shouting the opening phrase. Sure, we were relieved when Blastbone whipped out his death-stick, but they still refused to take action. Perhaps it was wrong, but I couldn't let a Rider die, and nor did Brom."
Ajihad glanced at Eragon, then asked Orik seriously, "And later, why did you oppose them?"
"It wasn't right for them to force their way into Murtagh's mind," Orik said, chin raised defiantly. "But I wouldn't have stopped them if I'd known who he was."
"No, you did the right thing," Ajihad said, "though it would be much simpler if you hadn't. It isn't our place to force our way into people's minds, no matter who they are." Ajihad fingered his beard. "Your actions were honorable, but you did defy a direct order from your commander. The penalty for that has always been death." Orik's back stiffened.
"Wait," Blaster objected. "You can't kill him for that. He was helping. I believe the situation mitigates the punishment, if only slightly."
"It isn't your place to interfere," Ajihad said sternly. "Orik broke the law and must suffer the consequences." Blaster and Eragon were both about to protest again, but Ajihad raised a hand for silence. "However, you are right. The sentence will be mitigated because of the circumstances. Orik, as of now, you are removed from active service and forbidden to engage in any military activities under my command pending further investigation. Do you understand?"
Orik's face darkened, but he only looked confused. He nodded and said, "Yes."
"Furthermore," Ajihad continued, "in the absence of your regular duties, I appoint you as Eragon, Blastbone, Saphira, and Sara's guide for the duration of their stay. You are to make sure they receive every comfort and amenity we have to offer. Saphira and Sara will stay above Isidar Mithrim. Eragon and Blaster may have quarters wherever they want. When they've recovered from their trip, take them to the training fields. They'll be expecting them." Blaster could swear that there was a twinkle of amusement in Ajihad's eyes.
"I understand," Orik said, bowing low.
"Very well, you all may go," Ajihad said. "Send in the Twins as you leave, but call for Brom to be here just in case."
"Sir," Blaster said, "if you don't mind my asking, where might I find Char? I would like to see her."
"And where might I find Arya?" Eragon asked.
"No one is allowed to visit them as of yet," Ajihad said. "You'll have to wait until they come to you." He looked down at his desk in clear dismissal.
When will the two men finally get to see the two women Blaster saved? What does the training entail? Will the Urgals attack? If you've read the book, you may already know, but, for now, stay tuned for the next chapter of Free Riders. Tuesdays and Fridays, only on .